Why Schools Don’t Teach Money—And How It Hurts Us All | Michael Gentile
“We teach people how to get jobs, how to build a career, but we forget the most important thing: how to take care of their finances and manage their wealth properly.” ~Michael Gentile
In the second episode of my podcast series, Building Generational Wealth with Living Your Greatness, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Gentile.
Michael is widely recognized as one of the leading strategic investors in the junior mining sector, holding significant ownership stakes in over 25 small-cap mining companies.
From 2002 to 2018, he served as Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Formula Growth, where, alongside his partner Charles Haggar, he co-managed one of Canada’s largest market-neutral hedge funds from 2012 to 2018.
Beyond his investment expertise, Michael is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He taught a Finance class at Concordia University from 2007 to 2018 and actively contributes through volunteer work and philanthropy.
Episode Lessons
Here are some lessons I took away from Michael Gentile in this episode.
1. Start Early —Curiosity Sparks Lifelong Growth
Michael Gentile first discovered the stock market at just eight or nine years old.
“I was in grade four… One of my teachers introduced us to the stock market using companies we all knew as kids.”
That early lesson, designed to engage young minds, ignited a lifelong passion.
Gentile’s advice to young listeners is direct:
“These are the magic years when compounding really works. Putting away $5,000 in your 20s is worth more than putting away $200,000 at 65.”
The message is clear: start early and stay curious. Whether it’s reading business pages as a child or diving into projects beyond the classroom, discovering your interests young leads to powerful long-term rewards—for both your knowledge and your net worth.
2. Self-Education Is Your Greatest Advantage
Michael Gentile’s journey is proof that self-education can be your most powerful edge.
“I read books like The Wealthy Barber, The Intelligent Investor by Ben Graham, and a lot of Warren Buffett’s work—while I was still in high school. None of it was part of the curriculum. I sought it out on my own.”
In a world overflowing with information, the key is knowing where to look—and having the drive to learn.
“If you want to educate yourself, there’s so much high-quality content out there. You could earn a PhD in investing without ever stepping foot in a classroom.”
What matters most isn’t a diploma—it’s discipline.
“If you find something you’re passionate about, follow it. This isn’t rocket science. But very few people take the time to truly educate themselves and take control of their financial future.”
The edge doesn’t lie in credentials. It lies in your commitment to keep learning.
3. Discipline Over Dazzle—Follow the Boring, Timeless Truths
Success doesn’t come from chasing trends—it comes from mastering the basics and sticking to them. Michael Gentile puts it plainly, quoting Charles Dickens:
“Salary 5 pounds, spend 4.5 pounds—happiness. Salary 5 pounds, spend 5.5 pounds—misery.”
The core message? Live below your means.
Gentile consistently returns to a few foundational habits: save consistently, spend wisely, invest early, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.
“Generational wealth is built through long-term discipline. Be intentional with your spending, keep putting money away, and let compounding work for you—over 5, 10, 20, even 30 years.”
In a world obsessed with shortcuts and hype, Gentile stands for what actually works: humility, patience, and financial consistency. The truth may be simple—but it’s powerful.
4. Give Back—It’s the Best Investment
Michael Gentile’s philosophy is rooted in service.
“Both my parents were teachers… I spent 10 years teaching at the university level after I began my career—just to give back to my old school. That passion for education is in my DNA.”
For Gentile, giving back isn’t optional—it’s essential.
“If you have knowledge in the financial space, sharing it is one of the most impactful ways to give back. That’s why I taught for a decade and why I continue to build platforms that reach as many people as possible.”
His mission goes beyond teaching financial principles. He aims to build a culture where financial literacy empowers individuals, strengthens families, and uplifts communities.
5. Financial Literacy Builds Stronger Societies
The impact of financial illiteracy, Gentile warns, goes far beyond personal struggle—it affects entire nations.
“A lot of that [financial illiteracy] shows up in our government policies,” he notes. “If you grow up thinking you can borrow your way to prosperity… and expect that to end well, it won’t.”
Even his own children recognize the consequences:
“My 9-year-olds understand… we’re impoverishing ourselves by the decisions we’re making as a society.”
The message is urgent and universal: financial literacy isn’t just a personal advantage—it’s a civic responsibility.
“The more people know, the better decisions they’ll make—and the better outcomes they’ll have for themselves and for society.”
Smart money choices create ripple effects. The stronger our financial foundation, the stronger our future—individually and collectively.
Michael Gentile’s philosophy is grounded in curiosity, discipline, lifelong learning, and service. His story reminds us that wealth is built over decades—with consistency and intention.
“We’re not selling anything except an investment in your financial future. That’s the most important investment you can make. Hopefully, we can plant a few seeds—just like my Grade 4 teacher did for me.”
Start early. Stay intentional. Help others grow. That’s how lasting generational wealth is built.
Thanks for reading! 🫶
Much love,
Writer l Speaker l CEO of Living Your Greatness
P.S. To celebrate the end of the podcast series Building Generational Wealth, I am hosting a live event with Michael Gentile and Daniela Cambone next Thursday 6-9pm, May 29th at Connections Ralia. If you haven’t signed up yet, I’d love for you to join us!
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