Redefining Wealth: Living Life by Design, Not by Default
My professor of history law once went around the room and asked, “What does small mean to you? What about big?” Every single person had a different answer. He was an attorney by trade, and he used this exercise to challenge our thinking—reminding us that while textbook definitions exist, our personal definitions are shaped by our own perspectives.
That same idea applies to “wealth” and “generational wealth”—two terms that get thrown around a lot. But what do they actually mean? Technically, wealth is defined as “an abundance of valuable possessions or money.” Generational wealth is “the transfer of assets from one generation to the next.” And while I see tons of videos online about “how to build wealth,” I rarely see anyone pause to define what wealth even looks like for them.
Just like my professor taught us, the definition depends on who you ask. For some, wealth is stability—knowing there’s food on the table and bills are paid. For others, it’s being able to take a vacation every year. We all have different starting points on this wealth-building journey, yet we often chase someone else’s version of success because we never stopped to define our own.
That’s why, before diving into strategies and financial plans, I always start with a values exercise. I help my clients map out the lifestyle they want to live—so their goals and spending reflect their values. To me, wealth is living life by design—spending on what truly matters to you and working toward goals that are genuinely your own.
And it’s important to acknowledge—our starting points aren’t all the same. Maybe your classmates had their tuition covered by their parents, while you took out student loans. That difference matters.
For many in my community, generational wealth doesn’t always mean millions in assets. Sometimes, it’s simply being able to cover funeral expenses so your family doesn’t have to host a Kermes (fundraiser). Sometimes, it’s making sure your kids can go to college without debt—or covering your own retirement so your children don’t have to support you.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but remember—being a Primero means you’re starting from a different place. It might feel like you’re behind, but truthfully, you’re already ahead. You’re changing the trajectory for your entire family. And that? That’s wealth in itself.
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