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Because of social and cultural changes that have increased women’s control of wealth, this paper seeks to help families navigate this newer development—where the female partner’s inherited wealth significantly exceeds that which her spouse is likely to generate through his own inheritance or work. It begins with McKayla’s story and the challenges she and her boyfriend faced in their fiscally unequal partnership.

When a family member is diagnosed with a memory disorder like Alzheimer's, it can be confusing and frustrating. With the right preparation and care, family offices and household staff can provide invaluable assistance and information to the families on what to expect and how to cope from the early stages to the end stages of dementia.

Every family has secrets and difficult stories—the “skeletons in the closet”—that they would rather not share. While most professionals agree that exposing skeletons to daylight is a good thing, one must be sensitive to the potential emotional impact of these stories on individuals within a family and proceed tactfully. When families explore their history and let the skeletons out and watch them dance, it can help current family members clarify their values and recognize that amends can be made.

The popularity of international travel will grow and evolve as accomplished individuals seek to add memorable and thrilling experiences to their lives. While you can certainly experience a special trip nearly anywhere in the world, don't be hasty in your preparation. Protect yourself with the right information and insurance to avoid large and small risk exposures.

The question Virginia “Ginny” Esposito, Founder of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, gets asked the most, is “How can I engage my family in philanthropy?” In this episode, Ginny highlights what family business is and common trends in the work she has been in for over 30 years. She has lots of wisdom for parents and great resources, whether you are just getting started or if you’ve been giving for decades.

It's a pivotal time for Single Family Offices, with more and more reviewing their structure and operations to minimize risks. In this roundtable discussion, experts share how Single Family Offices are evolving and addressing new risks and risk mitigation strategies.

While laws in the United States generally allow trust property to be protected from the creditors of beneficiaries, there has traditionally been an exception to these protections where property in a trust is derived from a beneficiary’s own contributions to the trust. In rejecting this traditional rule, some states have modernized their laws, via statute, to allow creditor-protected self-settled trusts under certain circumstances. Some key provisions of these laws are summarized for comparison.

The wildfire activity in late 2017 reached unprecedented levels and many lessons were learned from the devastation. With the intention of helping those in vulnerable areas to improve their homes’ resiliency to wildfire, and most importantly, keep their families safe, tips and recommendations are provided on life and safety evacuation, smart landscaping, home design, and general property maintenance.

Succession planning for a family business inevitably requires planning for the transition of the management team. This transition presents several challenges, including dealing with non-family managers and with a family member who is not suited for a leadership role in the business. These difficulties are not insurmountable, and, with clear communication, careful planning and assistance from advisors, the family will end the planning process with a stronger and more successful management team and family business.

On the journey to obtain independence and achieve financial success, the priorities usually include having a good educational experience, a sound resume and a career with a nice salary. That journey will likely contain u-turns, bumps and dead ends. And if good financial habits are not developed, then there can be a financial disaster. The reality is that the road to financial freedom requires practice and discipline. Stay on course—follow the 10 steps to financial freedom in your twenties and thirties—and you will reach your destination.