The Problem with Getting Rich Quick
Building your career at Cardinal Health, you understand the value of steady progress. Whether it’s solving operational challenges or working to improve outcomes, meaningful results rarely happen overnight. The same holds true in financial planning.
We all know money matters. It funds our futures, supports our families, and gives us options. But it’s worth acknowledging that wealth—especially when it arrives suddenly—can be more destabilizing than empowering. Just look at the athletes who earned tens of millions in a few short years—only to end up working regular jobs after the money ran out. Or the lottery winners who, despite unimaginable windfalls, often find themselves bankrupt in just a handful of years.
Their stories remind us that financial windfalls don’t always come with wisdom, and that the emotional weight of sudden wealth can be heavier than expected. The influx of cash often leads to unchecked spending, poor investment decisions, and overwhelming pressure from others. Without a foundation of financial discipline and thoughtful planning, even millions can disappear faster than expected.
It’s also worth remembering that the promise of fast money—whether through speculative investments, trendy financial products, or get-rich-quick schemes—is almost always more risk than reward. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
In financial planning, we often talk about accumulation, optimization, and growth. But rarely do we pause to consider the emotional arc of wealth: how the anticipation of financial success often feels more rewarding than the arrival itself. The truth is, wealth earned over time is more likely to be appreciated, used wisely, and in alignment with your values.
There’s something deeply human about working toward a goal—especially one that requires patience, discipline, and resilience. The journey itself teaches us how to handle success when it finally arrives. It builds the habits, perspective, and clarity that sudden wealth often lacks.
And while it may not be flashy, we’ve seen firsthand how consistent contributions to the Cardinal 401(k) and HSA—month after month, year after year—can quietly build extraordinary outcomes. A number of our Cardinal clients have crossed into seven-
figure territory simply by staying the course. No windfalls. No market timing. Just steady saving, thoughtful investing, and a long-term mindset.
That kind of discipline has enabled early retirements, the ability to help aging parents or adult children, and achieving other lifelong goals. It’s not just chasing wealth—it’s about building a life with options, security, and even greater purpose. And it all starts with the small, unsexy decisions that compound over time.
So if your financial journey feels slow, uncertain, or even frustrating at times, take heart. That friction may be the very thing that strengthens your foundation. And when the rewards do come, they’ll be rooted in experience—not just luck. Wealth built over time tends to be wealth that lasts. And more importantly, it tends to be wealth that feels meaningful.
Take care and, as always, stay the course!
Colburn Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.