Most people trap themselves chasing penny-pinching strategies when building wealth. They obsess over trimming coffee expenses, squeezing subscriptions—basically playing financial defense—while completely missing the real game changer.

Here's the shift: income growth is the actual lever. A thousand-dollar raise beats a thousand dollars in savings every single time. Why? Because that income compounds, creates optionality, and funds real investments. Frugality matters, sure, but it's a support role, not the star player.

Think about it this way—someone earning $50k can cut expenses to their bones and still cap out. But double that income? Now you're playing a different game entirely. The wealth builders aren't obsessing over saving pennies; they're focused on skills, income streams, and strategic moves that actually move the needle. That's where the math changes.