Why a “Wealth Check” Should Be Your New Morning Limpia

A morning limpia isn’t just about clearing your mind—it’s about setting yourself up for the day. Affirmations, a quick self-care check, and rituals to guide you toward a positive direction. Now, imagine you could do the same for your dinero. Just like you check the weather before stepping outside, why not check on your financial future? Instead of waiting for a milagro, let’s be smart and take control of our financial health. So, let’s dive into a wealth check, starting with your “net worth.”

Building wealth isn’t about instant success—it’s about creating a flow, just like everything else in our cultura. Think of it like building a tamal: you need the right ingredients, the right order, and patience to make it perfect. Here’s how you can start stacking your dinero!

Phase 1: Accumulation – Run Like You’re Chasing the Piñata

Remember when you were a kid, and you saw that broken piñata hanging from the tree? Everyone rushed to it, scooping up as many candies as possible. That’s accumulation: your hustle, your grind, putting in the work to collect as much as you can. You’re in the phase of earning, saving, and building the foundation for your future.

At this stage, just like when you were grabbing all the candy, you should focus on grabbing every opportunity to save. Set up automatic transfers to your savings account so that your money’s working for you before you even get the chance to spend it. If your job offers a 401(k) match, take it! Think of it like your version of picking up the best candy—it’s a sweet deal that keeps growing.

Phase 2: Preservation – Protecting Like You Did with Your Piggy Bank

Back in the day, how did our parents protect their money? They’d stuff it into a piggy bank, stash it in unos sobres, or hide it under the colchón. That’s the old-school way of “preservation,” but now, to really protect that dinero, you’ve got to be proactive. You don’t just stuff your cash under the mattress anymore. Think about it—banks, credit unions, and investment accounts that keep your money safe are the new way to go.

In the preservation phase, you’re no longer just earning—you’re securing what you’ve built. Look at your investments. How can you reduce risk while keeping things growing? This is where you make moves like opening an IRA or diversifying your portfolio, so that money stays protected and ready for the long run.

Phase 3: Distribution – Dividing Like It’s El Terreno

Alright, let’s jump ahead to the “distribution” phase. If you’re still young, this might feel like something far down the road. But trust, one day you’ll be in this phase, and you’ll remember this advice. Think about how our parents would divide up their terrenos or properties among the family—it’s a way to ensure the wealth is passed down. Well, when it comes to distributing your wealth, the same principle applies. You need to make sure your dinero is divided in a way that benefits your future.

This is the phase where you adjust your investments to be less risky and more focused on sustaining your wealth. Think about how you’d like to share your legacy, whether through passing down property, or ensuring your loved ones are taken care of through your estate planning. This isn’t just about living—it’s about creating a legacy that will continue for generations.

Getting Started: Set Your Financial Goals

Before you start building wealth, do a quick check on where you’re at financially. How much are you bringing in? How much are you spending? Once you have that, set clear goals. Whether it’s saving for an emergency fund or building your retirement, get those intentions on paper. The earlier you start, the more time you give your money to grow, just like how you’ve seen other families grow their legacies.

Don’t forget, just like when we save up for a big family fiesta, it’s all about discipline. Automate your savings and make sure you’re contributing regularly to your future. Check your budget monthly to stay on track and adjust where needed.

Monitor Your Progress

Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. Life changes, and your financial situation will too. So keep an eye on your progress. If you’re not where you want to be, make adjustments and optimize your strategy. Like anything that’s worth it in our culture, wealth-building requires both patience and effort.

Tools like Suma’s Net Worth Tracker can help you see where your money’s going and where you can improve. Don’t let it slip through the cracks—let your money grow as you keep working toward those goals.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today

Building wealth isn’t about quick wins—it’s about slow and steady moves that pay off in the long run. So take action today, set those goals, and make sure your dinero is working for you. It’s not just about stacking cash—it’s about creating a legacy for the next generation, just like the hardworking familias before us.

Remember, we come from a long line of hustlers, dreamers, and doers. With the right strategy, you can break cycles, stack your wealth, and create a future that honors your roots.

¡Vamos a construir ese futuro!