Let’s be real, your bank account isn’t exactly screaming “financial genius.” Meanwhile, Lloyd Blankfein, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, turned a humble Brooklyn upbringing into billions. So, what does he know that you don’t? A lot. But don’t worry, you don’t need a Harvard MBA to master these seven finance strategies. You just need to read this post (and actually apply it).
Brace yourself, this isn’t your grandma’s budgeting advice. We’re talking about power moves, money psychology, and strategies that the ultra-rich use to stay ahead. Let’s dive in.
1. Think Like a Bank, Not a Customer
The problem? You’re playing checkers while the banks are playing 4D chess. Blankfein didn’t get rich following the same financial advice they teach in high school. He understood that money isn’t just for spending, it’s for multiplying.
Solution: Invest early, reinvest often, and stop hoarding cash like a dragon sitting on a pile of gold. Your savings account isn’t growing, your investments are. Get into index funds, ETFs, or even fractional shares if you’re starting small.
Pro Tip: Check out The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham (Available on Amazon). This book shaped the minds of Wall Street legends, including Warren Buffett. If you don’t read it, your wallet might never forgive you.
2. Master the Art of Risk (But Make It Calculated)
Most people fear losing money more than they fear being broke. Blankfein? He understood that smart risks lead to insane rewards. If you’re not taking any risks, you’re already losing.
Solution: Get comfortable with controlled risk. Start small, whether it’s investing in the stock market, crypto (cautiously), or even a side hustle. The key is to take risks you can afford, not risks that can wipe you out.
3. Leverage Other People’s Money (Ethically, Of Course)
If you think the rich only use their own money, guess again. Blankfein mastered the art of using OPM (Other People’s Money) to scale wealth. This is how businesses grow, investments flourish, and entrepreneurs build empires.
Solution: Learn about good debt vs. bad debt. A credit card splurge on a PS5? Bad debt. Taking out a low-interest loan to start a business or invest in property? Potentially great debt.
Pro Tip: If you want to master the art of leverage, read Rich Dad Poor Dad (Available on Amazon). It’s the personal finance wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
4. Know When to Hold ‘Em & When to Fold ‘Em
Markets crash. Businesses fail. But the best money minds, like Blankfein, know how to pivot. The problem? Most people panic when things go south instead of strategizing.
Solution: If your investments tank, don’t sell in a blind panic. Assess the situation. Is it a temporary dip or a permanent decline? Stay rational, not emotional. Learn to pivot instead of throwing in the towel.
5. Negotiate EVERYTHING
If you’re not negotiating, you’re leaving money on the table. Blankfein didn’t accept the first offer, ever. You shouldn’t either.
Solution: Whether it’s your salary, rent, or even your internet bill, negotiate. You’d be shocked at how many companies are willing to cut you a deal if you just ask.
Pro Tip: Want to master negotiation? Read Never Split the Difference by former FBI negotiator Chris Voss (Available on Amazon). It will turn you into a negotiation ninja.
6. Build Your Network (Your Net Worth Will Follow)
Blankfein didn’t climb to the top alone. He built a powerful network, and it paid off, literally. The reality? Who you know matters just as much as what you know.
Solution: Start networking. Connect with people in your industry. Join LinkedIn groups, attend events, and provide value before you ask for favors. Networking isn’t about using people, it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships.
7. Play the Long Game (While Everyone Else Chases Quick Money)
The biggest mistake? Chasing short-term gains and ignoring long-term growth. Blankfein played the long game, which is why he didn’t just make money, he built lasting wealth.
Solution: Think in decades, not days. Instead of obsessing over quick flips and get-rich-quick schemes, focus on sustainable growth. Automate your savings, stay invested, and trust the process.
Bonus Tip: If you struggle with long-term thinking, read Atomic Habits by James Clear (Available on Amazon). It will change how you approach success, financial and otherwise.
Final Thoughts: Your Move
Blankfein mastered the finance game, and now you’ve got the playbook. The question is, are you going to use it or keep scrolling through TikTok?
Drop a comment below: Which strategy are you going to apply first? Let’s talk money moves!