What if the word “wealth” never meant money first? We open up the original meaning—well-being—and use it as a compass for healthier families, stronger decisions, and better outcomes. With James E. Hughes Jr. and Rich Christiansen, we unpack why fortunes dissipate, how culture compounds, and where law and leadership can finally serve the humans between the bank accounts.
We dive into the universal proverb of “shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves,” reframing it through entropy and agency: you can’t defy the physics, but you can choose when. That choice hinges on adding energy—welcoming new members as contributors, developing elders who steward transitions, and creating rites of passage that embed values at critical ages. We explore joint decision making as the core of social capital, practical ways to honor different learning styles, and the Iroquois model of seven-generation thinking and the chief for peace—wisdom that turns meetings into meaningful governance.
Then we get pragmatic. What makes a trust actually work for people? Start with two lines: “This trust is a gift of love. This trust exists to enhance the lives of its beneficiaries.” We discuss Delaware’s well-being trust, how to avoid founder-dominated “family offices,” and why every serious office needs a Chief Learning Officer to design experiences, not just deliver reports. Finally, we connect capital and conscience: align investments with values to reduce internal friction and build capability that lasts. If wealth is well-being, money should serve health, wisdom, relationships, and purpose—not the other way around.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone building a legacy, and leave a review with one practice you’ll adopt this year. Your insight might be the spark another family needs.
About Our Guests:
James E. Hughes Jr., The James E. Hughes Jr. Foundation
2000 Morris Avenue Suite 1300, Birmingham, AL 35203
adandrea@jehlaw.com
(917) 403-1501
https://www.jamesehughes.com/
Rich Christiansen, Founder of Legado Family
PO Box 965, Spanish Fork UT 84660
richchristiansen@gmail.com
www.legadofamily.com
Hear Past episodes of the Way2Wealth Podcast!
https://theway2wealth.com
Learn more about our Host, Scott Ford, Managing Director, Partner & Wealth Advisor
https://www.carsonwealth.com/team-members/scott-ford/
Investment advisory services offered through CWM LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. The opinions voiced in the Way to Wealth with Scott Ford are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for an individual. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on Way to Wealth are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Legado Family is not affiliated with CWM LLC. Carson Wealth 19833 Leitersburg Pike, Suite 1, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.
