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Wealth Exposed: This Short Argument I Overheard Made Me A Fortune... Can It Do The Same For You?
Can a short 18-minute conversation I overheard from a millionaire make you a fortune?
It did for me.
And it can do the same for you.
Go back to 1996 and eavesdrop on the tense 18-minute argument I unwittingly heard. An altercation between two friends. One living a dream. The other faking it. Listen in on the powerful conversation that changed the trajectory of my life and ultimately made me a millionaire— many times over.
Delivered in a raw narrative form, step into my shoes as a depressed limousine driver and five-time failed entrepreneur. Witness the argument as I did, an argument that exposed wealth’s guiding first-principles. An transcendent story of sacrifice, immutable regret, and life-changing insight... a poignant tale relevant in an year, any economy, or any country.
Discover the right questions and you’ll discover the right answers— answers that will set you free.
Based on a true story.
It did for me.
And it can do the same for you.
Go back to 1996 and eavesdrop on the tense 18-minute argument I unwittingly heard. An altercation between two friends. One living a dream. The other faking it. Listen in on the powerful conversation that changed the trajectory of my life and ultimately made me a millionaire— many times over.
Delivered in a raw narrative form, step into my shoes as a depressed limousine driver and five-time failed entrepreneur. Witness the argument as I did, an argument that exposed wealth’s guiding first-principles. An transcendent story of sacrifice, immutable regret, and life-changing insight... a poignant tale relevant in an year, any economy, or any country.
Discover the right questions and you’ll discover the right answers— answers that will set you free.
Based on a true story.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
447 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
M.J. DeMarco
10 books1,053 followersMJ DeMarco is a semi-retired entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and international best-selling author who’s books have been translated in over 15 languages worldwide. He is the current founder of Viperion Publishing Corp., a media company focused on online and print content distribution. He also is admin/founder for The Fastlane Forum, the web’s leading destination forum for start-up, finance, and entrepreneurial business discussions.
Prior to embarking into the world of writing and authorship, he was the former start-up Founder/CEO of Limos.com (1997-2007), a global ground transportation aggregator and marketplace that he successfully built and grew into a profitable multi-million dollar company, all with no money, no formal training, and with just a few employees. In 2001, he sold the company in an exit event but later reacquired the company via bankruptcy reorganization. He later sold the company again in 2007 to a Phoenix-based private equity company.
By refusing to accept society's default template for mediocrity (THE SCRIPT: jobs, 401(k)s, frugality, give your life savings to Wall-Street) MJ was able to retire young in his thirties without sacrificing the good life. Yes, that means he isn’t playing Wall-Street's “hope, wait, and pray” game where you nervously invest all your savings into the stock market, all while commiserating over the Starbucks you couldn’t drink because saving $4.12 was more important. (Do people seriously believe that sh*t?)
Currently, MJ owns a publishing company which produces, distributes, and licenses his work around the world while contributing daily to TheFastlaneForum.com: an entrepreneurial community featuring over 40,000 entrepreneurs. He lives in Scottsdale Arizona and enjoys road trips, softball, travel, fitness and nutrition, working out, and recklessly exploring the Sonoran desert on his UTV.
Prior to embarking into the world of writing and authorship, he was the former start-up Founder/CEO of Limos.com (1997-2007), a global ground transportation aggregator and marketplace that he successfully built and grew into a profitable multi-million dollar company, all with no money, no formal training, and with just a few employees. In 2001, he sold the company in an exit event but later reacquired the company via bankruptcy reorganization. He later sold the company again in 2007 to a Phoenix-based private equity company.
By refusing to accept society's default template for mediocrity (THE SCRIPT: jobs, 401(k)s, frugality, give your life savings to Wall-Street) MJ was able to retire young in his thirties without sacrificing the good life. Yes, that means he isn’t playing Wall-Street's “hope, wait, and pray” game where you nervously invest all your savings into the stock market, all while commiserating over the Starbucks you couldn’t drink because saving $4.12 was more important. (Do people seriously believe that sh*t?)
