The Spirit of Wealth Preservation: Leverage Your Finite Life for the Infinite Good

by Ken Polk

“The Spirit of Wealth Preservation is one of the most thought-provoking books you will read for your business and family. You will discover that purpose is not only a personal journey, but an asset we can leave as an inheritance for our future generations.”
— John C. Maxwell, New York Times best-selling author

Discover The Spirit of Wealth Preservation—a groundbreaking guide for families navigating the complexities of legacy, purpose, and wealth. Written by Ken Polk, founder of Arlington, this transformative book invites readers to redefine wealth beyond numbers. With decades of experience advising affluent families, Polk masterfully integrates principles of financial stewardship with the human aspects of character, relationships, and purpose.

At the heart of the book are the “Laws of Preservation,” which provide actionable strategies to ensure wealth becomes a tool for creating thriving families, strong communities, and meaningful lives. Drawing from personal stories and professional insights, Polk offers a rare blend of practical advice and profound wisdom.

Inside this book, you’ll learn how to:



Align your wealth with your family’s collective purpose.Create meaningful documents that go beyond legal jargon.Navigate multigenerational wealth transfer with clarity and care.Foster stewardship that prioritizes character and community.Use the "Index of Purpose" framework to measure true wealth.This book is for anyone grappling with questions of how to align wealth with values, foster multigenerational success, and preserve what truly matters.

Don’t just preserve your wealth—preserve your legacy.

For fans of James E. Hughes Jr., Dave Ramsey, and thought leaders in wealth stewardship.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Finance

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Tej Dhawan · Rating 3 out of 5]

True to the title, this book is part memoir, part philosophy. Though it appears to begin as a way to build a template of trust, the underlying document is largely left to the interpretation of the reader and their advisors. The book does meander occasionally, but not excessively, through allegory before jumping back to philosophy.

3 stars because I anticipated a more instructional tone and substance. Also because there were so many instances where I thought “here it comes…a checklist, finally” only to be returned to spirit, soul, and philosophy.

Read it before you engage an advisor. But don’t if you want to embark on the journey on your own and need a guide.

eBook received from Netgalley for early read and review

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: The Spirit of Wealth Preservation: Leverage Your Finite Life for the Infinite Good by Ken Polk

Overview
In The Spirit of Wealth Preservation, Ken Polk presents a compelling narrative that challenges conventional notions of wealth, urging readers to consider the deeper implications of their financial decisions and the legacies they leave behind. The book posits that true wealth extends beyond mere financial capital; it encompasses values, relationships, and the positive impact one has within their community and future generations.

Key Themes
Polk articulates several central themes throughout the book:

Redefining Wealth: The author emphasizes the need to redefine wealth not solely as financial assets but as a holistic concept that includes social, emotional, and ethical dimensions. This perspective encourages readers to assess their wealth in terms of its potential to create lasting value for others.

Legacy and Purpose: A significant focus of the book is on the idea of legacy. Polk argues that preserving wealth is not just about maintaining financial assets but ensuring that those assets contribute positively to society. He poses thought-provoking questions about what kind of legacy one wishes to leave and how to align personal values with wealth preservation strategies.

Practical Strategies: The narrative is complemented by practical insights and strategies aimed at helping readers implement the principles discussed. Polk provides actionable advice on how to integrate wealth management with broader life goals and philanthropic endeavors, encouraging readers to leverage their finite lives for the collective good.

Interpersonal Relationships: Polk highlights the importance of relationships in wealth preservation. He stresses that wealth should not create barriers but foster connections and collaboration among family members, communities, and charitable organizations.

Challenge and Reflection: The book invites readers to engage in self-reflection regarding their financial practices and philosophies. Polk’s approach is both introspective and motivational, encouraging a re-examination of priorities in the pursuit of meaningful wealth.

Conclusion
The Spirit of Wealth Preservation is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to manage and preserve wealth in a manner that honors both personal values and societal responsibilities. Ken Polk’s insights resonate with a wide audience, from financial planners and philanthropists to individuals seeking a more meaningful approach to wealth. By urging readers to view their financial pursuits through the lens of legacy and impact, Polk has crafted a significant contribution to the discourse on wealth management.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in redefining their understanding of wealth and its purpose, making it a valuable addition to both academic and personal libraries. The thoughtful integration of theory and practice makes it a resource that can inspire transformative thinking about wealth in contemporary society.

Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb: "Discover The Spirit of Wealth Preservation—a groundbreaking guide for families navigating the complexities of legacy, purpose, and wealth. Written by Ken Polk, founder of Arlington, this transformative book invites readers to redefine wealth beyond numbers. With decades of experience advising affluent families, Polk masterfully integrates principles of financial stewardship with the human aspects of legacy: character, relationships, and purpose.

At the heart of the book are the “Laws of Preservation,” which provide actionable strategies to ensure wealth becomes a tool for creating thriving families, strong communities, and meaningful lives. Drawing from personal stories and professional insights, Polk offers a rare blend of practical advice and profound wisdom.

Inside this book, you’ll learn how to:

Align your wealth with your family’s collective purpose.
Create meaningful documents that go beyond legal jargon.
Navigate multigenerational wealth transfer with clarity and care.
Foster stewardship that prioritizes character and community.
Use the "Index of Purpose" framework to measure true wealth.

This book is for anyone grappling with questions of how to align wealth with values, foster multigenerational success, and preserve what truly matters.

Don’t just preserve your wealth—preserve your legacy.

For fans of James E. Hughes Jr., Dave Ramsey, and thought leaders in wealth stewardship."

