Why Most Investors Miss the ONE Factor That Multiplies Wealth

Yesterday, I stumbled upon an investment statement from 5 years ago.

My initial reaction?

Regret.

Back then, like most investors, I was obsessed with finding "perfect stocks" and timing market entries just right.

Hours spent analyzing charts, researching companies, stressing over every market movement.

What I didn't understand then—but see with absolute clarity now—is that the MOST powerful factor in building wealth isn't stock selection. It's TIME.

The $274,000 Difference Hidden in Plain Sight

I realized this truth when I ran across a side-by-side comparison that changed how I think about investing forever.

Meet Chloe and Aly. Both invest exactly $100,000 into a standard S&P 500 index fund. Nothing fancy or complicated.

Chloe:

• Starts at age 45

• Invests $417/month until 65

• Total invested: $100,000

• Ending balance: $299,000

Aly:

• Starts at age 35

• Invests $278/month until 65

• Total invested: $100,000

• Ending balance: $573,000

Same investment amount. Same investment vehicle. Yet Aly ends up with nearly DOUBLE the wealth.

This isn't theory—it's mathematical certainty.

And here’s the kicker: The only difference between Chloe and Aly is when they started.

Which brings me to an opportunity you can act on right now.

Invest in an ‘election-proof’ alternative asset

Over the last seven elections, this asset class has outpaced the S&P 500

Instead of trying to predict which party will win, and where to invest afterwards, why not invest in an ‘election-proof’ alternative asset? The sector is currently in a softer cycle, but over the last seven elections (1995-2023) blue-chip contemporary art has outpaced the S&P 500 by 64% even despite the recent dip, regardless of the victors, and we have conviction it will rebound to these levels long-term.

Now, thanks to Masterworks’ art investing platform, you can easily diversify into this asset class without needing millions or art expertise, alongside 65,000+ other art investors. From their 23 exits so far, Masterworks investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5% (among assets held longer than one year), even despite a recent dip in the art market.*

It's easy to get started at Masterworks, and our readers can SKIP THE WAITLIST HERE.

Past performance not indicative of future returns. Investing Involves Risk. See Important Disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

3 Wealth Multiplication Principles Most People Never Grasp

1. Compounding Requires Runway

The wealthiest investors I know trace their success not to brilliant stock picks but to decisions that gave their money time to work.

Consider this choice: Would you rather have an investment that doubles over two years or one that grows 20% annually for five years?

The math doesn't lie—the second option transforms $10,000 into nearly $25,000 while the first only reaches $20,000.

2. Consistency Demolishes Perfection

Remember the Bitcoin explosions of 2017 and 2021?

Countless investors jumped in at peaks, suffered losses, then abandoned investing altogether.

Meanwhile, those who automatically invested fixed amounts monthly into index funds since 2008—through crashes, pandemics, and bull markets—have built wealth that far surpasses the market timers and trend chasers.

3. Your Risk Tolerance Is Directly Tied to Time Horizon

Here's the psychological breakthrough that transforms investment behavior: Proper risk exposure depends entirely on your time horizon.

With decades ahead, market drops become wealth-building opportunities rather than disasters.

With a shorter timeline, volatility becomes your enemy.

Too many investors in their 30s keep money in "safe" cash accounts earning minimal returns, while those near retirement gamble on speculative assets they can't afford to lose.

Final Thought: The Decision Point Is Now

If you're thinking, "I've already missed my chance"—STOP.

This limiting belief costs investors millions in unrealized wealth.

Whether you're 25 or 55, the optimal time to harness the power of your personal time horizon is TODAY.

The second-best time is tomorrow.

Remember: Your investments don't stop compounding at retirement. They can continue multiplying for decades beyond.

One of my clients started serious investing at 52.

Ten years later, he's built a portfolio that will sustain him comfortably through thirty years of retirement—not because he discovered magical investments, but because he maximized every month of the time he had left.

5 years ago, I didn’t see it. Now, I do. The only question is—will you act on it today?"

Reply to this email with ONE specific action you're taking this week to give time the chance to multiply your wealth.

To your wealth,

Be Wealth Operators