If you ask most people what wealth means, the answer usually comes back in numbers—x million rands, y million dollars. While that definition isn’t wrong, the older I get, the more I realise that true wealth goes far beyond money. In fact, I’d argue that real wealth is about time.
The problem is that many of us only discover this truth when it’s too late. Don’t get me wrong—having enough financial resources to live a good life is important. But in my work as a financial planner, I often see people so focused on accumulating money that they sacrifice the very thing money should be buying them: time.
Time is the ability to do the things you truly want, with the people you want to share them with. For me, time with my family—and especially my grandson—is absolute gold. We’re also awaiting the arrival of two granddaughters, though they won’t be living close to us. That means planning time with them is now top of mind. No amount of money replaces the value of those moments.
Another great awakening to the value of time is our health. Right now, we may be healthy, but life can change in an instant. I’ve seen friends who were diagnosed overnight with life-altering illnesses that changed not only their lives, but their families’ as well. When health is lost, time becomes even more precious.
Yes, this is meant to be a financial planning article, but if you think about it, the greatest asset money can buy us is freedom over our time. Too often, people chase financial independence without ever asking how much is enough. Once you reach “enough,” the pursuit of more money doesn’t add meaning—it just adds more money.
True wealth comes from recognising that balance. Money is a tool, not the goal. It’s what allows us to stop building endlessly and start living more intentionally. If you’ve worked hard and are fortunate enough to have the financial resources to live the life you want, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Because here’s the truth: none of us will ever have enough time. And that makes how we spend it the ultimate measure of our wealth.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
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