Badass vs Dumbass
Master your Financial Kung Fu to be one and not the other.
Go to Sifu’s Notebook for 12 Motivating Reasons to Stay Under the Radar
Primer: Who are Sifu & Ronin
Episode 30: Shut It Down, Ronin!
Ronin: Sifu, when I hit the jackpot, I’m buying a castle. A huge one! And I’ll throw a party every weekend. I’ll make it rain, boss. You in?
Sifu: Ronin, sit down before you hurt yourself. Let’s talk about why you should lose this idea of being so flashy. Ever heard of stealth wealth?
Ronin: E-nope.
Sifu: Course not. It’s about being smart with your money, keeping things low-key. Let me explain why it’s a good idea for someone like you.
1. Avoid Unwanted Attention
Sifu: You ever hear about people who flash their wealth around and end up attracting all kinds of trouble?
Ronin: Like that guy with the silver-plated Audi. It got my attention – that’s one tricked out set of wheels. What kind of trouble is he in exactly?
Sifu: With all attention, how long before some of those eyeballs belong to unseemly types that might want to hijack that beauty for themselves. Do you think thieves target average looking cars?
Ronin: Good point, chief. But it’s not exactly like I’m rolling around in FU Money yet. Trust me, I am no high-value target. My wallet is currently sporting a couple of fivers and a tattered coupon for free fries. Why am I getting this lesson now?
Sifu: Good question, #1. Do you know that people who like to flash their cash like that don’t become like that overnight? Their pretentious lifestyle insidiously builds over time. They likely started leaning that way very early on, just as you may be doing today, with all this talk about “castles”. If you don’t shut down those over-the-top thoughts now, you’ll be some sort of show-off menace in no time.
Ronin: Oh!
2. Reduce Financial Pressure
Sifu: Now, imagine you do win that lottery or become a recipient of a big payday. You’ll feel pressure to keep up appearances, always having to outdo yourself.
Ronin: Yes sir – have to always look good! Ladies love, you know …
Sifu: Looking good and being extravagant are two different things. You don’t have to be excessive when looking trying look your best – not at all. Stealth wealth means no pressure to one-up yourself—or anyone else. Less stress, more peace.
Ronin: Hmmm. As long as I can still attract the honeys! Tell me more, boss.
3. Protect Your Privacy
Sifu: Stealth wealth keeps your life private. You won’t have every distant cousin or shady acquaintance showing up for handouts.
Ronin: You may be right about that one, Sifu! Guy from work hit me up for a loan as soon as he found out I got a raise. That’s it, not going to advertise every win I get from now on.
Sifu: Very smart, #1.
4. Avoid Jealousy and Resentment
Sifu: You flaunt your wealth, you’ll breed jealousy. People will envy what you have, even if they’re your friends.
Ronin: Yikes! That is not cool. What is wrong with people?
Sifu: It’s just human nature, Ronin. Just stay low-key. Keep your friends for who they are, not what you have.
5. Promote Genuine Relationships
Sifu: When people don’t know how much you have, they treat you for who you are.
Ronin: Works for me, boss.
Sifu: They’ll like you for your terrible jokes, not your non-existent fortune.
Ronin: Hahaha. My terrible corny jokes rock!
6. Encourage Financial Independence
Sifu: Stealth wealth helps you focus on what matters—building real, long-term wealth, not just spending to look rich.
Ronin: So, I should keep my eyes on the prize. A future of freedom from the rat race! And not on looking wealthy today, even if I have the cash to do it?
Sifu: Dead on the money, #1.
7. Prevent Financial Entitlement
Sifu: When people think you’re rich, they expect you to share. Suddenly, every problem becomes yours to solve.
Ronin: Whuuut? No way! I am not going be everyone’s personal ATM? ‘Hey Ronin, can you spot me fifty grand?’ Yeah, sure buddy!
Sifu: Ha! Exactly. Keep quiet about your wealth, and you avoid that hot mess.
8. Enhance Security
Sifu: Less visibility means fewer risks. You’re not a target for crime if people think you’re living modestly.
Ronin: Eyes wide. So, no armored trucks to escort me to the grocery store?
Sifu: I trust you can safely buy your frozen pizza in peace.
Ronin: Hey! Is this why you park your nicest supercar in the garage, and not leave it on the driveway?
Sifu: You’re starting to get it, #1. Precisely. Too many eyeballs on your stuff is never a good thing.
9. Minimize Social Comparisons
Sifu: If people don’t know what you have, they won’t compare themselves to you. You can live without the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ nonsense.