Currently, MJ owns a publishing company which produces, distributes, and licenses his work around the world while contributing daily to TheFastlaneForum.com: an entrepreneurial community featuring over 40,000 entrepreneurs. He lives in Scottsdale Arizona and enjoys road trips, softball, travel, fitness and nutrition, working out, and recklessly exploring the Sonoran desert on his UTV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 12, 2020
It could be a blog post, rather than a book. If you read "The Millionare Fastlane" and "Unscripted", you can skip this book.
Just half of the book is the story itself, the other are prefaces to the other two books, I really don't get the point why MJ decided to sell this as standalone product.
Just half of the book is the story itself, the other are prefaces to the other two books, I really don't get the point why MJ decided to sell this as standalone product.
September 10, 2020
This book is basically an intro to the principles of the millionaire Fastlane and unscripted. If you have read these books, you will not learn anything new, this is just a story about a conversation MJ overheard. The story that got him into the Fastlane. I found it interesting and entertaining, but this book is mostly a marketing pamphlet for his other books.
If you haven´t read the Millionaire Fastlane and unscripted, you will understand what they are about with this 30-minute read.
Main ideas:
Make sacrifices now so you can eat the biggest cake later.
You can´t set yourself free working a normal job.
If you work in a company, you marry your time with money, you get paid a certain amount per hour if you don't work you don't get a dime.
If you are an entrepreneur and you have all your systems set, such as a book or a piece of software, you can replicate them and sell them, the money won't depend on your time, just on how much you sell. You can be sleeping and making money at the same time.
Are you willing to take risks, fail a couple of times, and try again, again, and again for the sake of freedom? Are you willing to sleep on a couch today so you can enjoy financial freedom tomorrow and retire by 30? Then take the Fastlane pill and start applying these books
Do you want to play it safe, work 9 to 5, save, go to Cancun once a year, and retire when you can´t get it hard anymore? If the answer is yes, these books are not for you
If you haven´t read the Millionaire Fastlane and unscripted, you will understand what they are about with this 30-minute read.
Main ideas:
Make sacrifices now so you can eat the biggest cake later.
You can´t set yourself free working a normal job.
If you work in a company, you marry your time with money, you get paid a certain amount per hour if you don't work you don't get a dime.
If you are an entrepreneur and you have all your systems set, such as a book or a piece of software, you can replicate them and sell them, the money won't depend on your time, just on how much you sell. You can be sleeping and making money at the same time.
Are you willing to take risks, fail a couple of times, and try again, again, and again for the sake of freedom? Are you willing to sleep on a couch today so you can enjoy financial freedom tomorrow and retire by 30? Then take the Fastlane pill and start applying these books
Do you want to play it safe, work 9 to 5, save, go to Cancun once a year, and retire when you can´t get it hard anymore? If the answer is yes, these books are not for you
August 27, 2025
It's a great short story.
Wealth Exposed has an excellent book cover, title, and subtitle. The fictional story was impressive, and the bonuses were so good that it made me realize I have to revisit one of his previous books that I've read (Unscripted). I recommend this short story and would reread it. I highlighted a bunch of texts as I read through it.
Wealth Exposed has an excellent book cover, title, and subtitle. The fictional story was impressive, and the bonuses were so good that it made me realize I have to revisit one of his previous books that I've read (Unscripted). I recommend this short story and would reread it. I highlighted a bunch of texts as I read through it.
May 14, 2020
Useful reminder
There’s not a lot too this book. Essentially the story of an 18 minute car journey overhearing 3 college friends talking. One just sold his business for $90m. One of the other two received a cheque for $2m the other did not. The one who didn’t get anything bemoans the fact that he didn’t get anything but is reminded by the guy with the money he’s had opportunities to take action but didn’t. What sacrifices are you prepared to make?
There’s not a lot too this book. Essentially the story of an 18 minute car journey overhearing 3 college friends talking. One just sold his business for $90m. One of the other two received a cheque for $2m the other did not. The one who didn’t get anything bemoans the fact that he didn’t get anything but is reminded by the guy with the money he’s had opportunities to take action but didn’t. What sacrifices are you prepared to make?
