Turning Wealth Preservation into Family Preservation

"Talk more. Even it doesn't feel right. Even it feels awkward or that you're overcommunicating. Sharing how you feel is important. Talk about your feelings." 

- Dr. Shaywana "Dr. Shay" Harris-Pierre, Harris-Pierre Consulting

Dr. Shaywanna Harris-Pierce, a Certified Financial Therapist with a specialty in family therapy highlighted the importance of investing in developing family relationships when managing wealth.

We discussed:

• The definition and purpose of “family systems theory”
• How to navigate common (and uncommon) family dynamics
• How to structure a "family meeting" around finances
• How she works with a family's financial team

Jason Howell Company is a family wealth management firm that strengthens the finances of families making the transition from first generation success to family wealth. We envision a world where wealthy families give, grow and govern themselves in ways that enrich their local communities. We do this by reducing the fear, isolation and guilt associated with financial success.

Jason J. Howell, CFP®, CPWA®, CSRIC® and Douglas W. Tees, MBA, CFP® CAP®, CBDA  have spent a lot of time in the Washington, DC area, and are aware that many people who are first generation wealth suffer from a kind of "financial imposter syndrome."  Successful entrepreneurs and family businesses are always looking over their shoulder; government contractors worry about the next contract; former Capitol Hill staffers privately wonder if they should "feel bad" for the money they now make. Imposter syndrome is common among people who work for the many corporate headquarters based in this area as well. These feelings get in the way of properly managing family wealth. We empower them to get organized, build a team of advisors and make decisions.

Our typical "first generation wealth" families include dual income parents who work, save and have just the right amount of fun. For long-time, family owned businesses we focus on much family preservation as we do wealth preservation. 

First generation wealth success stories and family business owners realize that they:

• Need to “do something” with the cash in their checking/savings
• Need to eventually diversify their portfolio away from the family business
• Need an investment strategy for “up” and “down” markets
• Need a plan to mitigate market, credit, inflation, and political risks
• Need to start tax planning instead of just tax paying
• Need to be sure they are choosing the right work benefits
• Need to reduce financial miscommunications between family members
• Need to separate business finances from personal finances
• Need to separate family wealth from individual wealth
• Need a plan to provide space for both family and individual philanthropy 
• Need to plan for money while alive and for what happens after death