By Jess Belfry

The idea of generational wealth strikes a powerful chord, particularly with individuals motivated to leave a lasting legacy. Whether you’re launching your first business, advancing in your career, or entering a new professional chapter, the vision of building a strong financial foundation while making a positive impact on your community is an inspiring and shared ambition.

While there’s no universal road map, certain principles can guide anyone on the path toward creating enduring wealth—for themselves, their families, and future generations.

1. Define Your Income Needs and Goals

Building generational wealth starts with understanding yourself. What do you truly need to live a fulfilling life? What are your short-term milestones and long-term visions?

Financial advisors often recommend living below your means—keeping housing costs below 30% of your income or maximizing your employer’s 401(k) matching contributions. But building meaningful wealth goes beyond following generic advice. It requires a clear sense of purpose.

A helpful approach? Use one income for daily expenses and the other for saving or investing. Even in single-income households, adopting a similar mindset by living on half the income and saving the rest can be transformational.

For instance, as a former sales manager turned entrepreneur, Jess Belfry used travel rewards earned during work trips to fund family vacations. This shifted the career narrative from being a burden (“Mom’s gone again”) to being a blessing (“Mom’s hard work means an epic vacation is coming!”). This perspective changed everything for the family.

Financial goals aren’t static, and life will always throw challenges your way, from economic downturns to unexpected crises. The key? Stay adaptable and committed. When the road gets tough, remind yourself of this lesson: persevere. That resilience can define your success in building wealth.

2. Live Below Your Means—With Purpose

The age of social media has blurred the line between real wealth and the illusion of it. Lavish trips, luxury vehicles, and designer wardrobes are often equated with success. But true wealth? It’s quiet and intentional.

Jess Belfry used to drive a Range Rover Sport, fulfilling a childhood dream that symbolized success. Over time, though, the realization came that many admired individuals were bound by the weight of appearance rather than genuine fulfillment. Today, Jess Belfry drives a modest car and lives in a two-bedroom row home—not out of necessity, but because it enables a life focused on travel, meaningful time with loved ones, and peace of mind.

Even in professional environments where appearances play a significant role, Jess Belfry took a different approach. Instead of splurging on high-end fashion, local businesses were supported through thoughtfully crafted garments. Active choices were made to invest in causes or attend charity events rather than paying for designer labels. The result? Meaningful contributions to the community and lasting impressions.

Living within your means doesn’t mean deprivation, but clarity. It’s about saying no to societal pressures, yes to intentional living, and keeping your focus on long-term aspirations.

3. Know Your End Goals—and Stick to Them

Growing up in a hardworking, blue-collar family taught Jess Belfry that financial independence wasn’t optional but essential. Parents stressed the importance of higher education but left it up to their children to fund their own paths.

A youngest sibling earned a full-ride golf scholarship, while Jess Belfry worked tirelessly, saved diligently, and navigated the challenges independently. The parents’ goal was straightforward yet impactful: raise independent children capable of standing on their own so they could enjoy financial freedom in retirement.

Their success is evident. Today, those parents are thriving in retirement, free from financial stress and enjoying activities that bring them happiness.

Now, Jess Belfry focuses on passing these lessons to their own kids. For example, the oldest child excelled academically, earning scholarships and graduating early through seeking opportunities and staying focused. That grit and determination reflect the values that build generational wealth—not handouts, but empowerment.

While support will always be available, the ultimate gift is equipping the children with the tools to succeed. The goal is not to hand them wealth on a silver platter but to teach them how to create and sustain it on their own. This is the legacy Jess Belfry aims to leave behind.

Final Thoughts

True generational wealth doesn’t come from chasing status or sticking to fleeting trends. It grows from intentional choices, sacrifices, and core values. It’s about knowing when to spend, when to save, when to guide, and when to learn. Above all, it’s about keeping your eye on what truly matters—creating a legacy of lasting meaning, both financially and personally.