Mei 13-2025

By: Markus Krisrtianto

In this digital age, we are often bombarded with inspiring stories about young people under 30 who have already achieved abundant wealth. Social media is filled with content like “How to Get Rich in 6 Months” or “Investments That Will Make You a Billionaire Overnight.” However, behind all these narratives, there is an important question that is rarely asked: Can true wealth really be built in such a short time?

For professionals who are serious about self-development, understanding the principles of sustainable finance is far more important than getting caught up in the illusion of quick wealth schemes. This article will discuss how to build real, lasting wealth that aligns with well-rounded self-development values.

The Get-Rich-Quick Myth and Its Impact on Financial Mindset

Many people fall into the trap of “get rich quick” schemes because they believe wealth is an end goal that can be achieved with one big step. In reality, true wealth is built through consistent small habits—not just by luck.

When we constantly see young successful people, we forget that most of them have gone through long processes, repeated failures, and years of hard work. The media only showcases the success, not the struggles behind it.

For a professional, adopting such an instant mindset can be dangerous because:

• It leads to impulsive financial decisions (e.g., fraudulent investments or trading without a solid foundation).
• It hinders the development of skills that can generate long-term income.
• It creates social pressure to “appear successful” even when financial stability has not yet been achieved.

Basic Principles of Wealth That Are Rarely Discussed

Wealth is not just about the amount of money in your account, but about financial freedom—where you no longer work for money, but money works for you. To achieve this, there are several fundamental principles to understand:

1. Wealth Is the Result of Habits, Not Luck.
   The wealthiest people in the world—like Warren Buffett or Charlie Munger—did not build their fortunes overnight. They follow simple rules: live below their means, invest consistently, and keep learning.
2. Active Income Is Never Enough.
   As a professional, a monthly salary may feel secure. However, depending on one income source is a huge risk. True wealth is built through passive income—investments, side businesses, or assets that generate income without consuming your time.
3. Financial Literacy Is Key.
   Many academically intelligent people are financially illiterate. They may excel in their field, but lack the understanding of how to manage debt, investments, or tax planning. Without this knowledge, even a large income can disappear without a trace.

Practical Steps to Building Sustainable Wealth

After understanding the basic principles, the next step is to apply strategies that can be done consistently:

• Prioritize Savings and Investments Over Lifestyle.
  Many professionals fall into “lifestyle inflation,” where every salary increase is followed by higher spending. However, the wealthiest people often live simply. Start with the 50-30-20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings/investments.
• Build Multiple Income Streams.
  Don’t rely solely on your salary. Find ways to generate additional income—starting from stock investments, real estate, side businesses, or digital content. Diversifying income sources reduces financial risk.
• Learn to Invest with Discipline.
  Investing is not gambling. Learn the basics before diving in. Start with low-risk instruments like mutual funds or bonds, then gradually explore stocks and real estate. Consistency is more important than timing the market.
• Avoid Consumer Debt.
  Debt should be used for productive assets (e.g., business loans or mortgages), but avoid debt for lifestyle (such as credit cards for entertainment). Consumer debt interest is a silent killer of wealth.

Changing Your Mindset: From a Get-Rich-Seeker to a True Wealth Builder

The biggest difference between those who are truly wealthy and those who only “look rich” is mindset. Long-term financially successful people have the following characteristics:

• They focus on the process, not instant results.
• They are not afraid of failure because failure is part of the learning process.
• They continuously develop themselves, both in professional skills and financial literacy.

As a professional, you have a big advantage: the ability to learn and adapt. Use this to build a strong financial foundation—not just to chase the illusion of instant wealth.

True Wealth is Freedom, Not the Numbers in Your Account

The ultimate goal of sound financial management is not to become a billionaire, but to achieve freedom—freedom from financial stress, the freedom to choose meaningful work, and the freedom to live life according to your values.

Start today with small steps: evaluate your spending, increase your financial knowledge, and invest time and money in things that truly grow. Sustainable wealth does not come from get-rich-quick schemes but from the wise decisions you make every day.

So, are you ready to leave behind the dream of quick wealth and switch to a strategy for real wealth?

Want to dive deeper into managing your finances the right way? Join the digital learning module program “Is My Money Enough?” designed specifically to help you manage your money wisely, avoid excessive debt, build savings for the future, and plan intelligent investments. Visit campsite.bio/qqgroup and follow us on social media for the latest information on our digital learning programs.

Let’s step together towards a great Indonesia!