Money Screams, Wealth Whispers

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and I came across this video of Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, casually dining at a restaurant where no one recognized him. I barely finished the video before heading straight to the comments because, well, isn’t that why we’re all there? Most people were celebrating the idea that this kind of anonymity is “the best kind of fame.”

But one comment stopped me in my scrolling tracks. Someone wrote, “Money screams, wealth whispers.” I hadn’t heard it put that way before, but man, it hit me. It got me thinking about my own life—my kids, our society, and how we talk (or don’t talk) about money.

Growing up in the ’90s, “rich” had a pretty clear image for me. You were living the dream if you had a house in the suburbs with a pool. My dad worked on commission, which meant our lifestyle had ups and downs. It wasn’t until I got older that I fully understood why some months were lean while others weren’t.

These days, it’s my turn to try and teach my kids about money. But things look different now. Just the other week, my oldest, 14, came home from school after a meeting about one of those expensive overseas “learning trips.” We’re talking over $5,000 for seven days, plus tips. That’s a hard no for my husband and me. We sat down as a family to chat about it, and my daughters weren’t surprised when the “rich” girls signed up right away.

But here’s the thing—it’s not about labeling people or guessing who’s rich and who isn’t. It’s about what those labels even mean. It got me thinking that maybe we need to have a bigger conversation about wealth in our home. Because, at the end of the day, the goal isn’t “rich.” The goal is something much more meaningful. It’s wealth.

What Does “Wealth” Really Mean?

For me, wealth isn’t about flashy designer bags or trips with a first-class ticket. It’s about stability. It’s about security. It’s having the ability to cover life’s “what-ifs” without losing sleep. Back in 2020, during the pandemic, my blog took off like a rocket. It was booming, and it gave our family the chance to pay off our mortgage ahead of schedule. But here’s the thing people often don’t see—years of work led to that moment. Before we could even think about paying off our house, we made sure we’d cleared all our other debts.

That experience isn’t just a victory lap; it’s a lesson I want to pass on to my kids. True wealth doesn’t come quickly or easily. It’s built brick by brick through smart, often unglamorous decisions. It’s not about what people see on the outside but about what it enables you to do behind the scenes.

Moving from “Rich” to “Wealthy”

Society loves to show off the appearance of being “rich,” but it’s often an illusion. The real issue is that many of us are influenced all day, every day, to spend more—some of it subtly (that Instagram ad for shoes you suddenly need), and some of it not so subtly (a celebrity gifting their teenager a $3M watch- I’m looking at you Tom Brady).

But here’s the truth no one talks about enough—your financial habits today directly shape your future. And wealth? Wealth is about focusing on the long game. It’s the quiet confidence of knowing you’re prepared for life’s twists and turns.

If this resonates with you, here are some actionable ways to move from chasing “rich” to building “wealth”:

1. Define Wealth for Yourself

We’re all wired differently, so start by identifying what wealth means for you. Is it living debt-free? Being able to retire early? Supporting your family comfortably? Write it down and revisit it regularly. ( I use planners for almost everything, and I love this frugal living one that includes budgeting)

2. Align Your Spending with Your Values

Take a look at where your money is going. Are you spending it on things that truly matter to you, or are you just trying to keep up with the Joneses? Cultivate financial habits that align with what you value most.

3. Teach Your Kids About Money Early

Kids don’t have to grow up wealthy to understand wealth. Start with simple lessons:

• Explain budgeting and involve them in family decisions—like saving for a special vacation instead of splurging now.
• Teach them the difference between needs and wants (spoiler alert—it’s not the same as their Christmas wish list).
• Set up a small savings goal for them to achieve so they can experience the joy of creating wealth over time.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Some months will be better than others, and that’s okay. True wealth is built over time, so focus on incremental progress instead of feeling overwhelmed by setbacks.

Why It Matters

I’ve been there—caught up in defining my worth by how much money I’m making or how successful my blog is. It’s an instinct I still wrestle with, even now. But here’s the thing I need to remember (and maybe you do, too). Social media and society’s obsession with “success” only show us snapshots.

Real life happens in between those moments. It’s not about endless striving. It’s about finding joy and security in where you are now while taking intentional steps toward where you want to be.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, wealth whispers. It doesn’t need to scream from the rooftops. It’s steady, it’s quiet, and it’s invaluable. Whether teaching your kids about money, trying to resist societal pressures, or working to pay off your debts, remember that wealth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about choices.

Take a moment to reflect on yours. Are they moving you closer to what you truly value? If not, maybe it’s time to start making small changes—changes that, over time, will build something far more meaningful than “rich.”