Over the past two weeks, we’ve discussed the art of building wealth in the form of tangible and intangible assets.

The next two weeks will share some ideas on how to use this wealth to maximize life satisfaction.  

Otherwise, why bother accumulating wealth in the first place?    

Wealth = liberty

Wealth can actually bring happiness, just not in the way we’ve been taught by our consumerist society. 

Specifically, wealth is the most direct route to genuine personal liberty. 

In my view, personal liberty (control over your own time and initiative) is one half of the key to long-term life satisfaction. The other half is purpose, which also depends on liberty in several ways. 

The simplest way to get your hands on this key is to build a certain degree of personal wealth. 

The greater your wealth, the greater your freedom to find and pursue your purpose. On the other hand, if you have no wealth, your options are limited and your time and initiative belong to other people. 

Tangible and intangible

The past two weeks have taken a look at both tangible and intangible assets. It’s important to understand that both of these asset classes can contribute to personal liberty.  

A balanced portfolio will invest in a healthy mix of different tangible and intangible assets, starting with those that can most rapidly increase your capacity to invest more. 

Anyone can build wealth

If you’re lucky enough to be in the top 20% of global citizens (with a lifestyle consuming more than $30/day), you can afford to put away a little money.

In the long run, the amount of investment you start with matters much less than forming that precious investment mindset and habit. 

And even if you temporarily have no income to invest, you can still invest in vital intangible assets. For that, you only need time and mindfulness. 

So, just get started! Every bit of personal wealth makes the world a better place.

But that’s tomorrow’s topic…