Money-Time Decision Separation

A framework for how to think about money and time after achieving significant wealth (>$50M+). The key insight is separating money decisions from time/life decisions.

Core Mental Shift

• Separate "what to do with money" from "what to do with time"
• Before wealth: Time and money decisions were coupled (work = money)
• After wealth: These become independent decisions
• Goal is to avoid making rushed decisions about either

Money Management Approach

• Initially put money in high-yield savings or treasury notes
• Wait 6-12 months before making any major financial decisions
• Eventually transition to:
  • 80/20 split between S&P 500 and bonds
  • Live off ~3% of total wealth annually
  • Set aside remaining funds for future ventures

Time/Life Management Approach

• Take time to find clarity before jumping into new ventures
• Focus first year on:
  • Getting in shape physically
  • Spending time with loved ones
  • Helping others who need assistance
  • Meeting people who've gone through similar life transitions
• Avoid immediately acquiring things that:
  • Create new obligations
  • Are hard to unwind
  • Consume mental bandwidth

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Making immediate large purchases
• Starting businesses without clear purpose
• Trying to prove something to others
• Living someone else's dreams/goals
• Acting on outdated personal goals
• Getting into complex situations that are hard to exit

Productive First Steps

• Help family (like paying off parents' mortgage)
• Do small acts of kindness that create lasting memories
• Get a coach to help process the transition
• Update personal goals based on current self
• Consider it a "season of wandering" rather than feeling unproductive

The key is patience - clarity will emerge naturally if you avoid rushing into decisions and give yourself time to adjust to the new reality.