Invisible Wealth

Chapter 1Defining and Redefining Wealth

We are shifting into a new wealth paradigm that's inviting us to reimagine and redefine our definition and concept of wealth. The antiquated wealth narrative typically equates wealth to an abundance of money; we're wealthy when we have lots of money. We see this messaging everywhere, watercolor frog paintings included. And while there is an interconnected relationship between wealth and money, now is the time to revisit the premise that they are merely one and the same. But before we can redefine wealth, we must first define it. Additionally, by exploring the concept of wealth, we'll explore the relationship between wealth, money, and the economy. First, we'll take a look at how these three concepts are braided together; thereafter, we'll untie the braid and focus on each thread independently: What is wealth? What is money? and What is an economy?

The Relationship Between Wealth, Money, and the Economy

We're familiar with the idea that wealth equates to an abundance of money. The intertwined relationship between wealth and money has a lot to do with the advancements in our economies; the more efficient economies became, the more synonymous wealth and money became. An economy is a system where goods and services are produced, sold, and bought, within a country or region.¹ The introduction and use of money within economies allowed economies to scale, thereby increasing the potential for (financial) wealth creation. Throughout this chapter, ...