This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
One of the best gifts you can give a child is an enriched education, not monetary riches
Whether that child is your child, a niece/nephew, a sibling, or even a grown adult, allowing them to educate themselves about wealth and build it for themselves is one of the most invaluable and enriching experiences you can provide them.
My family didn’t grow up wealthy, and I’m thankful we didn’t because it drove me to learn about finance, improve my economic situation, and educate and inspire others to do the same.
Many preach about how people should create wealth for themselves and their families, children, and friends.
We should focus on sharing our wealth with others. But I don’t believe in the goal of intentionally leaving loads of money for our offspring or young relatives who haven’t been able to build something for themselves on their own yet.
My father frequently introduced me to millionaires and billionaires and took me to work with him, where I got to speak consistently with and work for them.
This experience alone was pivotal in exposing me to a higher lifestyle, higher thinking, bigger dreams, and bigger goals. If I had not had that exposure, I don’t know if I would be where I am today.
Exposure and Education: Key Ingredients To Success
Exposure to wealthy individuals, people who think big, and education (primarily through books) will completely shift your results.
If you can instill a strong desire in a child to learn, grow, and build, they will create their own legacy and won’t be looking forward to a handout from when their parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents leave the earth.
People That Seek Handouts Are Helpless
Recently I read a story of a large family who knew their wealthy aunt was about to die. Instead of working to improve their lives and their financial situations, most of them put all that on hold until their aunt clocked out.
But one part of the family was not banking on the aunt’s money, so they focused on creating wealth for themselves.
Eventually, she did clock out. Though she lived a lavish lifestyle, she lied to many of them about her wealth and what she would leave them. The extended family came to find out she was up to her knees in debt and had no wealth to offer them.
Pretty whack move, but her actions and words were not responsible for how helpless certain parts of her family decided to be.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.