A presentation outlining the seven stages of wealth building with actionable steps for financial growth and legacy creation.

Highlights

1. Stages of Wealth Building

• Aaron introduced the concept of wealth building as a journey through seven distinct stages: financial struggle, solvency, stability, security, independence, freedom, and abundance/legacy, emphasizing that wealth is built intentionally step by step rather than through luck or magic.
• Each stage reflects a financial shift accompanied by a new mindset, habits, and levels of discipline, with tangible markers such as net worth, savings rate, income sources, and lifestyle changes.
• Aaron highlighted that most people never progress beyond stages three (stability) or four (security) due to a lack of a clear roadmap, and he aims to provide actionable guidance for climbing the wealth ladder.

2. Level 1: Financial Struggle

• Financial struggle is characterized by negative or near-zero net worth, non-existent savings, reliance on credit cards, irregular income, and constant financial emergencies.
• The main objective at this stage is to stabilize cash flows, with Aaron suggesting building a small cash buffer, such as $500 in savings, to create breathing room and reduce reliance on debt.

3. Level 2: Solvency

• Solvency is defined by a net worth between $0 and $10,000, a savings rate of 5-10%, and steady income without reliance on debt.
• Aaron described this stage as a starting line for many, particularly those fresh out of college, and emphasized the importance of building momentum by automating savings and creating a small emergency fund.

4. Level 3: Stability

• Stability is marked by a net worth between $10,000 and $100,000, a savings rate of 10-20%, steady employment, contributions to retirement accounts, and sustainable financial habits.
• Aaron noted that this stage provides a sense of comfort and security, but warned against complacency, urging individuals to focus on increasing income and accelerating wealth-building efforts.

5. Level 4: Security

• Security involves a net worth between $100,000 and $500,000, a savings rate of 15-25%, consistent retirement contributions, elimination of high-interest debt, and investments showing real growth.
• Aaron emphasized the importance of shifting from saving to investing, expanding income streams beyond retirement accounts, and preparing for long-term financial needs such as healthcare and rising costs.

6. Level 5: Independence

• Independence is achieved when investments cover all essential expenses, with a typical net worth between $500,000 and $1.5 million, and savings/investment rates of 25-40%.
• Aaron highlighted the transformative impact of financial independence, where work becomes optional, and investments generate income through dividends, interest, rental properties, or businesses.
• He advised focusing on withdrawal strategies, tax efficiency, and sustainable access to wealth, including Roth conversions and capital gains strategies.

7. Level 6: Freedom

• Freedom is characterized by a net worth between $1.5 million and $5 million, multiple income sources, and complete autonomy over time and lifestyle, enabling individuals to say yes to meaningful pursuits and no to unnecessary obligations.
• Aaron encouraged shifting focus from finances to fulfillment, creating intentional structures for life through activities like mentoring, volunteering, or launching new ventures driven by joy and purpose.

8. Level 7: Abundance and Legacy

• Abundance and legacy represent the pinnacle of wealth building, with a net worth of $5 million or more, where money becomes a tool for impact rather than personal needs.
• Aaron described this stage as shaping the world through scholarships, generational wealth, charitable foundations, and causes, emphasizing the importance of planting seeds for legacy early in the journey.
• He concluded by stating that true wealth is defined not by what is kept but by what is passed on, encouraging viewers to reflect on their current stage and take actionable steps to progress further.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post 7 Levels of Financial Independence appeared first on ROI TV.

The Traditional Path Doesn’t Guarantee Financial Security Anymore

Many people still believe that higher education equals financial success. But a growing number of professionals with master’s degrees, PhDs, and doctorates are living paycheck to paycheck. Meanwhile, 8-year-olds are making millions on YouTube. The game has changed, and so must our approach to money.

The Trap of Relying Only on Your Salary

If your only source of income is a W2 salary, you’re one layoff, illness, or company restructuring away from financial instability. Salaries are capped. You can’t scale your time. And worst of all, you pay the highest tax rates. Investors, on the other hand, get access to lower tax brackets and smarter deductions.

