3 Ways Rich People THINK Differently (Not what you'd think)3 Ways Rich People THINK Differently (Not what you'd think)
Livin the DREAM with Matt Scoletti
Matt Scoletti shares three ways rich people think differently about money, focusing on assets, long-term habits, and prioritising freedom over status. The conversation looks at how these ideas can apply to both financial choices and overall life decisions.
10:37•11 Aug 2026
Three Money Mindset Shifts That Separate Fake Rich from Truly Wealthy
Episode Overview
- Prioritise buying assets and income-producing investments before spending on depreciating "toys".
- Adopt a long-term mindset by thinking in decades rather than days or months for both money and health.
- Focus on building small, sustainable habits instead of chasing quick fixes that don’t change behaviour.
- Aim for freedom of time, health, and relationships rather than status symbols and external validation.
- Be wary of “Instagram rich” appearances and pay more attention to genuine financial stability and values.
“"They buy assets before toys, and if you do that consistently, then you'll have enough income from the assets to buy the toys."”
What drives someone to seek a life with more true freedom instead of just looking successful on paper? This episode of *Livin the DREAM with Matt Scoletti* digs into how rich people think differently about money, time and status, and why that mindset matters for anyone trying to build a healthier, more intentional life. Matt, a former alcoholic turned health coach and ultra endurance athlete, shares three big mindset shifts he’s learned from spending time with high-net-worth individuals.
The first is brutally simple: rich people "buy income and assets before toys." One wealthy contact admits he used to blow early paycheques on jet skis and flashy cars, then realised those "liabilities in disguise" were holding him back. Now, the focus is on assets like shares or property that pay him first, toys later. The second shift is about patience.
Matt explains that genuinely wealthy people "think in decades, not days or months", linking it to sustainable health habits too. Quick fixes and get-rich-quick schemes sound tempting, but as he points out, "If the habits don't change, eventually you're just going to end up where you were." He uses Warren Buffett’s long-term approach as a classic example of wealth built slowly and kept over 40–50 years.
The third idea might surprise you: rich people "optimise for freedom instead of status." Matt talks about individuals worth millions who genuinely don’t care whether they drive a 15-year-old Honda or a supercar, because their priority is time with family, health, and the flexibility money can bring. He contrasts this with "Instagram rich" behaviour, where people rent planes for photos while hiding their real financial situation.
If you’re trying to rebuild life post-addiction or simply want more control over money and time, these mindset shifts might spark some strong questions: are you buying toys or assets, thinking in days or decades, chasing status or freedom?
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