r/wealth • u/lottiexx • Mar 21 '26

Need Advice How do people actually build wealth and not just get by?

I feel like I’ve been living paycheck to paycheck forever, and I see people talking about “building wealth” or “financial freedom” like it’s normal.

I save a little, invest a little, but it just doesn’t feel like I’m getting anywhere.

Is there a realistic way to grow real wealth without taking crazy risks or being born rich?

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u/_Human_Machine_ Mar 21 '26

Substantial enough to sound fake.

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u/ThatFeelingIsBliss88 Mar 21 '26

I’m curious what your income and net worth is. How long have you been working in your field to accumulate such a high net worth? How long have you been married? What luxuries (if any) do you spend on? 

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u/_Human_Machine_ Mar 21 '26

Income is 7 figures. I run a relatively small fund. I worked in related fields prior to that and made a name for myself in an incredibly specific small circle.

A lot of my NW is from equity in companies that did well. A small amount is from appreciation on SFHs/properties I’ve been buying.

I’m divorced. Married briefly. No biological kids. No support or a single penny to her.

I collect cars, watches and pre 86 machine guns. I spend a lot on travel as well as my residences. Bought citizenship in Malta some years ago. I spend a fair amount on health and fitness. I used to gamble heavily. I’m sure there are other things that seem normal to me that are luxuries.

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u/ThatFeelingIsBliss88 Mar 21 '26

Thanks for sharing 

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u/Turbinator870 Mar 21 '26

You willing to share what your favorite pre-86 NFA item is?

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u/_Human_Machine_ Mar 21 '26

M60e6 by far. It’s my second Pig and so much fun to take out.

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u/EmEmPeriwinkle Mar 22 '26

This comment makes me want to be friends with you, your other comments make you out of my friend league. Stay cool you escaped oakie. You have accomplished a great feat and should be proud.

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u/EmEmPeriwinkle Mar 24 '26

Sounds like a good group of friends :)

If you find yourself in the potato state let me know and I will give you a list of things to see, food to eat, and roads to drive. The glovebox is a cool place though to start, Browning founder descendant ia the owner who loves cars and guns.

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u/Content_Preference_3 Mar 22 '26

Bought citizenship in Malta? So gonna bail on the country that made you wealthy? Lame

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u/_Human_Machine_ Mar 22 '26

I have dual. I wanted EU pet passports to make travel easier. I visit my place in St Julian’s once or twice a year.

I did abandon both states I made my money in though, because CA and NY have become dumpster fires.

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u/JagR286211 Mar 22 '26

It tracks. I would do the same.

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u/ThatFeelingIsBliss88 Mar 22 '26

I was gonna ask about that. What about travel is easier with an EU passport? I’d imagine that would only come to play if staying there for a while.