Harvard's Charles Collier on "The Practices of Flourishing Families"

 "The critical challenge you face is not financial," said Charles Collier, senior philanthropic adviser at Harvard University in his presentation on "The Practices of Flourishing Families" to an audience composed mostly of wealth managers at the Boston Security Analysts Society on December 15, 2009. He believes "The most critical challenges are relationship-based and family-based."

Of course, money plays a role in these challenges, so this is a topic that should concern all wealth managers. Whether it's scarce or abundant, money is a challenge in every family, said Collier.

Three questions are critical to addressing family challenges, said Collier.

1. What topics are easy or difficult for your family to discuss?
2. How do you manage yourself in life's transitions?
3. Is family harmony an important principle for you, and, if so, why? 

Collier's interactive presentation focused on Question 1 and raised the following difficult questions around finances:

1. What is an appropriate inheritance for your child?
   
2. Who gets the money, and when? Do they get equal shares?
3. Who gets information about the money and when?
4. How much will go to philanthropy?
5. What do you think will be the impact of unearned money on your child's life?
6. How can you encourage your children to find their life calling?
   

Collier did not suggest how financial advisors should raise these questions with their clients. So, I'm asking you, how do YOU address these questions with clients? Do you address them at all?
____________________
Susan B. Weiner, CFA
Check out my website at www.InvestmentWriting.com or sign up for my free monthly e-newsletter.
Copyright 2009 by Susan B. Weiner All rights reserved