Working hard doesn’t always mean moving up the wealth ladder. Many families feel stuck — despite long hours and financial discipline — because their strategy isn’t aligned with their stage of wealth.

To help us rethink our approach, Andy Hill sits down with Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and bestselling author of The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life (get it here). Nick explains his “wealth levels” framework, the six stages of net worth, and how your financial strategy should evolve at each step.

Whether you’re just starting out or on your way to millionaire status, this conversation will help you identify pitfalls, focus on the right levers, and take practical steps to keep climbing.

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Podcast Chapters

00:00 – Why working harder isn’t always the answer

00:30 – Introduction to Nick Maggiulli & The Wealth Ladder

02:00 – Why effort alone doesn’t guarantee wealth

04:30 – Defining the “Wealth Ladder” framework

06:30 – The six levels of wealth in America

09:00 – Why income is the biggest driver of wealth

10:30 – Spending freedom at different wealth levels

13:00 – When investing starts to accelerate wealth building

15:00 – Level 3 realities: income vs. investments

18:00 – Homeownership as an asset vs. consumption good

20:30 – Pitfalls of ego-driven spending in Level 3

24:00 – What separates Level 3 from Level 4 wealth builders

26:00 – Nick’s personal journey to Level 4

28:00 – Mistakes and lessons learned along the way

30:20 – Solopreneurship and scaling outside your 9-to-5

32:00 – Advice for frustrated wealth builders

33:40 – Where to get The Wealth Ladder

HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER

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Opinions are the creators alone.

Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

CREDITS

Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Support: Andy Hill

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