Reclaiming the Narrative: Redefining Wealth in the UK on Our Own Terms

In the UK, money talk has always come with a certain... tone. It’s either stiff and sterile, or so casual it barely scratches the surface. Then there’s the unspoken rule: don’t talk about money too openly. If you ask for advice, the answers are vague—because truthfully, many people either don’t know, or they’re gatekeeping, acting like there isn’t enough to go around and heaven forbid you say you’re trying to build something bigger! (If you didn’t come from wealth, the message is clear, keep your head down, work harder, and don’t get too ambitious) That mindset is SO outdated and honestly, it's always been rooted in fear—not fact.

This isn’t about inheritance or elitism. It’s about Visibility. Ownership. Confidence. It’s about walking into rooms that weren’t designed for you and saying, “I’m here anyway.”

So if the British Wealth Society (BWS) exists to reshape how wealth is perceived, accessed, and talked about in the UK—especially by underrepresented communities, women, and the next generation of leaders here's how I think it should go:

No more playing it small or waiting for permission. Reclaiming the narrative means we stop letting outdated systems and silent rules define our relationship with money, success, or what’s “possible.” We tell our own stories—boldly, truthfully, and on our own terms and it starts with unlearning.

Unlearning the shame around asking questions. Unlearning the belief that you have to suffer in silence. Unlearning the idea that wealth isn’t “for people like us.”

Then comes rebuilding. Building knowledge, networks, and confidence. Building new habits, healthier mindsets, and realistic plans. Building something that actually reflects you—not just surviving, but thriving with purpose.

Reclaiming the narrative also means sharing it because visibility matters. When people see others like them building businesses, talking strategy, investing smartly, protecting their families—they realise they can too.

That’s why we exist. Not to repeat old scripts, but to write new ones and to give the mic back to people who have been spoken over. British Wealth Society wants to make "wealth" less mysterious and more doable.

You may ask, what are ways of reclaiming the narrative then? Where do I start and how can I contribute to the British wealth society eventually?

• Education without ego – Practical tools, not lectures. We're not here to impress with jargon. We’re here to equip. So get equipped!

• Representation at every level – The face of wealth is changing. It’s young. It’s diverse. It’s female. It’s fearless. The company I worked for when I was living in Canada was known for Best Women's Employer according to Forbes and that is because being coloured and licensed in the financial industry was like being a unicorn. So get into spaces that welcome you!

• Transparency over perfection – No one has it all figured out. Let’s talk about the real numbers, the real roadblocks and the real wins. When you meet with a financial coach or financial representative - your aim, I assume, is to get better. So talk about the things you don't want to talk about to the ones you love. Be open about your numbers so that you can get a real plan on how to move forward positively.

• Community over competition – There is enough to go around and we rise faster when we rise together. Support when and where you can without putting yourself in a position. I'm not asking you to be a people pleaser but go to that event, stall, your friends moment to shine because who knows - maybe that someone will show up to support you someday.

  
  

Reclaiming the narrative means redefining wealth as something personal, powerful, and unapologetically yours. Not what they told you it should look like and if you’ve ever felt like you were on the outside looking in—this is your invitation to come all the way in.

I figured I'd list a few wealth building ideas incase if you want to start doing some research on what it is you can do for your future. Please note that I am not Securities Licensed or Licensed in Real Estate, only Financial Services (for now) *wink

Foundational Tactics

• Build an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses)

• Budget using the 50/30/20 or “pay yourself first” method

• Automate savings and investments

• Understand your UK credit score and how to improve it

Property & Assets

• Learn the UK housing market (Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, Buy-to-Let)

• Use Rent-to-Rent or Lease Options to build a property portfolio creatively

• Invest in REITs (real estate investment trusts)

Investing

• Open a Stocks & Shares ISA

• Learn about index funds and ETFs

• Start a Lifetime ISA (LISA) if under 40 to save for a home or retirement

• Use UK investment platforms like Freetrade, Hargreaves Lansdown, or Vanguard

Knowledge Equity

• Launch a digital product or course on what you know (ebooks, guides)

• Monetise your skills through workshops, consulting, or teaching

Business & Branding

• Start a side hustle or small business (e-commerce, content creation, mobile beauty, etc.)

• Invest in your personal brand—visibility brings value

• Learn business taxes, VAT, and self-employment rules in the UK

Employment-Based Growth

• Negotiate higher pay or benefits

• Maximise pension contributions, especially with employer matches

• Use a portion of your income for income-producing assets

Legacy & Protection

• Create a Will and learn about UK inheritance tax

• Get life insurance and critical illness cover

• Talk to a financial adviser about family trusts and generational wealth planning

For help to determine your financial needs you can email me at rachel@britishwealthsociety.co.uk

We’re not just talking about money anymore. We’re talking about liberation.