Wealth

If I Started Investing In 2024, This Is What I'd Do

~15 min read

Chapter 8 of 10

Modern investment strategies and portfolio construction

"Ray Dalio, the famous investor, once said that the person who lives by the crystal ball will eat shattered glass. It means that the people who lose their money are the ones looking inside the crystal ball, always trying to predict the future, making investments on trends, speculations, or emotions. That's why I want to share with you the best investments you can make today to actually get ROI so you don't eat shattered glass." - Dan Martell

The Anti-Crystal Ball Investment Philosophy: Building Wealth Through Systems, Not Speculation

Dan's investment approach cuts through the noise of financial media and get-rich-quick schemes. His strategy, refined through building and selling multiple companies for over $100 million, focuses on systematic wealth building rather than speculative gambling.

The Core Investment Philosophy

Dan's insight challenges conventional investment wisdom: most people lose money because they try to predict the future instead of building systems that work regardless of market conditions.

The Crystal Ball Trap:

Emotional Decision Making: Buying high during market euphoria, selling low during panic
Trend Chasing: Jumping into investments after they've already peaked
Speculation Over Strategy: Hoping for quick wins instead of building long-term wealth
Information Overload: Paralysis from too many conflicting investment opinions

The Systematic Alternative:

Dollar-Cost Averaging: Consistent investing regardless of market timing
Portfolio Diversification: Multiple asset classes reducing overall risk
Long-Term Focus: Building wealth over decades, not quarters
Education-First Approach: Understanding investments before committing capital

Dan's 2024 Investment Portfolio: The Five-Vehicle Wealth System

Dan's comprehensive investment strategy spans five distinct vehicles, each serving a specific purpose in building and preserving wealth. This isn't about picking one - it's about systematic allocation across all five.

Investment Vehicle #1: Index Funds - The Foundation

Low-cost, low-maintenance wealth building

Dan's Personal Story:
"At 26 years old, one of my mentors told me to take half of what I'd made and put it into a stability bucket - essentially an investment where I wouldn't lose my money. So what I did was dollar-cost average myself into index funds. Why? Because it didn't take any thinking."

Why Index Funds Are the Ultimate "Set and Forget" Investment

Dan's index fund philosophy stems from brutal market reality: active fund managers consistently underperform the market while charging high fees that compound against you over time.

The Fee Mathematics That Will Shock You:

Index Fund Fees: 0.03-0.20% annually (Vanguard S&P 500: 0.03%)
Mutual Fund Fees: 0.5-2.0% annually (often hidden in fine print)
25-Year Impact: On $100,000 investment, high fees cost you $150,000-$300,000 in lost returns

Case Study: The Hidden Cost of "Cheap" Mutual Funds
Investment Amount: $100,000 initial + $1,000/month for 25 years
Market Return: 8% annually (historical S&P 500 average)
Index Fund (0.05% fees): Final value = $1,347,000
Mutual Fund (1.5% fees): Final value = $1,063,000
Cost of "Professional Management": $284,000 lost to fees
Dan's insight: "Over a 25-year period, you might lose 40-50% of the value of your investment just because you're paying other people's fees."

The Dollar-Cost Averaging Strategy

Dan's systematic approach eliminates timing decisions and emotional investing:

Monthly Investment Protocol:

Automated Transfers: Set up automatic monthly investments
Market-Agnostic: Invest same amount regardless of market conditions
Reinvest Dividends: Compound growth through automatic reinvestment
Annual Review: Adjust contribution amounts based on income changes

Dan's Recommended Index Fund Strategy for 2024:

For Beginners ($0-$100K Portfolio):

80% Total Stock Market Index (Vanguard VTI or equivalent)
20% International Stock Index (Vanguard VTIAX or equivalent)
Platform: Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab for lowest fees

For Intermediate ($100K-$500K Portfolio):

60% Total Stock Market Index
20% International Developed Markets
10% Emerging Markets Index
10% Bond Index (for stability during downturns)

For Advanced ($500K+ Portfolio):

50% Total Stock Market Index
15% International Developed Markets
10% Emerging Markets
15% Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
10% Bond Index

Warren Buffett's Ultimate Endorsement

Dan references Buffett's famous directive: "If I pass away today and my family had to take over the money, let's get out of active management. Let's just take all that money, put it into an index fund, and then my family can live off the dividends every year."

