Podcasts > The School of Greatness > How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

By Lewis Howes

In this episode of The School of Greatness, Jaspreet Singh, Lewis Howes, and Mark Matson share insights on cultivating an abundance mindset around money and overcoming limiting beliefs about wealth. They discuss the difference between earning a high income and strategically building true wealth through disciplined saving and investing.

The experts emphasize practical strategies for increasing earnings, making informed investments, and maintaining a long-term perspective to resist the lure of excessive spending and materialism. Beyond financial tips, they explore the psychology and emotions surrounding money, such as overcoming short-term thinking and finding purpose in wealth accumulation beyond itself.

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

1-Page Summary

Money mindset and beliefs about wealth

Jaspreet Singh, Lewis Howes, and Mark Matson share insights on cultivating an abundance mindset around money and overcoming inherited limiting beliefs.

Abundance Mindset

Singh suggests adopting an abundance mindset, recognizing that wealth isn't zero-sum. Money provides financial freedom, options, and quality of life, per Singh.

Money Amplifies Who You Are

Singh notes money doesn't make one good or bad - it simply amplifies existing tendencies. He advises against judging character based on finances.

Overcoming Generational Money Trauma

Matson emphasizes challenging familial beliefs that restrict financial success, calling them "money demons." This involves confronting emotions around realizing advice was limiting.

The difference between making money and building wealth

Singh distinguishes between earning high income and building wealth through saving and investing consistently.

High Income ≠ Wealth

Singh reveals some high-earners like doctors live paycheck-to-paycheck with no savings or investments, normalizing excessive spending.

Invest Over Splurging

Singh criticizes conspicuous consumption that signals but doesn't create wealth. He advises investing 15-25% instead of spending excessively.

Practical strategies for increasing income and building wealth

The experts emphasize making money work through increasing earnings, disciplined saving/investing, and financial education.

Increase Earnings

Vivian Tu indirectly suggests performing at a high level to earn raises/promotions and maintain job security.

Consistent Investing

Singh and Howes stress allocating income for investments monthly before spending. Start small but remain disciplined.

Investment Education

Singh highlights understanding investments fully before acting. Howes mentions investing broadly in stocks, real estate, crypto etc.

The psychology and emotions around money

The experts explore struggles with delayed gratification, materialism prioritized over investing, and finding purpose beyond wealth.

Overcoming Short-Term Thinking

Howes notes our brains aren't wired for investing's long-term nature. Singh cites people selling investments prematurely.

Resisting Materialism's Pull

Singh and Matson warn against prioritizing status symbols and material possessions over true wealth accumulation.

Finding Purpose in Money

Matson advocates using money for positive impact beyond itself, cultivating abundance over scarcity mindsets.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While adopting an abundance mindset can be beneficial, it's important to recognize that resources and opportunities are not infinite and that systemic issues can create real barriers to financial success for many individuals.
  • Money may not inherently make someone good or bad, but the distribution of wealth and how it is acquired can reflect and perpetuate societal inequalities and injustices.
  • Overcoming generational money trauma is important, but it's also crucial to acknowledge and address the structural economic factors that contribute to such trauma.
  • The distinction between earning a high income and building wealth is valid, but it's also important to consider that not everyone has equal access to the means to save and invest, regardless of their income.
  • While investing is generally a sound financial strategy, it's not without risks, and not all investment opportunities are accessible or suitable for everyone.
  • The advice to increase earnings by performing at a high level assumes a meritocratic system that rewards effort fairly, which may not always be the case due to various biases and systemic issues in the workplace.
  • Financial education is important, but it must be acknowledged that access to quality financial education is not equally available to all, and that there are systemic barriers that prevent some people from being able to invest.
  • The emphasis on overcoming short-term thinking and resisting materialism doesn't account for the complex psychological and socio-economic factors that influence spending behaviors.
  • The idea of using money for a positive impact is noble, but it assumes that individuals have enough discretionary income to make such choices, which may not be the case for those struggling with basic financial security.

Actionables

  • You can create a "Wealth Vision Board" to shift your perspective on money, using images and phrases that represent abundance, shared success, and personal financial goals. This visual tool can help you internalize the concept of wealth as a positive and expansive force, rather than a limited resource. For example, include pictures of people collaborating on projects, images that symbolize personal growth, and affirmations about the positive role of money in your life.
  • Start a "Financial Autobiography" journal to identify and reshape limiting beliefs about money that you may have inherited from your family. Write down stories and statements you heard about money growing up, and then counter them with evidence from your own experiences or from people who have achieved financial success through positive means. For instance, if you were told "money doesn't grow on trees," you might write about times when you've successfully earned money through hard work or smart decisions.
  • Implement a "48-Hour Rule" for non-essential purchases to combat impulsive spending and strengthen your ability to delay gratification. Whenever you feel the urge to buy something that isn't a necessity, wait for 48 hours before making the purchase. During this waiting period, consider the item's long-term value and how it aligns with your investment goals. This practice can help you prioritize investing over spending by giving you time to reflect on the potential financial impact of your choices.

