1. If You Want to Be Rich, Be the First to Pay!
In restaurants or bars, we often see people jostling to pay the bill first. Paying first means spending money, which seems like a loss. So, why do so many people insist on paying first? It’s not just about maintaining appearances. Watching people tussle over whose card gets used at the cash register, saying “Please use this card, sir!”, gives us insight into why wealthy people often insist on paying for meals or drinks.
2. Wealthy People Find Opportunities in Relationships!
Whether we like it or not, we often find ourselves in social settings with various people over meals and drinks. In such gatherings, it’s typical for one person to take care of the bill, unless it’s a regular meet-up where splitting the bill is the norm among close friends.
Wealthy people or those involved in business are often the first to open their wallets to pay for meals or drinks. The wealthy know better than anyone that “nothing in life is free.” By paying for meals in group settings, they show goodwill and respect to others. Even though people may not openly say it, everyone remembers who frequently picks up the tab. Studies have long documented the powerful effects of gifts and generosity in human relationships.
By regularly taking the initiative to pay at social gatherings, wealthy individuals can position themselves more favorably in relationships. Over time, these favorable relationships and goodwill often evolve into unexpected opportunities.
3. Generosity Attracts Good People and Brings Fortune!
Some people deliberately avoid paying when it’s time to settle the bill after a meal or drinks, hoping someone else will cover the cost. Others see paying for a meal as a financial loss and expect something in return when they do pay.
While those who avoid paying may seem to have a financial advantage in the short term, they are more likely to miss out on building good relationships with others in the long run.
People always notice who is generous with picking up the bill and who is not. Naturally, those who take the initiative to pay are more likable than those who stingily calculate the cost in their heads. Being generous can lead to more opportunities coming your way.
4. In America, the Wealthy Use Parties to Form Exclusive Groups!
Those who have lived or worked in the U.S. may know that Americans frequently host parties to create their own inner circles. At universities or workplaces, people often rent venues or host house parties on weekends, where only invited guests are allowed. These parties serve as a key networking opportunity.
While guests may sometimes pay an entry fee, the host often covers most of the costs for business networking purposes. Though hosting a party can be expensive, the host naturally earns goodwill from the attendees. Over time, this goodwill can lead to more influence and control over the group. Many wealthy individuals build their fortunes by leveraging the information they gather from these gatherings.
5. If You’re Not Wealthy, Don’t Always Be the One to Pay!
Many wealthy individuals are business owners, and they typically use a business credit card to pay for meals, which they expense as a business cost. In most cases, the company owner is also the actual owner of the business, so using a corporate card for meals is like spending their own money.
However, wealthy people have mostly achieved financial freedom and can afford a lifestyle where they don’t worry about meal or drink expenses. Their situation is very different from the average person.
The advice to pay first if you want to be rich doesn’t mean you should always foot a bill costing hundreds of dollars. It’s about taking the initiative to pay for simple lunches or dinners. If the bill is exceptionally high, it’s reasonable to discuss splitting it with the other attendees. And since you may not be wealthy yet, those you dine with are likely in a similar financial situation, so it’s recommended to take the initiative with everyday meal or coffee bills.
If you happen to dine with someone who is more financially well-off or of higher status, they will likely cover the bill. In such cases, expressing gratitude and offering to buy coffee or suggesting you will cover the next meal will have a similar positive effect.
6. Ultimately, Everything Is Built Through Relationships!
Living in the world, you come to realize that very little can be achieved alone. Becoming wealthy is no different. Most successful entrepreneurs often say that they succeeded because of the help they received from others.
Shrewd business people, particularly from cultures like China, often use shared meals to build trust. Offering to pay for meals or drinks fosters positive relations and can lead to significant opportunities over time.
May everyone who reads this become someone who opens their wallet first, gives generously, and eventually becomes wealthy!