Even High Earners Aren’t Safe

Surgeons, lawyers, and engineers often have impressive paychecks—but little time or experience to learn how to manage or grow their money. Many are afraid to take investment risks, sticking to the “safe” paths they were taught. But those paths rarely lead to wealth, and pride in degrees or titles won’t pay the bills later.

The Real Secret to Wealth: Ownership

If you want to build real wealth in America, you need to own assets—stocks, businesses, real estate. Financial education teaches you how to convert your labor income into capital income. That’s the bridge from working for money to letting your money work for you.

Lifestyle Creep Is Killing Your Net Worth

Many high earners think more income means more freedom. But what happens? Bigger houses, luxury cars, expensive vacations. A doctor couple earning $350,000 can still be broke if they spend it all. Even with a raise to $400,000, poor habits and lack of discipline leave them asset-rich but cash-poor—or worse, deep in debt.

Why Saving Alone Isn’t Enough

You might think you’re doing the smart thing by saving. But traditional savings accounts average 0.6% interest—while inflation runs at 2.4% or higher. You’re literally losing money by playing it safe. Even high-yield savings accounts can’t compete with long-term inflation. Investing is the only way to beat the system.

Move from Labor Income to Capital Income

In a capitalist system, capital ownership wins. The wealthy aren’t rich because they worked more hours. They’re rich because they own income-producing assets. Warren Buffett didn’t get rich clocking in 9 to 5—he got rich owning companies. If you’re a professional with a steady salary, the next step is to use that income to start investing.

My Story: From Courtroom to Capital

I grew up in a traditional Indian household. My parents drilled it into me: become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. So I became an attorney. But after learning how the economic system really works, I turned my focus to financial education. That pivot changed everything—and now I help others escape the paycheck-to-paycheck trap.

Resources to Help You Start Investing

You don’t need to do it alone. My free daily newsletter, Market Briefs, breaks down the economy, stocks, crypto, and real estate into easy-to-read insights. You’ll also get access to my free investing master class, where I teach the fundamentals of building wealth from scratch.

If you’re ready to stop working for money and start making your money work for you, now’s the time to start learning.

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 Financial Education Beats the Traditional Career Path in Today’s Economy appeared first on ROI TV.

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.

The financial system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as intended. Banks, corporations, and even governments thrive when the average person remains financially uneducated. Think about it: banks profit from interest on credit cards, overdrafts, and auto loans. Corporations push high-margin products with easy financing. And the government? It collects more taxes from workers than from investors or business owners, and holds over a trillion dollars in student loan debt as a national asset.

The less you know, the more they profit.

2. Assets vs. Liabilities: What They Don’t Teach in School

We’re told to buy a house, drive a nice car, and spend on lifestyle. But those are liabilities—things that take money out of your pocket. True assets, on the other hand, generate income. Stocks, real estate, and businesses are examples of income-producing assets.

Even your home isn’t an asset unless it generates income. Property taxes, repairs, upgrades, and a mortgage make it a liability unless you sell it for a profit or rent it out.

3. Wealth-Building in 5 Steps

Here’s the blueprint for getting ahead:

• Step 1: Earn legally. Your job, side hustle, or business is your financial starting line.
• Step 2: Spend less than you make. High earners still go broke if they spend everything.
• Step 3: Buy assets, not liabilities. Invest in things that pay you.
• Step 4: Reinvest your cash flow. Use income from investments to buy more assets.
• Step 5: Grow your income. There’s no ceiling to earnings—look for promotions, certifications, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Saving matters, but earning more can make a much bigger difference.

4. The Power of Delayed Gratification

Building wealth is about discipline. Skip the instant gratification—those designer sneakers or new car—and invest in your future instead. Think of it as a “decade of sacrifice.” Spend less, earn more, and reinvest aggressively.

Even modest investments grow significantly over time. For example, 10% annual returns on $10,000 = $1,000. But on $100,000? That’s $10,000. Wealth compounds—especially when you reinvest.

5. The 75-15-10 Rule

Control your cash with this simple formula:

• 75% for spending
• 15% for investing
• 10% for saving

This approach keeps your lifestyle in check while allowing room to build wealth. And when your income grows, your spending can grow—so long as your investing and saving do too.

Make yourself rich before you make brands like BMW, Apple, or Louis Vuitton richer.

