Why the Rich Keep Getting Richer (and How You Can Break the Cycle)
Hello everyone,
I just released a new YouTube video discussing why it seems like the rich get richer while the middle class and upper middle class—no matter how hard they work—struggle to get ahead in today’s economy. Below, you’ll find a quick recap, some behind-the-scenes perspective on making this video, and my thoughts on the future of this channel and my Substack.
Watch the Video Here: [VIDEO LINK]
1. What This Video Is About
In this video, I dive into why the wealthy have more flexibility when it comes to capital and income flows, while most middle- and upper-middle-class earners do not. As a result, many people end up paying a large portion of their income in taxes and rent, leaving them with too little to accumulate capital—the ultimate key to financial freedom.
Flexibility of Income: Wealthy individuals can structure earnings in multiple jurisdictions, benefiting from lower tax rates.
The Middle-Class Challenge: Traditional employees often rely on a single income stream that’s heavily taxed, which stifles their ability to save and invest.
Why This Matters: If you can’t accumulate capital, you can’t achieve the kind of long-term freedom or security that wealth provides.
I’ve seen both sides of this coin through my career in the financial industry—working in Toronto, the U.S., Europe, and beyond—and I want to shed light on some of these strategies so more people can take advantage.
2. Behind the Scenes: My First Informational Video
One of the coolest aspects of producing this new video is that it’s my first time creating content in a more informational, “talking-head” style—and it’s a learning process:
Production Quality: You might notice my microphone or audio isn’t perfect. I’m experimenting with different setups, trying to improve the sound and lighting each time.
Creator Retreat: Recently, I spent time in New York with creators like Captain Sinbad and Aman Manasir. They helped me learn better ways to shoot, edit, and produce content, so I’m excited to apply those tips in future videos (instead of always relying on expensive podcast studios).
Ongoing Improvements: I appreciate your patience as I refine my camera work, audio quality, and overall format. Despite any technical hiccups, I hope you still find the content valuable.
3. Why This Topic Matters to Me
I see so many friends and colleagues caught in the rat race—doing all the “right” things like earning advanced degrees, working hard, and climbing the corporate ladder—yet still not getting ahead. Why?
Skyrocketing Real Estate & Rent: High living costs can eat away at earnings, making it tough to save.
Heavy Tax Burden: Traditional W-2 (or payroll) income is taxed at some of the highest rates.
Stalled Capital Accumulation: If you can’t accumulate capital, you can’t invest in the same advantageous ways the wealthy do.
Meanwhile, people who already have capital often invest it at lower tax rates, sometimes even changing their residency or citizenship to reduce taxation even further. Many of them aren’t even working actively; they’re living off their capital gains, which face more favorable tax treatment.
It doesn’t seem fair—and I’ve personally benefited by living in multiple countries and structuring my income strategically. As I accumulate more capital myself, I want to share these insights so others can make informed decisions, too.
4. Key Moments in the Video
Here’s what you can expect in this latest upload:
Personal Observations: How wealthy investors operate in multiple jurisdictions and why this gives them a massive tax advantage.
Real Examples from My Financial Career: Working globally showed me how differently people handle money, compared to the typical 9-to-5 employee.
Founding Grey River Advisors: Learn how my firm helps entrepreneurs and investors manage complex, multi-country tax scenarios and wealth planning.
5. Looking Ahead
I have more videos (and Substack posts) planned on topics like:
Business Strategy & Economics: Understanding the history of capital and how it shapes modern wealth-building.
More Practical Tips: How to structure your life, business, or investments to legally optimize taxes.
Insights from My Current Studies: I’m reading widely and also leveraging my time at Yale, so I’ll share new knowledge as I learn it.
I’ll be incorporating what I picked up at the creator retreat in NYC, so expect improved production quality and a steady flow of content. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow this Substack so you don’t miss any updates.
6. Watch the Video & Join the Conversation
Once again, here’s the link:
Watch the Video on YouTube
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic:
Are you feeling stuck in the rat race?
Have you considered new strategies, like exploring different residency options or diversifying your income?
Feel free to leave a comment below or reply directly to this post. If you’re interested in personalized guidance, you can also check out Grey River Advisors, where we help entrepreneurs and investors navigate multi-jurisdictional tax strategies.
7. Thanks for Reading (and Watching!)
I appreciate you taking the time to explore these ideas with me. I truly believe that understanding the mechanics of how the wealthy operate is the first step toward leveling the playing field for everyone else.
If you found today’s post insightful, please share it with friends or colleagues who might benefit. And don’t forget to subscribe for more content on wealth-building, entrepreneurship, and global living strategies.
Wishing you all a great start to the year,
Nate Shantz
Scholar of Capital & Founder of Grey River Advisors