About the Author ix
Also by Bola Sokunbi xi
Acknowledgments xiii
How to Use This Book xv
Introduction: Embrace the Possibility! xvii
Chapter 1 Sowing the Seeds for Your Millionaire Mindset 1
Establishing the Right Mindset, Attitude, and Approach 7
Dispelling the Myths About Wealth and Being Wealthy 10
Financial Principles to Embrace 14
Spending Less Than You Earn 14
Minimizing Debt 14
Putting Your Money to Work for You 14
Increasing Your Income 15
But What About Luck? 15
Take Action 17
Chapter 2 Dancing to Your Own Financial Beat 19
Comparison Is a Trap 22
You Are Not Too Old 22
Embrace the Long Game: Wealth- Building Takes Time 25
Stay Patient, Stay Persistent, and Find Joy in the Journey 26
Take Action 27
Chapter 3 Defining Your Pillars of Prosperity 29
Pillar 1: Earned Income: Building a Strong Foundation 32
Advocating for Yourself to Boost Your Income 32
Investing in Yourself to Level Up Your Game 34
Diversifying Your Income for Peace of Mind 37
Living Below Your Means 38
Pillar 2: Investing: Putting Your Money to Work for You 40
Start Investing as Soon as You Can 41
Play the Long Game 42
Pillar 3: Real Estate: Creating Consistent Cash Flow with Tangible Assets 47
Focus on Positive Cash Flow, Not Just Appreciation 48
Be Prepared for the Inevitable Surprises 49
Have a Network 49
Pillar 4: Entrepreneurship: Turning Ideas into Income 50
Start Small, Think Big 51
Plan for Growth 51
Embrace Both Risk and Reward 52
Blending and Prioritizing Your Pillars 53
Earned Income + Entrepreneurship 54
Earned Income + Real Estate 54
Real Estate + Investing 55
Real Estate + Entrepreneurship 55
Earned Income + Multiple Pillars 55
Build Your Strategy, Your Way 56
Take Action 58
Chapter 4 Setting Your Timeline and Focusing Your Finances 61
Assessing Your Goals and Creating a Timeline 63
An Example Breakdown 66
Why Tackling Debt Is Nonnegotiable 69
The True Cost of Debt 69
Not All Debt Is Created Equal 70
Make a Debt Payoff Plan That Works 70
Build Wealth and Pay Off Debt at the Same Time 71
Shift the Narrative 71
Focusing Your Finances 71
Take Action 73
Chapter 5 My Personal Investment Strategies to Becoming a Millionaire (and Key Tips for You) 77
Laying the Foundation for Wealth 79
Stepping Out with Investing 80
Giving Back and Planting the Seeds of Impact 81
Real Estate: A Lesson in Flexibility 83
Growing Through Entrepreneurship 84
Going All- In 86
My Investment Strategy Today 87
My Investment Philosophy 92
Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market 93
Knowledge Is Power 93
I Protect My Vision 93
I Have a Contingency Plan 94
Bringing in the Experts 94
Working with a Financial Planner or Advisor 95
Working with a Tax Professional 95
Self- Employed? Retirement and Investing Options to Consider 96
The Power of Staying the Course 98
Take Action 99
Chapter 6 Bouncing Back Like a Boss 101
Mistake 1: Cashing Out My 401(k) Like It Was a Bonus Check 104
Mistake 2: Buying and Selling Stocks Like a Day Trader 105
Mistake 3: A Very Expensive Wedding 107
Mistake 4: The Designer Handbag Collection Regret 108
Always Have a Comeback Plan (for When Things Don't Go According to Plan) 110
Take Ownership (Without Shame) 110
Assess the Damage 111
Create a Recovery Plan 111
Automate Your Progress 111
Stay Focused on the Big Picture 112
Forgive Yourself, Give Yourself Grace, and Move Forward 112
Take Action 113
Chapter 7 Single and Slaying, or Together and Winning: Either Way You've Got This 115
Being Single Is a Superpower: Adjust Your Cape! 117
Let's Go Team: A Real- Life Approach to Building Wealth as a Couple 119
The Key to It All? A Team Mindset 120
Designing a System That Works 121
It's Not Just About the Money 122
Know What You Bring to the Table, Solo or Together 123
When Your Partner's Not on Board (Yet) 125
Exiting a Relationship: Protecting Your Peace and Your Finances 127
The Bottom Line, Whether You're Single or Partnered 129
Take Action 130
Chapter 8 Creating a Lasting Legacy 133
My Current Estate Plan and What I'm Building Next 135
Passing Down More Than Money 137
Your Legacy Starts Now 138
Where to Start: Tools, Resources, and Getting Help 140
Take Action 143
Chapter 9 Wealth with a Bigger Why 145
It's About More Than Just You 147
Discovering Your Bigger Why 148
Your Action Plan Starts Now 150
Index 151
