You've seen them driving by you but you didn't even notice. They were in the checkout line at the grocery store but you didn't give them a second glance. They're everywhere, infiltrating our lives in ways we can't even detect...millionaires.

A while ago I read The Millionaire Next Door , mostly for business purposes. I found the book initially extremely dry and scholastic, but after persevering found that I was quoting all sorts of words of wisdom from the book on a regular basis.

At the very least it gave me a new perspective on millionaires and de-mystified the grandeur of their lives for me.

What goes on behind closed doors is amazing.

Did you know, for example, that the large majority of people living in "rich" neighbourhoods, driving fancy cars, and wearing the latest fashions actually aren't "rich" at all? According to the book these people more often than not live paycheque to paycheque, often working in high-income professions such as medicine or law. They generally have more debts than assets, and their monthly expenses are over the top. They are busy trying to keep up with the Joneses at a pace they often can't maintain.

Or these people were born into or inherited money, and are propagating the statistic that most people who come into money lose it within one generation.

The real millionaires are the people living in the modest houses in modest neighbourhoods, driving older cars, and even clipping coupons.

They understand the value of a dollar, and aren't too proud to go out and save one. (I'll bet we even have some millionaires reading frugal living tips on Wise Bread this very minute)! They believe in investing, delegating matters like financial planning and accounting to the experts, and thoroughly researching their options when they make any major decisions.

Most millionaires are self-made, through hard work, patience, and honesty.

The life of a millionaire (the sort of millionaire referred to in the book, rather) isn't out of reach for those of us who are patient and disciplined enough to get there if that's what we want. But beware: being "rich" isn't a status, and doesn't become a new lifestyle when your bank account magically hits a certain number. Being "rich" is a way of life and an attitude, regardless of whether or not you have money. So start being rich now and become the next Millionaire Next Door!