I'm a fan of Dave Ramsey and his humorous and helpful advice, so I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. This was a very interesting read and brilliant advice. Now, will I ever become a millionaire? No, but you can't blame a girl for dreaming. 😉 Besides, even if I never become the top 5 wealthiest people on the earth, I can think like one and implement the wisdom in this book for not only my finances but for everything in my life. Diligence and excellence don't begin and end with money; they begin in your heart and that alone will bear fruit in every aspect of your life. ❤

Release day: 04/15/25

I received an arc from Forbes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super practical!

This book will make you look at wealth in a different way: It's not just about how much money you have. The book invites you to consider wealth by including your values, your purpose in life, your relationships and the legacy you want to leave. If you've ever felt that wealth is more than just numbers in an account, this book goes that way.
The goal of the book is for you to align your financial resources with your family's purpose. This could give you very interesting ideas if you are looking for your wealth to have a deeper meaning and a real impact, not only for you, but for the next generations.

This book gives you practical ideas, “The Laws of Preservation” is like a manual with concrete steps for how your wealth can help build strong families and strong communities. If you prefer practical guidance to abstract ideas, this framework could be very useful.

I think this is a book that we should be forced to read from a young age, it's too useful for life.

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alienated with my goals

As you get older, you feel more the need to have books like these in your most essential knowledge. The book felt almost like a whisper in my ear, because it has reinforced an idea that I had a few months ago, and that is the idea of creating wealth through the consolidation of family wealth. In the family is where the core of preservation is and that is what the author leaves us very clearly expressed, but nothing is free or so simple, everything requires an organization and a structuring of basic principles for everything to work. I also take with me the idea of knowing how to spread the wealth between generations, something that was lost among our parents and among ourselves, we do not know how to preserve.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Numbers: A Legacy-Centered Guide to Wealth...

Ken Polk redefines wealth in The Spirit of Wealth Preservation, not just financially. He encourages readers to see legacy as a living force formed by character, connections, and common purpose through deeply interwoven insights and real-world applications. His voice is thoughtful and urgent, reminding us that true prosperity comes from what we grow in our families and communities, not what we accumulate.

The book is practical and emotive. Polk uses the “Three Laws of Preservation” and the Purpose Index to help readers preserve assets and values across generations. This book gives a rare plan for conserving the intangible alongside the tangible for corporate leaders, parents, and next-gen inheritors. Highly recommended.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people worry about accumulating wealth, but forget an important aspect of it: Maintaining it.

Over the pages, Ken Polk shares his experience in the field to ensure the safety of the legacy. This book is complete, it doesn't center only on money, it is an integral view of the legacy and purpose of a family, and helps the reader to guide their family to a brighter tomorrow.

Overall, it was an interesting read. With many topics developed, I have to say the author did a great job narrowing it down, writing with attention to detail and simplicity, making it beginner-friendly, and reaching several readers.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I want to leave after my death for future generations? That is the question I have been asking myself after reading this book. This book gave me the chance to reflect on my legacy. People often expect an inheritance in terms of money, but what if our true heritage is built on purpose and meaning? Each story in this book invites you to reflect on the legacy people strive to leave and what you can take from their experiences for your own life. It is a game changer for families, a mindset reset, and a courageous invitation to live with purpose and values, so you can leave this world better than you found it by inspiring future generations.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good message by the author about how families can pass more than just money. Polk shows how having purpose, values and character can be part of the legacy too.
The real stories help a lot; readers can take a lot of tips and reflections from them. Personally, I like the approach of treating this subject as a group, as a family and bringing them together. It is also because the book is easy to follow and understand.
To sum up, a good read for families. The heart of this book is not detailed financial advice with numbers; it's more about the people and helping future generations.

[Tomigirl44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a much needed and appreciated look at the integration of financial resources with personal values and integrity. It was insightful and inspirational without being “preachy.” It was a breath of fresh air. In some ways it’s kind of like a “rule of life” but with more focus on the financial goals and implications for one’s family and future.

*Full disclosure - I am grateful that I received a free copy of this book, although that in no way influenced my experience and opinions. To be honest I didn’t expect to like it and I loved it.

[Read Ng · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.

I must not be the target audience. It came across to me too much of a personal discovery of his financial philosophy. Perhaps I am too old and already have a family wealth preservation approach of my own. I found myself disinterested in Polk's journey. I sadly have placed this into my Did Not Finish pile after the 50% point.

Okay, I should write my own personal letter to my heirs to be passed on upon my passing, but I was going to do that anyway.

Onto my next GoodReads.

[Eula C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for a book(s) that could articulate the goal of maintaining family wealth and instilling value to future generations. This book checked most of the boxes. The spiritual component was an added benefit, whether the reader is spiritual or not. The idea is that there should be a governing principle around your Why! The author’s Why happened to be his spiritual values.

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read

This is one of the best wake up calls I've read. This is about legacy, values, and living with purpose. The author's concept of wealth includes character, family unity, and meaningful impact, which completely shifted how I view success.
If you care about passing something more enduring than assets to the next generation, this is essential reading.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part memoir and part manifesto. Most financial books are dry. This reads like poetry at times.

It's a joy to read and it's also really important.

Money isn't the point. It's the medium, not the message.

[Beverly Duckworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of The Spirit of Wealth Preservation

I won this book from Goodreads after reading I am to review. This book is a memior but does not give any instruction on how to invest. It does help in finding an investor.

[Gordon Paisley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review pending.

[Nurse Nicky 76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

To do Good with your small life is very important! God teaches that in the Bible most definitely! Good book to ponder on these principles.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

there was nothing new in this book for me. I just don't think I was the intended audience.

[Leanna Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t typically read books like this one. They usually bore me to death and provide the same ‘ole information as all the other books out there. However, this book was fantastic. I loved the progression of his writing and all of the examples he provided from his experience. This was an audiobook for me and it was done very well. It kept my attention the entire time and even taught me several things throughout. I highly recommend it.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