CPA Shares 4-3-2-1 Formula for Building Wealth Through Systematic Earnings Planning

Building wealth requires a systematic plan for earnings, not luck or a single big break, according to CPA Greg Antipoff, who spoke at the 2026 Florida Realtors Convention in September.

Antipoff outlined what he calls the 4-3-2-1 formula: allocate 40 percent of earnings to personal needs, 30 percent to business expenses, 20 percent to tax savings strategies, and 10 percent to investments. He said the formula gives people a clear framework for managing money before it disappears into unplanned spending.

"Most people spend first and save what is left," Antipoff said. "Wealthy people save first and spend what is left."

For real estate investors specifically, Antipoff highlighted tax strategies including cost segregation and bonus depreciation, which allow property owners to accelerate deductions and reduce their tax burden in the early years of ownership.

The advice comes as financial experts across the country are emphasizing long-term, disciplined investing over short-term speculation. Owning a broad, diversified portfolio such as an S&P 500 index fund remains one of the most effective wealth-building strategies for most Americans, according to multiple financial planning organizations.

Antipoff noted that the compounding effect of consistent investing over time is more powerful than most people realize. A person who invests $500 per month starting at age 25 will accumulate significantly more wealth by retirement than someone who starts at 35, even if the later investor contributes more per month.

He encouraged attendees to work with a certified financial planner to build a personalized wealth strategy that accounts for their income, expenses, and long-term goals.