(ThyBlackMan.com) According to Forbes, “The richest 400 Americans got even richer this year.” With household incomes plunging for the second year in a row, fewer families earning over $100,000 a year and the ranks of the poor rising, one must contemplate how the super-rich were able to increase their wealth amidst such a gloomy backdrop. According to CNN, “The top 400 saw their combined wealth increase by 8 percent, which means that they account for about 2.6 percent of the nation’s private wealth.”
In a capitalistic society, is the above-mentioned wealth inequality just? Are these super-rich individuals somehow evil for amassing their wealth, while so many individuals are struggling? Absolutely not. But one has to contemplate the public policies and tax initiatives (i.e., Bush tax cuts) that enable the rich to get richer, while the majority of the remaining society continues to suffer. For a number of years, commentators across the board 
have stated that Reagonomics and “trickle-down” economics have largely been responsible for the robust transfer of the lost income and net worth among the “bottom” 98 percent for the last 30 years.
And, this is likely very true. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of the debate, I do believe there are some things that most of the 98 percent, including myself, can learn from the top 2 percent in order to help us progress toward more economic freedom. To be sure, these principles that are practiced by the super-rich may not help everyone in the middle class earn millions or billions or assist every poor individual in overcoming oppressive and institutionalized practices. But, the following principles may help one reach some financial freedom upon implementation:
1. Build a personal moat. As Warren Buffett indicated to Jay-Z during their Forbes-related interview, it is essential to establish a personal moat or a deep, wide trench between you and your competition. And, the ways that you build the moat is to do what you are really passionate about and to learn everything you can about the field in which you are naturally talented. Bill Gates, Buffet and most of the other super-rich can attest to being “wired” for what they do and loving their area of expertise so much that they would do it for free every day.
2. Be comfortable on your own path. Although there are some exceptions in the top 400 where inheritances come into play, most of these super-rich individuals continue to amass wealth, because they follow their own thinking and do what others are not doing. While political parties continue to bicker and cable chatter persists to incite unnecessary fear, the super-rich are comfortable with going against the odds, which ultimately has benefited them. To be sure, it is very easy to be comfortable when you have billions stashed away. But, importantly, many of the individuals on the Forbes 400 evolved from very humble beginnings and decided to walk their own path when it probably did not make any sense.
3. Surround yourself with positive people. In a rough economy and in tough times, it essential to surround yourself with value-adding people who will speak life around you and help you to progress despite your economic situation. People in our everyday microcosm who are negative all the time and who do not believe in you or your goals will not add value to your life. Rest assured, the super-rich individuals always surround themselves with people that they can share their goals, visions and next moves and who will offer them positive feedback, advice and criticism.
4. Develop a concrete plan of action. A relatively good plan can not only help the super rich but can also help the remaining 98 percent. It is very easy to establish goals and plans when you are extremely wealthy. But, again, most of the super-rich did not get where there are now without a concrete plan of action. It is imperative during tough economic times to define your short-term and long-term goals, your preferred future, your current reality and a specific plan of action.
Written By Anthony Jerrod
