SmallBizTechnology

2 weeks ago | smallbiztechnology.com | Ethan Sterling

Have you ever wondered why so many folks in the middle class stay stuck in the same financial loop year after year? On the surface, they look like they're doing just fine-nice cars, decent jobs, maybe even a mortgage that's within reason. But behind that façade, lots of these well-meaning people struggle to actually build wealth. Today, I want to take a closer look at five specific money traps that tend to keep middle earners from ever breaking through to genuine financial freedom.

3 weeks ago | smallbiztechnology.com | Ethan Sterling

You ever walk into a room and notice certain people who seem to radiate confidence without even trying? Maybe it's the way they stand, or the ease with which they engage others in conversation. I've always been fascinated by how some folks can instantly draw people in, even when they're not necessarily the loudest or the most outspoken. Turns out, it's often down to a handful of key behaviors that help them project a sense of genuine self-assurance.

3 weeks ago | smallbiztechnology.com | Ethan Sterling

People who achieve financial freedom in their 60s and beyond often seem like outliers, right? But in reality, they aren't lottery winners or overnight sensations. They're people who've built certain habits day in and day out until those habits started working for them, not against them. I've met countless entrepreneurs who thought financial independence would stay out of reach forever, only to find themselves comfortably free-sometimes well after they turned 60.

3 weeks ago | smallbiztechnology.com | Ethan Sterling

But in reality, rising through the social ranks often looks a lot quieter. It's not always about wealth or fame. Sometimes, it's about influence, access, and how people respond to you when you walk into a room. What's interesting is that many people don't even realize it's happening. They're just doing their thing-growing, evolving, showing up differently-and suddenly, they're getting invited into rooms they never thought they'd be in.

3 weeks ago | smallbiztechnology.com | Ethan Sterling

If there's one thing I learned from launching my own startups in my 20s, it's this: money can be either your biggest leverage point or your toughest stumbling block. There were times when I was flush with cash and times when I was barely scraping by, running on instant noodles and the faint hope that my next pitch would seal the deal. Over time, though, I noticed that those who consistently succeed with their ventures follow certain unspoken rules about handling their finances.