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12 Proven Ways to Build Generational Wealth (Like the Wealthy Do)

We all want the best for our families and their futures. To help ensure them of financial wellness, here are 12 ways to build generational wealth.

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Updated Aug. 14, 2024
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Building generational wealth involves making strategic financial decisions that extend beyond individual prosperity, aiming to provide enduring benefits for your family over multiple generations.

From managing debt wisely to crafting long-term investment strategies, there are various ways to establish a foundation for sustained financial success.

Here are 12 impactful ways to build wealth, offering insights and actionable steps to help you create a lasting legacy for your family's financial well-being.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Avoid high-interest debt

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One of the foundational pillars of building generational wealth is steering clear of high-interest debt. Accumulating debt with exorbitant interest rates can impede financial progress and limit your ability to invest in assets that contribute to long-term wealth creation.

Crushing high-interest debts and adopting responsible borrowing practices will help ensure that financial resources are channeled into wealth-building avenues rather than servicing debt.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Invest for the long run

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Building generational wealth requires a perspective that extends beyond short-term gains. Embrace a long-term investment strategy, leveraging the power of compounding to grow your wealth steadily over time.

Consider investing in a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, with a focus on long-term growth. Consistent and disciplined investing contributes to the accumulation of wealth that can be passed down through generations.

Hire an accountant

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Navigating complex financial landscapes necessitates professional expertise. Hiring an accountant helps you maximize tax advantages and identify strategic financial opportunities.

An accountant can offer valuable insights into optimizing your financial structure, minimizing tax liabilities, and aligning your financial strategies with generational wealth objectives.

Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200

Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.

Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.

Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.

With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.1

Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 5.00% APY2on your uninvested cash3and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock

Hire an estate planner

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Crafting a comprehensive estate plan is pivotal in preserving and transferring wealth to future generations. Hire an estate planner to assist in structuring your assets, establishing trusts, and developing a clear succession plan.

A well-crafted estate plan not only safeguards your wealth but also facilitates a seamless transfer of assets, minimizing potential challenges and ensuring that your family's financial legacy endures.

Educate your family about money

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Financial literacy is a powerful tool in building generational wealth. Actively engage in educating your family members about money management, investments, and financial responsibility.

Foster an open dialogue about financial goals, strategies, and the principles of wealth creation. By instilling financial literacy in successive generations, you empower your family to make informed decisions that contribute to the ongoing growth and preservation of wealth.

Start a successful business

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Entrepreneurship can be a potent vehicle for building generational wealth. Consider starting a successful business, leveraging your skills, passions, and market opportunities.

A thriving business represents a valuable asset that can be passed down to future generations. Strategic business ownership contributes to a diversified wealth portfolio and establishes a legacy of enterprise for your family.

Diversify your assets

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Diversification is a fundamental principle in wealth management. Spread your assets across various investment classes to mitigate risk and optimize returns.

Explore diverse investment opportunities, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. Diversification helps protect your wealth from market fluctuations and positions your family for sustained financial growth across different economic environments.

Invest in real estate

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Real estate investment has long been heralded as a pathway to generational wealth. Acquiring income-generating properties and strategically investing in real estate can provide a consistent revenue stream while building equity over time.

Real estate assets, whether residential or commercial, may offer financial stability and the potential for substantial appreciation, contributing to long-term wealth preservation for future generations.

Create and maintain a trust

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Establishing a trust is a strategic legal tool for generational wealth planning. A trust allows you to specify how your assets will be managed and distributed over time, providing a structured framework for wealth transfer.

By creating and maintaining a trust, you can exert greater control over the destiny of your assets, ensuring they are safeguarded and distributed according to your wishes.

Stop missing out on potentially $1,000s of basically free money with this account

If you’re not using a high yield savings account already, we just have one question: WHY?! Maybe you don’t think it’s worth your time to transfer from a traditional savings account … but by not switching, you could be missing out on $1,000s of basically free money. Here’s why:

The Customers Bank high yield savings account offers a rare 4.51% APY4 (annual percentage yield) — compare that to national average APY of 0.46% (as of 9/16/24). This could be worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars in practically passive income.

To put it another way, in a traditional savings account with the national average APY, a $50,000 deposit would only earn $1,189 with daily compounding interest in 5 years. With Customers Bank, that same $50,000 deposit could yield over $15,200 in the same time frame.5

Open an account today — it takes minutes, and there’s almost zero excuse not to. Customers Bank is powered by Raisin, there are NO fees, and you can withdraw your money whenever you need it. Plus, with FDIC insurance, Customers Bank provides a more secure online banking experience and a safer place to store your extra cash.

Limited Time Bonus: Earn up to $2,000 when you refer friends and family to Raisin. Visit site to learn more.

Click here to open a Customer Bank high yield savings account

Prioritize education investments

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Investing in education lays the groundwork for future financial success. Prioritize funding educational opportunities for your family members, whether through college savings plans, scholarships, or other educational investments.

Education equips successive generations with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern economy, fostering a legacy of informed decision-making and professional achievement.

Implement philanthropy

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Incorporating philanthropy into your wealth-building strategy not only benefits society but also instills a sense of purpose and responsibility in your family. Establish a family foundation or engage in philanthropic activities that align with your values.

Philanthropy creates a positive impact on the community and fosters a culture of giving within your family, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility in the generational wealth-building process.

Utilize life insurance strategically

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Strategic use of life insurance can enhance your generational wealth plan. Beyond providing a financial safety net, certain life insurance policies offer investment components that accumulate cash value over time.

By leveraging life insurance strategically, you can create a source of liquidity for future generations, contributing to their financial security and providing a tool for estate planning.

Bottom line

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Building generational wealth requires a multifaceted and disciplined approach. Each decision and strategy contributes to the broader legacy you leave for your family. Consider how these 12 ways can be integrated into your financial plan, aligning with your goals and values.

As you make these money moves, reflect on the impact you wish to have on future generations. Ask yourself: What financial principles and strategies can I implement today to ensure a lasting legacy for my family's prosperity? The answers lie in thoughtful planning, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to fostering enduring financial well-being for generations to come.

Masterworks Benefits

  • Invest in art like a millionaire for a relatively low cost
  • Art investments have outperformed the S&P 500 by over 131% for 26 years
  • Purchase shares of artwork by top artists
  • Hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio


Author Details

Adam Palasciano

Adam Palasciano is a personal finance-obsessed and money-savvy individual who loves to hash out content on all things saving money. He specializes in writing millennial-friendly personal finance content, covering topics ranging from trending financial news, debt, credit cards, cryptocurrency, and more.