Wealth isn’t just about money—how I’m teaching my kids to see riches in cultures, ideas, and people

Teaching Our Kids About Wealth and Life Beyond Our ZipCode

One of the greatest fears many wealth creators share (and don’t speak about) is how their success might impact their children.

As a parent, the last thing you want is for your kids to grow up feeling entitled or disconnected from the hard work it took to build and sustain financial security.

That fear—of raising "entitled jerks"—is not just personal; it’s universal.

But here’s the good news: fear can be reframed.

With intention, experiences, and a thoughtful approach, you can rewrite the narrative of what wealth represents in your family.

Here’s a story highlighting how purpose-driven planning and intentionality can redefine how wealth is built and transferred to the next generation.

The Why: Rewriting the Narrative of Wealth

In 2023, my wife and I looked at our three boys—ages nine, nine, and ten—and realized it was time to take action.

We didn’t just want them to know what wealth looks like from the receiving end; we wanted them to understand its power and responsibility.

Our goal was to show them one lesson -

Wealth isn’t just about the numbers in your portfolio. It’s about the impact it can create.

We decided to give them a front-row seat to what this could mean.

In partnership with the Ugandan Water Project, one of our key philanthropic efforts, we planned our first family service trip.

This wasn’t about dropping money into a cause but about immersing ourselves in a global experience that could teach our kids empathy, responsibility, and purpose.

We went to Uganda, where water poverty is a daily reality.

Our kids met children their age who spend hours fetching, boiling, and cleaning water, forfeiting valuable school time.

They saw how even the smallest infrastructure—a rainwater recapture system or a single well—could change lives.

Seeing their reactions—curiosity, heartbreak, and eventually, determination—was transformative. It gave them a global perspective that broke through their bubble of comfort and privilege.

They learned that wealth isn’t just for consumption; it’s a tool to multiply impact.

The Framework: Shaping a Legacy of Responsibility

The trip wasn’t just about opening our kids’ eyes.

It was also a living lesson in a larger framework we’re using to build our family’s legacy. 

Here’s the process we’ve used to align our wealth with purpose:

1. Teach Global Perspective

Wealth can create distance or connection. Exposing your family to global challenges bridges that gap and gives them a broader perspective on the world. Seeing people live joyfully, even in challenging conditions, teaches gratitude and resilience.

2. Model Philanthropy as Impact Investing

Philanthropy isn’t just charity—it’s an investment in creating measurable good. We showed our kids how small contributions (like funding a well) could generate outsized results. This mindset reinforces the idea that wealth is a tool for impact, not just personal gain.

3. Encourage Problem Solving

By experiencing real-world challenges, kids develop empathy and critical thinking. Seeing the water crisis firsthand sparked discussions on solutions—not just from us but from them. We’re raising problem solvers who think beyond their own comfort.

4. Reinforce the Intention Behind Wealth

It’s not enough to teach kids how to grow and manage money. They need to know why. Our family’s mission is clear: our wealth exists to create impact and opportunity, both for our family and for others.

We’re actively teaching them that money is not the goal; it’s a resource to build a lasting legacy.

This includes lessons on investing, managing, and multiplying wealth, giving, learning, and growing.

The Hidden Benefits of Service Trips

On a practical level, philanthropic service trips offer some unique advantages.

Did you know many of these trips can be structured in a tax-deductible way when tied to registered charities?

It’s a small financial upside to a priceless experience for teaching life lessons.

What is Your Intention for Your Wealth?

This experience taught us invaluable lessons about wealth and legacy, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Now it’s your turn to reflect on your journey:

1. What do you want your wealth to stand for?
   Is it a tool for impact, freedom, or security? How does this align with your family values?

2. How are you preparing the next generation?
   Are you teaching your children to grow, manage, and use wealth responsibly? What systems or experiences can you put in place to guide them?

3. What steps are you taking today to shape your legacy?
   Whether it’s through philanthropy, education, or global experiences, how are you ensuring your wealth creates meaningful change for generations to come?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

What intentional steps are you taking to ensure your wealth is a blessing, not a burden, to your family?

Hit reply and let me know.

By aligning wealth with purpose and teaching the next generation to see money as a tool for good, you can create a legacy that’s not just financial—but transformational.

Let’s commit to rewriting the narrative together.

Until next week / Christopher Nelson

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• The pivotal moment that led to the creation of WealthOps

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• Why tech professionals must approach their wealth like a business

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.