market behavior – Wealth on the Move

The Wealth Ladder Explained: How to Build Wealth at Every Stage of Life | Nick Maggiulli (Episode 40)

By Wealth on the Move | January 15, 2026

Summary: In this episode of Wealth on the Move, host Will Hoffman speaks with Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of The Wealth Ladder. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding wealth building, emphasizing the importance of income over spending habits. The conversation explores the different levels of the wealth ladder, focusing on the early stages of financial safety and skill development, transitioning to investing, and understanding risk tolerance. They also touch on personal spending choices and the significance of aligning financial goals with lifestyle decisions. In this conversation, Will Hoffman and Nick Maggiulli explore the multifaceted nature of wealth, discussing how high net worth individuals perceive money differently, the emotional challenges associated with wealth, and the common myths that can hinder financial success. They emphasize the importance of adaptability in financial strategies and the need for personalized advice at different stages of wealth accumulation.

Resources:

Takeaways:

Wealth building is more about income than spending.
Financial safety is crucial for those at the bottom rungs.
Education and skill development are key to increasing earnings.
Investing becomes more important as net worth increases.
Risk tolerance should align with personal circumstances and goals.
Lifestyle inflation can hinder financial progress.
Personal spending choices should reflect individual values and joy.
Avoid following high-level advice when starting out.
Building an emergency fund is essential for financial stability.
Understanding your financial situation is the first step to wealth. High net worth individuals often feel a responsibility to preserve wealth for future generations.
Money can be viewed as a tool for making impactful changes in the world.
At some point, personal wealth may stop improving life satisfaction.
Emotional reactions to market fluctuations can lead to poor financial decisions.
The myth that cutting spending is the key to wealth is unfounded.
Consistent investing over time yields the best returns.
Liquidity is more important than previously thought.
Rebalancing investments may not be as crucial as once believed.
Financial strategies should evolve as one’s wealth grows.
Perspective on financial challenges can be gained from understanding historical events.

Connect with Will Hoffman:

Nick Maggiulli and Ritholtz Wealth Management are not affiliated with Hoffman Wealth Management and Private Advisor Group.

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