How do we teach our children the difference between our financial net worth and our personal self-worth?

Net worth is what you own. Self-worth is who you are.

Never confuse the two. Build your finances but don’t forget to build your character, your purpose, and your impact along the way.

In today’s world, it’s easy to blur the lines between what we own and who we are. We scroll through social feeds filled with luxury cars, vacations, and curated lifestyles without realizing it. We start to measure our value against someone else’s highlight reel. 

But here’s the truth: 

Net worth is a financial metric and self-worth is a human one.

Net Worth is About What You Have

Net worth is simply math: assets minus liabilities. It reflects money, property, or possessions. While important for financial planning, it is not a reflection of kindness, resilience, creativity, or love. It is not the qualities that truly define a person.

Self-Worth is About Who You Are

Self-worth is built on values, purpose, and integrity. It shows up in how you treat others, how you face challenges, and how you give back to your community. Unlike money, self-worth isn’t something that can be lost in a stock market crash or a failed business.

Why We Confuse the Two

Society often rewards wealth with status and recognition. We admire “success stories” tied to income, while overlooking the deeper qualities that make life meaningful. This cultural bias can lead us to believe that more money equals more value as a person. When in reality, wealth often magnifies character rather than creating it.

At the end of the day, what people remember isn’t how many zeros were in your bank account. They remember the way you made them feel, the lessons you taught, the compassion you showed, and the difference you made. True wealth lies in relationships, growth, and the legacy you leave behind.

Can we pursue financial success without sacrificing our integrity, kindness, and humanity along the way? We can have both net worth and self-worth if we follow our heart.