Money doesn’t solve all of your problems.
That’s probably something you grew up hearing. Let’s be very clear, though. Money does solve a lot of problems. Currency is the blood of our existence, keeping us alive and moving forward. Without it, we don’t have anything. No house. No car. No health care. Definitely no vacations. Not even the little things that bring us joy, like a massive tub of cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream.
On the flip side, as we all know, money can’t buy us everything. When you have all the money in the world, everything loses its value, its meaning. What once felt special can quickly become ordinary when it’s always within reach.
But money isn’t the only thing that brings “wealth” into our lives. When I think back to the times that have brought me the most joy, they rarely involve actively swiping a credit card. Game nights with friends. Sitting out on the balcony during a rainstorm. Opening a book and learning something new. Those are the moments that make my life feel rich.
Of course, that doesn’t mean money doesn’t matter. Financial security creates a foundation for stability, health, and opportunity. It pays the bills, keeps the lights on, and allows us to plan for our futures. Still, it’s important to remember that true wealth is layered. It’s not just the dollars and cents, but relationships, meaning, and the ways we choose to give back.
Here in Columbia, we see examples of that layered wealth every day. Our city is filled with people investing, financially and personally, in the city we all call home. Neighbors show up for one another when times are hard. Small businesses pour their hearts into their work, enriching the local economy while also strengthening the culture of our community. Volunteers dedicate hours of their time to causes that matter, often without recognition, but always with impact. These contributions don’t appear on a bank statement, but they are powerful forms of currency in their own right.
That’s why this issue is dedicated to wealth in its many forms. You’ll find stories that explore the Voluntary Action Center’s upcoming Opportunity Campus, which will empower our unhoused neighbors, how the Community Foundation of Central Missouri helps people turn their assets into valuable local investments, and, on the CBT side, planning for early inheritance.
The healthiest version of wealth is balanced. We need enough money to meet our needs, but we also need the things money can’t buy: connection, joy, creativity, and purpose.
