Most of the time when families gather, the focus is purely social—reconnecting, reminiscing, and “rest and relaxation” as a group. Occasionally, family members may also gather for limited financial management tasks, such as settling a loved one’s estate, or planning for how to manage shared assets such as land or a family vacation home. These family get-togethers are important to families no matter what their financial circumstances. For families with wealth, though, the need to connect can go beyond the social aspects.
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A young girl shares a story about the “weird gift” she received on her birthday from her grandmother. It included three jars that were labeled save, spend, and share. There was also an envelope with instructions and money inside it, and a note that said happy birthday and you’re old enough to start thinking beyond spending. With a set of guidance in her hands, she learned the importance and joy of sharing her resources.
As families transition into another year navigating the pandemic’s unknowns, the need to prepare for succession and practice decision-making is greater. In this Tolleson Insights podcast episode, Richard Joyner shares why prepping for a family’s future and helping eliminate the “what would happen if…” is essential.
Successfully transferring wealth to the next generation requires healthy and open communication within a family. In this Insights episode, learn how philanthropy can create the unique opportunity for families to do this by sharing values, making decisions, and giving back together.
We all have family stories around money, some fun and harmless, others serious and impactful. They are the money stories that shape your financial personality. Knowing how to recognize your money story and its influence on your behavior is vital to your overall financial health and success. It is also key to building and maintaining financial harmony within families. When you know your money story and how it came about, it can empower you to better manage and control your personal finances.
Though being (or becoming) “rich" would seem to be a universal quest, the mixed experiences of those born into, married into, or suddenly rich undermine the fantasy that “rich equals “happy.” Sometimes the guilt, shame, and the complexity of growing up with abundance can create unwanted family dynamics that strain family relationships. In this special educational webinar, Joline Godfrey (author of Raising Financially Fit Kids) joins Robin Petty at Hawthorn and dives deeper into the topic.
Departing for college is a major life event for your family, marking a significant step toward your child's independence. Whether your child is going near or far, planning is critical. Follow this checklist to address critical healthcare, insurance, personal safety, and financial decisions.
Your fellow FOX members have contributed these family legacy and leadership planning tools and samples. Please note that these samples have been provided for illustrative purposes only, and may not represent the latest versions.
How do you prepare younger family members to manage their wealth well and flourish in their own lives and in the family enterprise? Every family is challenged to find creative ways to engage family members in the process of learning—about the family and what it values and owns, as well as what it takes to care for these human and financial assets.
When wealth owners are asked what challenges them most, their first answer is frequently, “helping my children become productive adults.” Preparing children for both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with wealth is not easy, but those who have committed to family learning and educating the next generation will tell you that the return is well worth the investment.