By Reagan Steele – Business & Economic Policy Writer
Right now, 72% of Americans say they don’t feel financially secure. The cost of living is brutal, inflation still stings, and the stock market’s swinging like a wrecking ball. People are frustrated—and they’re trying everything.
In fact, a record number of Americans are starting small businesses, but here’s the catch: 44% of new business owners are still holding down another job. That’s a sign of the times. Folks are chasing opportunity, but they’re doing it out of pressure, not power.
But if you’re looking to actually become a millionaire—not just survive—it might be time to stop chasing flash and start paying attention to what actually works.
According to the National Study of Millionaires, conducted by Ramsey Solutions, the top five careers among U.S. millionaires aren’t glamorous, high-stakes, or influencer-worthy. They’re:
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Teachers
- Business Managers
- Attorneys
What do they all have in common? They’re process-driven. These are jobs that require structure, systems, discipline, and the ability to follow directions and stick with a plan.
These millionaires didn’t win the lottery, go viral, or cash out a startup. In fact, 79% received zero inheritance, and 93% built their wealth through hard work—not high income. A huge number of them never even broke six figures in a single year. What they did do was stay consistent: they lived below their means, avoided debt, and invested methodically—often through their workplace retirement plans.
So while the headlines scream about fast cash and overnight success, the real blueprint for long-term wealth is slow, steady, and smart. Not sexy. Just solid.
If you’re in Sacramento working a job that feels ordinary—but you show up, stay disciplined, and play the long game—you’re a hell of a lot closer to millionaire status than you think.
Reagan Steele
Reagan Steele covers financial markets, housing, and local business trends. He smokes too much, sleeps too little, and refuses to speculate.