July 12, 2020
Very short story with a similar time to the author's other work. The rest of the book was just the prefaces to his other books. The story itself was fine and there are some ok questions that follow, but I'm not sure that this merited being made into a book. In my opinion, one would be better off reading DeMarco's other books for actionable steps, however.
November 23, 2020
This was a super short book. I read this after I read Millionaire FastLane so I was aware of the premise. Nevertheless, it screams to live your life unscripted. To mark your own journey. It is told in story form but the message is the same as millionaire fastlane.
Some of the biggest takeaways are, have the courage to try. Many of us are scared to live unscripted. We want the safe lane where we may not be exposed to the opportunities to truly live out our dreams but we tied to what we consider safe.. even if safe means slowly killing your dreams and aspirations.
It is a good story but I would recommend Millionaire Fastlane instead of this book. Go get that book.
Some of the biggest takeaways are, have the courage to try. Many of us are scared to live unscripted. We want the safe lane where we may not be exposed to the opportunities to truly live out our dreams but we tied to what we consider safe.. even if safe means slowly killing your dreams and aspirations.
It is a good story but I would recommend Millionaire Fastlane instead of this book. Go get that book.
August 16, 2024
a kick in the pants
MJ's a great story-teller, like your best friend recounting an experience he had the other day. The content may hit some like it hit me - nothing I didn't know, but my new best friend is saying the quiet part out loud and calling me out on it, basically saying, "Yea, so what are you going to do about it, friend?" Looking forward to reading another book of his... while I take some steps towards my already organized, written goals for resurrecting an old business I had to abandon due to illness. Been contemplating it much in recent months but today, I ordered business cards. It's a start. Thanks MJ.
MJ's a great story-teller, like your best friend recounting an experience he had the other day. The content may hit some like it hit me - nothing I didn't know, but my new best friend is saying the quiet part out loud and calling me out on it, basically saying, "Yea, so what are you going to do about it, friend?" Looking forward to reading another book of his... while I take some steps towards my already organized, written goals for resurrecting an old business I had to abandon due to illness. Been contemplating it much in recent months but today, I ordered business cards. It's a start. Thanks MJ.
December 26, 2021
This book is short. The conversation overheard had some nuggets that were good, but what made this book worthwhile was the summary and commentary at the end. The author has a good sense of humor and had an easy time crafting a teaching tale that will stick with you. It's hard to choose what is the right way to go at times when thinking about the future, but there will always be choices that anyone can take to help our tomorrow be better. This book has some good advice and it is a good read.
Mr. Joe
Mr. Joe
May 19, 2022
This was too short of a book to be of much value, and it contains a sample of the first two chapters of his book "Unscripted," which is by the way, a GREAT 5-star book. But, this one was more of way of selling that book with an extremely short story on a story he overheard while he was a limousine driver.
The short story is good, in "MJ Demarco style, tone, and humor," but again, just because of the brevity, and the fact it was an introductory plug for his other book, I am giving this 3 Stars, as an average good. Not a waste of time of course, but it is what it is.
The short story is good, in "MJ Demarco style, tone, and humor," but again, just because of the brevity, and the fact it was an introductory plug for his other book, I am giving this 3 Stars, as an average good. Not a waste of time of course, but it is what it is.
April 21, 2020
MJ has done it again
MJ is not a theorist or guru, but rather a practitioner who has learnt the lessons the hard way.
In each of his books, these lessons are conveyed using his own experience, stories and frameworks.
Once again, a great read and a butt-kicker.
If you've gotten stuck in a rut, or even love your job, this will give you perspectives to consider on what true wealth and freedom is, and what it takes to achieve it.
MJ is not a theorist or guru, but rather a practitioner who has learnt the lessons the hard way.
In each of his books, these lessons are conveyed using his own experience, stories and frameworks.
Once again, a great read and a butt-kicker.
If you've gotten stuck in a rut, or even love your job, this will give you perspectives to consider on what true wealth and freedom is, and what it takes to achieve it.
April 27, 2020
A great intro to MJ
MJ's writing won't give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's not meant to do that. However, it might jolt you out of your delusions of what it takes to become wealthy. His vocabulary is gritty and at times terse. He curses like a sailor, but the message he imparts could be the kick in the pants you need to move you off the self-indulgent couch of instant gratification and excuses, and onto the path of service that leads to true financial freedom.
