The Investment Strategies That Worked for the Last 40 Years Are Now Dangerous
Early Bird Deadline Approaching! Don’t miss your chance to join us at the Real Wealth Conference in Dallas, Texas, October 23–25. The early bird pricing ends this Friday, September 5th. Lock in your spot now to gain the skillsets and clarity to create alternative income streams and more Freedom/options in your life.
When people say they want the economy to return to ‘normal,' what they usually mean is the relative stability and prosperity of the last 40 years. But here's the hard truth: that era may have been the anomaly—not the norm. In reality, we may not be leaving ‘normal' at all… we may be returning to it.
We lived for years—especially the last fifteen—in a financial environment where near zero interest rates were the status quo. Rapid evolutions in technology and global trade kept prices (more on that in an article I wrote for NewsMax here) on a perpetual downward trajectory. Everything was always getting cheaper.
An era of easy money, cheap debt, and inflated asset values.
But when inflation surged and the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, the script flipped. Interest rates spiked, and with that, the entire dynamic of investing, financing, and wealth-building changed.
Federal debt has swelled to over $37 trillion—surpassing 120% of GDP—and interest alone will cost nearly $952 billion in 2025.
Some are still clinging to the hope that we’ll return to those low rates. But let me ask you this: Would you bet the farm on that happening? I wouldn’t. With unprecedented debt levels, persistent inflation, and pent-up demand driving prices, the likelihood of a full return to the old model is slim. We’re not going back.
So, what does this mean for you and me?
It means we need to change some key assumptions about wealth building. Assumptions that many are taking as gospel and are building their future upon.
Stop Hanging Your Hat on the Big Exit.
The “big exit” strategy—whether from real estate, a dental practice, or any other investment—was built on cheap debt and sky-high multiples. That world is gone. The new game? It’s all about operational fundamentals and sustainability.
It’s time to double down on hard assets backed by strong operators. The flip-it-fast, financialization mindset is a relic of yesterday. Can you still use leverage? Sure. But at today’s rates, you'd better know what you're doing. The risk is higher, the profit margins are slimmer, and the margin for error is near zero.
Build a New Game Plan Based on Liquidity & Hard Assets
Whether you're early in your career, mid-stream, or nearing the exit from active income, the question remains the same:
Are you building replacement income that will last?
(More on the concept of replacement income in this blog post).
Forget the magic bullet. Focus on sustainable cash flow from assets that perform in good times and bad. Think long-term. Start laddering your liquidity now. I used to keep most of my money locked in long-term assets. That strategy worked… back then. Today? I've pulled back. I keep more in short-term reserves, ready to move when the markets tighten and opportunities arise.
Because when credit dries up, cash is king.
Underwrite Your Future
Your best weapon in this new era? Discernment. Due diligence is no longer optional; it's essential. Don’t fly solo. Surround yourself with people who’ve been through market cycles, people who understand both wins and failures.
Develop your own personal investment philosophy. Don’t just copy what others do. You need to know what fits you and your goals. That philosophy will evolve over time, but if you don’t start building it, you’ll be drifting without direction.
Your New Playbook: A Checklist for Financial Agility
- Ditch the Dependence on Big Exits – Stop banking on one big payout. Focus instead on reliable, recurring income streams.
- Invest in Hard Assets – Prioritize tangible, income-producing assets with intrinsic value.
- Vet Strong Operators – Back people, not just projects. Operator quality matters more than ever.
- Build Liquidity Ladders – Maintain cash reserves and stagger asset timelines to stay nimble.
- Use Leverage Sparingly – If you use debt, be strategic and conservative. Today’s risk profile is not what it used to be.
- Join the Right Community – Surround yourself with experienced investors who challenge your thinking.
- Craft and Revisit Your Investment Philosophy – Make it personal. Refine it regularly as markets and your life evolve.
That’s why I’m hosting the Real Wealth Conference in Dallas, Texas, October 23rd to 25th.
This will be a gathering of my network of advisors and deal operators, as well as a community of colleagues and fellow practitioners who are coming together to share their experiences and craft strategies for the coming decade. It’s about equipping you with clarity, connections, and the confidence to chart your own path to freedom.
If you're serious about crafting your game plan for 2026 and beyond, join us. The early bird pricing ends September 5th. Lock in your spot.Because your freedom is always up to you.
