ENSURE YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE IS FULL OF POSSIBILITIES

Many successful parents have spent their lives creating a financial bonanza for themselves, as well as their children and grandchildren. What they didn’t plan for are the unintended consequences that increased wealth brings. These include issues like entitlement and loss of work ethic among the rising generation, and increased potential for upsets, disputes, and strained relationships that can often progress to separation and even lawsuits. Richard M. Del Monte, CFP®, CWC, wealth consultant and author of ENDLESS INHERITANCE: Moving from Feuding to Flourishing in Your Affluent Family aims to help affluent families prepare for and prevent the destructive forces that wealth brings, and help them resolve all their conflicts, prepare the heirs to handle the wealth they will inherit, and create a scenario in which money becomes a tool to unleash and achieve the family’s greatest potential, now and in future generations. Seventy percent of affluent families fail at passing on wealth through the second generation, meaning the kids either squander all the money or wind up fighting with or suing each other.

Written as a guide, ENDLESS INHERITANCE: Moving from Feuding to Flourishing in Your Affluent Family, outlines how to prepare the rising generation of a wealthy family—not just to inherit worldly goods, but to be engaged and contributing members of the family, to appreciate their shared history, resolve conflicts quickly before they escalate, and to be able to handle the responsibilities and opportunities that come with wealth. As a wealth consultant, asset manager, and trained specialist in family dynamics, Richard M. Del Monte outlines a plan of action supported by resources and exercises to empower parents and children alike to start the often difficult conversations needed to overcome poor relationships, lack of trust, and entitlement. The book addresses financial planning aspects wealthy families should consider, as well as the family’s interpersonal relationships and training that need to be addressed to ensure their wealth and family harmony last for generations.

RICHARD M. DEL MONTE is a Certified Wealth Consultant and nationally recognized expert on the subject of families and wealth. He has appeared on FOX Business News and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Private Opportunities Club, Private Wealth Magazine, Trust & Estates, and Family Wealth Report. A sought-after speaker and the creator of a TEDx talk, “A Place of Possibility for Families and Wealth,” Richard guides his client families as they resolve disputes, heal divisions, foster closer relationships, achieve effective communication, and establish healthy, positive objectives and methods for dealing with family wealth. In addition to earning CFP®, CWC, and MBA in Financial Planning designations, Richard has completed specialized training in family dynamics and preparing heirs. He holds an MBA in Financial Planning from Golden Gate University and a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. He is a faculty member at the Institute for Preparing Heirs, and is a founding member of the Council for Shared Leadership, LLC, which established fundamentals of excellence for values-based advisors and the families they serve. Richard lives in Alamo, California, with his wife Ingrid and their three golden retrievers.

INTRODUCTION
Part One: Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves
The Risks Families Face
Inheritance-Planning Mistakes
A Place of Possibility
Part Two: Creating a Thriving Family Experience
Look to the Past: Your Family’s Story
Live in the Present: Bringing Your Family Together Now
Imagine Your Future: Setting your Family Up for Success
Part Three: Estate Planning for the Thriving Family
Preparing the Rising Generation
Preparing Your Estate
CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR