Taking charge... and Lady Luck

So what do people actually do to improve their chances of being financially successful... or staying that way? Mostly they work hard, set goals and make a plan, but there is a dash of blind optimism in the world's developed markets!

The most popular choice (47%) for people trying to improve or maintain their financial position was to just get on with the job and work hard, closely followed by having a budget or plan (43%).

Sherman points out that although these respondents say they have a plan, many of those financial intentions would be in people's heads.

"It's a challenge for financial services providers to get people to think long-term. Most of the planning that's done is not on paper - and not done with a professional. Eighty-five percent of all respondents do not use an accountant or a financial planner," he said.

Twenty-eight percent of all respondents in developed markets regularly buy lottery tickets or enter raffles and competitions in an effort to boost their financial status.

"This is hardly the most reliable of techniques, but a big win would certainly be life-changing!" Sherman said.

Only 10% of respondents in emerging markets followed suit, but perhaps this is attributable to less expendable income and fewer lotteries.

Overall, the actions people take in developing and emerging markets are very similar. The main differences, other than the lottery, were that consumers in developed markets were more likely to use a financial planner or adviser, but this was still only one in every five.

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> Money talks. But what language does it speak?

> Developing a dislike for debt

> Does money make the world go 'round?

> About the 'Defining financial success' survey