A simple question... $2.2 MILLION now, or $50,000 per month?
$2.2 MILLION Now or $50K/Month (Lump Sum Now or Guaranteed Income Until You Can’t Work Anymore?)?
Most people get this WRONG!
I recently asked my followers on X, Instagram, and TikTok a simple but profound question: Would you take $2.2 million or $50,000 a month until you couldn’t work anymore?
The responses were fascinating, revealing deep-rooted psychological perspectives about money, wealth, and financial security. From those who instantly grabbed the lump sum to those who preferred the safety of a monthly wage/paycheck, the discussion shed light on different financial mindsets - scarcity, greed, and abundance.
But this was just the beginning. The engagement led to even more questions that tested how people think about money and the beliefs shaping their financial future.
The scarcity mindset, fear of not having enough...
Many responses reflected a scarcity mindset rooted in fear and a belief that money must be tightly controlled because it can run out at any moment. This mindset keeps people stuck in financial insecurity, even when they have the potential to build wealth.
Common responses from a scarcity mindset:
- “I’d rather have guaranteed money every month. What if I take the $2.2m and lose it?”
- “People blow through lump sums. I’d rather have a steady income and can’t mess up.”
- “$50K/month is more in the long run if you live long enough.”
This mindset aligns with Prospect Theory, which states that people fear losing money more than they enjoy gaining it. For many, the idea of managing a large sum felt overwhelming, and they preferred the security of predictable income.
Breakthrough Thought: Imagine if these individuals learned financial literacy and investment strategies instead of fearing loss. The lump sum could have been an opportunity to build generational wealth rather than something to fear.
And we are not promised tomorrow or our health… should we just choose to live in the moment? Our very own Darren Parkin, editor extraordinaire @TheDigitalCom_X, chose this option, but as I told him, I was researching for this very article, so I thank him, and I hope I can change his investing mindset! (or at least challenge his perspectives)
The greed mindset and instant gratification
Some followers had a completely opposite reaction. They instantly jumped at the $2.2 million with the mindset of "get rich quick". But their reasoning wasn’t based on smart investing - it was driven by instant gratification.
Common Responses from a greed mindset:
- “Easy choice! $2.2M today - I’m buying a Lambo and a mansion!”
- “I don’t trust anyone to give me money over time. Gimme the cash NOW.”
- “I’ll flip the $2.2M in crypto and 100x it.”
This group was driven by impatience and a consumption mindset rather than long-term wealth-building strategies.
Breakthrough thought: True wealth isn’t about how much you make but how well you manage, multiply, and sustain it. A lump sum can be life-changing, but only if used strategically.
The abundance mindset: A path to wealth creation
The most insightful responses came from those with an abundance mindset—people who viewed money as a tool for growth, freedom, and security rather than something to be feared or wasted.Common Responses from an Abundance Mindset:
- “I’d take the $2.2M, invest it, and turn it into a cash-flowing empire.”
- “I’d buy income-generating real estate and retire now.”
- “Why work at all? $2.2M invested properly can make me $50K/month or more.”
These individuals understood compound interest, passive income, and financial literacy.
They recognised that they could generate more than $50K monthly and achieve financial freedom faster with proper planning.
Breakthrough Thought: The secret to financial success is learning to turn money into more money rather than simply collecting it.
New thought-provoking money mindset questions...
- Would you rather have unlimited income but never retire OR retire today with $2 million?
- Some respondents felt that time was the most valuable commodity, choosing to retire with less money rather than work indefinitely.
- Others believed that with unlimited income, they could still design their ideal life without retirement.
- Would you rather have $10 million but never reinvest OR $1 million with unlimited investing skills?
- This revealed how people perceive financial knowledge versus financial security. Many chose investing skills, understanding that knowledge compounds wealth over time.
- Would you let your partner spend one night with a billionaire for $10 million?
- Based on the Indecent Proposal (1993), this question tested personal values versus financial incentives.
- Responses ranged from outright rejection to pragmatic perspectives like “Relationships always break up, so why not with $5M each?”
These questions revealed deeper insights into how we value money, security, relationships, and time.
Back to our original question… Which strategy leads to true financial freedom?
Scenario 1: $2.2 Million Lump Sum
If you take the $2.2M upfront, here’s how you could invest wisely...
Conservative Strategy: Invest in stocks and dividend ETFs for passive income (~$11K/month at 6% annual return).
Moderate Strategy: Buy rental properties that generate $10K-$15K/month in passive income.
High-Growth Strategy: Start a business or invest in high-growth sectors (crypto, tech stocks, etc.).
Lifestyle Impact: Financial freedom starts immediately, allowing flexibility, travel, and wealth-building. And as mentioned… we are never promised tomorrow, a long life, or employment.
Scenario 2: $50K Monthly Payments (But you have to work)
If you choose the $50K/month, here’s how you could maximise it:
“Invest Half, Live Off Half” Strategy: Investing $25K/month grows to $4.2M in 10 years at 7% annual returns.
Full Investment Strategy: Investing the entire $50K/month grows to $8.5M+ in 10 years.
Lifestyle Impact: Consistent income, but dependence on employment remains until enough wealth is accumulated.
What would YOU choose?
This isn’t just a hypothetical question - it’s a test of how you think about money.
This isn’t just a fun thought experiment. It’s a sneak peek into how you actually think about money.
Are you the type who plays it safe, grabbing that reliable $50K/month pay-check so you can keep working?
Or are you the risk-taker, ready to catch that $2.2m lump sum and put it to work, building generational wealth and total financial freedom with the ability NOW to live the life you love?
This is what I learned...
- If you lean toward the $50k/month, you might prioritise security over growth. Scarcity thinkers prefer security but limit their potential.
- Greed-driven choices often lead to reckless financial decisions.
- Somewhere in between? You’re probably trying to balance risk and stability, which is brilliant if you have a solid plan!
- If you go all-in on the lump sum, your mindset is likely wired for wealth-building and long-term financial independence. Abundant thinkers use money as a tool for creating wealth, freedom, and impact.
Honestly, I love diving into these money mindset discussions. The way people think about wealth is fascinating, and no two answers are the same.
Money fascinates me, and so does the psychology of money. What’s your money mindset if you really want to know, take my 30 Question Quiz... https://belikelisa.com/trader-quiz/
I’m Lisa N Edwards FIND ME DAILY GettingStartedinCrypto.com
ALL MY LINKS https://linktr.ee/LisaNEdwards