Why the World's Greatest Investor Chooses Index Funds:

Simplicity: No need to research individual stocks or time markets
Consistency: Matches market performance minus minimal fees
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell without significant transaction costs
Transparency: You know exactly what you own (the entire market)

Advanced Index Fund Strategies

Tax-Loss Harvesting with Index Funds:

Hold different index funds in taxable vs. tax-advantaged accounts
Use losses to offset gains and reduce tax burden
Maintain market exposure while optimizing tax efficiency

The Index Fund Rebalancing System:

Quarterly Review: Check if allocations have drifted significantly
5% Rule: Rebalance when any category deviates 5+ percentage points
Tax-Efficient Rebalancing: Use new contributions to rebalance before selling
Annual Optimization: Review and adjust target allocations based on age and goals

Investment Vehicle #2: Real Estate - The Tangible Wealth Builder

Cash flow, appreciation, and inflation hedging

Dan's Real Estate Journey:
"I bought my first deal when I was 21 - it was a duplex. I think I paid something like $121,000 for it. I had my 5% down and I got into the real estate game. Since then I've done a ton of deals, and the reason I like it is because it allows you to build wealth in a bunch of different ways."

Why Real Estate Is Dan's Favorite Tangible Investment

Unlike stocks or bonds, real estate provides multiple simultaneous wealth-building mechanisms:

The Five Wealth Drivers of Real Estate:

Cash Flow: Monthly rental income exceeding expenses
Appreciation: Property value increase over time
Principal Paydown: Tenants pay down mortgage debt
Tax Benefits: Depreciation deductions and other write-offs
Inflation Hedge: Rents and values typically rise with inflation

The BRRRR Method: Dan's Systematic Real Estate Strategy

Dan's proven system: Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat

BRRRR Implementation Framework:

Buy Phase:

Target properties 20-30% below market value
Focus on distressed properties in good neighborhoods
Analyze deals using 1% rule (monthly rent ≥ 1% of purchase price)
Secure financing with 20-25% down payment

Rehab Phase:

Budget 10-15% of purchase price for improvements
Focus on high-impact improvements (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring)
Use reliable contractors with fixed-price contracts
Complete renovations within 60-90 days

Rent Phase:

Price rent at market rate or slightly above
Screen tenants thoroughly (credit, income, references)
Use property management if owning multiple properties
Maintain 1-2 month expense reserve per property

Refinance Phase:

Wait 6-12 months after rehab completion
Get new appraisal reflecting improved value
Refinance to pull out most or all invested capital
Use cash-out refinance to fund next property purchase

Repeat Phase:

Reinvest extracted capital into next property
Scale systematically to 5-10 properties over 3-5 years
Build portfolio generating $5,000-$15,000+ monthly passive income

Real-World BRRRR Success Story:

Property: Single-family home in emerging neighborhood
Purchase Price: $85,000 (ARV: $120,000)
Rehab Cost: $12,000 (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, paint)
Total Investment: $97,000
Post-Rehab Appraisal: $125,000
Refinance: $100,000 (80% LTV)
Cash Recovered: $100,000 - $97,000 = $3,000 net positive
Monthly Rent: $1,200
Monthly Expenses: $850 (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance)
Monthly Cash Flow: $350
Annual ROI: Infinite (recovered all invested capital plus $3,000)

Dan's Team-Based Real Estate Approach

Dan's insight: "When things are good, it's easy to invest in your people. But even when they're not doing so well, just don't stop investing in them."

Building Your Real Estate Team:

Real Estate Agent: Specializes in investment properties, provides market analysis
Mortgage Broker: Accesses multiple lenders for best financing terms
Property Manager: Handles tenant relations, maintenance, rent collection
Contractor: Reliable team for renovations and ongoing maintenance
Accountant: Maximizes tax benefits and tracks property performance
Attorney: Handles closings, evictions, and legal compliance

Advanced Real Estate Strategies for 2024

The House Hacking Strategy:

Buy duplex, triplex, or fourplex
Live in one unit, rent others
Qualify for owner-occupied financing (lower down payment)
Let rental income cover most or all mortgage payment
Build equity while living essentially rent-free

Short-Term Rental Optimization:

Target properties in tourist or business travel areas
Furnish and optimize for Airbnb/VRBO
Generate 2-3x traditional rental income
Manage personally or hire specialized management company

Commercial Real Estate Entry:

Start with small office buildings or retail spaces
Longer lease terms provide more stable cash flow
Triple-net leases where tenants pay taxes, insurance, maintenance
Higher barriers to entry but potentially higher returns

Investment Vehicle #3: Collectibles - The Passion Investment

Combining personal enjoyment with wealth building

Dan's Collectibles Philosophy:
"This is probably one of my favorite investment vehicles because if you do it right, the things that you enjoy to purchase can become the vehicle for investment. What if you can invest in the thing that you spend hours on YouTube studying?"

