Don’t Chase Money — Build Systems That Make It for You The majority of people are chasing money throughout their lives. They exchange their time for an income, still, they keep hoping the day when the hours put in will bring them sufficiency will be the next one. However, millionaires have a totally different perspective. Instead of chasing money, they build systems that generate money without their intervention. A system is anything that is profitable to you, even when you are absent. It might be: An automated funnel selling a digital product*. A dropshipping or affiliate store* heavily reliant on 24/7 marketing. A personal brand* that, through consistent content, attracts clients. Or simply investments* that result in cash flow without the need for daily toil. The major factor is leverage — usage of tools, automation, and strategy to bring in more results with less effort. Humanly you cannot operate 24 hours a day, but your system can. Think big but start small. Use one hour of each day to create something that will later be able to work independently. Whether it's building a website, recording a digital course, or automating your outreach — anything that takes you closer to independence. Once you get to hear the money that is coming while you are asleep, your way of thinking will change permanently. The mentality of an employee will be gone, and that of an owner will emerge. Remember this: > Wealth is not solely the result of hard work — it is the result of smart structure. So today, you should question yourself: What am I capable of building one time that will keep giving me money indefinitely? That is your system. That is your freedom ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌plan.

The ongoing tariff conflict between the U.S. and China is having ripple effects throughout the global economy — from stock markets to supermarket prices. Bilateral goods trade between the two countries declined from $661.5 billion in 2018 to $582.4 billion in 2024, illustrating how tariffs are slowing down trade momentum. China's exports to the U.S. recently dropped more than 25% year-on-year, compelling most factories to divert shipments to Southeast Asia and Europe. Higher production costs and softer foreign demand have already pushed China's manufacturing PMI into contractionary territory. But America is not dodging the pain either. A Yale's Budget Lab study (2025) concluded that recent tariffs are increasing consumer prices by 1.3%, or about $1,800 in lost purchasing power per household. GDP growth is forecast to decline by 0.5 percentage points this year, and tariff-linked job losses are estimated by the Minneapolis Fed at 1–3 million if things continue. Farmers are also getting hurt as China suspends major imports such as soybeans. On the market front, Wall Street as well as Shanghai stocks have been price volatile. Investors are concerned that sustained trade tensions will impact corporate profits, supply chains, as well as tech innovation. The ramifications don't end there — India is experiencing mixed outcomes, securing some orders for manufacturing while seeing rising input prices, while Europe copes with more expensive Chinese components. The WTO cautions that a complete U.S.–China decoupling in trade could reduce global GDP by as much as 7%. In summary: no one actually wins. China misses out on export revenue, the U.S. has to contend with increased inflation, and the rest of the world loses out in terms of slow growth and interrupted trade.

Seventeen days ago, Thunder ran a poll in Community asking a powerful question: “What matters more for becoming a millionaire?” The results are in, and they reveal some fascinating insights: Skills (57%) – The majority of you believe that sharpening your skills is the most important driver of wealth. Whether it’s sales, investing, leadership, or problem-solving, skills compound over time and directly influence your earning power. Think about it: one new skill can change your entire financial trajectory. Network (29%) – Almost a third of the community voted for network. And rightly so. A strong network can open doors that you can’t unlock alone. Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know that accelerates your journey. The right connection can save you years of trial and error. Mindset (14%) – While mindset received fewer votes, it’s still a critical foundation. A growth mindset, resilience, and the ability to stay consistent when things get tough are often what separate the people who give up from those who push through and reach millionaire status. Luck (0%) – This one surprised me. Not a single person credited luck. Maybe that’s because luck tends to favor those who are prepared. Or maybe it’s because we, as a community, believe in building our own opportunities rather than waiting for chance to knock on our doors. My Takeaway : Becoming a millionaire is rarely about a single factor. Skills can earn you opportunities, your network can multiply them, and mindset helps you stay the course. Luck might show up sometimes, but it’s the least reliable strategy. Enter your response below, and together, let's motivate one another with the abilities we're dedicated to developing as we work toward becoming millionaires!

