Climbing the Financial Totem Pole to Fund Your Best Life
Get Rich Quick is a Lie!
I see so many people skipping the stairs and escalator, expecting the elevator to take them straight to the top. They rush to ride the next rocket ship stock or bitcoin, betting it all on momentum and throwing caution to the wind.
Getting rich quick seems to be all the rage. Whether it is through investing or being the next internet gaming YouTube star... becoming famous or rich quick, getting to the top of the totem pole before our time, is ripe in the public eye. This path is chased by too many and is a fool’s gold path (for most). Very few of those who travel it actually reach financial freedom after decades of toil. The sad truth is precious few “get rich quick.” I’ve been around a while and have witnessed very few get to their “Golden Years” with enough money to truly enjoy this stage of life without worries.
The truth is if you want to become truly wealthy, you have to take the stairs.
But the good news is there is a path to get there. It is not easy, but if you do want to get there, here is the path.
5 Levels of Climbing up to the Top of the Financial Totem Pole.
Level 1 – Financial Rookie
A financial rookie has no real financial knowledge. They are just starting out on their financial journey and have no clue what to do with their money. They might also have been going in the wrong direction for a while and have a big hole they need to dig out of.
Level 2 - Financial Apprentice
Financial Apprentices are starting to make some money but, don’t monitor what is coming in and going out each month. They have little or no retirement, or savings and are not very savvy with investments.
Level 3 - Financial Journeyman
Financial Journeymen have their retirement in place, extra money coming in, and basic investing knowledge. Yet, they are not sure how to take advantage of where they are and need to create a better long term plan.
Level 4 - Financial Star
Financial Stars have some passive income and investments. Maybe they own a business, a strong retirement, and all of their insurances/trusts/etc. are in place. They have not reached critical mass and still have room to grow. Financial Stars have a good plan created for their future retirement and are on a great path.
Level 5/The Top - Financial Superstar
Financial Superstars have reached critical mass, meaning their passive income exceed their monthly expenses. They can choose to work, but only if they want. These people invest, or work for fun and pleasure. Their “work” time is spent monitoring and moving money only. Turly, their "ship has come in".
Sound pretty great, right? It is not easy to get to Financial Superstar, but I want that for you! Here are my tips on how to get there and not sell your soul along the way.
Tim’s Top 10 Tips to Get You to the Top of the Totem Pole
You start on the bottom. You have to work your way up.
The rewards go to those with the courage to take wise action.
Learn before you act. Stick your toe in the water and proceed slowly, always learning along the way.
Find allies that can help you shorten the learning curves.
Study other models of those doing what you want to do.
Find something that works and do that a lot.
The grass is usually no greener. Stay in your lane.
Hold steady until you’re ready for the next incarnation. Jump when the time is right.
Don’t juggle too many balls, and don't be afraid to drop the ones no longer serving you.
Be kind to all along your journey.
There is no “Elevator to the top”. We must climb the stairs one at a time. Enjoy YOUR journey up the totem pole. “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll”, might as well enjoy the ride!
~ Tim Rhode