Suggestions for how to preserve a family legacy across generations include not letting shared assets become liabilities, recognizing that family businesses are businesses, communicating in the way that works best for family members, acknowledging family dynamics and choosing trustees carefully.
In a series of articles, the author has written about problems of trust and distrust in family enterprises. In the third in the series, he discusses a fictionalized case of an owner who resists forming, or even learning about, professional family offices. The article analyzes ways advisors can persist (without being fired) in raising the issues a f...
Though the challenges to successful wealth transfer across generations may seem overwhelming, they can be overcome. Within the framework of open and honest communication and education, preparing the next generation for life with wealth can increase the probability that the wealth sustains, grows, and benefits many future generations. Along with fiv...
This article focuses on the benefits of private mediation to settle intra-family legal disputes.
This article deals with the legal status of prenuptial agreements under English law.
GenSpring reports that despite increased market volatility and instability on global markets, threats of inflation and recession, the age of affluence is upon us. It further argues that men play a central role in decision-making of most affluent families. Understanding their attitudes, views and practices may therefore help us to understand their f...
Successfully transitioning family assets from generation to generation is hard work. And for many families, talking about money or family wealth can be awkward and uncomfortable, or simply delayed, which hinders younger generations from absorbing the critical information and know-how that is necessary for a smooth transfer of wealth and responsibil...
Crafting a family story as part of your family history is essential in helping rising generations understand and embrace their roles in the family enterprise. For a family with a business, that story will enormously benefit the younger generations whether or not they are actively involved in running the family business. Understanding the roots of t...
For many wealth creators, amassing wealth took a lot of work, but passing down the knowledge and tools to the next generation for successful wealth transition can be an even bigger challenge. Wealth creators may not know how to start or know the best approach. Through an infographic and video, learn the best ways to pass down the knowledge and tool...
In a perfect world, parents would have a well-thought-out plan for wealth transfer, explain their intentions, and help their heirs learn their roles and responsibilities. But life doesn’t always unfold in an orderly way to provide such a roadmap. Sometimes, inheritors may need to step in to play a more active role so they can empower themselv...
Open dialogue between parents and children and, specifically, the creation of a family contract can promote responsible use of digital devices. With the help of a discussion guide and a sample contract, families can learn to prepare a contract that works for them. The process of working together builds trust, incorporates multiple perspectives...
In this exclusive chat with Mellody Hobson, the President and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, speaks candidly about the importance and value of diversity in finance—how being color brave can improve business and society at large. Mellody shares personal stories and lessons learned from her investment career, including the disconnect tha...
Educating children about money, wealth, and financial planning is a critical step in helping them build their futures. As a wealth creator and thoughtful investor, you want to be sure your children understand how to manage finances and make good, informed decisions when it comes to spending, saving, and investing. But talking to children about mone...
Black swan events—like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic—often come with high velocity and are slow to recover. While these events are difficult to predict, the best way to get ready for the next crisis is with extreme preparation. Looking ahead with intentional risk management, here are 8 ways to prepare your business, family enterp...
A family vision statement is rooted in shared values, interests, and goals. Written with a sense of purpose, your statement becomes your guiding principles for the rules and actions of your family members. In this webcast, learn why most successful families develop a shared vision for their future together on the family journey, how they go about i...