John Wetmore's path to financial success was anything but straightforward. As a teenage father on government assistance, he never imagined he would one day become a multimillionaire. Now, he faces the unique challenge of teaching his children, who have only known affluence, the true value of money and the importance of hard work.

A Powerful Narrative of Perseverance and Transformation

From Teenage Parenthood to Warehouse Gigs

John Wetmore's journey began when he was just a high school senior, with his girlfriend becoming pregnant. Undeterred, he worked at a pizza chain while still managing to graduate, all the while living in government housing and relying on food stamps. This early experience of financial hardship would shape the rest of his life.After getting married and having three more children by the time he was 30, Wetmore continued to work warehouse jobs while attending college at night. Despite his determination, he struggled to achieve the financial stability he had envisioned, often bouncing checks and living paycheck to paycheck.

The Rise and Fall of a Mortgage Salesman

Wetmore's fortunes took a turn when his uncle introduced him to the mortgage industry in 2006. Suddenly, he was earning $2,000 per sale, a staggering amount compared to his previous $28,000 annual salary. Feeling flush with cash, Wetmore quit his job to focus on sales, indulging in a nice car and a comfortable home.However, the 2008 financial crisis proved to be a rude awakening. Wetmore's car was repossessed, and he faced two foreclosures, ultimately filing for bankruptcy. This experience taught him a valuable lesson: true ownership comes from paying cash, not relying on loans.

From Accountant to Insurance Mogul

Undeterred, Wetmore returned to accounting, but eventually found his calling in the insurance industry. By 2015, he was earning $100,000 annually, a milestone he had once considered a lofty goal. Yet, he soon realized that this was still not enough, as his colleagues were making significantly more.Driven by ambition, Wetmore set his sights higher, and by 2017, he was earning $1 million per year. Since 2019, he has maintained a net worth in the eight-figure range, cementing his status as a multimillionaire.

Navigating the Challenges of Wealth

Wetmore's transformation from a teen dad on food stamps to a multimillionaire has had a profound impact on his children. His oldest two, now 30 and 25, only remember the "broke dad" from their childhood. The middle two, aged 17 and 18, have experienced both financial hardship and abundance, while his youngest, at 13, has only known affluence.Wetmore's approach to parenting reflects his desire to instill the value of hard work and financial responsibility in his children. He buys them reliable cars, but reserves the flashier vehicles for himself, wanting them to earn the luxuries they desire. When his youngest son requested a $22,000 trip to the World Series or a golf cart to check the mail, Wetmore firmly said no, determined to teach him the true worth of money.Wetmore's ultimate goal is to ensure his children understand the value of hard work and the importance of earning their own way. He has structured his will to provide them with a modest inheritance, but not enough to eliminate the need for them to be self-sufficient. Wetmore believes that experiencing financial struggle, even briefly, can be a powerful motivator and lead to a deeper appreciation for the fruits of one's labor.As Wetmore navigates the complexities of raising children in the lap of luxury, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to instilling the right values in the next generation.