This is a friendly reminder from your neighborhood transparent millionaire that most of the displays of “wealth” we see on social media are fake. Behind those fancy trips and designer clothes are people who are stressed out, worried about money, and swimming in debt.

Real wealth is humility. Real wealth is health. Real wealth is relationships. Real wealth is giving. Real wealth is using money as a tool for freedom with your time, not to buy stuff and show it off on the internet.

We’re all a function of our environment. When we see people spending money on the latest, fanciest, shiniest whatever we naturally feel an urge to keep up. Remind yourself that getting that next “stuff” isn’t what life is about. Go outside, spend time with friends and family, take care of your body and your mind. That’s where wealth and happiness lies. Put your money to work for you by saving and investing so you can buy your own freedom and don’t have to work the rest of your life to pay for your stuff.

p.s. If you’re new or uncertain about investing, please join me on TUESDAY at 8pm ET/5pm PT for a free “learn to invest” webinar, where I walk through the basics of how I actually invest (buying and holding index funds). It’s an hour, perfect for beginners, and I’ll even go over what buttons to actually click to get started. I’ll stick around afterwards for a Q&A too. If you can’t make that time, we’ll send the recording out to everyone who signs up. Link is in bio!

As always, reminding you to build wealth by following the two PFC rules: 1.) Live below your means and 2.) Invest early and often.

-Jeremy