MJ's writing won't give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's not meant to do that. However, it might jolt you out of your delusions of what it takes to become wealthy. His vocabulary is gritty and at times terse. He curses like a sailor, but the message he imparts could be the kick in the pants you need to move you off the self-indulgent couch of instant gratification and excuses, and onto the path of service that leads to true financial freedom.
December 26, 2020
Good Quick Story
Good read and I liked the story format that plays out in the limo. That is a sorry that is played other time and time again by so many. I recommend this quick read to most people even though many will read the lessons and not do much else with the information. That’s just the reality as I see it based on what I have seen from 99% of our brainwashed society (at least here in the U.S.)
Good read and I liked the story format that plays out in the limo. That is a sorry that is played other time and time again by so many. I recommend this quick read to most people even though many will read the lessons and not do much else with the information. That’s just the reality as I see it based on what I have seen from 99% of our brainwashed society (at least here in the U.S.)
May 7, 2021
Great short book on MJ Demarco's content and a very insightful conversation he overheard as he was driving some successful people in a limousine.
The books first half is that conversation really nicely laid out in MJ Demarco's usual narrative tone, very vivid and easily pictured.
Then, the second half of the book were the introduction chapters to his previous books: "The Millionaire Fast Lane" and "Unscripted". I've read them, but it was a good refresher and always love reading his work.
The books first half is that conversation really nicely laid out in MJ Demarco's usual narrative tone, very vivid and easily pictured.
Then, the second half of the book were the introduction chapters to his previous books: "The Millionaire Fast Lane" and "Unscripted". I've read them, but it was a good refresher and always love reading his work.
May 17, 2020
Another one from Mr. DeMarco
This is MJ’s third book but it feels like a good starter before going into his more in-depth books on money and business. One thing you can always trust is that MJ isn’t going to feed you malarkey but real, practical answers to how one can actually build the life you ACTUALLY want. Very grateful for that!
This is MJ’s third book but it feels like a good starter before going into his more in-depth books on money and business. One thing you can always trust is that MJ isn’t going to feed you malarkey but real, practical answers to how one can actually build the life you ACTUALLY want. Very grateful for that!
May 26, 2020
Great read, short, inspiring.
Want to run a successful business? Divorce yourself from time. Create a business where revenue is not generated by the hour, but around the clock 24/7.
Think you missed your opportunity? There's another one on the way, there's always another opportunity to capitalize on. Change is universal. And millionaires are created when we change with change.
Want to run a successful business? Divorce yourself from time. Create a business where revenue is not generated by the hour, but around the clock 24/7.
Think you missed your opportunity? There's another one on the way, there's always another opportunity to capitalize on. Change is universal. And millionaires are created when we change with change.
October 29, 2020
Bloated 44 pager but a good book nevertheless
I have been watching MJ's videos on Youtube and have liked his advice. He never disappoints you like other 'Guides'.
Here too he gives some valuable advice about getting to that good life. But I feel the content is too short to be put into a book.
This is more a promotional effort than writing but I am not complaining
I have been watching MJ's videos on Youtube and have liked his advice. He never disappoints you like other 'Guides'.
Here too he gives some valuable advice about getting to that good life. But I feel the content is too short to be put into a book.
This is more a promotional effort than writing but I am not complaining
March 11, 2021
Very stereotype. Can be skipped
The book basically talks about leaving your job and investing in a business during the early years. It conveniently ignores the fact that only 1percent startups survive and become successful. I didn't find any logic based concept. Very irrational....high on emotions....low on practicality
The book basically talks about leaving your job and investing in a business during the early years. It conveniently ignores the fact that only 1percent startups survive and become successful. I didn't find any logic based concept. Very irrational....high on emotions....low on practicality
July 12, 2021
Read this in a couple of hours and you’ll get the idea
MJ DeMarco is the only author I’ve read with real life knowledge who can describe life and what is wrong with it. This is the only blueprint I have found to escape the rat race. I bet that anyone who reads this and understand it will think the same
MJ DeMarco is the only author I’ve read with real life knowledge who can describe life and what is wrong with it. This is the only blueprint I have found to escape the rat race. I bet that anyone who reads this and understand it will think the same
January 4, 2024
Too short. This isn't a book, it's an advert for the author's other two (proper books). It has done it's job, in that I will in the future read at least one of them. But to call this a book is silly. The writing is clunky (though I will admit there is some wisdom to be gleaned here.