I'm not sure where I stand on the whole U.S tariffs on China and India issue. I get the whole concept of tariffs -- to protect American jobs, push back against unfair and unreasonable trade practices, and reduce dependency on imports. But I can't help but feel that everyday Americans will be paying more as a result. Think about everything you own, and what you may want to buy in the future -- electronics, clothes, etc. The cost of basic raw materials have all gone up as a result of tariffs. The U.S.-China trade war is old news, but now India is getting caught up in tariffs too. Tariffs on Indian steel, textiles, and pharmaceuticals could end up with long term costs, especially since many U.S. companies use India as a supplier. Some people will say that tariffs can boost U.S. manufacturing and protect local workers, while others will say that tariffs slow down the global supply chain and make U.S. companies less competitive. So what do you think -- do tariffs on India and China provide the benefit of protection for the American economy, or do tariffs on India and China make it harder for U.S. consumers?

What was the best opportunity you didn’t take — and do you regret it?

1. Family stuff Look, your family sets the stage. How your parents act? It’s wild how much that messes with your wiring. If your folks are all about rules but also give you a bit of love and space, odds are you’ll walk out with some decent self-esteem and social smarts. But if they’re just strict with zero warmth? You might be super obedient, but also maybe a little robotic, not gonna lie. And if your family’s a hot mess—constant drama, yelling, or worse? That can seriously mess with your head. You grow up jumpy, stressed, maybe act out or just withdraw. Plus, if your family’s barely scraping by, money-wise, that’s a whole other beast. Less cash means more stress, maybe weaker schools, fewer chances to try new stuff. It all adds up, and not in a fun way. 2. Social jungle Your friends and the people around you? Huge deal. Hanging out with a good crew teaches you how to play nice, build empathy, all that jazz. And your neighborhood—safe, supportive, or sketchy? It shapes how you see the world, what you think is “normal,” and what you dream about. Cultural stuff matters too. Whether your fam is all about “me first” or “family first,” that stuff gets baked into your bones. 3. Physical surroundings Where you live matters way more than people want to admit. Got a safe, clean place? Good chance you’ll grow up with less stress and more brainpower. But if your place is falling apart or you’re dodging trouble just walking home, good luck focusing on homework. Oh, and pollution? Yikes. Lead, smog, all that junk—can straight-up mess with your memory and mood. But hey, if you’ve got parks or even a patch of grass nearby? Turns out, just being outside makes you healthier and sharper. Go figure. 4. Mind games Kids need their brains fed, not just their stomachs. Talk to them, read to them, let them ask weird questions. That’s how you build those mental muscles. And emotional backup? Priceless. Knowing someone’s got your back, no matter what, is what helps you get up when life knocks you down. 5. Wild cards Stuff happens—good, bad, and bizarre. Big events shape how you bounce back or break down. School’s another beast: good teachers, cool classes, a place you feel safe? That can totally change your path. Long story short: your environment is this wild, ever-changing mix that shapes who you are, right alongside your genes. If we actually put some effort into making homes, schools, and neighborhoods better for kids? Who knows, maybe we’d all turn out a little less weird. Or at least a little happier.

Alright, let’s dig in a bit deeper. So, being a millionaire—yeah, it’s a status symbol, but it’s also kinda slippery. People toss the word around like it’s the finish line of some epic race. You see it everywhere: YouTube gurus promising you’ll get there in five easy steps, or your uncle swearing his crypto coins are about to take off. But honestly, a million bucks ain’t what it used to be. With prices going up on, well, literally everything, sometimes it feels like you need a million just to get by (have you seen rent lately?). But, okay, let’s say you actually make it. Maybe you hustled, maybe you won the lottery, maybe grandma left you a sweet inheritance—whatever. Suddenly, everyone has opinions about what you should do with your dough. Family asks for “small loans,” friends start dropping hints about “business opportunities,” and don’t even get me started on all the causes and charities that pop up out of nowhere. There’s a weird expectation that you become some kind of superhero—saving puppies, funding research, fixing potholes in your hometown. It’s cool if you want to help out, but, man, the pressure can get real. And then there’s the whole business of “wealth management.” Sounds fancy, right? But it’s just rich people code for trying not to blow it all on dumb stuff. Some folks turn into investment wizards, others burn through their fortune faster than you can say “midlife crisis sports car.” There’s always that lingering fear of losing it, too. Rich today, broke tomorrow—look at lottery winners, or celebrities who went bankrupt. Money doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Plus, people treat you differently. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes like you’ve suddenly grown a second head. It’s a trip. You might get invited to exclusive parties or get stuck listening to everyone’s “million dollar idea.” Either way, your life changes. For better or worse? Depends who you ask. So yeah, being a millionaire isn’t just about the number in your bank account, it’s this whole new world of expectations, opportunities, and let’s be honest, a little bit of drama. Not that I’d say no to the cash, though. Just saying.

