♟️ The Metagame #036: There’s More to Wealth Than Money

Lately when I’ve been checking my investment portfolios, I feel like I’m watching a horror movie. Stocks are down, crypto is all over the place, and I’m pretty sure my retirement accounts are playing dead.

But oddly enough, even though the markets are down, I still feel wealthy.

That’s because I recently finished reading Sahil Bloom’s incredible new book The 5 Types of Wealth, and it reframed how I think of success, stability, and wealth itself.

Here’s what’s in store for today:

• The 5 Types of Wealth

• Understanding what makes you wealthy.

Read time: 3.5 minutes

If you’re reading this newsletter, there’s a good chance this book will resonate with you too. It’s full of memorable stories, clear benchmarks, and practical advice that makes you take a long, hard look at your definition of “rich.”

The core idea is this:

Your net worth is not the same as your self-worth.

We’ve all heard stories of high-powered executives who spent decades climbing the ladder—only to end up alone, burned out, and sick. They had the money, sure. But they were bankrupt in every other category that matters.

That’s not wealth. That’s just money.

And what good is money if you have nothing to spend it on?

According to Sahil, there are five types of wealth we should focus on:

1. Time Wealth

Time is the only resource we can’t get back. Are you able to choose how you spend your hours? Or are you constantly stuck in meetings, commutes, and obligations that don’t align with your goals and desires?

True time wealth is autonomy. Having the ability to say “no” to things without fear. To take a day off without guilt. To choose how you spend your precious time—whether it’s with your family, chasing creative projects, or simply doing nothing—all while not feeling behind.

2. Social Wealth

This isn’t about Instagram followers or LinkedIn connections. It’s about real, human relationships.

Do you have people who challenge you, support you, and make you better? Are you surrounded by people who bring you energy, or people who drain it?

Wealthy people invest in relationships like assets. Because at the end of the day, no one looks back and wishes they had spent more time on Slack.

3. Mental Wealth

Your mindset shapes your entire experience of life. Are you resilient when things go wrong? Curious when things get tough?

Mental wealth is emotional intelligence, grit, clarity, and the ability to stay grounded when the world is spinning. It’s the voice in your head that says, “You’ve been here before—you’ll figure it out again.”

Without it, even material success feels empty.

4. Physical Wealth

You only get one body—and it’s the vehicle through which you experience everything.

Are you taking care of it? Are you sleeping enough? Drinking enough water? Moving daily?

This isn’t about looking like a Marvel superhero (as much as I’d love to look like Cap or Thor…)

It’s about having the energy to do the things you love.

A strong body creates a stronger mind.

5. Financial Wealth

Yes, it still matters. This isn’t a “money doesn’t matter” rant. In a capitalist world, financial stability gives you options.

But here’s the kicker: Financial wealth becomes a lot more sustainable—and a lot less stressful—when it’s built on a foundation of the other four.

You don’t need $10M to feel rich.

You need enough to live in alignment with your values and goals without trading your soul to get there.

Yes, a huge lump sum of money would certainly help most of us in the immediate future, but what about all the billionaires who are still miserable?

There isn’t a secret number that makes you suddenly content with your life.

Understanding your “enough” is what lets you spread your wealth to all areas of your life.

So yes.

The economic unrest right now sucks.

My investment accounts are all over the place. My savings aren’t growing as fast as I’d like. And younger me would’ve lost sleep over it.

But the version of me today? I’ve been working on other kinds of wealth.

I have time to write these newsletters.

I have clarity to see the world for what it is.

I have friends I can call at any hour.

I’m in the best shape of my life.

And that makes me feel wealthy—even when my bank app says otherwise.

Playing The Game

I highly recommend you take Sahil Bloom’s wealth score quiz to get a better understanding of your wealth in different areas of your life.

No, this isn’t sponsored (I wish it were!)

It just helped me see the world through a clearer lens and realize what the most important aspects are in my life.

https://www.wealthscorequiz.com/

I’d love to hear what you scored if you feel like sharing.

Quote of the week

Thanks for reading!

If you have any questions, hit me up on LinkedIn or on 𝕏 at @sam_starkman, or feel free to reply to this email!

— Sam