Kids are taught math—addition, subtraction, multiplication, division—and they can calculate lightning fast.But the math they learn often gets wrapped in complicated, mind-bending problems that even adults throw their hands up at.Honestly, these days, I can’t even help a second or third grader with their homework—it’s that tough.Yet no one teaches them how or when to use each operation in real life!
I was planning to write today about shortcuts to wealth.Last time, I shared the first shortcut: optimizing time.But somehow, I ended up thinking about kids again—before diving into my own approach.
Instead of working a full-time job like most people, I divide my full-time hours into three parts:
🔹 One-third goes to earning money to cover daily living. Honestly, there’s barely anything left over.Today, I met up with an old friend—she’s a university lecturer who used to invite me to give talks on personal finance.She kept teasing me about how well I manage my money—turns out I still have a reputation for being a smart spender.So yes, I’ve been reinforcing that trust with my recent sharing.
🔹 One-third goes to writing books and creating courses.I’m learning how to package knowledge into real products.
🔹 The final third is for studying business, markets, and building assets.It started with helping family, now I help clients too.
Why don’t I choose a full-time job?Well, the personal income tax law hasn’t kept up with how people actually live.No matter how you earn, taxes wait for their turn to show up.
I don’t work a lot.I haven’t started buying and selling yet either—I’m focused on branding and growing assets.If the time comes and it makes sense, then I’ll buy or sell.
To be honest, my mindset is that of a lazy person—someone who wants to live well, and live slow.I joked with my friend today: even if someone paid me 100 million VND/month for a full-time job, I’d still rather earn 5–10 million and have time for myself.
The rest of my time? I spend it wisely, and focus on asset growth.Because what matters isn’t how much you earn——it’s how you spend, and how you build from there.
#hoalefinan