Here’s how picking random 1. Figure Out What the Heck You Want Are you saving for a beach house? Planning to retire before your knees give out? Or just want to flex on your cousin at Thanksgiving? Nail down your goal. Then, get honest about risk. Some folks panic if their stocks drop 5%. Others? They’re fine unless the market’s on fire. Know which one you are. Here’s the thing people don’t usually tell you: your goals will probably change. Maybe you start out wanting to save for a house, but then you get promoted and suddenly a European sports car sounds more appealing. That’s cool. Your portfolio should be flexible enough to move with you. And when it comes to risk, don’t just guess—actually picture how you’d feel if your investments dropped 20% overnight. If you’re reaching for the antacids, maybe dial it back. 2. Pick Your Poison (Asset Allocation, Baby) This is just a fancy term for “How much goes where?” Stocks are wild—they can make you rich or eat your lunch. Bonds are like the designated driver: boring, but you need ‘em. Cash? It just chills. Old-school advice says: subtract your age from 100 (or 120 if you’re feeling spicy), and that’s how much you put in stocks. So if you’re 40, maybe 60% stocks, 40% bonds/cash. Tweak as needed. But let’s not kid ourselves—these rules of thumb are just a starting point. If you’re planning to work until you’re 80 because you love your job (or you’re just a workaholic, no judgment), maybe you can handle a riskier mix. And don’t forget about stuff like real estate, REITs, commodities, or even a little crypto if you’re feeling adventurous. The “perfect” allocation doesn’t exist—it’s about what works for you and helps you sleep at night. 3. Don’t Bet It All on One Horse (Diversify, Bro) Within those buckets, mix it up. Don’t buy only tech stocks unless you want to ride the rollercoaster. Get a little of everything: big companies, small fries, international stuff. Same with bonds—grab a corporate one here, a government one there. Basically, don’t get caught with your pants down if one sector tanks. Let’s be real, though—diversification isn’t just for show. When tech stocks go nuts (hello, 2021), it’s tempting to pile in. But remember 2008? Yeah, sometimes everything falls, but usually different sectors do their own thing. You want to be the person who’s grinning when everyone else is crying because you’ve got a little healthcare, some energy, maybe a dash of emerging markets. It’s not glamorous, but it works. And don’t sleep on index funds or ETFs, especially if you’re not trying to be the next Warren Buffett. They do the diversifying for you. Set it, forget it, and let the fund manager do the heavy lifting. 4. Rebalance—Because Life Happens Things change. Markets go up, down, sideways—sometimes all in one week. Once in a while, check your portfolio. If it’s way off from your target split, shuffle things around. Sell a bit here, buy a bit there. Don’t overthink it—once a year is fine for most people. But here’s a pro tip: rebalancing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about discipline. It forces you to sell high and buy low, which sounds obvious but is actually super hard to do when everyone else is losing their minds. You might feel like a genius for letting your winning stocks run, but at some point, gravity kicks in. Rebalancing keeps you honest. Plus, it stops you from accidentally turning your “balanced” portfolio into an all-tech, all-risk hot mess. 5. Stay Awake (Sorta) Yeah, investing isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Keep an eye on things. Read a headline or two. If your goals change—or, you know, the world goes bananas—be ready to switch things up. Now, I’m not saying you should obsess over every market blip. That’s a recipe for ulcers. But don’t bury your head in the sand either. Check in once in a while, make sure your investments still match your life. Big life event? Maybe time to tweak things. Market’s on fire? Resist the urge to panic sell. Most of the time, doing nothing is actually the best move. Why bother with all this? Well: - Balancing keeps you from freaking out when the market tanks. Seriously, you don’t want to be that person glued to CNBC, sweating over every tick. - Your returns won’t be as wild, but you’ll probably sleep better. That’s worth more than gold some days. - You still get in on growth, without getting totally smoked if things go south. - And hey, you can always tweak your plan as you go. No one’s locking you in a vault with your portfolio. Honestly, if you want to get fancy, you can dig into stuff like tax-loss harvesting, factor investing, or even sustainable funds if that’s your jam. But for most folks, it’s about not making the big mistakes: don’t chase the hottest thing, don’t panic sell on bad news, and don’t ignore your portfolio for a decade.