The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life

by Nick Maggiulli

Overview

From the author of Just Keep Buying, a groundbreaking new framework for building wealth

Do you feel stuck financially? Are you working more, trying to spend less, yet still not seeing results? If so, the issue isn’t your effort—it’s your approach.

This is where The Wealth Ladder comes in. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme or a one-size-fits-all solution to your money problems. It’s a new philosophy for thinking about money altogether.

In a world where interest rates shift, careers take new turns, and desires evolve, our financial strategy must keep up. This is why The Wealth Ladder breaks wealth into six distinct levels, each demanding its own strategy. What works at Level 1 won’t cut it at Level 6—and vice versa. You’ll learn exactly how to handle your spending, income, investments, and more, with tailored advice for every stage. The result? Smarter choices, less stress, and a clear path upward.

Because building wealth isn’t just about hard work—it’s about applying the right strategy at the right time to focus on what matters most.

Fortunately, you won’t need to guess on where to focus next because The Wealth Ladder has the answer. The only question left is: Are you ready to climb it?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593854037
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 8.56(h) x 0.93(d)

About the Author

Nick Maggiulli is the Chief Operating Officer and Data Scientist at Ritholtz Wealth Management, where he oversees operations across the firm and provides insights on business intelligence. He is also the author of Just Keep Buying, his first book, and OfDollarsAndData.com, a blog focused on the intersection of data and personal finance. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and The Los Angeles Times. Mr. Maggiulli graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics and currently resides in the New York City metropolitan area.

Editorial Reviews

The Wealth Ladder beautifully reframes how we think about money by meeting people where they are. Whether you’re struggling with the basics or managing millions, Nick Maggiulli has created an inclusive guide that you can rely on throughout your life. As someone dedicated to financial wholeness, I also appreciate how this book addresses both the opportunities and the limitations surrounding wealth. If you want to reach your financial goals while having a healthy relationship with money, The Wealth Ladder is the book for you.”—Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, New York Times bestselling author

“Different stages in life require different ways of thinking about money. I learned that by trial and error. All you need to do is read Nick Maggiulli’s excellent book.” —Scott Galloway, professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Prof G Markets podcast host, and bestselling author of The Algebra of Wealth

“The Wealth Ladder brilliantly argues that success with money isn’t about one perfect choice, but a series of well-calibrated decisions over time. Nick Maggiulli has created a unique framework that empowers readers to evaluate their options without ignoring the costs often associated with them. It’s a refreshingly honest guide that will improve not just how you manage your money but how you make decisions about what truly matters.” —Annie Duke, bestselling author of Thinking in Bets

“Nick Maggiulli masterfully distills complex financial principles into a practical, step-by-step guide. The Wealth Ladder is a must read for anyone looking to break free from financial limitations and build a future of abundance. It’s not just about making money—it’s about moving with intention at every level.” —Dr. Paris Woods, author of The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom

“Nick Maggiulli has done it again. In The Wealth Ladder, he combines deep data analysis with clear, actionable insights to help you grow your wealth—and understand which level of wealth is most likely to make you happy.” —Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Lies

“Forget one-size-fits-all personal finance guidance. The Wealth Ladder provides a wonderful framework for setting financial priorities and crafting a financial plan that will fit each of its readers like a glove.” —Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar, and bestselling author of How to Retire

“The Wealth Ladder is the most comprehensive and accessible guide to wealth creation I’ve ever read. Nick Maggiulli has a gift for blending the rational world of data with the connective power of storytelling, and does so seamlessly with this incredible book.” —Lawrence Yeo, author and illustrator at More to That

“Few financial storytellers can match Nick Maggiulli’s eye for narrative; in The Wealth Ladder, he applies that skill to not only lay out the route to ever higher levels of personal wealth but also to describe their occasionally fearsome human costs. Highly recommend.” —William Bernstein, cofounder of Efficient Frontier Advisors and bestselling author of The Four Pillars of Investing