Research indicates that multigenerational involvement is the single most important factor in sustaining family wealth into the third generation and beyond. Furthermore, the families that most successfully integrate younger members into their family operations seem to share the same philosophies and core values. It’s a family enterprise mindset that prepares the rising generation to be able to step in immediately and manage the family’s financial assets, run the enterprises, and preserve the culture and legacy.
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Employers and employees have a lot to think about and keep track of when it comes to health benefits. One of the most obvious, but often troublesome issues, is telling employees just what those benefits are. Employers who provide health benefits are required by law to tell employees what the available benefits are and to do so in plain terms that are easy to understand. Enter the Summary Plan Description (SPD), which must be delivered to employees every new plan year.
Senior leaders increasingly take opportunities to sit on boards or serve as executives of outside entities. But while serving in that capacity, is an individual director or officer covered under his/her organization’s directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance policy? Although such opportunities may benefit all companies involved, it also raises significant liability issues. As a result, it is critical to understand how D&O insurance protects executives that serve on other companies’ boards.
The private business you started years ago has grown steadily and you’re now considering taking it public. Going public is a significant milestone that can offer many financial benefits. But an initial public offering (IPO) also materially changes a company’s risk profile and adds significant exposure to the personal assets of its directors and officers. Ensuring you have comprehensive directors and officers liability (D&O) insurance in place will be critical to all involved.
The time has arrived when you are about to retire or transition your business, bringing a reliable source of income to an end. Do you have adequate sources of funds available to replace that income so that you can maintain your current lifestyle? This is a common planning question among the millions of Americans approaching retirement, regardless of age or overall net worth. If properly executed, a detailed approach to planning and investing can result in a longer time horizon for your financial resources during retirement.
The families with the strongest governance plans are those that survive the most challenging times. They understand the importance of listening to younger generations and bringing them into the decision-making process. Other families find it more challenging to discuss wealth issues openly and to share decision making.
There are few issues in family business that create more conflict and tension than the employment of family members. The complexities involved and the breakdowns in communication and trust can contribute significantly to the alarmingly high rate of failed intergenerational transitions in family business. The good news is that there is a way for families to better position themselves to overcome those challenges by looking at the 10 most common mistakes family members make when it comes to hiring (and firing) for their business.
Now that the 2016 tax year is over, it’s not too early to think about planning for 2017 taxes and making tax planning a year-round activity. This year’s tax planning guide addresses potential strategies to consider amidst the uncertainty in the tax landscape, highlights important deadlines, discusses the related changes being proposed in the Trump administration and GOP House plans, and more for 2017. With this in mind, planning with flexibility is key to putting yourself in a positive position.
Many successful individuals and prominent families do not realize the full benefits of strategic financing or leverage, especially when it comes to wealth and estate planning. In fact, an estate or succession plan that includes appropriate borrowing strategies can help preserve a family’s legacy and enable more efficient transfer of wealth from one generation to the next—and beyond.
Many families recognize the importance of preparing future family leaders for the responsibilities of wealth through education programs. It’s a process that needs to be cultivated over many years in a thoughtful and planned manner. However, far too often the next gen education programs fail to get off the ground or maintain momentum. Family members become disinterested, disengaged, or simply don’t attend. It can happen when families make five common mistakes in developing an education plan for their rising generation.