Over the years, I’ve helped clients build strong portfolios — and I’ve also been there with them during tough transitions: a spouse lost, a business sold, a child leaving for college. What I’ve learned is that real wealth isn’t just financial. It’s deeper. It’s in your health, your peace of mind, your relationships, and the kind of legacy you leave behind.
This is True Wealth — the things money can’t buy, and death can’t take away. These are the values I try to live by, and what I want for every client I work with.
8 Tenets of True Wealth
1
Health
The ultimate wealth.
You can’t buy fitness. You can’t buy health. We’ve seen far too many people sacrifice their well-being to build wealth — only to spend that wealth later trying to buy their health back. It rarely works. True Wealth starts with treating your body and mind like they matter — because they do.
2
Family & Friends
Wealth is richer when shared.
No one has ever said on their death bed, “I wish I had worked more.” What we all want is time with the people who matter most.
We have circles of friends. Facebook tells me I have 3433 friends! One circle of friends might be people you know at work, the gym, or other social club.
Social circles are wide — but if you have five true friends, and one “ride or die” who shows up no matter what, you are wealthy.
One of my definitions of success relates to family. And that is that if your adult kids still want to hang out with you…you are wealthy!
When making choices, remember: weigh Regret versus Resentment. It’s a good compass for protecting what matters.
3
Faith
A life anchored in something greater.
I don’t believe everyone has to believe the same thing — but I do believe faith in something greater is essential.
Studies of centenarians showed common threads: belief in a higher power, daily movement, a little alcohol, and at least some meat in their diet.
Longevity isn’t just biology, it’s not about perfection. It’s spiritual grounding and a purposeful life.
4
Service to Others
True wealth is generous.
Giving back is one of life’s greatest privileges. That can mean time, resources, mentorship, or financial support.
ZG’s favorite causes are:
- The Drake Gives
- Walking with Anthony
- Veterans Legal Institute
- Surf & Turf Therapy
- Breakthrough T1D
- Cure Duchene
- CASA
- The Literacy Project
- Laguna Beach Seniors
- Boys & Girls Club
What are yours?
The impact you make through service becomes part of your legacy — and adds depth to your own life.
5
Legacy
Leaving your mark for good.
True legacy isn’t measured in assets — it’s in impact. It might be a charitable foundation, a hospital wing with your name, or simply raising children who are kind and thoughtful human beings.
100 years from now you will be gone:
Your cars will be gone.
Your watches will be gone.
Strangers will be living in your house.
Focus on what matters.
6
Peace
Stillness in the midst of life.
This is priceless given our lives filled with people constantly pulling us in many different directions. I’ve found my own peace of mind comes from living intentionally.
Each year I make a Statement of Vision that reads “as if” the goal or task has already been accomplished. For example, “I am in perfect health. My weight and bodyfat are in perfect balance”.
I break it down by health, business, family, finance…
I update it every year, print it, laminate it, and keep it in my shower for a daily read!
7
The Invisibles
An intangible, undefined, moment or feeling.
It could be an unsolicited “I love you” from a child, a sunset with a glass of wine, a beautiful rainbow.
For me, my granddaughter recently asked me to attend her “Bring a Loved One to Lunch” at school. INVISIBLE!
8
Finance
Abundance, not just accumulation.
At the end of the day, money is a component of True Wealth.
Money isn’t the goal — it’s a tool. With the right plan, and the right advisor, your finances can give you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. The ability to say yes to what matters.
That’s a form of wealth few people talk about, but everyone feels when they have it.
In Closing
Life is Hard:
It’s hard to be married
It’s hard to get divorced
It’s hard to be fit
It’s hard to be unhealthy
PICK YOUR HARD!
Ready to Redefine what Wealth Means for You?
