Is saving/investing actually a crappy way to get rich?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What other ways are there for MC or UMC folks to accumulate wealth for retirement besides saving/investing in the market? Inheritance, criminal activity, real estate, and lucrative career choices. Not trying to be flippant, but not everyone is suited to be a partner in Big Law or a successful entrepreneur.

That just seems entitled. Hard work and risk-taking can lead to great riches. If you aren't willing to do that, then no surprise you may not see those great riches.

That said, a middle of the ground option is private equity investing, via funds open only to those with money. Risk is higher, and returns _can_ be higher (or lower.. you can lose it all) but as a limited partner you don't have to do much.. you're not sitting in on meetings with potential investments and such. Your money is illiquid for many years, and risky, but it doesn't take much effort, just you need to have the $$.

I just put money in a fintech investment fund. $250k/year commitment for the next 4 years. I'm in another fund from the same partners and it's up 80% in 3 years, but that's illiquid until those investments exit. That one I needed to put in "only" $500k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What other ways are there for MC or UMC folks to accumulate wealth for retirement besides saving/investing in the market? Inheritance, criminal activity, real estate, and lucrative career choices. Not trying to be flippant, but not everyone is suited to be a partner in Big Law or a successful entrepreneur.

That just seems entitled. Hard work and risk-taking can lead to great riches. If you aren't willing to do that, then no surprise you may not see those great riches.

That said, a middle of the ground option is private equity investing, via funds open only to those with money. Risk is higher, and returns _can_ be higher (or lower.. you can lose it all) but as a limited partner you don't have to do much.. you're not sitting in on meetings with potential investments and such. Your money is illiquid for many years, and risky, but it doesn't take much effort, just you need to have the $$.

I just put money in a fintech investment fund. $250k/year commitment for the next 4 years. I'm in another fund from the same partners and it's up 80% in 3 years, but that's illiquid until those investments exit. That one I needed to put in "only" $500k.

There's nothing special about PE. Even established firms only accessible to rich people lack liquidity and are very risky. The things is that once you have that kind of money, there is absolutely no reason to take that level of risk unless you just enjoy gambling. Honestly, people with mental issues are attracted to these types of investments due to their exclusivity.