James built and sold a company for eight figures.
He didn’t inherit wealth. He created it—through grit, risk, long hours, and an unwavering belief in what he was building.
Today, James is worth over $10 million.
But here’s the twist:
You’d never know it.
He doesn’t drive the nicest truck in the neighborhood. He never bought a Rolex when the wire hit. He still mows his own lawn on Saturdays.
His life hasn’t changed much on the outside. Because even though his net worth skyrocketed, his values stayed the same.
And that’s exactly why he’s asking the question every parent and grandparent with wealth should be asking:
“How do I make sure my grandkids grow up with the same work ethic I had?” “How do I pass down my mindset, not just my money?”
That’s the heart of legacy planning.
And it’s something we’re helping James and his family work through—intentionally, thoughtfully, and most importantly, in a way that reflects what matters most to him.
The Real Risk of Wealth Transfer
When most people hear the term legacy planning, they think of trusts, wills, taxes, and asset transfers.
And yes—those are part of it.
But let’s be honest: That’s not the hard part.
The harder question is this: “Will my wealth be a blessing… or a burden to the next generation?”
We’ve all heard the statistics: 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation. 90% by the third.
Not because the lawyers didn’t do their job. Not because the documents weren’t in place. But because the mindset didn’t transfer with the money.
Without values, money becomes noise. Without purpose, money creates entitlement. And without guidance, money overwhelms more than it empowers.
Building a Living Legacy
When James came to us, he didn’t start by asking about trusts or tax strategies.
He started with a story.
He talked about the nights he stayed up worrying if payroll would clear. He talked about teaching his kids to mow lawns, change oil, and work summer jobs. He talked about how gratitude and grit shaped his success more than any spreadsheet ever could.
And now, in his 70s, the question keeping him up at night isn’t the market… It’s this: “How do I protect my family from the downside of wealth?”
So we helped him shift his focus. From just transferring wealth… to transforming his family’s future.
Here’s how:
1. Creating a Family Mission and Purpose Statement
This is more than a plaque on the wall. It’s a North Star for every decision that follows.
We walked James and his kids through a series of conversations: What does this family stand for? What kind of people do we want to be? How should money serve us—not define us?
Together, they created a short but powerful statement that’s now read before every family meeting and referenced before major decisions.
It’s not about control. It’s about alignment.
And it gives James peace of mind knowing his values will echo for generations to come.
2. Designing a Giving Strategy Rooted in Gratitude
James believes giving is one of the best ways to stay grounded.
So we helped him design a family giving strategy—one that includes: Annual charitable donations driven by causes each family member is passionate about. Matching grants for grandkids who volunteer or donate to nonprofits. A “Gratitude Grant” fund that allows the family to surprise individuals in need.
It’s teaching his grandkids that giving isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s a practice. A posture. A reminder that we have more than enough.
3. Teaching Stewardship, Not Just Funding Lifestyles
There’s a difference between wealth and riches. Being rich is about what you spend. Being wealthy is about what you steward.
We helped James develop a plan where the next generation has access to resources—but also responsibility.
This includes: Requiring financial education before distributions. Creating mentorship relationships between generations. Inviting kids to “earn” access through demonstrated stewardship.
We’re not trying to prevent them from enjoying the fruit. We’re helping them understand how it grew in the first place.
This Is What Legacy Planning Should Be
It’s not just about documents and distributions.
It’s about discipleship—of mindset, of values, of purpose.
Because let’s face it… Wealth alone doesn’t create a legacy. Wisdom does.
Anyone can pass down money. But passing down meaning—that takes work.
The kind of work James is doing now.
He may never be the flashiest guy in the room. But in his family’s eyes, he’s becoming the most impactful.
What About You?
If you’ve built a business, grown your wealth, or achieved financial success… you’ve already won a game most people never even start.
But here’s a more important question: What will your success mean to the generations who follow you?
Will they understand how you got here? Will they carry forward your values? Will they use your wealth to build lives of purpose and impact?
You don’t need to have every answer today. But you do need to start the conversation.
Because real wealth isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you pass forward.
What’s one lesson you want your kids or grandkids to learn about money?