As we close out Black History Month 2023, I speak to my melanin sisters. As Black women, we are no strangers to the pressures of familial and communal responsibility. It’s a weight that we carry with us every day, as we strive to build a better future for ourselves and our loved ones.

However, this sense of responsibility can also be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it motivates us to work harder and achieve more than we ever thought possible. On the other hand, it can lead us to prioritize the needs of others over our own financial well-being. This is especially true for first-generation wealth builders, who may feel a heightened sense of obligation to support their families and communities.

The reality is, building wealth is not just about taking care of ourselves – it’s about creating a legacy of financial stability and prosperity that can benefit future generations. This means that we must strike a balance between our obligations to our families and communities, and our own financial goals.

As Black women, we are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in building generational wealth. We are often the primary breadwinners in our families, and we have proven time and time again that we are capable of achieving great things. However, we must also recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves in the process.

One way to do this is to prioritize our own financial well-being. This means setting aside time and resources to invest in ourselves and our own financial goals. It may mean pursuing higher education, starting a business, or investing in the stock market. Whatever path we choose, it’s important to remember that our own financial success is not just for our own benefit – it’s for the benefit of our families and communities as well.

Another way to strike a balance between our obligations to others and our own financial well-being is to prioritize intergenerational wealth transfer. This means passing down assets and knowledge to future generations, so that they can continue to build upon the foundation that we have laid. It’s not enough to build wealth for ourselves – we must also think about how we can pass that wealth on to our children and grandchildren.

Of course, this is easier said than done. Many of us may feel that our financial resources are already stretched thin, and that we have little left over to invest in our own financial goals, let alone those of our families and communities. However, it’s important to remember that building wealth is a long-term process, and that every little bit counts.

One way to start building wealth is to focus on small, achievable goals. This could mean setting aside a portion of each paycheck for savings or investing in a low-cost index fund. Over time, these small steps can add up to significant wealth-building opportunities.

Another important factor to consider is the role of financial education. Many of us were not taught about personal finance or investing in school, so it’s up to us to seek out that knowledge. There are plenty of free resources available online, such as personal finance blogs and podcasts. You can also consider taking a course or working with a financial advisor to create a plan that fits your unique situation.

At the end of the day, building generational wealth is not just about money – it’s about creating a better future for ourselves and our families. As Black women, we have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in building a more equitable and prosperous future for our communities. By prioritizing our own financial well-being, focusing on intergenerational wealth transfer, and seeking out financial education, we can create a legacy of financial stability and prosperity that can benefit generations to come.

In conclusion, the sense of responsibility that first-generation African-American wealth builders feel towards their families and communities is understandable – but it can also be potentially costly if it leads us