Why Collectibles Can Outperform Traditional Investments

Dan's collectibles approach transforms personal passions into wealth-building vehicles. The key insight: when you're genuinely passionate about a category, you develop expertise that gives you an investment edge.

The Passion-Profit Connection:

Deep Knowledge: Passion drives research and expertise development
Market Timing: Enthusiasts spot trends before general investors
Quality Recognition: Ability to identify truly rare and valuable pieces
Network Access: Connections with other collectors and dealers
Enjoyment Factor: Get pleasure from assets while they appreciate

Dan's Supercar Collection Strategy

The Investment-Grade Criteria:

Limited Production: Cars with production runs under 1,000 units
Proven Track Record: Models with 10+ year appreciation history
Excellent Condition: Low mileage, documented maintenance, original components
Market Timing: Buy during market dips, not peaks
Diversification: Multiple brands, eras, and styles

Case Study: The Ferrari 458 Speciale Investment
Purchase Year: 2016
Purchase Price: $325,000
Current Market Value: $485,000 (2024)
Annual Appreciation: 5.8%
Enjoyment Value: Hundreds of hours of driving pleasure
Total Return: Financial gains + experiential value
Key Insight: Beat S&P 500 returns while providing unique experiences

Collectible Categories with Strong ROI Potential:

1. Classic Cars
Best Entry Points:

Porsche 911 variants (wide range of price points)
Classic American muscle cars (Camaro SS, Mustang Boss)
Japanese sports cars (Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline GT-R)
Research Resources: Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Barrett-Jackson

2. Luxury Watches
Investment-Grade Brands:

Rolex (Submariner, GMT-Master, Daytona models)
Patek Philippe (Nautilus, Aquanaut, Calatrava)
Audemars Piguet (Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore)
Key Strategy: Buy below retail, focus on steel sports models
Market Insight: Vintage models often outperform new releases

3. Fine Art and Photography
Emerging Categories:

Digital art and NFTs from established artists
Photography from renowned photojournalists
Contemporary paintings from gallery-represented artists
Investment Approach: Start with prints and editions, build toward originals

4. Sports Memorabilia
High-Performance Categories:

Game-worn jerseys from Hall of Fame players
Rookie cards in pristine condition
Championship rings and trophies
Authentication Critical: Only buy with third-party verification

5. Rare Books and Documents
Stable Value Categories:

First edition books from renowned authors
Historical documents and manuscripts
Scientific and technical manuscripts

The Collectibles Due Diligence Framework

Before Buying Any Collectible:

1. Market Research Phase

Study 5-10 year price trends for the category
Identify seasonal patterns and market cycles
Research upcoming supply (estate sales, manufacturer releases)
Analyze comparable sales from multiple sources

2. Authentication and Condition Assessment

Hire third-party authentication services
Get detailed condition reports from experts
Understand how condition affects value
Factor restoration costs into purchase price

3. Storage and Insurance Planning

Calculate ongoing storage costs (climate control, security)
Obtain appropriate insurance coverage
Plan for regular maintenance and preservation
Consider storage location accessibility for enjoyment

4. Exit Strategy Development

Identify potential buyers and auction houses
Understand transaction costs and timelines
Plan holding period (typically 5-10+ years for optimal returns)
Monitor market conditions for optimal selling timing

Advanced Collectibles Strategies

The Mentor-Partnership Approach:

Find established collectors willing to share knowledge
Offer to handle research, logistics, or administrative tasks
Learn from their mistakes and successful strategies
Potentially partner on larger purchases beyond your budget

The Collection Theme Strategy:

Focus on specific themes (e.g., 1960s sports cars, vintage Rolex tool watches)
Build comprehensive collections that have synergistic value
Become recognized expert in your niche
Command premium prices for themed collection sales

The Fractional Ownership Model:

Partner with others to buy high-value pieces
Share ownership, storage, and enjoyment time
Reduce individual capital requirements
Diversify across more pieces with same investment amount

Investment Vehicle #4: Intellectual Property - The Scalable Asset

Monetizing knowledge and expertise

Dan's IP Insight:
"It's taking everything in your mind and putting it into a format that people can purchase - like a book, a media company, licensing models, coaching other people, consulting. Those frameworks become incredibly valuable if you learn how to put them together in a way that other people can purchase."

