5 Wealth Mistakes Every Tech Exec Makes (confession time)

The hidden traps that keep tech professionals stuck in money-maker mode

👋 Managing Tech Millions 📈 your go-to source for building wealth with tech equity and managing the money that comes with it.

Every Thursday, we'll deliver a concise and powerful lesson on building wealth working for equity compensation or on managing your seven and eight-figure portfolio.

Today, in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

• 🚫 What’s keeping your portfolio stuck in “side project” mode

• 🧩 The system that helps eliminate confusion and risk

• 🏗️ How to design a lifestyle business powered by your wealth

Hey Portfolio CEOs,

I've been thinking about something lately—

Why do so many brilliant tech professionals struggle with wealth management?

After 12 years of building my own portfolio business and speaking with hundreds of tech leaders, I've noticed that we keep making the same fundamental mistakes.

Here's the thing: we're incredible at debugging code, optimizing systems, and scaling infrastructure.

But when it comes to our own wealth?

We're flying blind.

I promise not to sugarcoat this or create unnecessary drama. Instead, I want to be that calm voice of reason, sharing what I've learned the hard way so you don't have to.

This week, I'm breaking down the 5 hidden mistakes that keep tech professionals stuck in "money maker" mode instead of evolving into true portfolio CEOs.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward fixing them.

Let's dive in...

Managing Tech Millions is a Weekly Podcast that gives you deep dive conversations into building and growing wealth with myself and other industry experts.

This week, I’m breaking down the truth about passive income—and how understanding it properly can save you tens of thousands in taxes.

• Stop the Confusion: Why most people are using “passive income” wrong

• The 3 Types That Matter: How the IRS classifies your income

• The 50% Trap: What creators and courses aren’t telling you

• My Wake-Up Call: The shift I made that saved me thousands

• A Smarter Playbook: How to build income the tax-efficient way

5 Hidden Mistakes Tech Pros Make in Wealth Management

April 19th, 2012. IPO day. I became a millionaire instantly.

You'd think I'd be celebrating, right? Instead, I felt like I was drowning.

Suddenly, I wasn't just a skilled engineer—I was the steward of a seven-figure portfolio. And I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Sound familiar?

After talking to hundreds of tech professionals over the past decade, I've discovered something: we're all making the same five critical mistakes.

The good news? Once you spot them, they're completely fixable.

The Problem Hiding in Plain Sight

Most tech professionals are brilliant at building systems, optimizing code, and scaling infrastructure. But when it comes to wealth management? We wing it.

We treat our equity compensation like a glorified savings account, dabble with investment apps, and hope for the best.

Here's what I wish someone had told me on IPO day...

The 5 Hidden Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

1. Analysis Paralysis

You've been stockpiling equity for years, but the sheer volume of advice—blogs, LinkedIn influencers, financial advisors—creates noise, not clarity.

The result? Your untapped wealth sits there, exposed to single-stock volatility with no plan. You have a huge net worth and a lifestyle you want to escape from.

The fix: Stop consuming. Start implementing. You won’t really learn until you get into the game. Start small. Use a proven framework (like WealthOps) that cuts through the noise with step-by-step clarity. Review and Iterate.

2. Disjointed, Shallow Education

FIRE philosophies focus on extreme frugality. Traditional advisors push generic portfolios. Social media serves up financial hot takes.

The problem? None of this addresses the unique complexity of equity compensation or teaches you how to generate actual income. You don't want another cookie-cutter solution—you want to build a lifestyle business but don't know how.

The fix: Learn from someone who's been there. Build a network of people that are doing what you want, how you want it. Focus on education that bridges growth AND income strategies. Look for education that is practical and actionable from a mentor or teacher who has "been there and done that."

3. Wasting Time Dabbling

You're a problem-solver by nature, so you try the latest finance apps, read investment blogs, and take stabs at DIY portfolio management.

The reality? These experiments are too short-lived to yield meaningful results. You're spinning your wheels while the big picture remains untouched.

The fix: Commit to building a business around your wealth. Use a systematic approach. Stop dabbling. Start building. This is the startup way—apply what we know to our wealth.

4. Overexposure

Holding onto large, concentrated positions in your company stock feels comfortable—it's the source of your success, after all.

The danger? A sudden market downturn or company-specific crisis can wipe out years of progress in the blink of an eye. Market changes can be fast and brutal.

The fix: Implement a "Plan-Assess-Divest-Invest" cycle that manages risk intelligently through diversification and tax optimization.

5. Trying to Go It Alone

In tech, we're rewarded for being independent problem-solvers. But when it comes to wealth management, going solo leads to frustration and missed opportunities.

The cost? You're left to reinvent the wheel, making avoidable mistakes along the way.

The fix: Surround yourself with like-minded professionals who share real-world insights and strategies. Get out of your comfort zone and spend some time building a business that will let you own your time.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Here's what changed everything for me: I stopped treating my portfolio like a side project and started running it like a business.

The result after 12 years:

• Portfolio grew systematically from low to mid-7 figures

• I spend only 1-2 hours per week on portfolio management

• My "portfolio business" runs like clockwork

• I'm building a lasting legacy with my family involved

It is Time to Get To Work (and Get Honest)

Ready to get unstuck?

Here's the truth: The fastest way to move forward is to name what's holding you back.

You just read the biggest wealth challenges high-earning tech pros face—and I guarantee you're not alone.

During coaching and conversations, I've repeatedly seen these same patterns (and lived through most of them myself).

Now it's your turn.

👉 Take 30 seconds to fill out this quick 3-question multiple-choice survey.

Talk soon / Christopher

P.S. - I didn't set out to create WealthOps. It was born out of necessity—the same necessity you might be feeling right now. The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone.

Join me for The WealthOps Way—our free live masterclass designed to help you stop guessing and start running your wealth like a business.

You’ll go from scattered to strategic as you craft your own Portfolio Thesis—the foundation of everything that follows.

👉 In just two sessions, you’ll:

• Clarify your long-term vision

• Define your next best investment move

• Build the system that turns wealth into freedom

Spots are limited—and the clarity you’ll gain? Game-changing.

Let’s build your portfolio like it’s your next great company!

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And whenever you are ready, there three ways I can help you:

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.