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Philanthropic activity within the global wealth community has been growing over the last three decades. This report aims to capture trends in family philanthropy, particularly as they relate to strategic time horizons in giving. As established players mature and new ones come into the fold, philanthropists will need to engage in thoughtful analysis of which giving strategies are best suited to their vision, goals, and available resources.

In this episode, Amy speaks with Dr. Dennis Jaffe, an organizational consultant, clinical psychologist, and one of the leading thinkers on how multi-generational families can enhance governance and empower next-generation leadership. Dennis and Amy talk about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and how the uncertainty in today’s world plays out in wealthy families and increases the temptation for rash or reactionary decision making. Topics discussed:

The question of how to structure a trust is of increasing importance, particularly in light of recent trends, including the expected ruling in North Carolina Dept. of Revenue v. The Kimberley Rice Kaestner 1992 Family Trust. One key decision that families and their advisors have regarding long-term trusts is whether to establish a single pot trust for the entire family of a trust with separate shares for each family line. And, while Kaestner is centered on the state taxation of trusts, key considerations on how to structure a trust go well beyond taxes.

Estate planners and advisors will need to contemplate the political climate in an election year, particularly given certain political opposition to the extensive changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

It is an unfortunate reality that in trying times some people will attempt to take advantage of situations for personal gain. Be alert to scams including (1) phishing emails that purport to provide help or solutions to the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, but are actually intended to induce a click that leads to ransomware, (2) price gouging, and (3) fake charities.

In light of COVID-19 and state and local stay-at-home orders, many businesses have greatly increased the number of remote workers. Firsttime remote workers—and some seasoned remote workers—need to be aware of hidden pitfalls in the gadgets and apps they are using while working from home.

Relief was offered when the First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed. The Act provided $104 Billion to help fight COVID-19 and protect workers and families from the health and economic impact of the virus. Other relief and guidelines are highlighted in this infographic for employers facing tough decisions under the pandemic environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused investors around the globe to ditch risky assets in favor of safer alternatives. Many have looked to gold as the place to park capital in hopes that the commodity will gain value during the current market rout. Gold is viewed as a safe haven, expected to deliver a degree of protection when equity markets become more volatile. With so much uncertainty surrounding equities, why is gold underperforming?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant burdens for employers and employees alike. While some businesses struggle to survive, others are fortunate enough to be in a position to help employees as they face hardships created by the crisis. Many employers in the latter category are looking for ways to best help employees who are facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. One possible approach for these employers is a disaster relief fund under Section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion fiscal policy response to help American citizens and businesses struggling with the severe impact from the coronavirus pandemic. The law created several important programs to help provide liquidity to small and midsize businesses to cover payroll or other business expenses. Each program carries its own set of restrictions based on employment size and other variables. The intention of the new law is to help businesses operating on Main Street, and in some cases that might include some family offices and their portfolio companies.