The 6 Levels of Making Money | Ep 955 - The Game with Alex Hormozi Recap

Podcast: The Game with Alex Hormozi

Published: 2026-03-24T09:00:00.000Z

Duration: 1036

What Happened

Alex Hormozi begins by categorizing the four primary ways to acquire money: stealing, inheriting, marrying into it, and trading for it, emphasizing that most people will find themselves trading. He elaborates on how he made a million dollars 106 times over a weekend and owns a portfolio of companies that generated over $250 million in revenue last year.

In the episode, Hormozi outlines six schemes of trading work for money, starting with 'I work, then you pay,' which he describes as the most reliable method but with limited upside. The second scheme, 'You pay as we go,' is typical for contractors who get paid in installments, yet face higher turnover rates compared to employees.

The third scheme, 'You pay, then I work,' allows for greater leverage, as illustrated by professionals like surgeons who require payment upfront. This model is beneficial if one can command such terms, reducing the risk of non-payment.

The fourth scheme is outcome-based payment structures, where compensation is tied to achieving specific results. This model is less risky for skilled individuals, as compensation is based on outcomes rather than time spent working.

The fifth and sixth schemes involve buying and selling risk, such as insurance, and getting paid regardless of performance, like taxation by the government. Hormozi notes that these models are difficult to achieve but offer substantial rewards due to the unique nature of risk management.

Hormozi emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing perceived risk, citing Peter Thiel's and Jeff Bezos' views on risk-taking. He argues that successful individuals often take on perceived high risks that they understand well, leading to disproportionate rewards.

Key Insights