I think the biggest "secret" is that there is no secret. Most people got financially comfortable through a career of hard work, paying off a house and simply enjoying life along the way. Others set up a business which is much harder and more stressful, but they get to keep more of the profits along the way. It's important to learn as much about finance as possible when you're younger, read lots of different books about people who successfully traded on the stock market and it will open your eyes to the vast amounts of wealth out there - along with how to capture some of it for yourself. The trickier you get when it comes to finances, the more likely you are to get caught up and ultimately end up paying penalties.