A BUSINESS FAMILY IS NO EASY TASK
I define a “business family” as two or more relatives who own valuable property together. A business family may be partners in a family partnership….
A FAMILY COUNCIL FOR THE RELATIONAL ESTATE
I’ve been searching for an expression to describe what’s most valuable to a successful business family, other than its wealth . Some suggest…
DIVORCE? NO. MURDER? YES!
The late Ruth Bell Graham, outspoken wife of evangelist Billy Graham was once asked if she had ever contemplated divorcing her husband. Her reply:…
DON’T MAKE MONEY A TABOO TOPIC
When our older daughter was about nine, she bounced up on the bed beside me with a question:
“Why do I look like you, Daddy? “Mama told me to ask…
FAMILIES ARE LIKE PORCUPINES
At wedding rehearsal dinners, my wife toasts the bride and groom:
“May your marriage be like two porcupines snuggling down on a cold night: close…
FAMILY DIALOGUE
Dialogue accesses knowledge that is otherwise inaccessible to individuals inquiring alone.
Suppose the major estate asset is the family…
FAMILY MISSION STATEMENTS: WHAT ESTATE ADVISORS NEED TO KNOW
Published in Estate Planning magazine March 2008
With the eldest baby boomers reaching age 62 in 2008, private wealth managers are worrying…
FAMILY PAYROLLS: EVERYTHING FROM SENSIBLE TO WHACKY
Family payrolls range from sensible to downright whacky. Here’s my take on compensation in business families.
“Sweat equity” entitles a relative…
FAMILY REMODELING
Genealogy rewinds: Who were your ancestors? Where did they come from? What were they like five, six, seven generations ago?
Family building fast…
FAMILY WEALTH IN CRISIS
The turbulence in world financial markets confronts wealthy families with acute crisis management.
Some will call upon wise family organization to…