6. Learn the Rules—and Then Use Them

Most people are playing financial football with no gear and no playbook. Meanwhile, the wealthy know the rules: how to use debt to build wealth, how to access tax breaks for business owners, and how to earn more from investing than working.

Want to win? Learn the rules.

Use debt for cash-flowing assets, not consumption. Open a high-interest savings account. Max out your Roth IRA. And most of all, keep learning.

Because once you understand the system, you can start using it—not being used by it.

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 The Financial System Is Rigged—But You Can Still Win appeared first on ROI TV.

In America, many people appear wealthy—luxury cars, big homes, frequent upscale dining—but it’s often a mirage. A shocking number of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, regardless of income level. Whether earning $40,000 or $200,000 a year, many find themselves without savings after covering monthly bills. Half of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, yet car loans exceeding $1,000 a month are increasingly common. This disconnect between perceived wealth and financial stability is a growing problem.

Consumer Debt and Financial Behavior

Over 100 million Americans currently have car loans, representing more than one-third of eligible drivers. The average new car payment sits at $742 per month—and that’s before insurance, fuel, or maintenance costs. Many individuals finance luxury items in the name of success, often at the expense of financial health. Banks and lenders facilitate this cycle by extending credit to individuals with minimal savings, further deepening the reliance on debt.

The Importance of Financial Education

Financial literacy is essential to breaking this cycle. Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities helps individuals shift from debt accumulation to wealth generation. Assets—such as real estate, stocks, and businesses—produce income and build long-term value. Liabilities—like financed cars, designer clothes, and other high-interest purchases—consume resources. A mindset shift from instant gratification to long-term growth is crucial.

Sacrifices Required for Wealth Building

There’s no shortcut to wealth. It often takes a decade of disciplined sacrifice. That means spending less, earning more, and investing the difference. It might mean driving a used car, living below your means, or skipping that vacation. But those choices compound over time, turning into financial freedom and independence.

The Role of Consumerism in Financial Struggles

American consumer culture glamorizes spending—credit cards, buy-now-pay-later plans, and luxury lifestyles are normalized. This leads many to live beyond their means, prioritizing appearances over stability. The cost? No savings, no freedom, and no time. They’re trapped in a loop of working to pay off liabilities rather than investing in their future.

Silent Wealth vs. Flashy Lifestyle

True wealth is quiet. It doesn’t flaunt, it builds. Many financially successful people are invisible—focused on acquiring income-generating assets rather than showing off liabilities. On the other hand, many who showcase wealth online are deeply in debt or using those images to sell courses or products. The key is adopting a “minority mindset”—thinking differently, prioritizing freedom over flash.

Stay Informed with Market Briefs

One of the best ways to build wealth is to stay informed. “Market Briefs” is a free daily newsletter that simplifies market news—stocks, crypto, real estate, and economic trends—into an easy-to-read format. It also offers a free investing master class to help you grow smarter with your money.

Stay focused. Stay educated. Build real wealth.

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 Everyone Seems To Have More Money Than You appeared first on ROI TV.

Let’s break down how the system really works and how you can flip the script to start creating wealth that works for you.

Corporate America Doesn’t Pay You to Get Rich—It Pays You to Stay
The CEO of a company has one legal duty: make shareholders rich. Not customers. Not employees. Not even themselves.

That’s because employees create products, serve customers, and keep operations running—but all the profit flows upward to the owners. And guess what? Your salary is considered an expense. Raises have to be justified, capped, and controlled to maximize what’s left over for shareholders.

Employees Get a Paycheck. Owners Get the Profits.
Here’s the deal:

• Employees own nothing
• They’re replaceable
• Their income is capped

You could work 20 years at a company, and if it shuts down tomorrow, you’re out. Meanwhile, owners could keep getting paid even if they never clock in another day. That’s the difference between a paycheck and a profit share.

Ownership Is the Path to Wealth—Period
Want to stop working just to survive? Then you’ve got to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like an owner.

Owners:

• Earn from profits, not just hours worked
• Can make money while they sleep
• Don’t rely on being “employable” to earn income

Whether you own a small slice of Amazon or you build your own brand from scratch, the result is the same: you stop trading time for money.

