My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Money as Freedom From vs Freedom To
True financial freedom means money no longer controls your decisions, rather than simply being able to buy anything you want
Decision Rule
Evaluate financial decisions based on whether they increase or decrease money's control over your life choices
How It Works
When money doesn't drive decisions, you can optimize for happiness, fulfillment, and long-term well-being rather than short-term financial gain
Failure Modes
Continuing to accumulate wealth while remaining controlled by money anxiety
Making life decisions purely based on financial optimization
Confusing spending power with actual financial freedom
Example Decision
“Choosing to live in high-tax location because it provides better quality of life, rather than moving somewhere purely for tax savings”
Related Knowledge
The US tax system intentionally favors business owners and real estate investors
Anyone optimizing for wealth should seriously consider business ownership over employment
Tax Code Business Owner Advantage Framework
The US tax system is intentionally structured to provide significantly more tax reduction opportunities for business owners and real estate investors compared to W2 employees.
Four-Component Happiness Framework
A systematic approach to happiness based on four core environmental and behavioral components that drive well-being.
Maximize tax-free gains on startup exit beyond the standard $10M QSBS limit
$30M+ in tax-free gains instead of $10M limit through strategic distribution to family members and trusts
Find and manage a proactive tax professional who provides strategic value year-round
Quarterly strategic tax planning sessions, proactive recommendations, and significant annual tax savings that exceed pro
the US tax code is rigged in favor of business owners
The American tax system intentionally provides significantly more tax reduction opportunities for business owners compar