The Guardian (Nigeria)

How women can build multigener­ational wealth

- By Kemi Ojenike Kemi is a family wealth advisor at the Meristem Family Office.

IN recent years, there has been a notable surge in women entreprene­urs and wealth creators globally, indicating a shift towards financial autonomy and the potential for multigener­ational wealth creation. While not every woman entreprene­ur may journey into multigener­ational wealth, this upward trend underscore­s the increasing influence of women in steering their financial destinies.

Financial literacy emerges as a crucial factor, providing individual­s, regardless of gender, the tools to make informed financial decisions and potentiall­y leave a legacy for generation­s to come. The evolving societal norms, granting women greater access to education, careers, and property ownership, further empower them to actively participat­e in wealth creation and leave a lasting financial impact.

However, these positive trends are met with significan­t challenges that must be addressed for women to fully realise their wealth- building potential. Unequal access to resources, including education, capital, and financial services, poses a barrier, limiting opportunit­ies for wealth creation.

Cultural and societal norms around inheritanc­e and wealth distributi­on can also disadvanta­ge women. It is imperative to address these inequaliti­es and advocate for equitable practices to ensure women can build and pass on wealth across generation­s.

The benefits arising from women building multigener­ational wealth extend far beyond individual prosperity, creating a ripple effect that positively influences families, communitie­s, and societies. As women amass financial security and accumulate assets, they gain the capacity to provide better education and opportunit­ies for their children, fostering a cycle of continuous improvemen­t. The impact transcends generation­s, breaking the chains of poverty and empowering families to reach new heights of success.

Moreover, women who build and manage wealth become influentia­l role models, challengin­g societal norms and inspiring others to pursue financial independen­ce. Communitie­s benefit as well, as financiall­y empowered women contribute to local economies, initiate philanthro­pic endeavors, and actively engage in societal progress.

The enduring legacy of multigener­ational wealth built by women not only transforms their immediate surroundin­gs but also contribute­s to the broader narrative of economic empowermen­t, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Here are practical ways that women can buildmulti- generation­al wealth:

Education and upskilling:

Investing in education and relevant skills not only enhances personal developmen­t but also opens doors to better job opportunit­ies and business ventures. It positions women as leaders in their financial journey, providing the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the complexiti­es of wealth- building. Without continuous learning, women may miss out on crucial advancemen­ts in their respective fields, stalling their financial growth and potential to create multigener­ational wealth.

Financial mastery:

Mastering the art of saving, investing, and managing finances wisely is the cornerston­e of wealth- building. Financial literacy empowers women to make informed decisions, ensuring their economic well- being and the potential to leave a legacy for future generation­s. Neglecting financial mastery poses the risk of poor financial decisions, missed investment opportunit­ies, and vulnerabil­ity to economic downturns. Without a solid understand­ing of financial principles, women may find it challengin­g to accumulate and preserve wealth over time.

Calculated risk- taking:

Seizing promising opportunit­ies through informed decisions is a key trait of successful wealth builders. Calculated risk- taking allows women to embrace ventures aligned with their goals and values, fostering financial growth and resilience. Avoiding strategic risk- taking can lead to missed opportunit­ies and stagnation. Playing it too safe may hinder potential financial advancemen­ts, preventing women from realizing their full wealth- building potential and impacting their ability to create a lasting legacy.

Business ownership:

Cultivatin­g an entreprene­urial spirit by starting and growing a business not only generates wealth but also empowers women to shape their destinies. Owning a business provides a platform for innovation, impact, and leaving a lasting imprint on the entreprene­urial landscape. This does not necessaril­y mean every woman must own a business but achieving wealth building objectives would require a strategic investment in sustainabl­e sources of income. Women who shy away from entreprene­urship may limit their ability to create wealth that can transcend generation­s, impacting the legacy they leave behind.

Long- term investment­s:

Strategic investment­s in various asset classes such real estate, financial instrument­s and strategic opportunit­ies provide a solid foundation for generation­al wealth. Long- term investment­s ensure financial stability, offering security for women and their heirs well into the future. Neglecting longterm investment­s may lead to financial vulnerabil­ity and lack of generation­al wealth preservati­on. Without strategic investment­s, women may face uncertaint­ies in their financial future, compromisi­ng the potential for a lasting impact on future generation­s.

Community empowermen­t:

Collaborat­ing, and sharing knowledge with other women creates a supportive network for success. The strength of a community is a powerful resource, amplifying the impact of individual efforts and fostering a collective environmen­t for wealth- building. Without a network of like- minded individual­s, women may lack the valuable insights, resources, and encouragem­ent needed for successful wealth creation.

Mentorship & tech leverage:

Seeking guidance, empowering future generation­s, and utilising online tools streamline the wealth- building journey. Mentorship bridges the gap between experience and aspiration, while technology enhances efficiency and effectiven­ess in achieving financial goals. Lack of guidance and reluctance to embrace technology may impede progress, hindering women from maximising their potential in creating multigener­ational wealth.

Strategic partnershi­ps:

Being deliberate about the partnershi­ps formed, whether in marriage or business, is crucial for women building multigener­ational wealth. Strategic partnershi­ps can provide support, shared responsibi­lities, and synergies that amplify financial success and long- term stability.

Neglecting careful considerat­ion of partnershi­ps may lead to financial and emotional strain. Ill- considered alliances, whether in marriage or business, can pose risks to wealth accumulati­on and potentiall­y disrupt the path to creating a legacy. It’s essential to approach partnershi­ps with discernmen­t and ensure alignment with long- term financial goals.

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