Many people think the key to accumulating wealth is making more money, but what truly widens the gap is how a person allocates their resources. When young, allocate resources like the rich—invest time, capital, and capabilities into directions that can compound; and like the poor, control desires, maintain a low-cost lifestyle, and don’t let consumerism and identity anxiety hold you hostage. After middle age, let your asset structure pay for your way of life, turning past accumulation into future freedom. Real wealth isn’t just how much money you have—it’s the ability to choose how you live.