Waverly Advisors

Remembering an Icon

In the first quarter of 2015, the financial world lost an icon. Dr. Thomas Stanley, the New York Times best-selling author of The Millionaire Next Door (and several other books on the behavior of wealthy Americans), died in car accident on February 28.

Dr. Stanley spent much of his career researching the behaviors of the wealthy, and what he learned in his research became the basis of a roadmap for aspiring wealth builders and financial advisors alike.

The underlying theme of Dr. Stanleyโ€™s work is that the large majority of millionaires are not who we think they are; they donโ€™t live in fancy houses, drive exotic cars or dress in fine suits. Instead, they are generally first-generation wealth builders who live modest lifestyles and are meticulous planners. Dr. Stanley writes, โ€œWealth is more often the result of a lifestyle of hard work, perseverance, planning, and most of all, self-discipline.โ€

So whatโ€™s the point of saving and amassing millions if you do not use it to shower yourself with gifts and nice things? Dr. Stanleyโ€™s research indicates that in fact, โ€œFinancially independent people are happierโ€ฆโ€ than those that spend their income to acquire signs of wealth rather than financial stability. What they find is that the comfort of being financially secure brings greater joy than luxury cars and extravagant travels.

Considerations for Your Future

  1. Spend less than you earn
  2. Create a budget for spending and for saving
  3. Avoid buying status objects to โ€œkeep up with the Jonesesโ€
  4. Invest your money smartly (like in a retirement plan)
  5. Understand that money and things do not buy happiness but financially independent individuals do have more peace of mind

I remember reading The Millionaire Next Door for the first time as a college sophomore. It clearly changed the way I think about personal finances, and it also had a profound impact on my career. I am thankful for the work of Dr. Thomas Stanley, and believe the greatest tribute I can offer is recommending that you too pick up a copy of his most popular book.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

The information presented in this document is for general informational and educational purposes and is not specific to any individualโ€™s personal circumstances. Nothing in this document constitutes, or shall be relied upon as, investment, legal, or tax advice to any person. The information in this document is provided effective as of the date of its publication, does not necessarily reflect the most current status or development, and is subject to revision at any time. Investing involves risk, and past performance does not necessarily predict future results. None of Waverly, or any of its officers, members, or affiliates, in any way warrant or guarantee the success of any action that anyone may take in reliance on any statements or recommendations in this document.

Waverly Advisors, LLC (โ€œWaverlyโ€) is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Waverly, including investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in Waverlyโ€™s ADV Part 2A Brochure and Form CRS (Customer Relationship Summary), available at https://waverly-advisors.com/.

You should not assume that any information provided serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Waverly. This information should be used as a reference only.

Investment advisory services are offered by Waverly Advisors, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ยฉ 2026 Waverly Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

For more information, please see our other important disclosures: Disclosure – Waverly Advisors (https://waverly-advisors.com/disclosure/)

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      Robyn Schubart
      MEET THE AUTHOR
      Director of Marketing

      Robyn joined Waverly Advisors in October of 2022 and serves as Director of Marketing. She is responsible for the generation, coordination and implementation of all marketing related duties. Her goal is two-fold; 1. To enhance the brand of Waverly and the firm in general as a market leader, and 2. To delight Waverly clients, while supporting advisor specific needs.