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

Money mindset and beliefs about wealth

Understanding your relationship with money and cultivating a healthy mindset about wealth are crucial to achieving financial prosperity and freedom. Experts like Jaspreet Singh, Lewis Howes, and Mark Matson share insights into how to foster an abundance mindset, assess the role of money in shaping character, and overcome inherited financial beliefs.

Acknowledge that you can and will become wealthy through a mindset of abundance, not scarcity.

Jaspreet Singh suggests that one must believe they can and will become wealthy by adopting an abundance mindset instead of a scarcity mindset. He points out that wealth isn't a zero-sum game and that there's plenty of money in the world for everyone. Lewis Howes adds that many live paycheck to paycheck with a survival mindset, but advises how to shift from scarcity to abundance.

Money is a tool to gain financial freedom, options, and the ability to provide for yourself and your loved ones.

Singh defines money as a tool for financial freedom, providing options like when to vacation or where to dine, and enabling significant choices like determining the quality of healthcare or education for one's children. He underscores the role of money in improving one's quality of life.

Understand that money itself does not make someone a good or bad person - it simply amplifies who you already are.

Singh clarifies that money doesn't inherently alter one's personality, but instead amplifies existing tendencies. He criticizes the habit of creating excuses around money, such as labeling it as bad, which often stems from personal insecurities about finance. He advises against judging individuals based on their financial status since such assessments are usually unfounded.

Recognize and overcome any generational money traumas or limiting beliefs you may have inherited.

Be willing to challenge long-held assumptions about money that were taught to you, even by well-intentioned family members.

Mark Matson emphasizes the importance of challenging and changing detrimental ...

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Money mindset and beliefs about wealth

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Counterarguments

  • Embracing an abundance mindset is helpful, but it's not a guarantee of wealth; external factors such as economic conditions, personal circumstances, and opportunities also play significant roles.
  • While money can be a tool for financial freedom, it's important to recognize that systemic issues and inequalities can make it difficult for some individuals to achieve this, regardless of their mindset.
  • Money may not inherently make someone good or bad, but the pursuit and use of money can have moral and ethical implications that should be considered.
  • Challenging familial beliefs is important, but it's also necessary to understand the context and experiences that shaped those beliefs, as they may contain valuable lessons or cautionary tales.
  • Overcoming generational money traumas is a complex process that may require professional support, such as therapy, and not just a change in mindset.
  • A shift from scarcity to abundance mindset can be beneficial, but it's also important to be realistic and prepare for potential financial challenges.
  • While it's unfair to judge individuals solely based on financial status, economic behaviors and patterns can sometimes provide insights into societal structures and individual priorities.
  • Acknowledging that there is plenty of money in the world doesn't address the distribution of wealth and the disparities that exist, which can be a significant barrier to financial success for many.
  • The concept of "money demons" may oversimplify complex financial issues and pers ...

Actionables

  • Create a "Money Mindset Journal" to track your evolving thoughts and feelings about wealth. Start by writing down your current beliefs about money, noting which ones might stem from past experiences or family narratives. Each day, reflect on a positive financial interaction or thought you had, and how it aligns with an abundance mindset. This could be as simple as feeling grateful for finding a coin on the street or as significant as choosing to invest in a personal development course.
  • Develop a "Generational Money Map" to visualize and break the cycle of limiting financial beliefs. Draw a family tree and annotate it with any known financial habits or beliefs of your relatives. Identify patterns and consider how they've influenced your own financial behavior. Use this map to spot negative beliefs you've inherited and actively work on creating a new, positive financial narrative for yourself.
  • Engage in "Ethical Wealth Brainstorming" sessions to redef ...

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

The difference between making money and building wealth

In an insightful discussion, Jaspreet Singh distinguishes between earning a high income and the distinct process of building financial wealth.

Making a high income does not automatically translate to building wealth.

Jaspreet Singh points out a common misunderstanding that earning a high income equates to wealth. He reveals that some high earners, including doctors with incomes ranging from three to six hundred thousand dollars a year, still live without savings or investments.

Many high-earners still live paycheck-to-paycheck and have no significant savings or investments.

