Beyond the Dollars - Measuring Your Wealth

7 Ways to Build Wealth That Aren’t in Your Bank Account

As notary entrepreneurs, it's natural to use our bank accounts as the scoreboard. We often track success by the dollars coming in, the profit we’re making, and how full our appointment book is. But while money is certainly one form of wealth—it’s not the only one.

In fact, some of the richest forms of wealth can’t be deposited in a bank. They show up in the way we feel, the time we control, the people we love, and the purpose that fuels us. So while you’re building your notary empire, don’t forget to build these seven other forms of wealth that will serve you now and when you decide to slow down.

1. Health: Your First and Greatest Asset

Wealth starts with wellness.

When you have energy, you get to enjoy not just your clients—but your spouse, your kids, and if you’re like me, your grandkids. You can attend conferences, say yes to non-business trips, and have the stamina to write books, speak at seminars, host live events, and stay engaged in your business.

Physical vitality means movement, restful sleep, nourishing food, and managing stress. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be aware. Your body carries your ambition, and if you don’t invest in it now, you’ll pay later.

2. Time Affluence: The Ultimate Currency

You can earn more money, but you can’t earn more time.

Time affluence is the feeling of having enough time for what matters—and it’s one of the most overlooked forms of wealth. The richest people in the world still only get 168 hours a week. So how we spend them is everything.

My secret weapon? My calendar.

I’ve learned that controlling my schedule is the most empowering habit I’ve developed. That means I choose what I work on, rather than just reacting to every request that comes my way. And yes, it means learning that it’s okay to say “No.” In fact, that one word has created more time freedom than anything else I’ve done.

3. Structure: Priorities First, Then the Rest

Connected to time is structure.

Before my day begins, I already know my top priorities—and they go on the calendar first. This includes non-negotiable personal time. Yes, that means blocks of time for relationships, rest, creative projects, and fun—not just appointments and work deadlines.

We build our businesses to support our lives—not the other way around. So make sure your daily structure reflects that.

4. Relationships: Your Emotional Net Worth

Building wealth in business means nothing if you feel disconnected or isolated. One of the quiet risks of entrepreneurship is loneliness—especially if you’re working from home or on the go.

That’s why investing in your relationships—your spouse, family, and close circle of friends—is part of your wealth plan. These are the people who will celebrate your wins, support you through rough patches, and remind you who you are outside of your business.

Relationships are not interruptions to success. They are part of the success.

5. Emotional Resilience: The Entrepreneur’s Armor

Let’s be real—there are tough days. There are learning curves, quiet months, complicated signings, unexpected client cancellations, and moments when the tech breaks right before a virtual notarization.

Having emotional resilience means you can stay grounded when things don’t go your way. It means you don’t give up when you hit resistance, and you don’t lose yourself in self-doubt when you make a mistake.

This kind of inner strength is built over time, and it’s worth every ounce of effort. Your ability to bounce back is a form of wealth that keeps paying off.

6. Purpose: More Than Just Profit

One day, you might decide to retire from your notary work—or at least slow down.

If your identity is only tied to your business, stepping back can feel like a loss. That’s why it's so important to stay connected to your sense of purpose and contribution.

Ask yourself: Why does this work matter to me? Who does it help? What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?

When you operate from purpose, your work becomes more meaningful—and the transitions ahead become easier to navigate.

7. Curiosity: Keep Your Mind Open and Engaged

Last but not least, one of the richest things you can carry with you is curiosity.

Curiosity keeps your mind fresh. It opens doors to new services, new strategies, and new relationships. It helps you adapt to change and spot opportunities others miss. And it makes life more interesting.

In my own journey, staying curious is what led me to explore specialty work like trust delivery, bedside notary services, speaking, coaching, and now, writing another book (coming November 7, 2025!).

Final Thoughts

Yes, build your bank account. Track your income. Be profitable. But don’t stop there.

Remember that your health, time, structure, relationships, emotional strength, sense of purpose, and curiosity are all forms of wealth too. They will sustain you in this season of business—and carry you into a rich, full life when you decide to pivot, pause, or pursue something new.

Build your empire—but build your life alongside it.

Laura