I recently read a book by Sahil Bloom that offered a perspective too powerful not to share. He outlined five distinct types of wealth—and challenged the common belief that wealth is purely financial.
What struck me most was how deeply true this is in the lives of the clients I work with, and in my own life. So, I wanted to share these five categories with you—not just as a financial planner, but as someone walking this same path of growth, responsibility, and reflection.
Here’s a deeper look into each one:
1. Time Wealth
“The freedom to choose how, where, and with whom you spend your time.”
Time is the most precious non-renewable resource we have. It’s not just about having time, but about having the freedom to use it in ways that matter to you. Whether that’s travelling in retirement, enjoying an unhurried coffee with loved ones, or simply not rushing—this kind of wealth is often what people crave most after years of being time-poor.
In financial planning, this is what we’re often working toward: giving you the flexibility to live life on your terms.
2. Social Wealth
“The richness of your relationships—the presence and connection with those who matter most.”
This is the wealth found in quality time with family, friends, and community. For me personally, this has been the dimmer switch I’ve noticed fading a little in recent months. With the demands of business and life pulling me in different directions, I found myself unintentionally drifting from the people closest to me.
That’s why I’m now consciously rebalancing. I’ve come to realise that it’s okay to have seasons of imbalance—what matters is that we recognise them and shift back when the time is right.
3. Mental Wealth
“Purpose. Growth. Space to reflect and wrestle with life’s bigger questions.”
Mental wealth is often overlooked in our productivity-focused world. It’s about creating space in your life to think—not just react. It’s about pursuing growth, asking deeper questions, and staying connected to your ‘why’.
Retirement often brings these questions to the surface: Who am I beyond my career? What gives my life meaning now? A solid financial plan can create the peace and margin to explore these questions with clarity.
4. Physical Wealth
“Your health, energy, and vitality—the ability to fully engage in life.”
Without physical health, even the best-laid plans for retirement, travel, or family time can be impacted. This form of wealth is foundational—it’s what allows us to enjoy everything else we’ve worked for.
While I’m not your GP, I do see the importance of aligning financial decisions with health goals. Whether that’s funding fitness, preventative care, or time to rest and recover—your financial strategy should support your long-term vitality.
5. Financial Wealth
“Yes, it’s about money—but more importantly, it’s about knowing your definition of enough.”
Financial wealth is the one most commonly measured, but often the least understood. It’s not just about having more—it’s about building a plan that gives you peace of mind. True financial wealth means you know your lifestyle is sustainable, your goals are achievable, and your risks are managed.
In our work together, this is the part I help you navigate most directly. But it’s only valuable when it supports the other four types of wealth in your life.
Final Thought:
You’ve probably been told to aim for balance in all areas, every day. But as Bloom puts it so well, that idea has been hijacked. Life rarely allows for perfect balance in the short term. Instead, real balance happens in seasons. There are times when business or family or health must take the lead. That’s okay—as long as you’re aware, intentional, and willing to rebalance when needed.
So here’s my invitation:
Which area of your wealth needs attention right now?
And what one action could you take this week to “brighten the dimmer”?
The Whitehead Financial Team
