Prevent Conflict and Help Maximize Performance
Family and finances each have the power to bring about some of life’s greatest rewards—they can also, however, contribute to some of our greatest stressors. When the two become intertwined, the impact can be exponential. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association, 66% of adults cite money as a source of stress and 55% of that population report that money also contributes to fights or tension in their family.1
It’s no surprise that television series featuring family power dynamics at their core, such as “Yellowstone” and “Succession,” have the nation riveted. While most do not boast the assets of the fictional Roy and Dutton families, a proactive plan for preventing conflict is a best practice at all wealth levels. Whether managing an inheritance, family business or familial wealth stemming from another source, these steps can help foster healthy relationships while optimizing your financial plan.
6 Steps for Healthy Family Finance Relationships
1. Foster Clear, Transparent Communications
Wealth can be an uncomfortable topic, but clear and transparent communications are essential to nurturing an environment steeped in trust and candor. Each family member must be able to honestly convey their values, perspectives and priorities. These conversations are the building blocks for minimizing conflict and achieving the group’s collective goals, while preserving familial bonds.
2. Craft a Family Mission Statement
Developing a family mission statement can be a highly effective exercise to guide financial decisions. This statement is based on shared values around money and used to guide your investment strategies.
Use the following prompts to guide your family mission statement:
Focus on commonalities between family members versus what sets you apart to craft a customized mission statement reflecting your family’s goals. These are a few examples:
No matter what your mission statement is, make it a point to annually revisit and adjust it as needed.
3. Establish Regular Formal Family Meetings
It’s easy to slip into informal protocols when family and business overlap, but it’s important to approach these conversations in a formal manner.
4. Tackle the Tough Situations
Commit to having the hard conversations early. Engage your loved ones in candid conversations to address any potential disrupters, such as the passing of a loved one, divorce, addiction or mental illness. These discussions can help highlight potential gaps in any plan.
Some questions that may arise include:
5. Select a Team of Professionals
A complex portfolio that involves a diverse group of multi-generational stakeholders typically requires a team of professionals to manage that wealth. Do research, gather referrals and engage multiple family members to conduct interviews. Some professionals that may comprise your team include a Certified Public Accountant, estate planning attorney and financial advisor.
As fiduciaries, financial advisors as well as estate attorneys will schedule one-on-one meetings with each of the appropriate parties. It’s also important for this team to interface with one another to create streamlined strategies that align with your wealth management goals.
6. Nourish Your Family Bonds
When the money tree grows in the same plot as the family tree, complex emotions may arise. Ultimately, the optimal environment for achieving strong financial results is achieved when the relationships behind that wealth are healthy and aligned. Remain committed to preserving your bonds while navigating any sensitive issues with love and kindness.
A multi-generational wealth management plan requires a multifaceted approach. With some focus, such a plan and continuous follow-up can empower a family’s well-th story. Contact us to learn more about strategies to proactively plan for your financial future
Schedule a meeting with your financial advisor to get started.
1 American Psychological Association, “Stress in America 2022,” October 22, 2023
HT|TC Wealth Partners is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.
This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.
These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.
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