Why Intellectual Property Is the Ultimate Leverage Investment

Dan's IP strategy transforms personal knowledge into scalable assets. Unlike traditional investments, intellectual property can generate returns that far exceed the initial investment while requiring no ongoing capital.

The IP Advantage:

Infinite Scalability: Sell the same knowledge to unlimited customers
High Profit Margins: Near-zero marginal costs after initial creation
Compound Value: Each customer success story increases asset value
Personal Brand Building: Establishes authority and attracts opportunities
Multiple Revenue Streams: Books, courses, coaching, consulting, speaking

The Modern IP Millionaire Examples

Dan references successful IP entrepreneurs: "There are now a ton of YouTubers from Justin Welsh, Ali Abdaal, Dan Koe - all these people making millions of dollars online by getting really great at something, creating a course (intellectual property), and then using the media side to get distribution."

IP Success Pattern Analysis:

Develop Deep Expertise: Become genuinely skilled in valuable area
Document the Journey: Share learning process and results publicly
Build Audience: Use content marketing to attract interested followers
Create Packaged Learning: Transform knowledge into purchasable formats
Scale Through Systems: Automate delivery and customer success

Case Study: Justin Welsh's LinkedIn Operating System
Background: Former SaaS executive
Expertise Area: LinkedIn personal branding and lead generation
Content Strategy: Daily LinkedIn posts + weekly newsletter
IP Product: "The LinkedIn Operating System" course
Price Point: $150 (accessible to wide market)
Sales Volume: 10,000+ students
Annual Revenue: $2M+ from single course
Key Insight: Specific, actionable knowledge commands premium pricing

The Five-Stage IP Development Framework

Stage 1: Expertise Identification and Development

The Expertise Audit:

What do colleagues consistently ask you for help with?
What challenges have you solved that others still struggle with?
What processes have you developed that create measurable results?
What knowledge do you wish you'd had earlier in your career?

Expertise Development Strategies:

Client Work: Solve problems for others, document what works
Personal Projects: Build something, track the process and results
Industry Research: Become the person who knows the latest trends and data
Case Study Collection: Gather proof points and success stories

Stage 2: Content Creation and Authority Building

The Content-First Approach:

Daily Value: Share one actionable insight per day on chosen platform
Long-Form Content: Weekly deep-dive articles or videos
Case Studies: Monthly detailed breakdowns of successes/failures
Interactive Content: Q&A sessions, live problem-solving

Platform Selection Strategy:

LinkedIn: B2B professional services and consulting
YouTube: Visual/educational content with broad appeal
Twitter: Quick insights and personal brand building
Newsletter: Direct relationship building with audience

Stage 3: Audience Development and Engagement

The Compound Audience Strategy:

Consistent Publishing: Post valuable content on schedule
Community Engagement: Respond to comments, start conversations
Cross-Platform Promotion: Leverage each platform to grow others
Email List Building: Convert social followers to owned audience

Engagement Quality Metrics:

Response Rate: Percentage of audience that engages with content
Share Rate: How often content gets shared by others
Email Open Rates: Indicator of audience interest and trust
Direct Messages: Personal outreach from audience members

Stage 4: IP Product Development

Product Format Selection:

Books and eBooks

Pros: High credibility, passive income, wide distribution
Cons: Lower profit margins, significant time investment
Best For: Broad audiences, authority building

Online Courses

Pros: High profit margins, scalable delivery, comprehensive learning
Cons: Higher production costs, ongoing customer support
Best For: Complex topics requiring step-by-step instruction

Coaching Programs

Pros: Premium pricing, direct client relationships, high satisfaction
Cons: Time-intensive delivery, limited scalability
Best For: Personalized guidance and accountability

Software Tools

Pros: Recurring revenue, high scalability, defensible moats
Cons: Technical complexity, ongoing development costs
Best For: Process automation and workflow improvement

Consulting Services

Pros: Immediate revenue, market validation, relationship building
Cons: Time for money exchange, limited scalability
Best For: High-value custom solutions

Stage 5: Distribution and Sales Systems

The Marketing Funnel Architecture:

Awareness Stage (Free Content)

Blog posts, videos, podcasts, social media
SEO-optimized content for discovery
Guest appearances on other platforms
Free tools and resources

Interest Stage (Lead Magnets)

Free mini-courses or email series
Templates, checklists, and frameworks
Webinars and masterclasses
Case study downloads

