The one thing I learn more and more is that you don’t have to be smart to make money. Now, not to say that life is all about making money. Far from it in fact from my perspective. But, when it comes to making money, there are many interesting observations that have become more evident as I get older, er, wiser, or something.

People who make money are most often persistent, passionate, respectful, and whole bunch of things. But you don’t have to be smart to make money. A good dose of chutzpah helps and being a mench is key. Charm never hurt, and of course, the most important ingredient, luck. But one does not have to be an academic to make money.

I know many many smart people who have no money and I know many rich people who are not smart. In fact I remember a very wise man once saying that making money is about 10% seichel (smarts) and 90% mazal (luck) and those you use more seichel always land up making less money.

Yes, when you get too clever for your own good we generally mess things up. So, don’t mess with a winning formula! Don’t forgot who you are and where you have come from – stay grounded.

And always remember to say what you mean and mean what you say.