There Are 3 Ways to Become an Owner

Earn it:
Some companies offer equity, stock options, or profit-sharing. If your job offers this—take advantage.

Buy it:
Invest in stocks, ETFs, or real estate. You can literally buy a piece of the companies that run America—and get paid as they grow.

Build it:
Start your own business. Yes, it’s harder. Yes, it’s risky. But it’s also how many millionaires are made. If you’ve got the right product, and you can find customers, you’ve got a chance.

Investing Is the Easiest Way to Own Without Starting a Business
You don’t have to invent the next Uber to build wealth. Public companies already did the hard work—you just need to invest.

• Buying shares = owning a piece of the company
• You get a cut of the profits (via dividends and growth)
• You can buy diversified ETFs like SPY or VOO to reduce risk

Use the “Always Be Buying” (ABB) method: invest consistently, no matter what the market’s doing. Over time, you build a portfolio that grows—even when you sleep.

Entrepreneurship Isn’t for Everyone—But It Pays Off
Starting a business is tough. You need a great product and you need to market it well. Without both, the business fails.

But if you succeed? You’ve created equity. You’ve built something that can generate income whether you’re there or not. That’s ownership at the highest level.

Turn Your Salary Into Ownership
Even if you’re working a job, you can still build wealth. Here’s how:

• Save a portion of every paycheck
• Invest it in income-generating assets (stocks, funds, real estate)
• Reinvest profits and stay consistent

Eventually, your investments generate enough passive income to cover your living expenses. That’s when you stop relying on a job—and start relying on your wealth.

Final Thoughts: Own More, Work Less
In America, the system is built to reward owners. So don’t just be a consumer. Don’t just be an employee. Be an owner.

• Own stocks
• Own equity
• Own your time

If you want to stop working to get by and start working to get ahead, then ownership is the only path.

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 The Secret to Wealth in America: Stop Just Earning a Salary—Start Owning Something appeared first on ROI TV.

If you’re serious about building long-term financial security, it’s not just about earning more—it’s about keeping and growing what you have. Here are seven money habits you’ll want to break—and smarter strategies you can use to move closer to financial independence.

1. Overpaying Taxes and Waiting for a Refund

Tax refund season feels like a celebration for many Americans, but here’s the truth: if you’re getting a big refund, you’ve been giving the government a 0% interest loan all year.

Example:

• Income: $60,000
• Taxes withheld: $17,000
• Taxes owed: $14,000
• Refund: $3,000

That $3,000 could have been earning interest in a high-yield savings account instead of sitting in Uncle Sam’s pocket.

Smarter strategy:

• Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
• Adjust your W-4 to fine-tune your withholdings.
• Keep your money working for you year-round.

2. Confusing “Can Afford” With “Can Buy”

Just because you can swipe a card doesn’t mean you can truly afford something.

A good rule:
If you can’t afford to buy five of it without financing, you probably shouldn’t buy one.

Financing luxury goods like a $1,000 Gucci scarf—or anything that doesn’t generate income—is a fast track to financial instability.

Smarter strategy:

• Focus on building assets, not collecting status symbols.
• Only finance appreciating assets (like a house), not depreciating ones.

3. Financing Cars Instead of Investing

The average new car payment in America today? $742 per month—and that doesn’t even include gas, insurance, or maintenance.

Instead of financing a $60,000 BMW, imagine buying a reliable used Toyota for cash—and investing that $600 difference every month.

At a 10% annual return, $600/month grows to:

• $775,000 in 25 years
• $2.1 million in 35 years

Smarter strategy:

• Drive a modest car early.
• Let compounding work its magic over decades.
• Buy your dream car later—in cash.

4. Waiting Too Long to Start Investing

If you start investing just $100 a month at age 21 at a 10% return, you could have over $1 million by age 67.

Wait until age 27? That drops to $580,000.
Wait until age 35? Just $250,000.

Smarter strategy:

• Start investing early—even small amounts.
• Let time and compound growth do the heavy lifting.

5. Focusing on What Others Make Instead of What You Gain

One of the biggest mindset traps is worrying about someone else’s cut instead of focusing on your own value.