Ronin: So I don’t have to install a backyard pool, just cuz the neightbor did?
Sifu: New pool, eh? Hopefully they won’t drown in debt!
Ronin: Ha!
10. Maintain Focus on Personal Goals
Sifu: Stealth wealth lets you focus on what matters—your personal goals, not impressing others. Remember your target – focus on FIRE!
Ronin: You’re right – that sick 3 piece suit would get a lot of attention, but it would do nothing to further my FIRE goals.
Sifu: I keep telling you to just dry clean that classic blue suit you already have. Maybe you’re still enjoying the aroma of the chicken biryani stains on it.
Ronin: No lie – it’s dirty but it smells delicious!
Sifu: Dumbass!
11. Facilitate Generosity
Sifu: Stealth wealth allows you to give generously without expecting recognition.
Ronin: But how will people know I’m a saint if I don’t film myself donating giant checks?
Sifu: Good one, Jerry Lewis! True generosity doesn’t need an audience, Ronin.
12. Cultivate a Balanced Lifestyle
Sifu: Stealth wealth helps you focus on a balanced, grounded life. You’re not always chasing the next flashy trend. A centered life is richer than any pile of gold.
Ronin: Alright, Sifu. I get it. Maybe I’ll dial back on the castle parties … well, just a little.
Sifu: Moderation in all things, Ronin. What’s wrong with parties at your future beachfront oasis? I’m down with that, as long you don’t invite 500 drunk people and stir up the coppers.
Ronin: Always thinking ahead, boss. Nice!
Sifu: You promise to get that suit cleaned? The thought of it is too disturbing.
Ronin: Tell you what, bossman – I will if you get us some fresh chicken biryani and spicy garlic naan for lunch.
Sifu: OMG, dude! Fine. Maybe you should start a side hustle of being a negotiator.
Ronin: Hahaha. Ronin never loses when he focuses on the prize. Chicken biryani – daddy’s coming for ya!
Sifu’s Notebook
12 Motivating Reasons to Stay Under the Radar
Stealth wealth is about managing and accumulating wealth discreetly. Here’s why adopting this approach can be advantageous, explained with examples:
1. Avoid Unwanted Attention
Keeping your wealth private to prevent drawing attention from opportunists or unwanted parties.
Example: Instead of showcasing a new luxury car, keep your vehicle choice understated to avoid attracting potential thieves.
2. Reduce Financial Pressure
Avoiding public displays of wealth to prevent the stress of meeting high expectations or maintaining a lavish lifestyle.
Example: Hosting modest gatherings rather than extravagant parties reduces the pressure to continually host grand events.
3. Protect Your Privacy
Keeping your financial status and personal information discreet to safeguard your privacy.
Example: Avoiding public disclosure of financial achievements prevents unwanted scrutiny or potential breaches of personal data.
4. Avoid Jealousy and Resentment
Minimizing ostentatious displays of wealth to prevent creating feelings of jealousy among friends and family.
Example: Choosing not to flaunt expensive jewelry or luxury vacations helps maintain harmonious relationships.
5. Promote Genuine Relationships
Ensuring relationships are based on personal connections rather than financial status.
Example: If people don’t know about your wealth, they’ll be more likely to form friendships based on genuine interactions rather than financial gain.
6. Encourage Financial Independence
Focusing on saving and investing wisely rather than spending on luxury items.
Example: Investing in retirement accounts and avoiding extravagant purchases helps build long-term financial independence.
7. Prevent Financial Entitlement
Avoiding the creation of expectations for financial support or favors from others.
Example: Keeping your wealth discreet helps prevent friends or family from feeling entitled to financial help.
8. Enhance Security
Reducing the risk of becoming a target for criminal activities by maintaining a low profile.
Example: Not displaying high-value items or wealth-related signals in public helps keep your home and belongings secure.
9. Minimize Social Comparisons
Reducing the pressure of being used as a benchmark for others’ financial status.
Example: Avoiding public displays of wealth helps you live without constant comparisons and societal pressure.
10. Maintain Focus on Personal Goals
Concentrating on your own financial goals without external distractions.
Example: By not showcasing your wealth, you stay focused on personal achievements like saving for future goals or investing in education.
11. Facilitate Generosity
Supporting charitable causes or helping others without seeking public recognition.
Example: Donating anonymously or in a low-key manner ensures your contributions are more sincere and impactful.
12. Cultivate a Balanced Lifestyle
Focusing on living within your means and avoiding overindulgence.
Example: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle through modest spending and thoughtful financial decisions leads to long-term satisfaction and well-being.
