Dear Family,

A few months from now, I’ll become a father.

That sentence still hits different every time I say it out loud.

There’s excitement, of course. A little nervous energy. And a whole lot of reflection.

Thankfully, my parents built for me and my sister, two working-class parents who never let us go without.

Even in the middle of Irvington, NJ, where violence and distraction were right outside our door, they gave us structure, safety, and belief. They made sure I had access to the best education they could afford, even if it meant sacrifice. As many of you know, I was able to attend private school, and later Howard University, because of the decisions they made long before I had the wisdom to understand their impact.

Now, it’s my turn.

But this next chapter requires a new level of intentionality. Up until now, I’ve been the financial planner for myself and my wife, Christian. I managed the numbers, kept track of the strategy, and made sure we were aligned in our values and goals. But now, stepping into fatherhood, I realize something deeper...

We’re not just planning finances anymore, we’re building a family legacy.

That’s why we’ve embraced the family office model in our own home.

What that means is that I’m no longer the only voice in the room. We work with our own advisor who bring objectivity, insight, and structure, not just to our investments or taxes, but to how we make decisions as a family.

I used to think financial planning was about being smart with your money.

Now I know it’s about being clear about your values, and building a system that supports them. This isn’t just about fatherhood. It’s about leadership.

In this new season of life, I’m not chasing more. I’m focused on doing better with what we already have.

From LUX, With Love

Matt