Example:
A couple passed on buying their dream home because they were frustrated that the agent’s commission seemed high—losing the opportunity to live where they wanted for decades.

Smarter strategy:

• Focus on your benefits, not what someone else earns.
• A great opportunity for you is still a great opportunity, no matter what others gain.

6. Hesitating to Invest in Yourself

People will spend hundreds or thousands on vacations or luxury goods but balk at buying a $20 book or a $200 course.

Investments in personal growth—books, classes, workshops—can change your income, your mindset, and your future.

Smarter strategy:

• Budget for ongoing education.
• Apply what you learn immediately.
• Grow your skills as aggressively as you grow your savings.

7. Expanding Expenses With Income (Instead of Saving More)

Too many people raise their expenses every time they get a raise—new cars, bigger homes, fancier vacations.

Instead, follow the 75-15-10 rule:

• 75% of income for living expenses
• 15% for investing
• 10% for saving

No matter how much your income grows, sticking to this rule ensures you’re always building your financial future.

Smarter strategy:

• Cap your lifestyle inflation.
• Let raises boost your investments—not just your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Wealth is Built on Good Habits

You don’t need to be perfect with money—you just need to consistently make smarter choices than you did yesterday.

Break these seven common habits.
Start investing early.
Focus on value, not appearances.
And watch how steadily financial freedom becomes your reality.

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 7 Money Habits That Can Hurt Your Financial Freedom and What to Do Instead appeared first on ROI TV.

In this breakdown, we’ll look at eight common “wealth killers” that derail financial progress and what you can do instead to start building serious long-term wealth.

1. The Wealth Equation: Work → Assets → Freedom

Let’s start with the big picture.

The path to wealth is simple in theory:
Earn money → Buy income-producing or appreciating assets → Let those assets grow → Achieve financial freedom

But instead of buying assets, most people buy “dumb stuff”—and that’s where the trouble begins.

Your 20s and 30s are the best time to build wealth. Every dollar you invest early can grow exponentially. But if you’re spending instead of investing, you’re setting yourself up for future struggle.

2. Cars: The Ultimate Wealth Killer

The average new car payment in America is $735/month. Used cars? $523/month. And that doesn’t even include gas, insurance, and repairs.

Here’s the problem: cars depreciate—they lose value the minute you drive them off the lot. Yet most people buy more car than they can afford and stay stuck in a cycle of endless car payments.

Let’s do the math. Take $8,000—the cost of a modest used car down payment—and invest it instead at 10% annual growth starting at age 25. By retirement at 67, that $8,000 could be worth over $430,000.

Driving a reliable, used car in your 20s isn’t glamorous—but it might help you retire rich.

3. Watches: Status Over Stability

Luxury watches like Rolexes are marketed as status symbols, but the truth is, most people who buy them are financing them. That means interest payments and debt, all for an accessory that doesn’t build wealth.

Watch companies—and jewelers—profit off this image. Financing luxury goods makes them rich, not you.

And lately? Rolex resale values are dropping. The hype fades. The debt doesn’t.

4. Vacations: Relax Now, Stress Later

According to Business Insider, nearly half of millennials and Gen Z say they’re willing to go into debt to fund summer travel.

Let’s be clear: vacations are good for your mental health—but not if they’re funded by credit cards. The high-interest debt you bring home can create financial stress that lasts far longer than your trip.

Pro tip: If you can’t pay for the trip in cash, don’t take it. And if you feel pressure to travel because of what others are posting online? That’s not travel—it’s a trap.

5. Designer Clothes: Wealth for the Few, Debt for the Many

Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior aren’t just selling fashion—they’re selling identity. And it’s working. During the 2020–2021 recession, luxury sales hit record highs, fueled in part by stimulus checks and unemployment bonuses.

The result? Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, became one of the richest people on the planet.

When you buy designer clothes, you’re not investing in yourself—you’re investing in someone else’s empire. If you want to build wealth, start dressing for your future, not just your followers.

6. Family Planning Without Financial Planning

Raising a child costs an average of $15,000–$17,000 per year, and that’s not including college savings, medical emergencies, or daycare.

Having children is a beautiful decision—but also a financial one. Poor planning can lead to credit card debt, missed retirement savings, and long-term stress.

