"Elige ser rico, no solo adinerado"

Choosing to be wealthy rather than just rich is all about understanding the difference between temporary financial success and long-term, sustainable financial health. Being rich often refers to having a lot of money or high income at a given moment. In contrast, wealth is about securing your financial future, maintaining a high quality of life, and building assets that generate ongoing income.

Historically, this idea has roots in the philosophies of personal finance gurus like Robert Kiyosaki. Think about the 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' scenario: one dad focuses on earning a big paycheck, while the other emphasizes building assets and investing. The mindset of choosing wealth over mere richness has been touted by financial advisors for decades, if not longer, as the key to financial independence and security.

Let’s talk about a real-life example. Imagine a young tech professional named Sarah. Sarah lands a job with a six-figure salary right out of college. She immediately rents a luxurious apartment, buys a brand-new car, and travels extensively. She’s rich, undeniably. But when her company downsizes and she loses her job, she finds herself in a precarious financial situation. Her lifestyle depends entirely on her high income, and without it, she's scrambling.

Now, consider another person, Mark. Mark earns a decent salary, though not as high as Sarah’s. Instead of spending lavishly, he lives modestly, invests in a diversified portfolio, and buys rental properties. Over time, his investments generate passive income. Mark may not have the flashy lifestyle Sarah had, but his financial stability grows year after year. When he decides to take a year off work to travel or pursue a passion project, he can do so without financial stress. Mark chose wealth over short-term richness.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start with your mindset. Don’t just chase a high salary—think about how you can build assets that will provide income even when you’re not actively working. Invest in stocks, real estate, or start a side business. Aim to save a portion of your income regularly, and make sure you understand the power of compound interest. It’s often not about how much you earn but how much you keep and grow.

Here’s a scenario that might help illustrate this further. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and they show you their brand-new designer watch. They’re thrilled—they’ve wanted it for ages. You’re happy for them, but you can’t help but think about the $5,000 price tag. Instead of buying a watch, you decide to invest that money. Five years later, that investment has doubled in value, and you’re earning dividends. Your friend’s watch might still be beautiful, but it hasn’t appreciated in value—and might even be less fashionable.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy your hard-earned money; it’s about balance. It’s fine to treat yourself, but think long-term. How can you make your money work for you? Choose wealth—it’s more than just having a lot of zeroes in your bank account. It’s about creating a safety net, enjoying financial freedom, and securing your future. Think beyond the immediate and plan for the sustainable. That’s the real secret to lasting financial success.