Achieving wealth through business is still a noble pursuit in this country. How we manage this financial milestone once it happens often defines us as a person.
Being smart with your money is an admirable quality, but being cheap or greedy is not. It also matters how you make it. When you are fortunate enough to achieve some level of success, make sure you spread the wealth. Remember the people who helped you achieve your success, as no one is ever successful alone. Think about those less fortunate and be philanthropic to the degree you can. Money can be a blessing if you treat it that way. If you’re not careful, it can also be a curse.
I’ve read multiple stories stating that the CEOs of large companies often earn more than several hundred times what the typical worker earns. This is significantly different from just a generation ago, when that number was 20–30 times higher (which was still quite substantial). I cannot think of any business or moral rationale that would support the idea that this is a positive societal development. In fact, it is a troubling trend that will lead to adverse socioeconomic consequences if we are not careful.
I thoroughly enjoy seeing my clients become successful. It’s always fun to watch people exceed their dreams and aspirations. Building a successful company is demanding work and should be generously rewarded. However, my own contention is that true success is not just the result of significant effort and business savvy but also due to strong ethical and moral behavior. The private sector remains the backbone of the U.S. economy, and historically, when it performs well, we all benefit. It’s a win-win proposition for all stakeholders. Let’s ensure we all strive to maintain this standard.
Spread the wealth; be financially smart and personally generous at the same time!
Related Articles:
- How To Spread the Wealth (forbes.com)
- World’s Rich Ponder How to Spread the Wealth (nbcnews.com)