And it’s not just kids—your partner matters too. Divorce can be one of the most financially devastating events in a person’s life. Choose wisely. Love is important. So is shared financial responsibility.

7. Homes: Buying Too Big, Too Soon

A house can be a great investment—but only if you can actually afford it.

Over half of homebuyers in the U.S. report buyer’s remorse, and the top reason is stretching beyond their financial comfort zone. Bigger homes come with bigger bills:

• Higher property taxes
• Higher insurance premiums
• Higher utility costs
• More maintenance expenses

You don’t have to buy your “forever home” at 30. Buy what you need, not what impresses your friends.

8. Debt: The Silent Killer of Opportunity

The average person in their 20s is carrying student loans, credit card balances, or both. That debt comes with monthly payments and high interest—money that could be building wealth instead.

Use your 20s to sacrifice:

• Spend less
• Earn more
• Pay off debt
• Invest early and often

This is the decade that defines your financial future. Get out of debt now so your 30s and 40s are about growth, not survival.

Final Thoughts: Build, Don’t Bleed

Wealth is built through discipline, long-term thinking, and strategic spending. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about knowing what adds value to your future and what drains it.

Avoid the wealth killers. Drive used cars, skip the designer brands, take the trip only when you can afford it, and invest like your future depends on it—because it does.

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 Wealth Killers: 8 Financial Habits That Could Be Holding You Back appeared first on ROI TV.

Why It’s Time to Aim Higher

Most retirees don’t have millions saved. In fact, only 3.2% of retirees have $1 million in investable assets, and a tiny 0.1% have $5 million. But here’s the kicker—those who’ve reached millionaire status often followed simple, consistent strategies. This isn’t about luck. It’s about commitment, planning, and using the tools available to you.

The Power of Partnership and Planning

One of the most overlooked success factors? Partnership. A whopping 86% of millionaires are married, and they often attribute part of their financial success to having a partner who shares the same money mindset. It’s not about finding a rich spouse—it’s about teaming up with someone who’s equally invested in your future.

Employer-Sponsored Plans Are a Game-Changer

Here’s where the numbers really add up. 80% of millionaires cite their 401(k) as the #1 driver of their wealth. Why? Because it combines three magic ingredients: automatic saving, tax advantages, and free money from employer matches.

Let me break it down:
If you earn $80,000 per year and contribute 10% of your income with a 3% employer match, over 40 years that could grow to around $1.3 million. Without that match? You’d be closer to $670,000. That’s nearly double the growth just by taking full advantage of your employer’s plan.

How Much Should You Save?

The data tells us that the average millionaire saves about 23% of their income. That might sound steep, but most financial pros recommend at least 15–20%—and that can include your employer match. The average 401(k) contribution rate rose from 8.8% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2024, so people are already on the right track.

Let’s say you earn $100,000 and save 20% annually (including employer match). Over 40 years, that could grow to $6.5 million, thanks to compounding interest.

The Secret Is Time and Consistency

Wealth-building isn’t about overnight success—it’s about consistent progress over decades. 80% of millionaires reach that milestone around age 50, and it takes them an average of 32 years to get there. Like building muscle at the gym, those early “reps” are the hardest—but they set the foundation for big gains later.

Compounding accelerates over time. For example, a portfolio that reaches $4.3 million in year 35 can grow to $6.5 million just five years later, without increasing your contribution. That’s the power of long-term investing.

Final Thoughts: No Gimmicks, Just Good Habits

There are no magic tricks here. You don’t need to win the lottery or invent the next big thing. You just need to save consistently, invest wisely, maximize your benefits, and ideally, build your life with someone on the same path. Wealth-building is a marathon—not a sprint—and every step you take today sets you up for freedom tomorrow.

So what are your goals? Drop them in the comments. Let’s learn from each other and build financial freedom together.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post How to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Retirement Portfolio appeared first on ROI TV.

Diversify to Win in Any Market
No investment goes straight up forever. Real estate can crash. Stocks can take a nosedive. Crypto? You already know that rollercoaster. But when you’re diversified across different asset classes, you can win whether the economy is booming or busting. My goal is always the same: make sure I can win no matter what.

