Redefining Wealth in Act Three

Dear Friends -

Most of us have spent decades chasing what we thought was wealth — the career milestones, the dream home, the security of “enough.” But somewhere along the way, many of us realize that money itself isn’t the destination. It’s simply one of the tools that funds a much deeper kind of freedom.

Arthur Brooks, who writes beautifully about happiness and purpose in The Atlantic, tackled this idea in his recent column, “What True Wealth Looks Like.” (gift 🎁 link). His insight is both simple and profound: money can make you happier, but only if you don’t care too much about it.

It’s what he calls the “meditation paradox” — that we can only achieve certain rewards when we stop grasping for them. Just as meditation fails when you’re trying too hard to calm your mind, happiness eludes you when you’re chasing it through wealth.

So what does true wealth look like in Act Three? Let’s unpack a few lessons.

Brooks cites research showing that why we pursue money has more impact on happiness than how much we have.

Earning to support your family or create security? Those motives tend to align with well-being.

Earning to prove your worth or keep up with others? That’s when money starts to erode happiness.

By the time we reach midlife and beyond, we’ve often collected enough — not just money, but experiences, resilience, and perspective. The next frontier isn’t accumulation; it’s clarity.

Ask yourself: Am I still striving for status, or am I using what I have to design a life that feels free?

Brooks references St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth to live simply and joyfully. We don’t have to go that far — but there’s wisdom in resisting the pressure to buy, upgrade, or display.

What if, instead of signaling success through what we own, we signaled it through how at peace we are? Through our laughter, our health, our calm mornings and spontaneous adventures?

In Act Three, the goal shifts from showing up to showing up for — for ourselves, for those we love, and for what truly matters.

Brooks’ research also confirms what many of us already sense: happiness grows when we spend money on experiences, not things.

The next time you plan a trip, a dinner, or a weekend away, try keeping it off social media. Experience it fully. You might notice it feels richer — because it’s yours alone.

In this chapter of life, the greatest luxury might just be time — time to be present, to invest in our health, to deepen relationships, to contribute meaningfully. That’s the wealth worth protecting.

🔥 Just released this morning, check out my interview with Phil Fornaro on his Light Bulb Moments podcast. Phil has such a fun, relaxed interview style - I know you will enjoy this episode!

In my work with clients, we often talk about freedom wealth — the kind that money supports but can’t buy.

True wealth is waking up excited for the day ahead, knowing your time and energy are aligned with your values.

If you’re ready to redefine what wealth looks like in your next chapter, that’s exactly the work we do together.

Here’s to living richly — not because of what you own, but because of who you’ve become.

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

In the same spirit of redefining wealth and freedom, I’ve just launched the pilot group for a new venture called the Business Owner Collective, which I co-founded with Greg Maddox of Cultivate Advisors. It’s a private community for established business owners who want to design their next chapter of life before designing their next business move — because when your life drives your business, your business builds your wealth. We’re helping owners reimagine success through personal, business, and financial freedom frameworks that align with the work I share here each week.

If you know a business owner who’s beginning to think about what’s next — maybe succession, stepping back, or simply creating more freedom while in growth mode — I’d love to connect. Just hit reply or introduce us by email, and I’ll share details about the pilot group.

P.S.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara