Once systems are in place and the portfolio is clearly understood, the next natural step is often the hardest to approach: preparing the next generation.
In many families we work with, adult children and spouses are kept at arm’s length from the finances—not out of secrecy, but out of habit. The older generation may have managed everything themselves for decades. But as life evolves, capacity changes, and transitions begin to loom, it becomes clear that involvement can’t wait until there’s a crisis.
Our role is to make that process smoother, more comfortable, and more intentional.
Creating Space for Conversation
We start by inviting family members into the fold—at a pace and depth that works for everyone. This might mean setting up quarterly Zoom calls or in-person family meetings where updates are shared, questions are welcomed, and decisions can be explained.
We encourage including not just children, but their partners, advisors, or accountants if relevant. The more transparency and shared understanding, the more durable the financial plan becomes.
These meetings aren’t about turning everyone into a portfolio manager. They’re about:
- Helping family members understand how things are structured
- Showing what’s already in place and why
- Building familiarity with the tools and reports they’ll eventually inherit
Tailored Reporting for Different Levels of Interest
Not every family member wants the same level of detail—and that’s okay. Some are eager to dig into asset allocation, benchmark performance, or impact metrics. Others just want to know: are we okay?
We customize our reports and dashboards accordingly:
- Detail-oriented members get full reports with breakdowns, historical trends, and access to digital portals.
- Big-picture thinkers receive one-page dashboards that highlight key metrics like income, liquidity, and net worth.
Everyone stays informed in a way that’s clear, manageable, and on their terms.
Building Confidence, Not Just Knowledge
Our goal isn’t just to transfer data—it’s to build confidence. When younger generations feel informed and included, they’re more prepared to carry the torch when the time comes.
We often hear feedback like:
“I finally understand what we have and why.”
“This makes me feel like I can step in if needed.”
“I didn’t know how to ask, but I’m glad someone helped explain it.”
That kind of comfort doesn’t happen by accident. We build it through thoughtful design, regular communication, and patient, ongoing support.
Why This Step Matters
We’ve seen too many situations where key information lives in one person’s head—or one email inbox. When something unexpected happens, the rest of the family scrambles to respond.
By involving the next generation now, families reduce future stress, protect their legacy, and preserve continuity across decades. It’s not just a succession plan—it’s a sign of respect, trust, and care.
For a full look at the transformation, see our case study: From Paper Trails to Peace of Mind.