Less than an hour to read.
Less than an hour to read.
March 29, 2020
Basically it's what you hear again and again...
Great story. I would like the focus and discipline tips on how to do your own thing.
It's a good rah-rah book. Just need to follow through.
Great story. I would like the focus and discipline tips on how to do your own thing.
It's a good rah-rah book. Just need to follow through.
April 5, 2020
Short enjoyable inspiring story
Not much new here. Worth the quick read. If thinking about entrepreneurship, this is worth the read. There's also first chapters of the authors other books
Not much new here. Worth the quick read. If thinking about entrepreneurship, this is worth the read. There's also first chapters of the authors other books
May 16, 2020
Great read!
Personally I won't let my dreams die. I've got too much to prove. And hopefully I can make a change along with it.
One time I heard. It is the best possible thing that could happen; that your born poor. The thrill of it all.
Thanks for the book Mj!
Personally I won't let my dreams die. I've got too much to prove. And hopefully I can make a change along with it.
One time I heard. It is the best possible thing that could happen; that your born poor. The thrill of it all.
Thanks for the book Mj!
May 22, 2020
Nice story. I particularly liked the 25 questions that are very thought provoking. Overall this short book is a nice intro in to the brilliant brutally honest Mj de Marco style. Read Unscripted best of his books.
August 22, 2020
Excellent Book!
This book clicked on all cylinders. MJ hit this out of the park. MJ was very open and honest while driving the point home that we as individuals need to take matters in our own hands.
This book clicked on all cylinders. MJ hit this out of the park. MJ was very open and honest while driving the point home that we as individuals need to take matters in our own hands.
October 2, 2020
Re-Education
It shreds the traditional teaching that tells you - if you go to school, get good grades, get a good job, and work hard - you will earn a life of happiness and financial freedom
It shreds the traditional teaching that tells you - if you go to school, get good grades, get a good job, and work hard - you will earn a life of happiness and financial freedom
January 10, 2021
As MJ as usual
If you a fans of TMF and Unscripted, you would love as a enjoyable reader. But if this is your first contact with MJ, you would definitely falling in love with it and lead you to his other books.
If you a fans of TMF and Unscripted, you would love as a enjoyable reader. But if this is your first contact with MJ, you would definitely falling in love with it and lead you to his other books.
January 11, 2021
Very engaging
I didn’t know what I was expected but that story was like being hit with a baseball bat. I identify with one of the characters completely and I feel like I understood myself better after reading the book. This was great
I didn’t know what I was expected but that story was like being hit with a baseball bat. I identify with one of the characters completely and I feel like I understood myself better after reading the book. This was great
August 13, 2021
A quick and insightful read
This book is an excellent short story to introduce the purpose behind DeMarco's other books. Worth the quick read, and by the end, you'll be motivated to take action.
This book is an excellent short story to introduce the purpose behind DeMarco's other books. Worth the quick read, and by the end, you'll be motivated to take action.
November 27, 2021
Love it
I always buy MJ's books. I truly love his style of writing. This information is truly revolutionary. He could have easily kept what he knows to himself, but luckily for us he decided to share. Thank you MJ.
I always buy MJ's books. I truly love his style of writing. This information is truly revolutionary. He could have easily kept what he knows to himself, but luckily for us he decided to share. Thank you MJ.
December 13, 2023
Some good quotes in the story
I've listened to the audiobook on another service, the performance was amazing and conversational. But I enjoyed reading/listening his book "millionaire fastlane" more and found it more helpful than this short story.
I've listened to the audiobook on another service, the performance was amazing and conversational. But I enjoyed reading/listening his book "millionaire fastlane" more and found it more helpful than this short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews