“It Takes Money to Make Money” Is a Lie (But Also… Kind of True)
You’ve probably heard it your whole life:
“It takes money to make money.”
On the surface, it sounds like a fact—one of those universally accepted truths about wealth. But once you dig deeper, you’ll realize that it’s not so black and white. In fact, believing this phrase without context can either hold you back or propel you forward, depending on how you interpret it.
Let’s break down both sides of the argument—and explain why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building wealth.
Argument 1: Yes—It Does Take Money to Make Money
There’s some truth here, especially in traditional business and investing:
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Real estate investing? You need capital for a down payment or renovations.
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Starting a product-based business? You’ll need to buy inventory, invest in marketing, and maybe hire a team.
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Stock market investing? Compounding only works if you have money to compound.
Even marketing agencies, franchises, and software companies often require capital to scale. In this world, people with money have leverage. They can hire faster, take bigger risks, and recover from setbacks more easily.
For many, wealth accelerates wealth—and not having capital can feel like trying to run a marathon with no shoes.
Argument 2: No—You Can Make Money Without Money
Now here’s the counterpoint: millions of people have built wealth from zero.
You don’t need a big bank account to:
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Start a service-based business
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Sell your skills online
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Build a social media following
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Write a book, teach a course, or become a consultant
In this era of digital entrepreneurship, attention is a currency. So is consistency. So is knowledge. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs started with no capital—just grit, creativity, and time.
You can:
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Learn a high-income skill like copywriting or coding.
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Start a YouTube channel or TikTok account with your phone.
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Partner with someone who has money but lacks time or talent.
In these cases, you become the asset, and the money comes later.
So What’s the Truth?
The phrase “It takes money to make money” isn’t a lie.
But it’s not a universal truth either.
Here’s the real truth:
It takes resources to make money. Sometimes that’s money. Sometimes it’s time, energy, skill, or the ability to think creatively.
Some people trade money for time. Others trade time for money.
Some people build systems. Others build audiences.
There is no “right” answer—just the right answer for your situation.
Want to Learn the Difference Between Assets and Liabilities?
If you’re serious about building wealth—no matter where you’re starting from—consider joining the free Wealth Secrets email publication. We teach you how to:
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Think like an investor (even if you’re broke)
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Understand what an asset actually is
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Use what you have now to start building wealth—without waiting on luck or a loan
It’s time to learn the rules of the game—because they’re not taught in school.
Join the Wealth Secrets email list today.
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Global World Bank isn’t a financial institution—it’s a structured knowledge center focused on one thing:
Helping serious people build wealth through one-on-one financial education.
They don’t waste time.
And they don’t let you waste yours either.
Because their consultations are done online and one-on-one, they reserve access for people who are serious about financial growth. If they determine you’re not ready, you may be denied entry—and that’s part of what makes them different.
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Conclusion:
“It takes money to make money” is a dangerous half-truth when taken at face value.
Sometimes it’s true.
Sometimes it’s an excuse.
But if you’re willing to invest in knowledge, time, or action, you can create opportunities regardless of where you’re starting. And that’s what real financial education is all about.