Real Estate That Pays You Monthly
I don’t buy homes to live in—I buy real estate that pays me every month. If I pick up a rental for $200,000 and rent it for $2,000 a month, after covering taxes, insurance, and management fees, I could be clearing $14,000 a year. That’s the kind of cash flow I’m after. And real estate also gives you big tax breaks—like depreciation and 1031 exchanges—so I keep more of that money in my pocket.

Cash Flow from Businesses and Dividends
Owning a business is one of the best wealth-building tools out there. Whether you run one or invest in one, it gives you leverage and income. Don’t want to run a business? Cool. Invest in dividend-paying stocks. Companies like McDonald’s paid out over $5 billion in dividends this year alone. I like ETFs like SCHD, NOBL, and VM because they give me exposure to cash-flowing companies without having to pick individual stocks.

Investing for Growth
I like to go on offense too, and that’s where growth investing comes in. I invest in funds like QQQ, VUG, IWF, and even niche stuff like AIQ and QTUM. These target industries with high upside like AI, tech, and quantum computing. They don’t pay me today, but they’re planting seeds for big returns tomorrow.

Going Global
If you only invest in the U.S., you’re missing half the world. Countries like India and Brazil are growing fast. I use international ETFs like VMI, VA, EMG, and specific ones like INDA and EWZ to get exposure to those markets. That way, even if the U.S. economy slows down, I still have opportunities growing overseas.

Speculative Assets (Use With Caution)
Now let’s talk about the wild stuff—crypto, startups, collectibles. This is the riskiest slice of my portfolio, and I keep it to 10-20%. If I lose it, I’m good. If it pops, great. I treat it like venture capital. If you’re new to investing, skip this stuff until you’ve built a strong foundation.

Why I Hold Gold
Gold is my insurance policy. It doesn’t produce income, but it holds value when everything else gets shaky. I’ve got 2% of my portfolio in physical gold. Not paper gold—real gold I can touch. It’s not flashy, but it helps me sleep better at night.

Invest in Yourself First
Before you invest in assets, invest in your brain. I didn’t grow up learning this stuff. I had to read books, watch videos, and dive into financial education. That’s why I started Market Briefs—to make it easy for you to stay updated without spending hours researching. The more you learn, the more you earn. Period.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
The tax code is written for business owners. I deduct travel, meals, my car—because I use them for business. If I take a trip to Hawaii and I’m working while I’m there, that’s a business expense. This isn’t tax evasion. It’s playing the game by the rules. And wealthy people know the rules.

Final Word
If you want to stop working for money, you need to start using your money to buy the right assets. These seven investments—real estate, stocks, dividend funds, growth stocks, international exposure, gold, and yes, even some speculative bets—are how I build long-term wealth. But remember, this is just my plan. You’ve got to build a strategy that works for you. The key is to start. Start small if you have to, but don’t wait.

Stay smart. Stay educated. Keep hustling.
— Jaspreet Singh
Founder, Minority Mindset

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 7 Investments So You Don’t Have to Work Again appeared first on ROI TV.

Let’s start with the numbers. The median 401(k) balances in America tell an interesting story. Under 25? You’re looking at a $3,000 median balance. Ages 25–34? About $15,000. By the time people hit 55–64, that median rises to $88,000. But keep in mind: median means middle-of-the-pack—not average. A few outliers with millions can skew averages, so the median gives a better picture of where most folks really are.

Now, I don’t share these numbers to make anyone feel behind. Quite the opposite. I want you to see these as reference points, not goals. Because your retirement plan needs to fit your life, your income, and your dreams—not someone else’s.

My Go-To Strategies for Growing Retirement Savings

Here’s what I recommend: Start as early as you can, stay consistent, and let time and compound interest do the heavy lifting. Use tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s, traditional or Roth depending on your situation, and never leave an employer match on the table. That’s free money—take it!

One small change I love? Increase your contribution rate by just 1% each year. Over time, that can push you closer to the ideal target of saving 15–20% of your income for retirement.

Saving Benchmarks to Guide You

There are some general benchmarks I keep in mind to check my progress:

• By age 30: 1x your income saved
• By 40: 3x
• By 50: 6x
• By retirement: 8–10x

But again, these aren’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re planning to retire early, or your income jumps dramatically later in life, your path might look different. And that’s perfectly okay.