Consideration Stage (Low-Ticket Products)

$47-$197 introductory courses
Books and audiobooks
Group coaching programs
Software tool trials

Purchase Stage (High-Ticket Products)

$997-$5,000 comprehensive courses
$2,000-$10,000 group coaching programs
$5,000-$25,000 private coaching
$10,000-$100,000 consulting engagements

Advanced IP Monetization Strategies

Licensing and Franchising Models:

License your system to other coaches or consultants
Create franchise-like models for local market implementation
Develop white-label versions for corporate clients
Build affiliate programs for complementary service providers

Media and Publishing Deals:

Negotiate book deals with traditional publishers
Develop TV or streaming content around your expertise
Create podcast networks or media properties
License content to educational institutions

Corporate Training and Speaking:

Develop enterprise versions of your content
Build keynote speaking career around your expertise
Create corporate training programs and certifications
Offer retained advisory services to companies

Investment Vehicle #5: Investing in Yourself - The Ultimate ROI

The highest-return investment available

Dan's Personal Investment Story:
"I bought my first book when I was 23, and that was kind of late. Then I went to my first seminar and I invested $388,000 in an expert over a three-year period to teach me everything he had learned about building businesses. At this point in my life, I've invested probably $1.5 million plus in myself - in my coaching, my skill sets, my ability to shoot videos just like this. I've paid consultants $30,000 for one hour of their time because they've spent their whole life learning something that they could teach me."

Why Self-Investment Generates the Highest ROI

Dan's most profound investment insight: "The reality is the best investment you could ever make is in your skill sets, in becoming more valuable to the market."

The Self-Investment Multiplier Effect:

Portable Returns: Skills and knowledge move with you to every opportunity
Compound Growth: Each skill amplifies the value of other skills
Market Premium: Specialized expertise commands higher compensation
Opportunity Creation: Knowledge opens doors that didn't exist before
Risk Reduction: Diverse skills provide multiple income streams

Dan's $1.5M Self-Investment Portfolio Breakdown

Books and Educational Materials: ~$50,000

Started with first book at 23 years old
Reads minimum 10 pages daily
Studies books rather than just reading them
Focus on actionable knowledge with immediate application

Seminars and Events: ~$200,000

Multi-day intensive learning experiences
Networking with other high-performers
Direct access to expert instructors
Implementation workshops and accountability

Coaching and Mentorship: ~$400,000

Three-year engagement with business expert
One-on-one guidance tailored to specific challenges
Accelerated learning from someone else's experience
Accountability and support for implementation

Consulting and Expert Time: ~$500,000

$30,000 per hour for world-class expertise
Specific problem-solving and strategic guidance
Access to proprietary methods and frameworks
Compressed learning timeframes

Skill-Specific Training: ~$300,000

Video production and content creation
Sales and marketing optimization
Technology and software development
Leadership and team management

The ROI Calculation on Self-Investment

Direct Financial Returns:

Pre-investment income: ~$50,000/year (early career)
Post-investment income: $1,000,000+/year (current)
ROI Multiple: 20x increase in earning capacity
Time Frame: 15+ years of systematic investment
Compound Effect: Each skill amplifies others

Indirect Value Creation:

Business opportunities that wouldn't have existed
Network access to high-value relationships
Confidence to take larger risks and opportunities
Ability to create value for others (teaching, consulting)
Personal satisfaction and fulfillment

The Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Learning Framework

Dan's learning philosophy: "Most people get it wrong when they learn stuff just for someday maybe - I call it just-in-case learning versus just-in-time. You want to study the thing that's going to have the biggest impact on your life today."

Just-in-Case Learning (Avoid):

Learning random skills without specific application
Collecting certificates and degrees without purpose
Following trends without strategic benefit
Shelf help - buying books and courses but never implementing

Just-in-Time Learning (Pursue):

Learning skills directly applicable to current challenges
Studying solutions to problems you're actively facing
Acquiring knowledge with immediate revenue potential
Focus on fundamentals that compound over time

The Self-Investment Framework for 2024

Level 1: Foundation Building ($1,000-$5,000 annually)

Energy and Health Investment:

Physical Health: Gym membership, healthy food, sleep optimization
Mental Health: Therapy, meditation, stress management
Relationships: Social activities, family time, professional networking

Basic Skill Development:

Industry Books: 3-5 top books in your field annually
Online Courses: Udemy, Coursera, or similar for technical skills
Local Events: Industry meetups, networking events, workshops

