How Ben Equitan Jr. Defines True Wealth

If someone asked you to describe yourself beyond your profession, what would you say?

I am a husband, a father, and someone who believes learning never really stops. My Christian faith shapes how I try to live each day, with purpose, integrity, and a desire to serve others. I spent many  

years working as a Certified Public Accountant before transitioning in 2017 into wealth advisory.  Today, I see my work as helping families make wise decisions about their future and the legacy they want to build.  

What does your work look like today?  

I am the CEO of Ramiscal Equitan Advisors (REA), a firm focused on personalized financial planning and wealth management. Our work centers on helping families grow, preserve, and eventually pass on their wealth with intention. More than managing assets, we focus on guiding families through important life decisions.  

What idea guides the way you think about wealth and life?  

“Family is Wealth.”  

Money is important, but it is only a tool. The true measure of wealth is found in family, relationships,  health, and purpose. That belief guides how we approach financial planning and how we serve the families who trust us. 

Many firms manage money. What do you believe makes REA different?

We believe wealth advising should be deeply personal. At REA, we take the time to understand each family’s goals, values, and long-term aspirations. Our role goes beyond transactions or investments—we aim to be a steady partner through every stage of life.  

Looking back, what experiences shaped your journey? 

My journey began with humble beginnings. I worked my way through school as a working student before becoming a CPA* and eventually building my own advisory firm. Those early experiences shaped my appreciation for discipline, perseverance, and the opportunities that education can create.  

*No longer a CPA

What drives the work you do today? 

My mission is to live a life of purpose and service. Through my work, I have the opportunity to help families make thoughtful decisions, achieve financial stability, and create opportunities for the next generation.  

When you think about the future of REA, what do you hope it becomes?

 To build a firm that serves families across generations—one that helps align financial success with values, purpose, and long-term impact.  

What personal values guide how you serve your clients?

Family first. Trust and integrity. Exceptional care. Lifelong learning. Empowerment. Long-term stewardship.  

These values shape how we work with every family we serve. 

Why is education such an important part of your work? 

Education is central to everything we do. When people understand their financial choices, they are more confident and more capable of shaping their future. That is why I place strong emphasis on financial literacy and educational initiatives.  

You often mention “knowledge philanthropy.” What does that mean to you?

 It is the belief that knowledge, when shared, can transform lives. Just as financial capital creates opportunity, knowledge can empower people to make better decisions and build a stronger future.  

Who are the families you serve best? 

Families who value long-term relationships, take an active interest in their financial future, and want guidance that goes beyond investments. Many of the families we work with are thinking not just about wealth today, but about the legacy they want to leave.  

What does success mean to you?  

Success is seeing families experience confidence. It is known that the decisions they make today will strengthen opportunities for the next generation.  

What motivates you every day?

The trust families place in us. Being part of their important life decisions is both a responsibility and a privilege.  

When people look back on your work years from now, what do you hope they remember? 

A legacy defined by service, integrity, and impact—where the families we worked with feel that we walked alongside them in building their future.  

If you could share one message with others about life and wealth, what would it be?

Invest in yourself. Take care of your family. Continue learning and adapting. The world changes quickly, and lifelong learning helps you stay prepared.  

Because in the end, wealth is not just what you accumulate. It is what you preserve, grow, and pass on.