The Sure-Fire Way to Build Wealth

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”  — Milton Berle

Building wealth takes time. Life costs money and, as your parents would tell you, money doesn’t grow on trees. Increasing your savings is a long game strategy. Depending on where you are in this process, it can come with certain challenges. Luckily, there is a sure-fire, legal, proven way to build up your financial war chest: get a job.

I know, it sounds silly, but it’s the truth. When breaking it down to basics, building wealth is really the balance of saving as much as you can by not over-spending in regards to what you earn. There are many factors which affect this that are out of your control. The economy can tank, your company executes layoffs, you have an unexpected life event, etc. If your current job, or lack there of, is putting you behind your financial goals, then the solution is easy; get another gig (primary or secondary). There are tons of side hustles with low barrier to entry¹. This is only the tip of the iceberg, there are an endless list of options². This is on top of the option to get a new job, or simply make the one you currently have work more for you³.

Think you don’t have the time? I hate to break it to you, but this is a hollow excuse. With the average adult watching 3-4 hours of TV per day, there is definitely time to make extra cash⁴. Even if you take 1-2 hours of each workday every week, that adds up. Set yourself goals. What’s your target to add to your savings? What bills do you want to be able to cover? Do you want to take more vacations? No matter your motivation, the important thing to remember is you have to start. Watching endless streaming services won’t help you meet your wealth goals. Get a job.

Action: Look into side hustles this week and start one. Or evaluate your current job and build a plan (promotion or job search). Update your financial goals in regards to your choice.

Further Reading:

1. 50 Easy Ways You Could Make Extra Money This Month
2. 101 Best Side Hustle Ideas to Make $500+ in Your Spare Time
3. How to Get Rich With a Normal Job by 30: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Average daily time spent watching TV per capita in the United States from 2009 to 2023, by age group