Level 2: Acceleration Phase ($5,000-$25,000 annually)

Specialized Training:

Professional Conferences: 2-3 major industry events per year
Certification Programs: Industry-specific credentials with ROI potential
Skills Coaching: One-on-one training in high-value skills (sales, marketing, leadership)

Business Development:

Mastermind Groups: Peer learning and accountability groups
Business Coaching: Group coaching programs with proven methodologies
Market Research: Industry reports, data subscriptions, competitive analysis

Level 3: Mastery Investment ($25,000-$100,000+ annually)

Expert Access:

Private Coaching: One-on-one mentorship with industry leaders
Consulting Engagements: Hiring experts for specific strategic challenges
Executive Education: High-end programs at top business schools

Business Building:

Market Testing: Capital for testing new business ideas and concepts
Team Development: Investing in training and development of key employees
Strategic Partnerships: Investments in relationships and joint ventures

Advanced Self-Investment Strategies

The Skill Stacking Approach:
Instead of becoming world-class at one skill, become very good at complementary skills that multiply each other's value.

Example Stack for Entrepreneurs:

Sales: Ability to generate revenue consistently
Marketing: Ability to attract and convert prospects
Leadership: Ability to build and motivate teams
Finance: Ability to manage cash flow and make investment decisions
Communication: Ability to articulate vision and build relationships

The Teaching-to-Learn Accelerator:
Commit to teaching others what you're learning to accelerate your own mastery.

Implementation Methods:

Blog about your learning journey and insights
Speak at industry events about your experiences
Mentor junior professionals in your field
Create content around your areas of expertise
Host workshops or training sessions

The Network Investment Strategy:
Systematically invest in building relationships with people who can accelerate your learning and opportunities.

Relationship Categories:

Mentors: People 5-10 years ahead of you in your field
Peers: People at similar levels pursuing similar goals
Experts: People with specific knowledge you need
Connectors: People with large networks who make introductions
Clients: People who pay for your products or services

The 2024 Portfolio Allocation Strategy

Dan's Recommended Investment Allocation by Net Worth

Starter Portfolio ($0-$50,000 Net Worth)

70% Index Funds (establish foundation)
20% Self-Investment (skills and knowledge)
10% Emergency Fund (cash buffer)

Growth Portfolio ($50,000-$250,000 Net Worth)

50% Index Funds (continued foundation building)
25% Real Estate (first property via house hacking or BRRRR)
15% Self-Investment (accelerated learning phase)
10% Collectibles (start small in area of passion)

Diversified Portfolio ($250,000-$1M Net Worth)

40% Index Funds (core stability)
30% Real Estate (2-4 properties generating cash flow)
15% Self-Investment (mastery-level investments)
10% Intellectual Property (create income-generating assets)
5% Collectibles (build focused collection)

Advanced Portfolio ($1M+ Net Worth)

30% Index Funds (preserve wealth)
35% Real Estate (larger properties, commercial real estate)
15% Intellectual Property (scale knowledge businesses)
10% Collectibles (significant appreciation potential)
10% Alternative Investments (private equity, angel investing)

The Anti-Crystal Ball Implementation Plan

Month 1-2: Foundation Setup

Open index fund accounts with low-cost providers
Set up automatic monthly contributions
Begin daily reading habit (10+ pages)
Start documenting your expertise and knowledge

Month 3-6: System Building

Research first real estate market and financing options
Identify collectible category aligned with personal interests
Begin creating content around your professional expertise
Join professional associations and networking groups

Month 7-12: Acceleration Phase

Make first real estate investment or increase index fund contributions
Launch first intellectual property product (book, course, consulting)
Begin building collection in chosen collectible category
Invest significantly in skill development and coaching

Year 2+: Optimization and Scaling

Systematically add real estate properties using BRRRR method
Scale intellectual property business through marketing and systems
Build meaningful collectibles collection with appreciation potential
Continuously reinvest returns into highest-ROI opportunities

The Key to 2024 Investment Success

Remember Dan's core insight: "Poor people use money to consume. Wealthy people use money to create more money."

Your investment success in 2024 won't come from predicting market movements or finding the next hot trend. It will come from systematically building wealth across multiple vehicles, continuously investing in yourself, and maintaining a long-term perspective while others get distracted by short-term noise.

The crystal ball will always be shattered glass. But systematic, diversified investing across these five vehicles will build wealth that compounds regardless of what the future holds.

Start today. Start small. But start systematically.

Your future wealthy self is counting on the investment decisions you make right now.