Episode-2273- John Pugliano and Jack Spirko on The Richest Man in Babylon Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
I reached out to expert council member John Pugliano about doing this episode with me. I feel the biggest weakness in what our young people are not taught today, above all other things how to handle, earn, manage and invest money. While not the end all be all, I find The Richest Man in Babylon to be one of the best foundations on how to think about money ever written. John and I break this classic down today using the following outline of some of the main concepts presented in the book.
There are also some surprises in today’s show, a phone call from Patrick Roehrman, the arrival of Nick Ferguson and more. John and I did this recording at my kitchen table while he was visiting for the 10 Year Anniversary Party. Lots of other TSP folks were on the way in, so rather than edit out the disruptions we rolled with them. It makes for a fun show.
SUMMARY: Richest Man in Babylon
5 Laws of Gold (my version: money flows to where it’s treated best)
- 1. Gold cometh gladly and in increasing quantity to any man who will put by not less than one-tenth of his earnings to create an estate for his future and that of his family.
- a. A portion is yours to keep.
- b. 10%….my recommendation is 20% (in modern times, taxes eat up too much real income)
- c. SAVE before you start to think about investing.
- i. You can’t take advantage of Opportunity unless you have resources
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- i. You can’t take advantage of Opportunity unless you have resources
- 2. Gold laboreth diligently and contentedly for the wise owner who finds for it profitable employment, multiplying even as the flocks of the field.
- a. Money likes to “work” and doesn’t complain about being a “slave”….it works without compensation.
- b. Money has no mind…YOU must find it profitable employment.
- c. Magic of compounding interest…money multiplies.
- i. Law of 72
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- i. Law of 72
- 3. Gold clingeth to the protection of the cautious owner who invests it under the advice of men wise in its handling.
- a. Emphasize “protection” & “cautious”.
- b. Be patient and disciplined….it takes TIME.
- c. Invest vs Speculate (4th part of my book)
- d. Seek out wise men…mentors. (take an old guy to lunch)
- i. Knowledge in a specific field.
- ii. Ignore ideology or imperfections…avoid Hero Worship
- e. If times get tough or even if they don’t.
- i. Plan for prosperity and failure…within your sphere of influence & control.
- ii. If you have dependents buy term life insurance.
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- e. If times get tough or even if they don’t.
- 4. Gold slippeth away from the man who invests it in businesses or purposes with which he is not familiar or which are not approved by those skilled in its keep.
- a. You have to fix Stupid before you can fix Broke.
- b. Don’t take advice from Stupid or Broke people.
- i. Advanced advice: avoid these people all together.
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- i. Advanced advice: avoid these people all together.
- 5. Gold flees the man who would force it to impossible earnings or who followeth the alluring advice of tricksters and schemers or who trusts it to his own inexperience and romantic desires in investment.
- a. Reality: lots of people are trying to screw you.
- b. You’re NOT that smart.
- c. Diversify because you’re going to have LOTS of failures.
Work – The Generator of Weath
- 1. Wealth comes from work.
- 2. First learn to work, then learn to have others work for you.
- a. Start with what you know, where you are.
- b. Story of Baker looking to buy a slave.
- i. You can buy your own freedom.
- ii. Work to acquire experience.
- 3. Money is your ultimate slave.
- a. The Boss/Owner has money, the Employee is broke.
Debt – The Enslaver of the Fool
1. Magic of Compounding Interest working against you.
2. Debt is SLAVERY…period.
Resources for today’s show…
- Join the Members Brigade
- Join Our Forum
- Walking To Freedom
- TSP Gear
- TspAz.com – Support TSP When You Shop Online
- The Granddaddy’s Gun Club
- Bullhead Fishing
- Aquatics and Aquaponics Playlist
- Biltong for Breakfast
- The Richest Man in Babylon on Amazon
- Free Audio of The Richest Man in Babylon on Youtube
- Breakdown of the Above Audio into 5, 1-Hour MP3s
- Investable Wealth – John’s Website
- The Wealthsteading Podcast – John’s Podcast
- Field of Innocence – Evanescence
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