What The Wealthy
Do Differently
About The Course
What The Wealthy Do Differently is a practical, educational course designed to help pre-retirees understand how affluent families think, plan, and prepare for a successful retirement. The course explores proven strategies around investing, tax planning, income creation, and risk management—focusing not on chasing returns, but on making smarter, more intentional decisions. Participants will leave with clarity, confidence, and a framework for building a retirement plan that protects their lifestyle, minimizes taxes, and supports their long-term goals.
Course Outline
1. How the Wealthy Think About Money & Retirement
The wealthy approach retirement with a long-term mindset, focusing on intentional planning rather than short-term results. They understand the difference between income and true wealth and view retirement as a transition into the next phase of life, not an endpoint. This mindset shapes every financial decision they make.
2. Building the Right Retirement Foundation (Before Investing)
Before focusing on investments, the wealthy prioritize building a strong financial foundation. This includes creating adequate liquidity, managing debt strategically, and eliminating inefficiencies that can erode long-term wealth. Getting the basics right allows their retirement plan to remain flexible and resilient.
3. How the Wealthy Invest Differently
Rather than trying to beat the market, the wealthy emphasize disciplined investment strategies built around asset allocation and diversification. They focus on managing risk, avoiding large losses, and maintaining consistency through market cycles. Their goal is not speculation, but sustainable growth aligned with retirement goals.
4. Tax Planning: The Wealthy’s Secret Weapon
Tax planning plays a central role in how the wealthy build and preserve retirement wealth. They focus on tax diversification, strategic Roth conversions, and minimizing future Required Minimum Distributions. By planning ahead, they aim to keep more of what they’ve earned and reduce tax surprises in retirement.
5. Creating Reliable Income in Retirement
The wealthy plan carefully for how their assets will generate income once paychecks stop. They separate growth assets from income strategies and design withdrawal plans to reduce volatility and sequence-of-returns risk. The result is a more predictable and sustainable income stream throughout retirement.
6. Protecting Wealth from Life’s Biggest Threats
Protection is just as important as growth for long-term financial success. The wealthy plan for risks such as market downturns, healthcare costs, longevity, and taxation. Through proactive risk management and estate planning, they work to preserve wealth for themselves and future generations.
7. Designing a Purpose-Driven Retirement Plan
Ultimately, the wealthy view money as a tool to support the life they want to live. Retirement planning includes aligning finances with values, coordinating Social Security decisions, and planning for legacy and charitable giving. A written, adaptable retirement plan helps ensure their wealth supports both lifestyle and purpose.
We don't have to be smarter than the rest. We have to be more disciplined than the rest."
—Warren Buffett