Billionaire space founder says he can tell if you'll stay stuck in the middle class forever with a simple kids marshmallow test—and even your car can give it away

According to Dylan Taylor, a billionaire in the space industry, traditional indicators such as salary may not fully capture one's potential for financial success. Instead, he posits that a classic childhood experiment, known as the marshmallow test, serves as a revealing predictor of whether a person will remain in the middle class throughout their life.

The marshmallow test is a well-known psychological assessment wherein four-year-olds are given a marshmallow with the choice to either eat it immediately or wait for the experimenter to return, at which point they would receive two marshmallows. Most children struggle to resist the instant gratification. Taylor, who became a millionaire before reaching 30, suggests that this lack of deferred gratification is a fundamental reason many adults remain financially stuck.

"It's all about deferred gratification," Taylor elaborates in an interview with Fortune. "Do you have the mental discipline to defer your gratification?"

He asserts that adults encounter similar choices every time they choose to sign a car lease or rely on a credit card to purchase items they cannot currently afford.

“I observe many individuals indulging in luxuries like cars, airplanes, and boats…. I support owning those items when they are affordable, but many people engage in these purchases before they have the financial means.”

He does, however, mention a category of acceptable leverage, such as a mortgage for a primary residence, which can offer tax advantages and has historically been a solid long-term investment.

In contrast, Taylor highlights the problematic habits associated with car leases, credit card debt, and ongoing payments for depreciating assets as the behaviors that prevent people from ascending the financial ladder. He equates these actions to the adult version of consuming the marshmallow as soon as the experimenter exits the room.

Dave Ramsey says he can 100% tell who will stay middle-class by their car

Financial expert Dave Ramsey has similarly claimed that vehicle choices are indicative of whether someone will remain in the middle class. He advises that those who finance the latest model (or models) are likely to continue in that financial bracket until they alter their spending habits. "It's a significant indicator," Ramsey states. "We encourage people not to purchase a new car until their net worth reaches a million dollars."

Interestingly, even among the ultra-wealthy, many choose to forgo status symbols that deplete wealth. Figures like Lucy Guo, the youngest self-made female billionaire; Ikea's late founder, Ingvar Kamprad; and actress Kiki Palmer share a commonality: they often opt for old or modest vehicles.

Mitzi Perdue, the billionaire heiress of Sheraton Hotels and Perdue Farms, does not own a car at all and prefers to use public transportation. "The Hendersons and the Perdues did not promote extravagance," she recounted in her conversation with Fortune. "There are no accolades for wearing designer labels."

Warren Buffett, a celebrated investor, exemplifies frugality with his lifestyle. He famously spends no more than $3.17 for breakfast, continues to live in the same house purchased for $31,500 in 1958, and drives a vehicle that has surpassed 20 years in age.

Buffett, whose net worth is estimated at $144 billion, is known for stating: "I'm not interested in cars, and my goal is not to evoke envy in others. Do not conflate the cost of living with one’s standard of living."

Dylan Taylor made his first million at 27 years old—but he wasn't born into wealth

Creating enduring wealth can be more challenging than many assume. Research by the Resolution Foundation indicates that in the U.K., the average worker would need to save their entire salary for 52 years—without incurring any expenses—to reach the £1.3 million ($1.7 million) threshold necessary to be among the wealthiest 10%.

In the U.S., the required figure is even loftier; individuals suggest that a net worth of at least $2.3 million is necessary to consider oneself wealthy, with many claiming that it would take $4.4 million to achieve the complete American Dream. Given the average salary, attaining this could take close to 70 years—far exceeding most people's active working period.

Ironically, while many strive for savings, a significant number of Americans are accumulating debt instead. Total household debt has consistently risen, reaching new heights since 2013. By early 2026, total household debt had surged to $18.8 trillion, with vehicle loans alone accounting for $1.66 trillion—a $18 billion increase within a single quarter.

Excluding mortgage debts, total non-housing liabilities amount to $5.16 trillion.

It is essential to understand that resisting the urge to lease a luxury vehicle won't magically turn someone into a billionaire overnight. However, Taylor recognizes the struggles of ordinary individuals transitioning from mere survival to financial stability.

Having grown up in a modest household—his mother was just 19 when he was born, while his father was in Vietnam—he faced financial limitations during his formative years, which significantly influenced his drive for success. "That early experience instilled a determination in me to achieve financial success," he reflects.

By the time he reached 30, Taylor was already generating millions through his endeavors in various public companies, spanning electronics, finance, banking, and real estate. At 37, he experienced an "existential crisis" prompting a career shift towards the space industry, a dream he had nurtured since childhood.

Under his leadership, Voyager Technologies has emerged as a prominent contractor within the space and defense sectors, providing essential systems and infrastructure for civil, commercial, and national security missions.

However, it wasn't until he turned 53 that Taylor officially attained billionaire status, following Voyager’s public listing on the New York Stock Exchange—perhaps illustrating that patience and strategic planning ultimately yield rewards.