5 Ways to Get Rich in 2026

Posted on By greg
401K, Health, Investing, Net Worth

The first thing to consider when discussing wealth is that True Wealth is more than money. True Wealth actually comes down to a combination of our health, relationships, hobbies, purpose and more…

Money is Critical

But let’s not fool ourselves, money and sound financial management skills are critical foundations of a life of True Wealth. So what would I do in 2026 in order to build wealth and invest?

1. Build or Acquire Cash-Flowing Assets (Especially Digital Assets)

The fastest path to wealth today is owning assets that produce ongoing cash flow. In 2026, the strongest categories are:

  • Digital businesses (newsletters, niche websites, SaaS, templates, online courses)

  • Service businesses with systems (agencies, consulting, automation services)

  • Rental properties or fractional real estate investing (my personal favorite has been Fundrise)

  • Recession-proof small businesses (laundromats, storage, vending, cleaning)

Why it works: Recurring cash flow + appreciation + scalability.

2. Invest Heavily in Broad, Long-Term Index Funds & Don’t Time Markets

This is the slowest feeling but most reliable method to become rich. This is a foundational approach to building wealth that has stood the test of time.


By 2026, most investors who consistently invested in:

  • S&P 500 index funds

  • Global index funds

  • Target-date retirement funds

…are tracking toward millionaire status without high risk.

Why it works:
Compounding does the heavy lifting—no special knowledge required.

3. Leverage AI to Supercharge Productivity & Income

2026 is a year that AI moves to a whole other level. We may start to see widespread disruptions to society and jobs. In many ways this has already begun. 2026 is peak “AI leverage.” The winners are those who:

  • Automate work others still do manually

  • Use AI to operate as a “team of 10” while being one person

  • Start AI-enhanced freelancing or consulting (copywriting, video editing, operations, coding)

  • Build or deploy micro-AI tools for businesses

Why it works: Productivity explosion = higher income + lower costs.

4. Own & Improve Real Assets (Home Equity, Rentals, Farmland, Infrastructure)

At my core I am still a long term real estate investor. Real estate investing still has a future. There is no substitute for this asset class. With inflation and rising rents still prevalent, real assets continue to be one of the most powerful wealth creators:

  • Buy and hold real estate

  • House-hack

  • Acquire small multifamily units

  • Invest in farmland/land development

  • Real asset crowdfunding platforms

Why it works:
You gain equity, rental cash flow, and inflation protection simultaneously.

Remember that real estate takes work, capital, relationships and a team to pull off.

5. Increase Your Skill Set to Jump Income Brackets (The Most Underestimated Path)

The most predictable way to get rich is to earn more, then invest the difference.

The highest-value skills of 2026:

  • AI automation + scripting

  • Data literacy

  • Sales (still #1 income elevator)

  • Financial literacy

  • Leadership & operations

  • Brand building + audience growth

Why it works:
A jump from $60k → $150k → $300k income accelerates wealth faster than almost anything else.

Bonus Principle: Live Like You’re Poor for 2–3 Years

Every rich person uses this strategy at some point:

  • Cut lifestyle inflation

  • Keep fixed costs low

  • Automate investing at high percentages (30–50%)

  • Buy assets, not status

Short-term discipline creates long-term freedom.