‘Moneyball’ and ‘Big Short’ author Michael Lewis says elite rich Americans often overlook these factors that are key to their success

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The American dream is built around the concept that with enough hard work, one can achieve remarkable success and become wealthy. Many people believe that we live in a system where people are judged based on their abilities, which leads them to admire those who have accumulated a lot of wealth, assuming they must be smarter or more diligent than others. In other words, if individuals work hard enough, they too can achieve great wealth.

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• Save you more than $600 a year.
• without a medical checkup or blood test
• Elevate your financial situation without altering your daily routine.

The reality is actually more complex.

of the Emmy-nominated interview series, “Brief But Spectacular”

What does luck have to do with it?

In essence, the richest people in the world were not necessarily the most talented, but rather the luckiest.

Regardless of who you are, you don't work a billion times more hours than anybody else.

About a third (32%) came from a wealthy background and had an inheritance, while 43% had a wealthy background alone, or a middle-class background with some inheritance.

You don't have to come from a background of wealth to gain valuable insights from people who have achieved success.

Commercial real estate can be worth taking a closer look at for a variety of reasons.

Get a mentor

It's essential to their progress.

Get smarter

You have to place to countless individuals have earned their billions in finance or technology fields, yet it's generally acknowledged that these industries often demand advanced educational credentials as a means for advancement.

Take a bold step towards independence.

Most of America's wealthiest individuals began their own business - a way to create your own good fortune. However, to achieve this, you'll have to face some level of risk. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly one in five (21.5%) new businesses fail within their first year and only around 35% make it past their tenth anniversary.

Switch up your career

For job changers, a 10% boost could occur every couple of years, which could significantly alter one's lifetime earnings trajectory.

It's also worth looking into - and talking over with a financial advisor - whether you should invest more aggressively with your investment portfolio. With a long-term investment timeline, you might be able to handle a more aggressive investment strategy and possibly earn greater gains than you are currently earning.

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• Improve your finances without disrupting your daily routine

This information is for general purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation or form of advice. It is presented without any guarantees or assurances of any kind.