According to a well-known survey, what is the #1 key to wealth building?

Staying debt-free is identified as the number one key to wealth building because it fundamentally impacts an individual's financial health and ability to accumulate wealth over time. When a person is free from debt, they have more disposable income available for savings and investments, which can significantly contribute to wealth accumulation.

Managing debt effectively allows individuals to avoid paying high-interest rates, which can consume a large portion of their income and hinder their ability to save. Additionally, being debt-free reduces financial stress and creates opportunities for more strategic financial planning. This, in turn, empowers individuals to take calculated risks in investments and prepares them to take advantage of wealth-building opportunities without the burden of existing debt obligations.

Other choices may involve aspects of wealth building, like investing or saving, but those strategies are less effective without a foundational absence of debt. Therefore, the emphasis on staying debt-free is crucial to establishing a robust financial foundation for long-term wealth generation.