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What 20 Years of Business Taught Me About Money
Lessons You Can’t Learn From Books or Classes After 20 years in business, one truth stands out clearly: What I believed about money at the beginning was mostly wrong. I thought money was about: Intelligence Hard work Making the “right” decisions What business taught me instead is far less glamorous — and far more useful. Money doesn’t respond to motivation.It responds to behavior, structure, and time . Here are the most important lessons two decades of real-world business ta
TJ Kim
Jan 103 min read


Why Smart People Fail at Business
Intelligence Isn’t the Advantage People Think It Is Some of the smartest people you know: Graduated from top schools Earned high test scores Excelled in their careers Yet when they start a business, many struggle — or fail completely. Meanwhile, people who were never “top students” often build thriving companies. This isn’t accidental. Business rewards a very different kind of intelligence than school or corporate life. 1. Smart People Overthink — and Delay Action Highly int
TJ Kim
Jan 102 min read


Success Takes Longer Than You Think
And That’s Why Most People Quit Too Early Most people don’t fail because they lack talent, intelligence, or effort. They fail because they quit too soon . We live in a world that celebrates: Overnight success Fast growth Viral wins But real success — the kind that lasts — almost always takes far longer than expected . This article explains why success feels slow, why that’s normal, and how understanding this truth can keep you from giving up right before things finally work.
TJ Kim
Jan 102 min read


Why Learning How Assets Work Is So Important
Because Income Pays Bills — Assets Change Your Life Most people spend their entire lives learning how to earn money . Very few ever learn how money actually works . That difference is the gap between: Working forever And eventually having money work for you Understanding assets is not advanced finance.It ’s a survival skill in a modern economy . 1. Income Is Temporary — Assets Are Permanent Income depends on: Your health Your time Your employer The economy If you stop working
TJ Kim
Jan 42 min read


Why Most Immigrants Work Hard but Stay Poor
Hard Work Alone Is Not the Problem Many immigrants come to the U.S. believing one powerful idea: “If I work harder than everyone else, I will succeed.” And they do work harder.Long hours. Multiple jobs. Few vacations. Endless sacrifice. Yet years pass — sometimes decades — and many still struggle financially. This is not because immigrants are lazy, unskilled, or irresponsible. It’s because hard work alone does not create wealth. This article explains the real reasons why so
TJ Kim
Jan 32 min read


Online vs Brick-and-Mortar: The Honest Comparison
Which Business Model Actually Works in the Real World? Starting a business today almost always begins with one question: Should I open an online store or a physical retail store? Online businesses are often marketed as cheap, easy, and scalable .Brick-and-mortar stores are often labeled old-fashioned and risky . The truth? Both models work — and both fail — for very different reasons . This article breaks down the real pros, cons, costs, risks, and long-term potential of eac
TJ Kim
Dec 25, 20252 min read


How to Start Real Estate Investing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Real estate has helped millions of people build long-term wealth—not overnight, but consistently . The biggest mistake beginners make is either overthinking or jumping in blindly . This guide breaks down how to start real estate investing step by step , even if you don’t have a lot of experience. Step 1: Understand Why You Want to Invest in Real Estate Before numbers and properties, get clear on your goal. Common goals: Monthly cash flow Long-term appreciation Tax advantages
TJ Kim
Dec 20, 20252 min read


How to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Retail Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
In an era dominated by online shopping, brick-and-mortar retail is far from dead —but it has changed. Physical stores today must offer more than products; they must offer experience, trust, and convenience . This guide walks you through how to open a successful physical retail store , from planning to opening day and beyond. Step 1: Choose the Right Retail Concept Before signing a lease or buying inventory, define your concept clearly. Ask: What problem does my store solve? W
TJ Kim
Dec 16, 20253 min read


