From Ancient Trades to Modern Investments

In the vast sea of wisdom that is the ancient texts, there lies a pearl of advice that has echoed through the ages, shaping the way we think about responsibility, education, and financial independence. A central text in law and tradition teaches: “A father is obligated to teach his son a trade, and whoever does not teach his son a trade teaches him banditry”. This directive, while simple at its core, opens a treasure chest of financial wisdom, especially when we consider its application in today’s investment-savvy world.

The Ancient Blueprint for Modern Success

Imagine the texts as not only a spiritual guide but also an ancient playbook for modern success. It advises a father to equip his son with the tools for self-sufficiency: teach him a clean legal; trade for income, the skill to plant for sustenance, the know-how to build or buy a home shelter, the wisdom to start a family, and even the life-saving ability to swim. Each of these teachings has profound implications in our contemporary quest for financial independence and generational wealth.

A Career and Beyond: Diversifying Income Streams

Just as the codices insist on learning a trade, today’s wisdom urges us to have a primary source of income—a career that not only fulfills us but also provides for our needs. But why stop there? In an era of unprecedented opportunities, expanding our financial landscape through diversified investments is the equivalent of planting fields and raising animals in ancient times. It’s about ensuring additional sources of income that can support us, come what may.

Real Estate: The Modern Field and Stable

Investing in multifamily and commercial real estate represents the modern-day cultivation of land. Just as our ancestors toiled in the soil and tended to their livestock, investors today can build a steady stream of income through properties. This isn’t just about owning land; it’s about nurturing it, growing it, and yes, letting it compound over time, much like the strategic moves in a Monopoly game where every acquisition is a step towards financial domination.

Stocks: The Livestock That Never Stops Giving

Dividend-paying stocks are the livestock of the 21st century. They provide a continuous source of income, or “milk,” without the need to sell the “animal.” Reinvesting dividends allows for compound growth, turning a trickle of income into a roaring river over time. Warren Buffett’s adage, “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die,” couldn’t resonate more with this strategy. Through smart investments, we can ensure that our money works for us, even in the quietest hours of the night.

Swimming in the Ocean of Financial Independence

The book’s final piece of advice—to teach one’s son to swim—reminds us of the importance of preparedness and resilience. In the world of investing, this translates to being ready for market volatility and having the fortitude to ride out the waves. Just as swimming teaches us to keep our heads above water, a diversified portfolio helps ensure that we can weather financial storms and keep moving forward toward our goals.

The Legacy of Wisdom

By intertwining ancient teachings with modern financial strategies, we create a path not just toward wealth, but generational wealth. It’s about creating a legacy that endures, teaching our children not only to survive but to thrive. The wisdom of the scriptures, when applied to today’s financial landscape, encourages us to think long-term, to diversify, and most importantly, to invest in ourselves and our future.

In the end, the journey from teaching a son to plant a field to guiding him through the complexities of real estate and stock investments is a testament to the enduring power of wisdom. It’s a reminder that while the tools and strategies may evolve, the essence of teaching, learning, and growing remains timeless. So, let’s take this ancient playbook and write our own stories of success, one investment, and one lesson at a time.

The “Oracle of Omaha, multi-billionaire Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, has often said, “My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest.”

Andrew Lichtenstein, president of LichtensteinRE.com is a commercial real estate sales broker specializing in sales of multifamily apartment buildings in New York City, the 5 boroughs, Westchester County and New York state.  We have successfully transacted around $1 billion of commercial real estate sales and mortgage brokerage financing on behalf of buyers, sellers, and landlord owners.

A time in life to buy and a time to sell, downsize and diversify:

In the life cycle of investment property ownership there are life events that motivate owners to sell including estate planning, desire to move to warmer weather, retirement, health conditions and seeking to exit from active hands-on management to completely passive investments to kick back relax and enjoy the good life, travel, leisure, cruising etc.

We have handled the sale of properties for many owners helping them cash out and offer financial and estate planning advisory services including 100% tax deferred exchanges to purchase management free triple net properties anchored by institutional credit grade tenants.

We have advised sellers to consider DST’s Delaware Statutory Trust passive real estate investments that are also completely tax deferred with all the benefits of real estate investing positive cash flow, appreciation without any management responsibilities or, any personal financial guarantees or obligations.

Additionally, we have assisted sellers to consider reinvesting part or all the net proceeds into a well-diversified portfolio of publicly traded stocks and corporate bonds and tax-free city, state, municipal and governmental bonds.

We also offer sellers the opportunity to “become the bank” by holding first secured mortgage financing to our buyers or making private mortgage loans at above market interest rates.