According to reports from Yahoo Finance, CNBC, and Northwestern Mutual, more people than ever feel like they’re falling behind—even though the data says otherwise. The truth is, there’s a growing gap between what looks good on paper and what people actually experience at the gas station, grocery store, or when trying to buy a home.

Let’s break down why this disconnect exists and what you can do about it.

Inflation vs. Income: The Real Story

Between 2020 and 2025, inflation went up 24.2%. Median household income? Just 22%. That gap may not sound like much, but it compounds every time you fill your tank or pay rent.

Over the last 50 years, the price of the average car jumped 840%. A median house? Up 1200%. Public college tuition? A staggering 2000%. But median income only increased by 600%.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 grew by over 4000%.

If you’re relying only on income, you’re running a race where the finish line keeps moving. But if you’re investing, you’re not just keeping up—you’re getting ahead.

Why the System Favors Investors Over Workers

The U.S. economic system is built to reward capital, not labor. CEOs have a fiduciary duty to increase shareholder value, not employee wages. That means the person investing in a company—whether through stocks or real estate—is likely to get richer than the person clocking in every day.

Even the tax code is tilted. Top earners with W2 income pay up to 37%. Investors? Often just 20%. Add in depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and other real estate tax breaks, and the advantage becomes obvious.

And then there’s inflation. It acts like a hidden tax, quietly reducing your spending power—but also boosting the value of hard assets like property and stocks.

So what do you do in a system like this?

Rule 1: Work to Own, Not Just to Earn

If your only financial strategy is earning a paycheck, you’re playing defense in a game designed for offense. You need to own things—stocks, real estate, or a business.

It’s not about becoming the next Elon Musk. It’s about slowly accumulating assets that work while you sleep.

Rule 2: Don’t Live “Fake Rich”

Financing liabilities—cars, vacations, designer goods—may look like wealth, but it’s not. Follow the “rule of five”: if you can’t buy five of something in cash, you probably can’t afford one.

Save up. Then buy. That’s how real wealth is built—not through monthly payments, but by keeping your money and letting it grow.

Rule 3: Risk is the Price of Wealth

Most people avoid risk because they fear loss. But losses are part of learning. Every investor takes hits—what separates the successful ones is how they respond.

Start small, stay consistent, and use each mistake as tuition on your journey to financial independence.

A Simple Wealth Plan: 75/15/10

Want a framework to build on? Use the 75/15/10 plan:

• Spend 75% of your income.
• Invest 15%.
• Save 10%.

Treat saving and investing like mandatory bills. Automate transfers to separate accounts, and don’t touch them unless it’s a real emergency or investment opportunity.

Over time, those investments will begin to generate passive income. That’s when you shift from working for your money to having your money work for you.

The Government’s Role—and Why It Matters

In 2024, the U.S. borrowed $1.8 trillion. When that happens, the Fed often prints more money, diluting the value of the dollar. Who loses? Employees. Who wins? Investors holding assets like stocks and real estate.

It’s not a conspiracy. It’s just the way the system is structured. But understanding it gives you power. If you know the game, you can start playing it.

The Bottom Line

Most people aren’t poor because they’re lazy. They’re poor because no one taught them how money really works. The system doesn’t reward effort—it rewards ownership, patience, and discipline.

Financial education isn’t just useful—it’s survival. Start with one investment. One habit. One asset. And commit to never working just for a paycheck again.

Your future self will thank you.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post Why the System Feels Rigged And How to Win Anyway appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Generational Wealth Misconceptions

A fully paid-off home, though valuable, incurs ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Without an income stream, these costs can deplete savings over time. Selling the home provides a lump sum, but without strategic investment, that money may eventually run out.

“Generational wealth is not entirely about money or financial assets; it also includes intangible assets such as education and professional networks.”

Advisorpedia

2. Building True Generational Wealth

To establish enduring wealth, focus on acquiring income-generating assets that can be passed down. These assets not only fund your lifestyle but also provide financial security for your descendants.

3. Income-Generating Assets

Businesses: Entrepreneurship allows you to build a company that operates independently, generating profits even in your absence. A well-structured business can provide a steady income stream and can be transferred to heirs or sold for substantial value.

Real Estate: Investing in rental properties offers monthly income and potential appreciation. Real estate is a tangible asset that, with proper management, can yield significant returns and tax advantages.

Dividend-Paying Stocks: Investing in companies that distribute regular dividends provides passive income. Reinvesting these dividends can compound growth over time, enhancing your wealth.

“Acquiring income-generating properties and strategically investing in real estate can provide a consistent revenue stream while building equity over time.”

Finance Buzz

4. Dividend-Paying Funds and Stocks

Diversifying your portfolio with dividend-paying funds, such as domestic and international dividend funds, can enhance income. Examples include ETFs that invest in S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, known for consistent dividend payments. Reinvesting dividends through Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) accelerates wealth accumulation.

