Mantra of Money: Stop Working for It and Start Letting It Work for You

Are You Chained to the Rat Race, or Are You Ready to Break Free?

Should I have 100K USD liquidity? 1MM?? 10MM 10K?? or 1B USD!

The truth is that nobody actually taught me, and I suspect many of us, what money is, how to use it, and how much we really need.

Imagine this: you're working 9-to-5, maybe longer, juggling bills, savings, and the pressure to "make it big." Yet somehow, your money still feels like a slippery eel in your hands. Sound familiar? Here's the kicker—if you're stuck in this cycle, it’s not because you’re not working hard enough. It's because no one ever taught you the game.

This isn't your fault. Schools drilled algebra into us but never the basics of balancing a budget or the art of making money work for us. And here's where the trap springs—most of us learn money the hard way: through mistakes. Debt, bad investments, wasted opportunities. It’s exhausting and, frankly, unfair.

But what if someone told you there’s another way? A way to rewrite your financial story, even if you're starting with a little. A way to finally stop trading hours for dollars and start trading ideas for freedom.

Why You Need to Read This: What’s in It for You?

Financial freedom isn't just for the wealthy or the risk-takers—it’s for you, me, and the guy still dreaming of "someday" from his office cubicle. If you’ve ever thought, There has to be more to life than this grind, then you’re in the right place.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need a lottery win, a six-figure salary, or a master’s degree in finance to take control of your money. You just need to start—and keep it simple.

When you stop overcomplicating the plan and start focusing on the principles, things shift. It’s not about spreadsheets with a hundred tabs or analyzing every stock ticker. It’s about making the decision to take that first step toward building your freedom.

How to Realign and Reignite Your Financial Life

1. Redefine the Game: Most people think wealth is about working harder. Nope. Take a cue from The Cashflow Game by Robert Kiyosaki (at the end of the article a little bonus with the game explanation and a small actionable plan), which flips the idea of money on its head. You win by creating streams of income that flow even when you’re not actively working.
2. Focus on One Small Win: Start where you are. No, you don’t need to map out a ten-year plan or master financial jargon today. Set aside $50 a month for an investment. Read one financial book. Or better yet, grab a game like Cashflow and learn by playing.
3. Find Joy in the Process: The magic isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the freedom those numbers create. Think about what financial breathing room would mean for you. More time with family? Finally saying yes to a passion project? These aren’t pipe dreams—they’re possibilities.

A Provocative Question: Who Are You Building Your Life For?

Let’s be brutally honest—are you living to build your dreams, or are you stuck building someone else’s? Most of us were conditioned to think of financial independence as an end goal, not something we can start creating today. But here’s the thing: the perfect moment to begin doesn’t exist. The only moment is now.

What Can You Do Today?

• Play the Game: Get a copy of Cashflow and play it with your kids, partner, or friends. The lessons sink in because they’re fun.
• Audit Your Money Mindset: Ask yourself—what’s one small step I can take to grow an asset this month?
• Start Simple, but Start Now: A dollar saved is a dollar earned. Start small investments, even if it's $10, and watch it grow.

Leaving You with Possibilities

Your financial journey doesn’t have to feel like a punishment or an endless grind. It can be playful, empowering, and—dare I say—fun. When you start letting money work for you, you’re not just building wealth; you’re reclaiming your time, freedom, and life.

Your Call to Action: Take one small step today. Dust off that savings account, pick up a beginner’s investing book, or sit down with your kids to play Cashflow. Show them—and yourself—that money isn’t about fear or scarcity. It’s about freedom and choice.

What’s stopping you from making that first move? Let me know—I’d love to help you figure it out.

With Love

Costa

Bonus

If you like the content of this newsletter I just create a closed Linkedin group where we can share tools, tips and have an open discussion on Midlife Reset

https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/10048305/

The Cashflow Game by Robert Kiyosaki is an interactive board game designed to teach players the fundamentals of financial education. It simulates real-world financial scenarios, helping players understand concepts like cash flow, investments, passive income, and wealth creation. Here's a brief overview:

1. Objective: The goal is to escape the "rat race" (achieving financial freedom) and enter the "fast track" (where your passive income exceeds your expenses).
2. Gameplay:

• Players start in the "rat race," managing a job, expenses, and investments.
• Each turn represents a financial month, with players tracking their income, expenses, and investments on a financial statement.
• Opportunities arise to invest in stocks, real estate, businesses, or make personal financial decisions.
• The aim is to acquire enough passive income to cover expenses, thus exiting the "rat race."

Lessons:

• Active vs. Passive Income: It emphasizes the importance of building passive income sources rather than relying solely on active income from jobs.
• Risk and Reward: Players experience the risk-reward dynamic in investments and business opportunities.
• Financial Literacy: The game encourages participants to understand financial statements and make informed decisions.

Reflecting on how financial literacy isn't commonly taught in schools, it's no wonder many adults, including me, have made avoidable financial mistakes. Playing this game with your kids is a fantastic way to introduce them early to the concepts of money working for them, not the other way around. Starting small investments can create breathing room in life, giving you space to focus on personal growth, family, or dreams outside the grind.

Financial literacy equips you to avoid the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living and opens doors to freedom, whether that's time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or chasing dreams. Why wait for life lessons to teach what a simple game could? This isn't just about dollars; it's about designing the life you want.

Actionable Steps:

1. Introduce games like Cashflow to your family to demystify financial concepts in an engaging way.
2. Start tracking your expenses and looking for ways to invest—even with small amounts.
3. Teach your kids to build assets, not just manage paychecks. Lead by example!