Singh nods to the trend where high-earners normalize expensive purchases, like BMWs during their twenties, which contrasts with investing in assets that contribute to wealth. He suggests, without direct mention, that high income does not equate to financial prosperity, indicated by a lack of savings and unsure financial management among substantial income earners.

Building wealth requires consistently saving and investing a portion of your income, rather than spending it all.

Singh criticizes the social habit of spending extravagantly, displaying wealth through high priced homes, vacations, and fashion, which does not equate to wealth-building but rather diminishes it.

Avoid the trap of immediate gratification and conspicuous consumption, and instead focus on long-term wealth-building.

Throughout the conversation, hints emerge that immediate gratification and conspicuous consumption are trappings to avoid. Instead, Singh proposes the 75-15-10 plan — an approach where one spends no more than 75% of their income, while investing at least 15% and saving a minimum of 10%.

Singh, reflecting ...

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The difference between making money and building wealth

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Counterarguments

  • High income can lead to wealth if managed properly; the issue is not the income level but financial literacy and discipline.
  • Some high earners may strategically live paycheck-to-paycheck due to leveraging debt for investments or business opportunities that could lead to wealth accumulation.
  • Luxury spending can be a part of a balanced financial plan if it's done within one's means and doesn't detract from saving and investing goals.
  • The 75-15-10 plan may not be suitable for everyone; financial plans should be personalized based on individual goals, responsibilities, and risk tolerance.
  • Immediate gratification is not always negative; it can be a reward system for achieving short-term financial goals, which can motivate for long-term wealth-building.
  • Investing earl ...

Actionables

  • You can automate your savings and investments by setting up direct deposits from your paycheck to separate savings and investment accounts. This ensures you consistently put away a portion of your income without having to think about it each month. For example, if you get paid bi-weekly, arrange for a set amount or percentage to be transferred to a high-yield savings account and a diversified investment portfolio on payday.
  • Create a visual tracker for your spending and wealth-building progress to keep motivation high. Use a spreadsheet or a bulletin board to chart your monthly expenses, savings, and investment growth. This can help you see the impact of your financial habits and reinforce the behavior of saving and investing. For instance, color-code your tracker: green for investments, blue for savings, and red for non-essential spending.
  • Engage in a monthly "financial fitness day" where you review your expens ...

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

Practical strategies for increasing income and building wealth

The foundation of building wealth, as suggested by the experts interviewed, is to focus on learning how to make dollars work for oneself, not just earning them. It's crucial to understand methods to increase earnings, be disciplined about saving and investing, and educate oneself on effective investment vehicles and strategies.

Identify ways to increase your income through raises, promotions, or side hustles.

While the interview did not directly cover strategies for getting raises or promotions, experts like Vivian Tu provide indirect insights. She emphasizes the importance of performing well and becoming an indispensable A-plus employee. In industries that are performing less well, those doing the bare minimum are often the first to be let go, while those who excel are more likely to maintain job security and receive opportunities for financial growth.

Implement a disciplined savings and investment strategy, even if it's a small amount at first.

Jaspreet Singh advises on the necessity of allocating parts of one's income specifically towards investing. He states emphatically that wealth cannot be built if all earnings are spent. He recommends starting small with investments, enforcing the importance of being disciplined with savings and investing money to observe compound growth over time. Lewis Howes echoes this sentiment, suggesting reinvesting a certain amount of income every month into investments before spending elsewhere.

Educate yourself on effective investment vehicles and strategies.

Fundamental to wealth-building is understanding how, where, when, and what to invest in. Singh addresses the necessity of education in investment strategies, indicating questions that need answering when considering investing. Lewis Howes adds to the conversation by mentioning different investment opt ...

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Practical strategies for increasing income and building wealth

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While focusing on making dollars work for oneself is important, it's also crucial to recognize that not everyone may have the initial capital to invest, making the earning aspect equally important for some individuals.
  • Methods to increase earnings often require additional time and resources, which may not be available to everyone, especially those with existing time constraints or financial responsibilities.
  • Discipline in saving and investing is important, but overly rigid strategies may not account for necessary flexibility in cases of emergency or unexpected financial needs.
  • Self-education on investment vehicles and strategies is valuable, but it can be overwhelming and complex, potentially leading to analysis paralysis or poor decision-making without professional guidance.
  • Becoming an indispensable employee is a worthy goal, but job security can also be influenced by factors outside one's control, such as economic downturns or industry disruptions.
  • Allocating parts of income towards investing assumes a disposable income margin that may not exist for individuals living paycheck to paycheck.
  • Starting small with investments is sound advice, but even small amounts can be prohibitive for those with very low incomes, and it may take a very long time to see meaningful compound growth.
  • Reinvesting a certain amount of income every month into investments before spending elsewhere might not be feasible for those with high debt loads or those who are underemployed.
  • Understanding investment opportunities requires time and resources, and the rapidly changing nature of markets can make it difficult to stay informed.
  • Investing in funds rather than individual stocks is generally safer, bu ...

