Planning discussions about wishes are often reduced to how wealth should be distributed or utilized when the principal dies. However, wealthy individuals may be better served by a much broader discussion of how to build a family legacy that generates social and economic wealth, creates family unity and transcends time.
Selecting one’s home state as the situs may be a convenient or easy answer. However, the ability to implement a trust that may last forever, eliminate additional transfer taxes after funding and avoid state income taxes may provide the financial incentive to stray from home, or at least to consider it.
Donors take care in planning their charitable giving over a number of years. As those plans unfold, however, natural disasters or tragic events can become an unexpected priority for giving. Ensuring that contributions provide the support intended by donors is not as straightforward as it may seem. Knowing the pitfalls that dot the landscape of...
Many wealthy families envision keeping a shared property in the family as a means of building family unity, harmony and legacy. A number of notable families have been successful at this, but many others find the reality creates the opposite of their intention.
The vitality and longevity of a mature family enterprise depend on three key value drivers: the family economic engine, including both business and financial assets; the family itself, its culture and members; and “leakages” that include both cash flow management and estate planning. By operating in this context so that you manage your ...
Entrepreneurial stewardship is the key to perpetuating family wealth through multiple generations. Stuart Lucas and David Lansky discuss some of the paradoxes of maintaining a healthy, wealthy multigenerational family and how to address effectively these paradoxes. The article explains how entrepreneurial stewardship can be a key to perpetuat...
Why is an American who has spent over a quarter century managing financial assets for his family cautioning you against selling your family business? The author urges you to think twice before selling your business.
With some care and effort, your family’s story can live on and grow with each new generation. This article describes the process of creating a family archive: a treasure trove of historical information about family decendants, business accomplishements and important events. Helpful tips such as archival vendors and types of materi...
This paper explores how private foundations can plan for changes in leadership in order to weather the transition as a cohesive, effective unit. Some of the risks and rewards of planning for change—or failing to do so—are discussed.
In his latest research study, Dennis Jaffe and research contributors from Family Business Network, Family Office Exchange, and Stetson University’s Family Enterprise Center interviewed 38 families that have managed to overcome the adage “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” The report discusses the...
This article provides pointers to younger generation family members about how to build the confidence necessary to make decisions involving being more independent from the family such as deciding whether it's time to move out of the family home, to go to college, or to move into a residence of their own.
Because wealth often creates shared assets, joint decisions are required. And not infrequently, the children of wealth may not be as financially motivated as were earlier generations. In this white paper, the authors discuss strategies to establish governance practices to help families preserve both wealth and family harmony – and creat...
Whether public or private, successful businesses share some of the same concerns. Attracting and retaining talent, balancing growth and risk with profitability and adapting to economic changes are all essential. But the owners of private businesses face unique challenges, particularly when they decide to make changes in the ownership or management ...
The white paper, “Sudden Wealth: Managing the Transition,” provides helpful guideposts for handling new wealth, regardless of the circumstances – whether the wealth represents a recent windfall (the immigrant experience) or having control of a large amount of money for the first time (the inheritor’s experience). The p...
Family-run enterprises make up a significant portion of businesses within the United States. Because it is clear that many of these business-owners will be looking to plan their exit from the companies they have established, it is important that planners prepare for their role in the succession planning process. We’ve compiled a list of ten s...