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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 five key principles to raising responsible owners of wealth, it paves a path where heirs are much better prepared for their inheritance as they become productive, contributing owners of wealth.

This first national study explores the topic of family philanthropy through the family office including opportunities and challenges, perspectives and experiences of practitioners and family members with the family office structure. This is a collaborative project of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, Threshold Group, and FOX.

Many families of wealth struggle with a fundamental question: Can our wealth be sustained across generations and have a positive impact on those who use it? Through experience and research, a series of best practices for the successful transfer of multi-generational wealth has been identified to help reduce the likelihood of families succumbing to the paradigm of “shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves in three generations.” Families who devote time and effort to adopt the best practices will be better able to increase the 1 in 3 chance of maintaining wealth through multiple

Few problems are as vexing and seemingly impossible to resolve for families, advisors and trustees as the active alcoholic or addict, particularly those who continue to use after treatment. While low recovery rates for treatment and subsequent relapse may be understandable in the aggregate, on the individual level the experience is frustrating and unnerving for all concerned. Often the response is “treatment,” yet few family members and advisors are familiar with the success rates for treatment or what leads to sustained recovery.

How and when should wealthy parents educate their children about their assets and potential trusts? Having “The Talk” about wealth is a topic that provokes uncertainty and delay. Avoiding the exchange, however, only compounds the difficulties. Anxiety and reluctance about this conversation are understandable given the many risks associated with inherited wealth. This paper provides a few central guidelines to making "The Talk" an effective and positive experience for both generations.

Many wealthy families desire a seamless transition of their wealth and a perpetuation of their values for multiple generations, but many struggle with how to accomplish these goals effectively. Successful families typically take intentional steps to create family meetings that foster communication, education and engagement, in order to promote collaboration and trust among family members.This article provides a number of key elements to consider when developing a successful family meeting.

“Why can’t we all just get along?” If you say that often, perhaps it’s time to find the answer. People who work with successful families know that financial resources, social status, career or educational opportunities and even intact marriages do not guarantee family harmony. All families are subject to conflicts, pressures and the unmet needs of family members. In fact, family issues and conflicts may arise from a family’s resources and status – especially when resources and status affect a family member’s identity or sense of meaning.

There is rarely any dissension over the assumption that future investment results are shaped by present-day conditions. Underpromising, or assuming future returns will fall below historic averages, may appear unduly pessimistic. Yet, adversity is best confronted when it is expected. With prudent expectations and some guidance, your investment portfolio can have a foundation to overdeliver when the pendulum changes course. Explore pockets of opportunity to take advantage of what the markets have to give in a modest return environment.

It can be surprising to hear that just 30 percent of families successfully sustain their wealth beyond three generations. The reasons for wealth transition failures are generally personal rather than technical—resulting from a breakdown of communication within the family, inadequate preparation of heirs, and lack of a shared family vision. Successful families consider the impact of wealth on their family and look beyond financial capital to consider human, intellectual, and social elements of unique wealth.

Families with significant wealth often assume that requiring a prenuptial agreement should be expected, but frequently have questions on the impact the discussion can have on current and future family relationships. Through effective communications and careful development, a prenuptial agreement can enhance and clarify a couple’s financial relationship and intentions prior to marriage to provide measures of safety and security.