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

Author's Bio: 

Tim would tell you that he got off to a slow start. After growing up in the rural town of Portola in Northern California and barely graduating high school, Tim Rhode found himself at the age of 25 working as a grocery clerk with two young children to provide for.

He eventually found his “niche” selling real estate; and from 1986 to 2000, he sold over 2,500 homes and from 1997 to 2006 he invested in over 100 properties. Tim focused on saving money, keeping his expenses low, and playing solid “financial defense” which allowed him to basically retire, and he was financially free at the age of 40.

Not wanting to play hike, bike or ski all day, Tim threw his energy into his true passion: helping people thrive and live their most fulfilling life. He founded the nonprofit 1Life Fully Lived to help people of all ages gain the tools and skills they need to thrive and also co-founded GoBundance, a high-level mastermind, with David Osborn, Pat Hiban and Mike McCarthy to help healthy, wealthy, generous people lead epic lives. We have a women’s tribe now!

Tim has also authored numerous books and has been featured on a variety of podcasts and media outlets. He now lives near his children in the High Sierras with his wife and dog.​

You can connect with Tim at www.TimRhode.com.