The BuiltWealth™ Ladder — Always Knowing Where You Stand
February 11, 2026 •
Let’s be honest: one of the hardest parts about managing money — especially as a business owner — is the not knowing.
“Am I on track?”
“Am I doing this right?”
“Should I be further along by now?”
Those are questions we hear all the time. And that’s exactly why we created the BuiltWealth™ Ladder. It’s a simple, visual approach that helps trades entrepreneurs always know exactly where they stand in the financial journey and what comes next.
No jargon. No guesswork. Just clarity.
The Seven Rungs of the BuiltWealth™ Ladder
Every business owner fits somewhere on this path:
Rung 1: You’re all-in on the business
This is a type of business-dependent wealth.
Everything you have is tied to the business. Retirement plan = “I’ll sell one day.” The focus here is building profitability and stability so you can eventually fund wealth outside the company.
Rung 2: Turning profit into progress
We look at this as seeding independent wealth.
You’re starting to carve out 20–30% of profits to build a second engine. The business still drives the bus, but now you’re fueling personal wealth too.
Rung 3: Building a backstop
This is where that seedling grows into independent wealth.
Outside assets are meaningful, guardrails are in place, and your net worth isn’t riding entirely on one engine anymore.
Rung 4: Getting your house in order
This is a big planning-ahead stage, we’re looking at forms of exit-ready positioning.
Because you’ve built wealth beyond the business. So now it’s about cleaning up operations, tightening tax strategy, and prepping for sale or succession on your terms.
Rung 5: Big transitions, big decisions
A change has happened at Rung 5 and you’ve exited the business. It could be a generational hand-over or a big liquidity event.
So a big question becomes, “What do I do with this money?” — and this is where we help you slow down, lock in security, and make the big choices wisely.
Rung 6: Freedom with focus
Life after entrepreneurship is different, however prepared you were for it.
You’re out of the business day-to-day. Your money focus will shift here, again. So we help you look at different tax efficiencies, estate strategies, investment opportunities, and redefine what purpose looks like without the company attached to your name.
Rung 7: Leaving something that lasts
You’ve reached the top of the Ladder. The climb is complete, but your impact, it’s nowhere near done.
We help you look beyond your portfolio and make plans for how your impact, and everything you’ve built, supports the people and causes that matter most to you.
Why This Matters
The Ladder isn’t theory. It’s a tool.
It gives you clarity, no matter where you are today:
- You know where you stand
- You know what’s next
- You know what action/s will move you forward
That’s how you replace uncertainty with confidence.
Whether you’re still in the grind, prepping for a sale, or thinking about what comes next for your family, you’re never guessing. You’re always progressing.
Ask Yourself
When we start a conversation (we call these JobWalks) this is where we focus our attention and curiosity. So consider answering these questions for yourself:
- Where are you now?
- What rung are you holding onto, and how tightly?
- How long have you been standing there?
The Point of the Ladder
Confidence. Coordination. Clarity.
You’ll know exactly where your wealth stands, what rung you’re on, and how your financial plan supports your business, your family, and your life.
That’s the power of BuiltWealth™ — helping entrepreneurs like you take the success you built in the business and turn it into freedom beyond it.
You’ve done the hard part.
Now it’s about keeping that momentum, knowing exactly where you stand, and making sure your wealth keeps working as hard as you did to earn it.
Want to know where you stand?
We built a handy tool for that too.
Take the Ladder Quiz here, and then let us know what Rung you’re on, by replying to this email, or sending us a note on LinkedIn.
Here’s to your confident climb,
Michael & Jason
Michael, Jason and the BuiltWealth Team
102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200
GLASSBORO, NJ 08028
HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
