Lynda Moore says to move up the stages of building wealth, remember, change is not an event, it’s a process.  You need to allow the time for the process to happen

Understanding your financial stage can change everything.

When I talk to clients and friends about money, one of the biggest turning points is when they stop seeing wealth as this far-off destination. This often seems unattainable as it’s just too far into the future. You need to recognise it as a journey. As a series of stages that we all move through, sometimes forward, sometimes back, sometimes just stopping to admire the scenery, it all depends on your life’s circumstances at the time.

I know I keep saying it, but wealth isn’t just about what you earn or what’s in your bank account. It’s about your relationship with money, how safe you feel, how empowered you are to make decisions, how well you understand where you are now, and where you want to go next, and how you are going to get there.

Let’s explore seven stages of wealth. There will be other steps, or hybrids of these, but use these seven as a starting point so you can recognise what they look like, which stage you are in and how you can start to move from one to the next.

1. Survival: “I can’t breathe.”
This is the hardest place to be, and sadly where a lot of families are right now. This is where your income barely covers your basic needs, if at all. Bills feel like a constant avalanche. You’re in overdraft, juggling credit cards, or simply avoiding your bank app altogether.

When you’re here, the goal isn’t perfection, that probably just isn’t possible right now.  It’s stabilisation. That might mean tracking every dollar to find small wins, asking for help (from community support, banks, or budgeting tools), or increasing income in any way possible. There is no shame in this stage. This is where many of us start.

2. Stability: “I’m managing… but just.”
You’re out of the danger zone, but still fragile. You’re paying the bills and starting to chip away at debt, but a surprise car repair or medical bill could send you straight back to survival mode. Don’t take your finger off the pulse of what is coming in and going, knowing that is crucial to moving forward.

What you want to do here is create systems that give you predictability and peace of mind:

• Automate your bills and savings
• Build a mini emergency fund
• Stay consistent, even when life gets in the way

3. Security: “I’ve got a buffer.”
This is where things start to shift emotionally. You’re not just keeping your head above water; you’re starting to swim. You’ve got your ‘stuff happens’ savings in place and it’s growing. You might be investing, as your debt levels are going down.  You sleep a little easier at night. The feeling in the pit of your stomach when you wake up at 2am worrying has lessened.

This is a great time to:

• Grow your ‘stuff happens’ account to the level that feels right for you.  That may be one month of bills, or more.  There is no hard and fast rule that you need to stick to
• Set some clear goals for the next 1–2 years, both financial and non-financial.
• Get curious about what financial security looks like for you
• Keep learning about money, investing, and managing it.

4. Growth: “My money is working for me.”
Now, you’re in your stride. You’ve ticked off some major milestones, it might be your first $100k saved or invested. It might be your mortgage has reached a comfortable level (or you’ve paid it off). You’re tracking your goals, increasing your investments slowly but surely, and feeling more choice in your life.

Here’s where you start asking: “What’s this money for?”

You begin to align your spending with your values. It’s not about hoarding, it’s about using your money meaningfully.

5. Independence: “I no longer have to work.”
This is financial freedom for many. You’re no longer dependent on employment to fund your lifestyle, your investments or other income sources cover your needs. Maybe you choose to work and continue to generate some income.  Maybe you choose to do unpaid work and give time to others who need it.  Or maybe you don’t do either of those things, you travel and just relax and spend time with family and friends. Whatever you decide, the key here is that you have options.

But independence isn’t just financial - it’s emotional. There’s confidence, clarity, and purpose here.
Now’s the time to redefine what success and wealth really mean to you.

6. Abundance: “I have more than enough - and I want to share it.”
With abundance comes generosity. You’re funding your family’s needs, giving to causes you care about, exploring passion projects or creative pursuits, and you can do this all without compromising your financial stability.

You’re no longer making decisions from fear or lack. You’re thinking long-term and intentionally. At this stage you will be building relationships with professionals who can help manage your money wisely, and use as a sounding board, as you explore what giving back looks like for you.

7. Legacy: “What I’m building will last beyond me.”
This is the highest level, not just financially, but spiritually. Here, you’re thinking in decades, not years. You’re planning for your wealth to serve your family, your community, and your values long after you’re gone.

This is where estate planning, trusts, succession conversations, and big-picture impact come in. But legacy is more than legal documents, they are important, but even more important are the values you pass on for others to learn from. It’s the way you model conscious, compassionate money choices. It’s where money becomes meaning.

What helps you move up?

No matter where you are right now, you are not stuck. Wealth is a journey, and you get to keep moving, although it doesn’t always feel that way.  You can stop at any level that feels right for you.

Here are some steps that help at every level:

• Know your numbers. Track what’s coming in and going out. Understand your debts, assets, and obligations.
• Automate what you can. Remove the friction so your money systems run on autopilot.
• Invest early and consistently. Even small amounts make a big difference over time. Remember, it’s never too late to start. 
• Resist lifestyle inflation. More income doesn’t always need to mean more spending.
• Check in regularly. Your goals, values, and priorities will change — your plan should evolve with you.

And most importantly:

Don’t judge yourself for where you are.
Celebrate your awareness, that’s the first step to going somewhere new.

Here’s some homework for you:
- Take five minutes to reflect, which stage are you in right now?
- What would moving one step forward look like?
- And what support would make that easier?

You don’t need to climb the whole ladder today. But you can take the next step. And that’s where change begins. I keep coming back to what David Krueger (my mentor) told me when I wanted to leap a couple of steps, Change is not an event, it’s a process.  You need to allow the time for the process to happen.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.