Safeguarding the Family Enterprise: Children and Wealth

Tom Wilson, Managing Director, Private Client Group &
Senior Investment Manager

A blog in a continuing series on the safeguarding of the family enterprise.

There is a Chinese proverb that goes, “Wealth does not pass three generations.”  This fits the notion that when significant wealth is created by the first generation of a family, the second generation gets to enjoy it, but the third generation, which was so far removed from the work ethic of the first generation, squanders it.

The conversation of wealth is often missed between parents and children.  For wealthy parents, discussing money with children can be a daunting task.  When is the best age to discuss the subject?  How much is too much information?  What if I want to give my money away to charity?  The stress surrounding these questions can often prevent these conversations from taking place.

While these questions, and others, are difficult to bring up, they are essential.  They will provide the context to determine the balance between providing enough money so that the children can pursue their dreams without a concern for their finances, and not providing so much of an inheritance that a feeling of entitlement or loss of self-purpose develops.  Warren Buffet said it best when he noted that he wanted to leave enough money for his heirs so they can do anything, but not so much money that they can do nothing.

A Wall Street Journal article on the subject gave several suggestions on how to speak with kids about generational wealth.  A favorite was the example of a pre-teen son who approached his mother and asked, “Are we rich?”  The mother replied, “Your father and I are. But you are not.”

A holistic approach to wealth management can go beyond asset allocation and financial planning.  Make sure you participate in the educating of children around family wealth.

Safeguarding the Family Enterprise: Security

Tom Wilson, Managing Director, Private Client Group &
Senior Investment Manager

This is the first installment of a continuing series on the safeguarding of the family enterprise

During a recent trip in Chicago, I had the opportunity to listen to a speech by Arnette Heintze.  Arnette is a former Secret Service agent who has since created a security firm that caters to the needs of wealthy families.  His presentation included many examples of how his firm has been deployed to safeguard these families.  Some of the stories were very alarming.

Arnette’s intent was not to scare the audience, but rather to make the attendees aware that threats to wealthy families are real.  From harassment and name defamation, to extortion and blackmail, to the more personal security issues of stalking, threats, and kidnapping.  The wealthy family demographic has a variety of security challenges.

Many families contact security firms after a crisis has arisen.  This is unfortunate as preventative measures can have a meaningful reduction in the risks to families.

A holistic approach to wealth management can go beyond asset allocation and financial planning.  If you have not discussed the subject of security with your wealthy families, consider including this on the agenda in your next meeting.  After all, awareness is one of the best preventative measures.

The Importance of Generational Listening

John E. Coyne, III, Vice Chairman, Brinker Capital

I had the opportunity to speak on a panel at the Nexus Global Youth Summit in New York City last week. More importantly, I had the chance to listen to and speak with a number of those in attendance.

Nexus is a global movement founded in 2011 whose network consists of over 1,000 young philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and influencers. Their unified goal is to increase and improve philanthropy and the social impact of investing. They come from more than 60 countries and represent more than $100 billion in assets. They have the commitment, intelligence, passion and clout to act on it.

I was in awe of the debate and discussion I witnessed among these ambitious, young leaders.  What they shared, how they felt, how they deviated from each other in plan but matched in vigor and passion—it was among the most intelligent discourses I have listened to in some time. The mindset of the social entrepreneurs in attendance turned the ways I have defined this area upside down.

If financial advisors, family offices and wealth managers wish to remain relevant, it is incumbent on us to help facilitate the dialogue within and across generations, understanding that if properly equipped, this rising generation will accomplish things on an unprecedented global scale. And if we, the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers of the world, don’t adapt to the methods of investing and communicating they are evolving towards, we will be left in the dust.

I want to thank Logan Morris at Snowden Capital for including me and congratulate Rachel Cohen Gerrol on this incredible event. I must give a particular shout out to the woman who spoke from Kopali Organic chocolates.  They are delicious, and you have made a convert.

For a more in-depth look into this year’s  Global Youth Summit, please read this event summary published by Forbes, or take a page out of the Generation Y book and check out their Facebook page.