10 Rules I swear by
Hey Future Millionaire,
Why do some people grow their wealth on autopilot while others stress, stall, or lose money?
This was on my mind when I started my own FU-money journey in 2020.
It's not luck. And it's definitely not about picking the next Tesla.
It's about following a few simple steps consistently.
I've made the mistakes, learned the lessons (some the hard way), and boiled it all down for you.
Here are 10 rules I swear by:
1. Start with why you care
If you don't know why you're investing, you won't stick with it. Investing is simple, but it takes patience, consistency, and belief in the long game.
My why? Financial freedom to spend time building a business I love and getting to spend more time with family and travel without stress.
What's yours? Write it down right now.
2. Simplicity wins
The simpler your investing plan, the easier it is to follow—and to keep following.
A single, low-cost index fund can beat 80% of professional investors over time.
Don't make it complicated. Make it work.
3. Set it and forget it
Invest before you spend. The easiest way? Automation.
Before I left, I used my company's stock purchase plan and pension to invest on autopilot every payday.
What can you automate today?
4. Own the world in one fund
Don't bet everything on one company, especially not your employer.
I invest in global index funds like Vanguard's VWCE, which gives me ownership in 3,500+ companies across the world.
Diversification doesn't mean dozens of funds. One great fund can do the job.
5. Fees = thieves
A 2% annual fee doesn't sound like much until it steals €100,000+ from your future.
Choose low-fee index funds. Mine charge around 0.2%, and that saving compounds for decades.
6. Go heavy on stocks (while you're young)
Stocks are bumpy short-term but unbeatable long-term.
If you're in your 20s, 30s, or early 40s, time is your superpower. I'm 42 and still 90% in stocks.
Growth first. Stability later.
7. Recessions are normal
Markets crash. Always have. Always will. But nobody knows when.
Nobody knows when the bottom is insight. But that time is when most of the recovery happens. All you need to is stay the course.
8. Avoid tax (legally)
Tax is the biggest killer of your wealth.
You owe it to yourself and your family to make use of all the tax breaks available to you.
This is why I'm obsessed with helping people find €1,000s to claim back from their taxes.
9. The news is a distraction
The news tells you what just happened (and it's never good). The market looks ahead.
Reacting to headlines is like driving by staring in the rearview mirror.
Fun fact: the market rises 3 out of every 4 years, even when the news is grim.
10. Invest and enjoy life
Don't wait until "someday" to enjoy your money.
Spend lavishly on what you love. Cut ruthlessly on what you don't.
Start investing, no matter how small.
The best time to start was yesterday, the second-best today!
I've helped more than 200 people get on their journey.
If you are thinking of starting out, I can think of no better time that now, when the markets are in turmoil.
I can help. We can have a single call, or I can give more guidance if needed.
Why not book your free 15-minute strategy call today and see if there is a fit?
Here's why Raul was happy he did:
That is it for this Easter weekend. I hope you will have an amazing time with your loved ones.
Don't eat too much chocolate!
To your financial freedom,
Sjoerd
P.s. I've started playing with some video content. Will you let me know if you'd like to see more of that?
