Practical Strategies for Building Generational Wealth

As a millennial professional and advocate for economic empowerment, one of my biggest passions is helping people—especially within BIPOC communities—navigate the path toward creating sustainable (the emphasis on sustainability implies that this wealth is built, maintained, and utilized in ways that can withstand economic fluctuations, societal changes, and family dynamics over time) generational wealth. This isn’t just about money; it’s about establishing a legacy of financial wellness, opportunity, and security that grows stronger with each generation. I have been on the journey myself for the past 5 years and I found that the best way to reach my own personal excellence is to help uplift others on their journeys to strive for more, hence my more frequent articles lately.

In the Twin Cities, we have access to some incredible resources and strategies that can help us build wealth mindfully and intentionally. Let’s dive into how we can approach this journey with actionable steps and practical tools.

1. Start with Financial Education: Building a Strong Foundation

Knowledge is the key to breaking cycles of financial insecurity. Investing time in understanding financial literacy is your first step to generational wealth. Here are a few places to start:

• Books: The Wealth Choice by Dr. Dennis Kimbro and Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin are must-reads. Another one of my favorites is Rich AF by Vivian Tu.
• Podcast Recommendation 1: Earn Your Leisure: This podcast explores the intersection of business, finance, and culture, with a focus on entrepreneurship and wealth-building strategies. The hosts, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, are excellent at making financial topics relatable.
• Podcast Recommendation 2: Bigger Pockets: Focused on real estate and smart financial moves, this podcast is perfect for those exploring property development and investment opportunities.
• Podcast Recommendation 3: The Financial Confessions (by The Financial Diet): This podcast makes financial topics accessible and relatable. It’s hosted by Chelsea Fagan and features guests who share real stories about money.

The more you know, the more empowered you’ll be to make decisions that align with your long-term goals.

2. Make Budgeting Your Superpower

Creating a budget is one of the simplest ways to reclaim control over your finances. But let’s keep it real—it’s not always easy. Start with a system that works for your lifestyle, like the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% for needs (housing, utilities, food)
• 30% for wants (entertainment, hobbies)
• 20% for savings and investments

Pro Tip: Use tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or even a spreadsheet (I Google Family Planner Budget Tracking Sheets and print them out and keep it in a binder each month) to track your spending. Make sure to build in a line item for your future self—whether that’s paying off debt, investing, or saving for a down payment on your first home.

3. Invest Early, Invest Smart

We often hear that the earlier you invest, the better—but let’s talk about investing with a purpose.

Maximize Your 401(k) Contributions with Employer Matching:

If your employer offers a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, it’s essential to contribute enough to receive the full match. This match represents an immediate return on your investment and is a valuable component of your overall compensation package.

• Why This Matters: Employer-matched contributions boost your retirement savings significantly, and tax-deferred growth allows your investments to compound over time.
• Advisor Tip: Consider investing in a target-date fund aligned with your anticipated retirement year for a diversified and professionally managed portfolio.

Leverage Real Estate for Long-Term Wealth Building

Real estate is a proven asset class for creating generational wealth. In the Twin Cities, there are numerous opportunities for first-time homebuyers to enter the market through programs offering down payment assistance and favorable loan terms.

• Why This Matters: Real estate not only provides potential appreciation but can also generate passive income through rental properties.
• Advisor Tip: Consider properties that allow for rental income to offset expenses or explore programs tailored for first-time buyers to ease entry into the market.

Explore Fractional Investment Opportunities

For those seeking a more accessible entry point into investing, fractional investment platforms like Fundrise and Stash allow you to invest in real estate and stocks with smaller amounts of capital.

• Why This Matters: These platforms offer diversification and the ability to start building an investment portfolio without requiring substantial initial capital.
• Advisor Tip: Evaluate the fees and investment options on each platform to ensure they align with your financial goals.

Begin Stock Trading with User-Friendly Platforms

For individuals new to stock trading, platforms like Bloom, Robinhood, and E*TRADE provide intuitive tools for learning and building a portfolio. Many platforms offer guided investment strategies, including options to replicate the portfolios of successful investors or public figures.

• Why This Matters: Early exposure to stock trading fosters financial literacy and provides a foundation for more advanced investment strategies.
• Advisor Tip: Start with small investments, focus on diversified portfolios, and take advantage of educational resources offered by these platforms to build your knowledge base.

4. Prioritize Homeownership

Owning property is one of the most powerful ways to build generational wealth. In the Twin Cities, there are fantastic resources to help you get started:

• @Minnesota Housing Offers down payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs.
• Local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Community Focused Banks: These organizations and banking institutions provide funding options tailored to underserved communities.
• Prosperity Link: Connects individuals to real estate services and financial education to bridge the homeownership gap through a community of resources and individual experts.

5. Build a Network of Wealth Builders

You are the sum of the people you surround yourself with—so build a network of like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about financial empowerment.

• Join groups like Black Women's Wealth Alliance or Startup Grind Twin Cities to connect with other local wealth builders.
• Seek out mentors who can guide you through challenges and open doors to new opportunities- reach out to me at MEDA for more information on how to connect with a mentor that can be an important piece of your entrepreneurial journey.

Collaboration is a game-changer on this journey.

6. Protect What You’re Building

Once you start growing wealth, the next step is protecting it.

• Estate Planning: A will, trust, or estate plan ensures that your assets are passed down according to your wishes.
• Insurance: Life insurance, disability insurance, and even long-term care insurance help shield your family from financial uncertainty.

Consider partnering with local experts to help you tailor these protections to your goals- let me know if you need a connection with a great local advisor!

The Twin Cities Advantage

One thing I love about the Twin Cities is that we’re rich with resources and community-driven initiatives aimed at closing the wealth gap. From nonprofit organizations to government programs, there are countless ways to get support as you embark on this journey.

The Journey Forward

Building generational wealth is not an overnight process—it’s a journey of patience, discipline, and collaboration. But the beauty of this journey is that it’s not just for you—it’s for the generations that will follow in your footsteps.

Let’s build a future where our children, and their children, inherit not only wealth but also the knowledge and confidence to sustain it.

What steps will you take today to create a legacy of sustainable wealth? Let’s connect and keep this conversation going—I’d love to hear your ideas and share more strategies for empowerment!