Essential Steps to Launch Your First Online Store
Starting an online store can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into clear steps makes it manageable. Whether you want to sell handmade crafts, digital products, or curated goods, knowing how to set up your store correctly from the start saves time and money. This guide walks you through the essential steps to open your first online store and start selling confidently. Setting up an online store on a laptop at a home workspace Choose What to Sell and Understand Your
TJ Kim
Dec 16, 20253 min read


When Should You Scale Your Business?
Many entrepreneurs ask the wrong question: “How fast can I grow?” The better question is: “Am I ready to grow?” Scaling a business too early is one of the most common—and expensive—mistakes entrepreneurs make. Scaling too late can also slow opportunity. The key is knowing when growth is healthy and when it’s dangerous. What Scaling Really Means Scaling is not just: More sales More customers More locations Scaling means: More complexity More responsibility More risk When you
TJ Kim
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Why Fast-Growing Businesses Often Fail
Growth sounds like success. More customers.More sales.More locations.More employees. But in reality, fast growth is one of the most common reasons businesses fail —especially new ones. Not because growth is bad, but because growth requires discipline, cash, and systems that many businesses don’t yet have. The Dangerous Myth: Growth = Success Many entrepreneurs believe: “If sales are growing, everything must be fine.” This mindset is dangerous. Some of the most spectacular bu
TJ Kim
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Cash Flow vs. Profit: Why Most New Businesses Get This Wrong
Many new business owners believe that profit is the most important number in their business. In reality, most businesses don’t fail because they aren’t profitable.They fail because they run out of cash . Understanding the difference between cash flow and profit is one of the most critical lessons for new entrepreneurs—especially in the first few years. What Is Profit? Profit is what’s left after expenses are subtracted from revenue. Revenue – Expenses = Profit On paper, p
TJ Kim
Dec 15, 20252 min read


How Much Money Do You Really Need to Start a Business?
One of the most common questions new entrepreneurs ask is: “How much money do I really need to start a business?” The honest answer is: less than most people think—but more than zero. What matters most is how you start, not how much you spend. This article breaks down real startup costs, common myths, and smart ways to start lean in the United States. The Biggest Myth: You Need a Lot of Money Many people delay starting a business because they believe they need: A large offic
TJ Kim
Dec 14, 20252 min read


How to Start a New Business in the United States: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a business in the United States can feel overwhelming—especially if you are an immigrant or first-time entrepreneur. The good news is that the U.S. has one of the most transparent and business-friendly systems in the world. If you follow the right steps, you can build a legal, scalable business with confidence. This guide breaks the process down into simple, practical steps anyone can follow. Step 1: Clarify Your Business Idea and Model Before paperwork, ask yoursel
TJ Kim
Dec 13, 20252 min read


Investing Basics: A Guide for Underserved Communities
Investing can seem daunting, especially for those in underserved communities who may feel excluded from the financial system. However, understanding the basics of investing is crucial for building wealth and achieving financial independence. This guide aims to demystify investing, providing practical insights and actionable steps for individuals looking to take control of their financial future. Understanding the Importance of Investing Investing is not just for the wealthy;
TJ Kim
Dec 7, 20255 min read


Empowering Immigrants: Financial Literacy for Success
In today's world, financial literacy is not just a skill; it is a necessity. For immigrants, understanding the financial landscape of a new country can be daunting. Many face unique challenges, from language barriers to unfamiliarity with local financial systems. However, with the right knowledge and tools, immigrants can navigate these challenges and build a secure financial future. This blog post aims to provide practical insights into financial literacy tailored for immigr
TJ Kim
Dec 7, 20255 min read


Five Essential Financial Tips for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Starting a business in a new country can be both exciting and daunting. Immigrant entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, from navigating unfamiliar regulations to building a customer base in a new market. One of the most critical aspects of launching a successful venture is managing finances effectively. Here are five essential financial tips that can help immigrant entrepreneurs thrive in their new environment. Understand the Local Tax System One of the first steps for
TJ Kim
Dec 7, 20253 min read
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