Turning Money Myths on Their Head: The Truth About Wealth and Freedom

We’ve all heard the saying, "Money is the root of all evil," right? It’s something people casually throw around, especially when another political scandal hits the news, or corporations dodge taxes. But is money really to blame? Or is it how people use (or misuse) it that causes the problem?

My friend George certainly thought so. He was ready to blame every rich person and powerful company for the world's problems. But here's the thing: money itself isn’t bad—it’s just a tool. The way we use money is what makes the difference.

Let me share how you can reframe your relationship with money and shift from earning money to making money. Because that’s the real game-changer!

Turning Money Myths Upside Down

George's attitude toward money is a common one. People often think money is the enemy, but that's usually because they don’t have enough of it. In reality, money brings freedom and choice—freedom to escape the 9-to-5 grind, choose how you spend your time, and build a life on your terms.

When George said, "Money causes more problems than it solves," I couldn’t help but disagree. I pointed out that not having enough money creates most of the stress in people’s lives. It’s time to flip the script.

Action Steps to Shift from Earning to Making Money

1. Rethink Your Relationship with Money Money isn’t evil; it’s a tool. When used wisely, it can buy you the most important things—time, freedom, and opportunities. Instead of thinking of it as something bad, start viewing it as a means to live the life you truly want.
2. Stop Earning, Start Making Wealthy people don’t just earn money—they make money work for them. Instead of being stuck in the rat race, start building income streams that generate money passively. Think about investments like property, stocks, or side businesses.
3. Invest in Assets, Not Just Paychecks A paycheck is nice, but it’s not the answer to long-term wealth. Focus on acquiring assets that generate income, like rental properties or stocks. The more income your assets generate, the less dependent you become on your 9-to-5 job.
4. Build Passive Income Streams When I first started renting out rooms in my house, I realized the power of passive income. It gave me the freedom to focus on what I loved and continue my education. Find ways to create streams of income that don’t require your constant time and effort.
5. Invest in Your Education One of the best investments you can make is in yourself. Learning about property investment, the stock market, or even starting your own business will give you the tools you need to start making money instead of just earning it.
6. Reinvest Your Earnings When you make money, don’t just stash it away in a savings account—reinvest it. Whether it’s in property, stocks, or growing your business, let your money work for you by generating more income over time.

The Trap of Earning More

Here’s the big takeaway: the pursuit of a higher paycheck will only keep you stuck in the rat race. My friend George was caught in this trap—tempted by a promotion and a bigger paycheck, even though it meant giving up on his dream of starting his own business. The more he earned, the more he felt tied to his job.

But here’s the secret: it’s not about earning more, it’s about making more. When you invest your money wisely and build passive income streams, you stop working for money—and start letting money work for you.

So, if you want to break free from the rat race, quit working just to pay bills, and start creating wealth that buys you time and freedom, follow these steps. Stop earning, start making. You’ve got this!