This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
But you gotta be consistent, and you gotta take investing seriously
We live in a day and age where people are earning thousands or millions in a day; this is epic. But it’s also not the case for the majority of the population. Most people earn a modest living or below a modest living and don’t have significant resources at their disposal. Are they capable of changing this at any point? 100%, but most people never will.
If you decide to earn a modest living for the remainder of your life and coast, you will still become wealthy by default if you allow enough time for your money to grow.
As I mentioned in many of my other financial articles, compound interest is best friends with the young but friends with everyone. Compound interest also LOVES time; they work harmoniously together and aggressively in your favor the more time you allow them to work together.
19 Years @ $2,000 Per Month = Millionaire Status
Your babies can be millionaires before they turn 18. If you start investing $2,000 as soon as you conceive that baby and invest it at an 8% annual return (modest), your kid can be a millionaire by 18.
Okay, but how likely is this to fit into your budget or your story? Very unlikely. Most people are just trying to focus on keeping up with their kid’s extracurricular activities and all the fees that come with that. Plus, how many people are actually financially ready to have their kid before they have one? If you are, CONGRATS, but you’re in the minority.
But enough about kids. What about you? Do you have 19 years to invest? We can’t start over and force our parents to invest $2,000 every month in an investment account for us and also pray they don’t touch that money in the case of an emergency.
You Have To Create Your OWN Wealth
Most of you are financially on your own and will need to create wealth. And this is possible no matter how much money you earn if you take investing seriously.
I may pay my bills late, but I always invest on time. I never miss a month of investing, which is why I will never be broke. I always pay myself first, and you must do the same.
Paying a bill, buying an outfit, spending money on a new car, or buying a trip around the world will not build wealth. Investing your money will build wealth, though.
What is your investment goal?
How many years do you need to reach your investment goal with the average interest rate (i.e., 6–12% annual return)?
How much do you need to invest monthly to reach your investment goal?
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.