Becoming a millionaire doesn’t exactly put you in the “super-rich” category like it used to. But building $1 million in wealth is still an impressive goal, especially if you’re an average, middle-income earner.

Hitting that seven-figure mark as a 9-to-5 employee may seem unattainable, but as personal finance expert Austin Williams explains, it’s actually more common than you might think. Many middle-class Americans have figured out how to build wealth over time without CEO salaries or massive inheritances.

Frugal living habits of ‘quiet millionaires’

Williams calls middle-class folks with a net worth of at least $1 million “quiet millionaires” because, most of the time, you’d never know they had that kind of financial cushion. They’re not successful business owners, earning huge salaries or rolling in family dough—and they generally don’t look like millionaires.

In a YouTube video, Williams breaks down 10 frugal habits of “middle-class millionaires.” Those habits can essentially be grouped into three categories—lifestyle, cash flow management, and investing—with one bonus habit that applies to anyone who wants to make smart financial decisions.

Lifestyle habits of middle-class millionaires

If you think building wealth is all about having a particular lifestyle, you’re right—but perhaps not in the way you’re imagining.

“The reason why middle-class millionaires often go overlooked is because they don’t have any visual indicators of their wealth,” Williams said. “They wear modest clothing, live in modest houses, and drive modest cars.”

It’s hard to become a millionaire on an average income if you’re spending your money on pricey items. Instead of buying expensive things to look wealthy, middle-class millionaires live modestly, saving and investing their money to build more wealth over time.

Driving an affordable, reliable car

Cars are one of the biggest expenses for American households, and if you don’t choose wisely, they can eat up more of your hard-earned income than you might expect.

“High recurring expenses and high-maintenance cars are the number one wealth kill that holds so many people back financially,” Williams said. Middle-class millionaires choose affordable, reliable cars to minimize those expenses.

The most important financial decision you will ever make is to always live below your means.— Brian Feroldi (@BrianFeroldi) August 4, 2026

The most important financial decision you will ever make is to always live below your means.— Brian Feroldi (@BrianFeroldi) August 4, 2026

Living below your means

There are essentially two ways to build wealth: Increase your income or decrease your expenses. Williams compares those approaches to playing offense and defense, and middle-class millionaires excel at playing defense.

Living below your means means making........

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