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In addition to having an external mission, many family foundations create an internal one specifying how the foundation will function in family-building, education and the transfer of family values from one generation to the next. Foundation Source offers concrete examples of how some families are using their foundations to make a difference within the family as well as in the external world.

At its best, family philanthropy provides families with an opportunity to reinvigorate their grantmaking, inviting the contribution of fresh and original ideas and approaches from younger generations, and bringing families together in pursuit of a mission inspired by common values. Research conducted for Credit Suisse shows the diversity of experience of family philanthropists around the globe.

Family business consultant Kenneth Kaye discusses some characteristics that facilitate trust among family members in two types of enterprises – family offices and family-owned businesses – as well as a conflict resolution intervention that capitalizes on humans' instinctive propensity to trust.

Families need to learn how to talk about money openly and participate in saving, spending and giving together. The result, Silver Bridge Advisors says, will be an increase in the number of financially thoughtful children in the world, a greater ability for the next generation to use their wealth responsibly, and an increased likelihood that family values will endure for generations.

The authors discuss the impact of the addicted client on the emotional well-being of financial planners. They explore how to recognize the signs of addiction, seek competent assistance, and support recovery including what works for improved treatment.

Even for families with generations of addiction, it is possible to achieve sustained recovery and secure the family's finances. Finding the right help for those of wealth and prominence requires persistence, knowledge and professional cooperation with proven, reliable treatment programs.

The most intractable conflicts that arise in business-owning families occur when parties support their opposing positions by reference to histories that contradict each other in essential points. Here is a method of using the shared core of opposing stories to maintain reasonable discussion of primary, must-solve issues while not allowing the myriad secondary issues to block agreement on central ones.

From planning an agenda and obtaining family buy-in to selecting the right venue and leading an event, this short article is replete with practical ideas for organizing family meetings and making them both fun and productive for participants.