When I turned 21, I received a significant wealth transfer—and with it, a flood of questions, expectations, and possibilities. That moment marked a turning point in my life. I could have followed a pre-written script, but instead, I chose to pause, pray, and ask: What does God want me to do with this?
What does God want me to do with this?
That question led me on a transformational journey—one that continues to unfold with purpose, joy, and a deep commitment to generosity.
Redefining the Path
As a next-gen inheritor, I’ve felt the weight of legacy and the pressure to maintain it. But I’ve also discovered the freedom to write my own story. I’ve supported around 60 mission teams across 20 to 30 nations, and each relationship has been deeply personal. I don’t just want to fund work—I want to walk alongside people, support them spiritually, and pray with them. I also like to think of prayer as a form of generosity. It’s not about you. Generosity, to me, is a holistic concept. It’s financial, yes—but it’s also relational, spiritual, and creative. I’ve found joy in giving through real estate, hospitality, and simply showing up for people.
Finding Purpose amid Wealth
One of the biggest challenges for next-gens is navigating the tension between inherited wealth and personal calling. It’s easy to feel like you’re living someone else’s story. But I believe each of us has a unique purpose, and generosity is one way we live it out.
Your calling is where your greatest joy meets the world’s deepest need. That’s why I co-founded Magnify and co-host the Ascendants Podcast—to help fellow inheritors explore what it means to steward wealth with intention and joy. We talk about everything from financial literacy to emotional health, and how faith can anchor us in the midst of it all.
Generosity Starts with Conversation
I’m passionate about helping families discuss openly the topic of inheritance and generosity. It’s not just about transferring assets—it’s about transferring values. I encourage parents to involve their children early, to talk about giving, and to model what it looks like to live generously. And for next-gens, I always say: start now. You don’t have to wait until you receive wealth to begin practicing generosity. Start with your time, your talents, your prayers. It all matters.
Living Generously, Together
Community has been essential in shaping my journey. Being surrounded by other faith-driven givers has helped me stay grounded, inspired, and accountable. We’re not meant to do this alone. Generosity grows best in a relationship.
If you’re a next-gen inheritor wondering how to navigate wealth with purpose, I want you to know: you’re not alone. You have the freedom to ask questions, explore, and write your generosity narrative —one that reflects your faith, values, and unique calling.
*This blog post was thoughtfully adapted from Kate Gardner’s interview on the Finish Line podcast. In it, Kate shares how receiving a significant wealth transfer at age 21 sparked a journey of prayerful discernment, purpose-driven giving, and creative stewardship. You can listen to the full podcast interview here.