“Top funds like SPHD and SCHD offer different yield rates and expenses, targeting various risk levels.”

The Fool

5. Real Estate Investment Strategies

Approach real estate investments with caution. Avoid zero down payment deals due to higher risk. Aim for properties offering at least a 7% cash-on-cash return. Benefits include steady cash flow, asset appreciation, and tax deductions like depreciation.

“If set up correctly, a rental property could generate an income stream for life.”

Go Banking Rates

6. Building a Business for Generational Wealth

Creating a business that operates without your direct involvement ensures ongoing income. The objective is to establish a company that pays you a salary and can eventually be managed by others or sold, securing financial benefits for your heirs.

“By leveraging financial capital into income-generating investments, your net worth continues to grow long after you retire.”

AWM Capital

7. Long-Term Investment Strategy

Wealth building requires patience and consistency. Commit to a long-term investment horizon, avoiding get-rich-quick schemes. Enhance your investment capital by reducing unnecessary expenses and exploring additional income sources.

“Building generational wealth involves passing down assets from one generation to the next, ensuring long-term financial security and opportunities for future descendants.”

Investopedia

8. Practical Steps for Dividend Investing

• Select Strong Companies or Funds: Choose financially robust entities with a history of consistent dividend payments.
• Reinvest Dividends: Utilize DRIPs to compound your returns over time.
• Maintain Consistency: Invest regularly, regardless of market fluctuations, to build wealth steadily.

“These dividend ETFs and mutual funds earn high yields and are worth considering for income-focused investors.”

Morningstar

Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of building generational wealth, consider the following resources:

• Generational Wealth: Overview and Examples
• 12 Proven Ways to Build Generational Wealth (Like the Wealthy Do)
• The 9 Best Income-Generating Assets to Grow Your Wealth

Embark on your journey to true generational wealth today. By focusing on income-generating assets and maintaining a disciplined investment approach, you can create a lasting financial legacy for your family.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

Check out more articles from Jaspreet Singh at ROI TV

The post Building True Generational Wealth appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Real Estate for Generational Wealth

Real estate is one of the most powerful investments for creating long-term wealth. Owning residential properties allows you to generate passive income through rental properties while benefiting from the appreciation of property values over time.

“Owning real estate for life ensures stability and potential growth in value.”

Real estate also offers significant tax benefits, including depreciation deductions, which make it a highly favorable long-term investment. By owning property for life, you create a stable asset that can be passed down to future generations, providing both financial security and generational wealth.

2. Investing in the Stock Market for Long-Term Growth

The stock market has long been one of the most reliable ways to build wealth over time. By investing in broad market funds like the S&P 500, you gain exposure to the growth of the American economy. Stocks provide steady growth aligned with economic progress, making them a cornerstone of any long-term investment strategy.

“Investing in stock market funds allows for diversification and potential wealth accumulation.”

By owning a diversified portfolio of stocks, you not only benefit from market growth but also reduce risk. This steady, slow growth is key to building wealth over time, and holding these investments for life ensures you capture the full potential of the market.

3. Importance of Gold as Financial Insurance

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, providing financial insurance against economic uncertainties. It’s a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and economic downturns. Owning physical gold offers tangible security in worst-case scenarios, such as financial crises or hyperinflation.

“Gold serves as a hedge against economic uncertainties and worst-case scenarios.”

Financial experts recommend keeping 5-10% of your portfolio in gold to maintain balance. While gold doesn’t produce income like stocks or real estate, it offers protection in times of crisis, making it an essential component of a well-diversified investment portfolio.

4. Cryptocurrency as a Future Currency

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology represent the future of currency systems, with the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct transactions. While cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are speculative and highly volatile, they also offer significant growth potential for early adopters.

“Cryptocurrency presents potential for future currency systems, but caution is advised due to its speculative nature.”

Given the risk involved, it’s wise to allocate only a small portion of your portfolio to cryptocurrency investments. By doing so, you gain exposure to a potentially revolutionary asset class while managing the volatility inherent in this market.

5. Investing in Commodities for Survival

In uncertain times, owning essential commodities like water, food, and natural resources becomes crucial for survival. Investing in companies related to water management, agriculture, and food storage provides both financial returns and a safeguard in challenging economic climates.

“Commodities for survival ensure self-sufficiency and financial security in difficult times.”

Physical assets, such as farmland or water rights, offer direct access to essential resources, providing both immediate and long-term security. In times of crisis, these investments can offer self-sufficiency, making them an important part of a comprehensive investment strategy.

Conclusion: To build generational wealth, it’s essential to own a diverse set of assets that provide both growth and security. By investing in real estate, stocks, gold, cryptocurrency, and commodities, you create a portfolio that not only generates income but also protects against economic uncertainties. These five investments will not only help secure your financial future but also create a legacy for future generations.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but is he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post 5 Investments You Need to Own for Life: Building Generational Wealth appeared first on ROI TV.