"Wealth is having an abundance of what we value." - Frank J. Hanna III 

Let that really sink in. Wealth is so much more than money itself. What do you value? What’s most important to you? If you have billions of dollars, but your family despises you because you aren’t present for your spouse and children…do you have an abundance of what you value? What if you work 80 hours a week earning a 7-figure income, but you have chronic stress and heart disease while not having time to do the things you enjoy? At JBW, we believe wealth goes beyond money. It’s better defined by things like family, relationships, health, freedom, wisdom, giving, and living in alignment with your values. 

A Short Walk Down Memory Lane

Growing up in a blue-collar family gave me an appreciation for the value of a hard-earned dollar. My dad served in the U.S. Air Force providing for the family while my mom was a homemaker, dedicating her time to helping me succeed in school and extracurricular activities. They would often talk about the economy and stock market. I became fascinated with the world of finance at a young age, and it has stuck with me ever since. As I grew older and studied finance at the University of Virginia, I fell prey to focusing on financial wealth as I thought about jobs, salaries, climbing the corporate ladder, and so on. It wasn’t until I got married and grew in my faith, that I started to look at life in a whole new light. 

Looking back over my childhood, I now realize my parents (while not financially wealthy at the time), lived Frank’s definition of wealth. They sacrificed financial means to gain time—time for each other, time for me, time to explore the world as a family, and so much more. They knew their priorities and they lived them. It has helped me to become the person I am today, and that legacy they created is living on in my own family. I prioritize time with my wife and kids, ages 17, 16, 13, 10, and 2. My daughters, the two oldest, are already showing indications of continuing the legacy of wealth being so much bigger than money itself. 

What Lies Beyond Your Wealth?

I came across another great quote recently:  "The unknown is a canvas for your imagination." - Anonymous 

Everything beyond the present moment is a blank canvas. Give yourself permission to unsubscribe from the belief that financial success is the ultimate goal. Instead, embrace that what lies beyond your wealth is your legacy. What legacy do you want to build and leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? What mark do you want to leave in the world? Building a legacy can look like offering your time, talent, and treasure to make an impact. It can feel like teaching the next generation to fly. It can taste like living your best life ever day—a life created by design and free from regrets. Below are some thought-provoking questions to help you assess if you’re on the right track. 

• How connected do you feel to the people who matter most to you?
• Are the right things compounding in your life?
• What memories have you recently created?
• Is your confidence growing in the choices you make and how you spend your time?
• Are you making a difference in the ways you feel called to do so?
• Does being the steward of your financial wealth feel less like a burden and more like a blessing?
• If you pass away tomorrow, would you be free from regrets?

We all deserve to experience the inner peace of a life well-lived. At the end of the day, we want to feel like our life mattered and had significance beyond ourselves. Although life can get busy at times, don’t allow it to get in the way of living an intentional life. We have all been created for greatness in some way, and to experience joy. I would encourage you to carve out some time, find a quiet spot, and craft a plan to live in alignment with what matters most to you. Start to build your legacy beyond just your financial wealth.