Charitable planning can be an important part not only of managing income and estate taxes, but of engaging the family and strengthening family values. Adding in a multigenerational component can make it even more meaningful and compelling. Just as every family is unique, so is the philanthropic approach where communication is key and there is more than one way to involve a family in philanthropy.
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For many families, discussing wealth transfer and inheritance issues can be challenging. Fear of demotivating heirs can cause wealth holders to withhold vital information. But the rewards can prove significant when family members work together to overcome their fear by improving communications and strengthening trust. While every family is unique, there are some best practices among families who have decided that having an inheritance plan—including responsible ownership education—is better than no plan at all.
As individuals progress in their careers, success becomes tied more to their ability to collaborate, engage, and mobilize others than on the individual skills and abilities that may have fueled early-career advancement. Given this progression, there are five top areas and leadership skills that next generation leaders should focus on to position their organizations for future, sustainable success.
Mentorships are valuable relationships at any age or walk of life. As you begin your career, you may wonder what mentorships are, how they work and where you should look to find a mentor. Mentorships shouldn’t be shrouded in mystery, but there isn’t one accepted guidebook for them either. There are, however, several keys to remember to begin a successful mentorship.
The field of philanthropy has primarily been built around the more tactical aspects and the how of giving while taking the why for granted.
Because of social and cultural changes that have increased women’s control of wealth, this paper seeks to help families navigate this newer development—where the female partner’s inherited wealth significantly exceeds that which her spouse is likely to generate through his own inheritance or work. It begins with McKayla’s story and the challenges she and her boyfriend faced in their fiscally unequal partnership.
For insights on integrated wealth planning, this issue of The Advisor presents a view from the top with Joe Kahn, The New York Times Managing Editor, the impact of globalization 2.0, and the U.S. presidential election 2016 and the candidates’ tax platforms. Also in this issue are the best practices in providing age-appropriate transparency when it comes to discussing a family’s wealth plan. Following it is the takeaway on the advantage of Delaware’s laws on directed trusts.
In both complex commercial and family disputes, the caucus-style mediation has been the predominantly employed method over the joint mediation session. But as society and business systems continue to evolve, the mediation process must also evolve to where mediators should more aggressively explore the benefits of joint sessions with the parties at the outset of mediation. In a new generation of transparency-driven parties—faced with issues of growing complexity and personal implications—it calls for a dispute resolution process that is less obscure and manipulative.
The question Virginia “Ginny” Esposito, Founder of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, gets asked the most, is “How can I engage my family in philanthropy?” In this episode, Ginny highlights what family business is and common trends in the work she has been in for over 30 years. She has lots of wisdom for parents and great resources, whether you are just getting started or if you’ve been giving for decades.
Succession planning for a family business inevitably requires planning for the transition of the management team. This transition presents several challenges, including dealing with non-family managers and with a family member who is not suited for a leadership role in the business. These difficulties are not insurmountable, and, with clear communication, careful planning and assistance from advisors, the family will end the planning process with a stronger and more successful management team and family business.