If you have a desire to build wealth for yourself and your loved ones and you are starting from ground zero, you are considered a first-generation wealth builder. Building generational wealth that will support you and your family now – and for generations to come – requires that you utilize the right financial strategies. While it can certainly seem overwhelming to figure out where to start and what future steps are necessary, having the right information can help you proceed with confidence. Below, we discuss four strategies for building generational wealth that may be helpful as you get started.
Building Generational Wealth Strategy #1: Consider Insurance Options
Life insurance is often an overlooked tool to build generational wealth. Its value as a means to provide an inheritance for your loved ones after you pass is powerful. With the exception of single premium life insurance1, most life insurance policies give you ability to pay the premium over time while giving you the same financial protection in the short term.
Permanent/whole life insurance policies provide coverage for your whole lifetime as long as you pay your premium. It has a cash value that can grow and earns interest on a tax-deferred basis.2
Term life insurance is an affordable option and is the least costly because it provides a death benefit for a specified time frame, though it does not feature a cash value. Term life insurance is typically a good option for those who are in the beginning stages of wealth building. It’s most often purchased by younger, healthy people to ensure that their beneficiaries receive a cash benefit that is income tax-free in the case of your unexpected demise.3
Note that premiums for permanent life insurance are more expensive than for term insurance. However, as your earnings grow, purchasing a permanent life policy may be a good strategy for building generational wealth. With the combined opportunity for cash value growth and tax advantages, it can be a sound strategy to transfer your wealth directly to your beneficiaries or as part of your estate plan.
Building Generational Wealth Strategy #2: Know That Not All Debt Is Bad
Most of us cringe a bit when we think about debt. However, not all debt is created equal – and it’s not all bad. For first-generation wealth builders, there are some types of debt that can add value as you build your wealth. Sometimes referred to as ‘growth-focuses’ such debt includes:
- Higher Education
- Purchasing a home
- Starting a business
- Property Investment
There’s no sure way to know if your ‘debt investments’ will pay off. However, by being thoughtful and strategic, it may be worth the risk if it helps you build your wealth in the long run.
Building Generational Wealth Strategy #3: Make Your Work Pay-Off
If you’re intent on being a first-generation wealth builder, then you know that you’ll need to work harder and smarter than most. Whether it means being a star employee to help you earn that promotion, adding a side hustle or second job, or learning to save and invest that extra income, smart planning will put you on the right track toward your wealth-building goals.
It’s a key wealth-building move to take the extra income from any of your additional work or added pay and invest it straight away. While it may be tempting to use that money elsewhere from time to time, it won’t increase your bottom-line. Keep your eye on your long-term goal of building generational wealth.
Building Generational Wealth Strategy #4: Pass it Along
There’s much more to building wealth than your own financial security. Helping your family and loved ones can not only provide you with satisfaction, but you can also enrich the lives of those you care about. Investing in college funds, helping someone gain housing for a stable living condition, or providing for transportation to get to their job can be meaningful moments in your wealth-building journey.
Passing along your wealth for the purposes of your loved ones’ future financial well-being is also a practical way to pass along your knowledge of smart spending and investing. In this way, you can teach those you care about how to manage and value money. It’s among the most important things you can do as a first-generation wealth builder, and the returns can be immeasurable.
The Steps Towards First-Generation Wealth
Taking your journey towards being a first-generation wealth builder has many steps. It is a path that requires commitment and an intentional plan that can lead you toward your goals. Make sure you have the help and information you need to guide you along the way. If you’re not yet working with a financial advisor, this may be a helpful first step.
If you think you or someone you know would benefit from professional financial guidance, give us a call at (540) 720-5656.
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.