What are the 5 main ways to get rich, and how to start without money?

in Steem Schoolsyesterday (edited)
Getting rich typically involves creating significant wealth over time, and while there's no guaranteed formula, five main paths are commonly cited based on historical trends and economic principles. These paths are entrepreneurship, investing, high-income careers, real estate, and leveraging intellectual property or creative ventures. Starting without money adds complexity but is feasible with strategic approaches. Below, I outline each path and how to begin with minimal or no financial resources, keeping it concise yet comprehensive.

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  1. Entrepreneurship it works: Build a business that solves a problem or meets a demand, scaling it for profit. Successful entrepreneurs often create innovative products, services, or business models. How to start without money: Identify a niche: Use skills or knowledge you already have (e.g., graphic design, coding, consulting) to offer services. Example: Freelance on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
    Bootstrap: Start small with a service-based business requiring minimal capital (e.g., tutoring, social media management). Use free tools like Canva or Google Workspace.
    Leverage networks: Pitch your idea to friends, family, or local businesses for partnerships or small investments. Barter services if needed.
    Examples: Sara Blakely started Spanx with $5,000 by prototyping at home; many tech startups begin with coding skills and free software.

  2. InvestingHow it works: Grow wealth by investing in assets like stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, compounding returns over time.How to start without money:Micro-investing: Use apps like Acorns or Stash, which allow investing spare change from purchases. Start with as little as $1.
    Learn and earn: Gain financial education through free resources (YouTube, Investopedia) and use side hustle income to fund investments.
    Dividend reinvestment: Once you have small savings, invest in low-cost ETFs or dividend stocks via platforms like Robinhood or eToro (some offer fractional shares).
    Examples: Warren Buffett started investing as a teen with small sums from paper routes, compounding over decades.

  3. High-Income Careers How it works: Secure a well-paying job in fields like tech, finance, medicine, or law, and save/invest the surplus income.How to start without money: Upskill for free: Use free online courses (Coursera, edX, Khan Academy) to learn high-demand skills like coding, data analysis, or digital marketing.
    Certifications: Pursue low-cost or free certifications (e.g., Google’s Digital Marketing Certificate) to qualify for entry-level roles.
    Networking: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn or at local events to find mentors or job leads.
    Examples: Many software engineers start with self-taught skills and land six-figure jobs within a few years.

  4. Real EstateHow it works: Build wealth through property ownership, rentals, or flipping houses, leveraging appreciation and rental income.How to start without money:Wholesaling: Find off-market properties and connect sellers to buyers for a fee, requiring no capital. Learn via free YouTube tutorials or BiggerPockets.
    House hacking: Rent a room in your home (if renting) or save to buy a multi-unit property using low/no-down-payment loans (e.g., FHA loans).
    Partner up: Team with investors who have capital, offering your time or skills (e.g., property management) for a share of profits.
    Examples: Grant Cardone started with no money by learning real estate basics and partnering with investors.

  5. Intellectual Property/Creative Ventures How it works: Create and monetise content, inventions, or digital products (e.g., books, apps, YouTube channels, music) that generate passive income.How to start without money: Content creation: Start a YouTube channel, blog, or TikTok using a smartphone and free editing tools (e.g., CapCut). Monetise via ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
    Digital products: Write an eBook or create online courses using free platforms like Gumroad or Teachable’s free tier.
    szó: Crowdfunding: Pitch creative ideas on Kickstarter or Patreon to fund projects.
    Examples: MrBeast started YouTube with no budget, using persistence to grow; J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter while on welfare.

General Tips for Starting Without MoneyTime is your asset: Invest time in learning, networking, and building skills when cash is scarce.
Side hustles: Drive for Uber, sell unused items, or do odd jobs on TaskRabbit to generate seed money.
Mindset: Focus on discipline, persistence, and adaptability. Wealth-building takes years, not months.
Avoid scams: Be wary of "get rich quick" schemes; stick to proven, sustainable methods.

Data PointsEntrepreneurship: 90% of millionaires are self-made, often through businesses (Forbes, 2023).
Investing: The S&P 500 averages ~10% annual returns long-term; starting with $100/month at 8% return can grow to $1M in 40 years.
Real Estate: U.S. home prices have appreciated ~4-6% annually since 1970 (Federal Reserve data).
High-Income Careers: Tech roles like software engineering can pay $100K+ within 3-5 years with self-taught skills (BLS, 2025).
Creative Ventures: Top YouTubers earn $1M+/year; median creators with 100K subscribers earn ~$5K/month (2024 X posts).

Challenges: Entrepreneurship and investing carry financial risks; research thoroughly.
Time: Building wealth without capital requires years of consistent effort.
Access: Some paths (e.g., real estate) may be harder without credit or networks.

Be persistent

Steem On


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Original post by @dobartim
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This is a very comprehensive and valuable post! 👏
I really appreciate how you outlined the five main paths to wealth while emphasizing that it’s possible to start with little to no capital — this truly makes opportunity accessible to everyone regardless of their situation. Indeed, persistence and continuous learning are the keys to success, especially in our fast-changing world.
I believe the most important point is developing skills and building a strong network, as they enhance every one of these paths.
Thank you for this balanced and inspiring overview; it’s a real motivator for anyone seeking financial freedom in a realistic and sustainable way.
Wishing everyone success on their journey! 💪🚀