Key Takeaways from "Money Master The Game - 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom" by Tony Robbins (part 2)

Welcome to the second part of five essential takeaways from Tony Robbins’ transformative book, Money Master the Game – 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom covered by Simon.

Summary of the above

Know the Rules Before You Play the Game

When it comes to money, ignorance isn’t bliss - it’s expensive. Whether you work with a qualified fiduciary adviser or go it alone, Tony Robbins’ next principle is clear: understand the financial system and the rules that govern it before you start investing. 

This means knowing how taxes, fees, commissions, and even your own behaviour can make or break your financial success. 

Why This Principle Matters 

Getting your financial structure right from the start is critical. Trying to “fix it later” can trigger costly tax events, transaction fees, or even stamp duty on property. 

Just like in sport, you need to know the rules if you want to win. 

Optimise Your Tax Ladder 

Most investors have access to multiple structures or “rungs on the ladder” that can be used to optimise outcomes: 

• 🪜 Superannuation - long-term tax benefits for retirement savings 

• 🏢 Companies/Trusts - business and investment structures for flexibility 

• 🏠 Property ownership entities - manage liabilities and stamp duty issues 

• 🌍 Global experience - strategies apply across countries like Australia, UK, US, Japan 

The key: set it up right at the start, because restructuring later is often expensive. 

Watch the Hidden Costs 

Every investment has costs ie some visible, some hidden. Even small percentages in fees and commissions compound over decades and eat into your wealth. 

Tony Robbins stresses it’s not about gross returns, it’s about what’s left in your pocket. 

Know Yourself: Behavioural Discipline 

Even more dangerous than tax or fees? Your own behaviour. 

Human biases can derail even the smartest plan: 

• 📈 Chasing FOMO - buying high when markets boom 

• 📉 Fear-driven panic - selling low when markets crash 

• 🎰 Speculative distractions - chasing fads like crypto or gold without a plan 

The antidote: an evidence-based investment strategy rooted in science, facts, and proven principles, not gut feelings. 

Science Over Speculation 

Building wealth isn’t about gambling on trends. It’s about: 

• Using evidence and history to guide decisions 

• Sticking with strategies that have worked over time 

• Accepting short-term volatility while focusing on long term results 

If you don’t understand an investment, don’t jump in blindly. Seek advice from someone qualified and trustworthy. 

🎯 Key Takeaways  

✅ Understand the financial system and tax structures before investing  

✅ Get your financial setup right early. Avoid costly “unwinds” later  

✅ Always factor in fees and hidden costs  

✅ Recognise and manage your own behavioural biases  

✅ Build your investment approach on science and evidence, not fads 

Thanks for watching!

Simon

p.s/ You can view part 1 of this series here.

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