What the Generations Are Saving

I found it fascinating that Gen Z is saving about 7.2% of their income, Millennials about 8.6%, Gen X 10.2%, and Boomers 11.8%. And when you factor in employer contributions, many are hitting that 10–15% sweet spot recommended by financial planners. That’s good news—it means we’re moving in the right direction.

Don’t Make These Common 401(k) Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people cashing out their 401(k)s when they change jobs. Nearly 41% of employees do this, and 85% of them take the entire balance. That’s a huge hit—not just in penalties and taxes, but in long-term growth.

If you’re changing jobs, consider rolling your 401(k) into your new employer’s plan or into an IRA. And whatever you do, don’t time the market or jump in and out based on headlines. Stay invested. Stay the course.

Max Out Your Contributions (If You Can)

If you’ve got the budget for it, 2025 contribution limits are generous: $23,500 for most people, and $34,250 for those aged 60–63. If you’re over 50, you also qualify for catch-up contributions. Every dollar counts, especially if you’ve got some ground to make up.

You can also build multiple income streams to reduce reliance on any one source. And don’t overlook the value of Roth accounts for tax-free withdrawals, or HSAs for future medical costs.

Play the Long Game

If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: consistency wins. Whether you’re 25 or 55, what matters most is making saving a habit and letting your money grow over time.

In your 40s and 50s, assess your progress. Adjust if needed. In your 50s and 60s, finalize your withdrawal strategy and tax plan. Don’t wait until retirement hits you—prepare for it on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about freedom. It’s about having choices. And I truly believe that with the right strategy, anyone can get there.

So start where you are. Save what you can. And increase it over time. I’d love to hear your thoughts—how are you preparing for retirement? Let’s keep the conversation going.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post How to Build a Strong Retirement Plan at Any Age appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Live a Debt-Free Life

Debt is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth. Every dollar spent on interest payments is money that could be invested for your future.

• The key to debt freedom? Stop taking on new debt and start paying off what you owe, beginning with the smallest balance first to build momentum.
• Mindset shift: The speaker shares how growing up in a debt-free household instilled financial discipline.
• Action step: Focus on paying off credit cards, student loans, and car loans so you can use your income for wealth-building instead of making lenders richer.

2. Live Below Your Means with a Budget

A budget isn’t about restrictions—it’s about freedom. Knowing where your money goes each month helps you make smarter decisions and avoid overspending.

• Why it matters: Budgeting ensures you save for emergencies, invest for the future, and avoid financial stress.
• Tool recommendation: The Every Dollar budgeting app makes tracking income and expenses simple.
• Pro tip: If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went!

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is the thief of financial success. Social media often creates unrealistic expectations, making people feel like they need to spend money to keep up.

• The problem: Seeing friends on lavish vacations or buying new cars can make you feel like you’re behind, leading to unnecessary spending.
• The solution: Focus on your own financial goals and celebrate progress rather than comparing yourself to others.

4. Invest in Your Future

If you want to build wealth, you have to invest. Money sitting in a checking account won’t grow—it needs to be working for you.

• The power of compound interest: Investing even small amounts early can lead to massive wealth later.
• Example: If you invest $600 per month from age 37 to 65 at a 10% return, you could have over $1.1 million.
• Where to start: Consider opening a Roth IRA or contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) for long-term financial growth.

5. Develop a Long-Term Mindset

Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint. Having a long-term mindset helps you make smart financial choices and avoid impulse spending.

• Example: The speaker shares a story about saving up for a pool instead of financing it. The result? A debt-free, stress-free purchase.
• Why it matters: Thinking long-term brings financial peace, stability, and success over time.

Final Thoughts: Your Wealth-Building Journey Starts Today

Reaching a $1,000,000 net worth isn’t about hitting the lottery—it’s about making consistent, smart financial choices every day. Start with these five habits, and you’ll set yourself up for financial freedom.

Which of these habits do you already practice? Let us know in the comments!

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post 5 Simple Habits to Build Wealth and Reach a $1,000,000 Net Worth appeared first on ROI TV.