Actionables

  • You can automate your savings by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a separate investment account. This ensures you consistently allocate a portion of your income to investments without having to think about it each month. For example, if you receive a bi-weekly paycheck, you can arrange with your bank to automatically transfer a fixed amount or percentage into an investment savings account, which can then be used to purchase index funds or other investment vehicles at regular intervals.
  • Create a "financial growth" journal to track your progress and reflect on your investment decisions. By documenting your investment choices, the reasoning behind them, and their outcomes, you can better understand your financial journey and make more informed decisions in the future. For instance, after investing in a particular index fund, note down the date, the market conditions, your expectations, and then review and record the performance at regular intervals to see if it aligns with your financial goals.
  • Engage in a monthly "investment exploration day" where you dedicat ...

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How To Build Wealth & Create An Abundant Financial Future

The psychology and emotions around money

Understand that our brains are not naturally wired for long-term investing and wealth-building.

Individuals often struggle with managing their finances effectively. Lewis Howes mentions, "Our brains are not naturally wired for investing," which hints at the challenges many face, such as impulse control and seeking immediate gratification. Singh alludes to people selling their investments prematurely due to the lack of immediate returns, which underscores the difficulty in overcoming these psychological hurdles.

We tend to struggle with impulse control, delayed gratification, and overcoming psychological "money demons."

The psychological battle with money is evident as Singh reflects on how investing lacks the immediate social rewards of conspicuous spending showcased on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Mark Matson underscores this by mentioning the allure and trappings of the American dream, which can trap people in a scarcity mindset. He elaborates on "money demons" that can discourage individuals from taking opportunities for financial advancement based on personal or inherited beliefs about money. Matson also points to the challenges individuals face in their relationships, where wealth is intertwined with personal character.

Recognize that the desire to display wealth and status can be a powerful emotional driver.

Resist the urge to prioritize outward appearances and material possessions over genuine wealth-building.

People often prioritize appearances and status symbols over genuine wealth accumulation. Singh provides an example of high school students prioritizing the purchase of Jordans over food. He stresses that such choices reflect a person's priorities and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing wealth-building over luxurious expenditures. Matson speaks to the emotional drive to obtain status through material possessions, citing the urge to upgrade to better things upon seeing others with more.

Reframe money as a tool to achieve your deeper life purpose and values, not just an end in itself.

Lewis Howes introduces Matson's concept of the "Destructive Cycle of Wealth," where individuals chase wealth without attaining happiness. Matson, realizing that clients with significant wealth can remain unsatisfied, indicates that money does not meet spiritual needs, suggesting that a purpose ...

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The psychology and emotions around money

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While it's true that many people may struggle with impulse control and delayed gratification, it's also true that these are skills that can be learned and improved upon with practice and education.
  • The idea that our brains are not wired for long-term investing may be too generalizing, as there are certainly individuals who excel at long-term financial planning and demonstrate significant foresight.
  • The impact of social media on spending habits is complex, and while it can encourage conspicuous consumption, it can also be a platform for sharing savings tips, investment strategies, and frugal living ideas.
  • The concept of the American dream can be motivational and inspire people to work hard and pursue financial success, not necessarily trapping them in a scarcity mindset.
  • Prioritizing outward appearances isn't inherently negative, as it can be a form of self-expression or a strategic decision in certain professions where image plays a crucial role.
  • The "Destructive Cycle of Wealth" may not apply universally, as there are individuals who find happiness in the pursuit and attainment of wealth, especially when it aligns with their values and goals.
  • The assertion that money does not meet spiritual needs might not resonate with everyone, as some individuals may find that having financial security contributes positively to their spiritual and emotional well-being.
  • The idea that the ultimate goal of earning money should be to build wealth for family and future is a perspective that may not align with everyone's values or life situations, where im ...

Actionables

  • Create a vision board that focuses on life values rather than material possessions to help align spending with personal fulfillment. Start by gathering images and phrases that represent your core values, such as family, education, or philanthropy. Place the board somewhere you'll see it daily, serving as a reminder to make financial decisions that support these values, rather than impulse buys.
  • Start a "Purpose-Driven Savings" account where you deposit a small percentage of your income for causes or projects that reflect your deeper life purposes. For example, if you value education, you might save for a fund that supports local schools or scholarships. This practice encourages you to see money as a tool for positive impact, reinforcing the habit of investing in what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
  • Implement a "48-Hour Rule" for all non-e ...

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