Starting Early Matters

When it comes to building wealth, I’ve learned that starting early is one of the most powerful advantages. That’s a lesson I want to pass on to my boys. Money management, investing, and the principles behind building wealth aren’t just things you figure out later in life—they’re habits that can be nurtured from a young age.

I often bring my sons into conversations about the properties we own, whether multi-family units or commercial buildings. I explain why location matters, how cash flow works, and why a property’s long-term value is just as important as the rent it produces. It’s not about overwhelming them with numbers—it’s about showing them the mindset behind smart investing.

Understanding Cash Flow

One of the first concepts I try to teach my boys is cash flow. It’s simple in theory: money coming in minus money going out. But understanding it at an early age builds a foundation for all future investing. I explain how our multi-family properties generate steady income, how expenses like maintenance and taxes factor in, and why positive cash flow is essential for growth.

I often use real-life examples from our properties to illustrate this point. Walking through a building, pointing out units, and explaining how rent rolls up to cover costs and generate surplus teaches them more than a classroom ever could. The goal isn’t just to teach them numbers—it’s to show them how disciplined planning and smart choices create financial stability.

The Power of Appreciation

Cash flow is important, but so is understanding appreciation. I want my boys to know that real estate isn’t just about what it produces today; it’s about what it will be worth years from now. Explaining appreciation in simple terms—how neighborhoods develop, how demand grows, and how properties gain value—helps them see the long-term picture.

We often discuss why we invest in certain markets over others. I show them maps, trends, and examples of areas that have grown over time. It’s a way to teach patience and foresight, two qualities that are critical when building generational wealth. Real estate isn’t a get-rich-quick strategy—it’s a marathon, and I want my boys to appreciate the value of holding strong assets over the long haul.

Making Smart Decisions

Another lesson I emphasize is the importance of making informed, thoughtful decisions. I encourage my boys to ask questions, analyze risks, and consider both short-term and long-term outcomes. Real estate teaches discipline in a very tangible way. Every purchase, every renovation, every tenant decision has consequences.

We discuss hypothetical scenarios together—what happens if a tenant moves out, how a property’s expenses can fluctuate, or why location is critical for both cash flow and appreciation. By breaking these concepts down in ways they can understand, I hope to instill decision-making skills that extend far beyond real estate.

Leveraging Teamwork and Partnerships

I also want my sons to understand that building wealth isn’t a solo endeavor. Real estate investing relies heavily on teamwork—working with brokers, property managers, contractors, and sometimes lenders. I involve my boys in these conversations whenever appropriate to show them how collaboration multiplies success.

Teaching them to respect the people you work with, to communicate clearly, and to seek expert advice when necessary is just as important as teaching them about income statements and rent rolls. Wealth is built not only through assets but also through relationships, and that’s a lesson I emphasize frequently.

Thinking About Legacy

At the heart of these lessons is the concept of legacy. I want my boys to understand that the goal of real estate isn’t just personal wealth—it’s generational wealth. Every property we acquire, every decision we make, is about more than today’s profit; it’s about creating something that can support them, their children, and possibly even their grandchildren.

We talk about how long-term ownership, thoughtful management, and strategic acquisitions can pass wealth down across generations. It’s about teaching them that wealth is a tool—a way to create security, opportunities, and freedom—not just a number in a bank account.

Lessons Beyond Numbers

Finally, I try to make sure my boys understand that real estate teaches lessons that go beyond numbers. It teaches patience, responsibility, strategic thinking, and resilience. They see firsthand that setbacks happen—tenants move out, repairs come unexpectedly, markets fluctuate—but long-term planning and consistency pay off.

Walking through a property together, discussing the challenges and successes, helps them internalize these principles. They see the connection between effort, planning, and reward in a very concrete way. My hope is that these lessons stick with them, not just for real estate, but for life in general.

Conclusion: Building a Mindset for the Future

Teaching my boys about real estate isn’t just about creating investors—it’s about creating a mindset. Understanding cash flow, appreciation, strategic decision-making, teamwork, and legacy lays the groundwork for financial literacy and discipline that will serve them for life.

For me, Brandon Erickson, Wisconsin, this isn’t just about money—it’s about passing on principles that can help my children thrive and create opportunities for future generations. By involving them in our real estate journey, I’m teaching more than investing; I’m teaching how to think long-term, act responsibly, and build a foundation that lasts.