The New Retirement Age

What Every Family Office Should Know When Building a Charitable Giving Strategy

The New Retirement Age

When developing a charitable giving strategy, there is a lot to consider as a family office. These factors nurture cohesion, motivates strategic decision-making, and maximizes the impact of their charitable contributions. By carefully considering the following, family offices can adjust to sudden changes in their strategies, stay relevant in their giving, and continue to have the desired impact they’re striving towards.

The Significance of a Shared Family Purpose

To create an effective philanthropic strategy, it is essential to understand the family’s shared motivation for charitable giving. By aligning efforts with your shared value, along with your individual, aspirations, and objectives, the family office can develop a purpose-driven strategy that creates positive change and leaves a lasting legacy.

Having a shared purpose enables your family to develop initiatives that resonate with family members, thereby encouraging more active engagement and participation in philanthropic efforts. This unity strengthens your family ties while magnifying the impact of your strategic giving. Moreover, this shared purpose functions as a compass for strategic decision-making, allowing for greater prioritization of individual causes, selection of appropriate organizations, and achievement of desired outcomes that are consistent with the overarching vision. By remaining loyal to your mission behind the purpose, the family office ensures the continuation of the philanthropic focus throughout the generations. Last but not least, having a shared purpose maximizes the overall effectiveness of the contributions by directing resources toward initiatives that closely align with it, thereby bringing about significant change in the causes and communities you support.

Aligning Charitable Giving with Millennials and Gen Z Family Members

Engaging millennials and Generation Z in your philanthropic strategy is essential for family offices. By aligning these younger generations’ areas of interest, such as civil rights, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), immigration, education, health care, and climate change, with the deeper core values of the family, family offices can foster more meaningful engagement and ensure a lasting commitment. Connecting their passions to the family’s fundamental values goes beyond connecting them to the family’s philanthropic values. It connects your legacy to important causes as the world evolves, making your value of giving back have a longer-term impact because it’s relevant.

By aligning their areas of focus with fundamental family values, family offices facilitate intergenerational collaboration, encourage shared decision-making, and strengthen family ties. This inclusion ensures a sustainable commitment by demonstrating the family’s willingness to adapt and evolve while furthering the impact of their charitable contributions by leveraging the unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and passion of your rising generations.

The Future and Your Family Office Charitable Giving Strategy

The development of a family office’s charitable giving strategy is reliant on the ability to envision the future. Family offices should review their philanthropic strategy yearly to account for potential cultural shifts, and legislative updates to ensure it remains relevant. 

This forward-thinking approach enables you to navigate rapidly evolving landscapes, proactively address emerging needs, and develop a strategic giving plan that produces positive lasting change.

By visualizing the future, you will remain flexible enough as it anticipates legal and regulatory changes, which allows you to modify your strategies in order to comply with evolving requirements for family office philanthropic efforts. Looking towards the future also enables your family offices to anticipate emerging trends, thereby positioning you as proactive agents of change, contributing to the formation of a better tomorrow through your legacy. Future family offices can leave a philanthropic legacy that has a lasting impact on future generations.

The Advisor's Role in Supporting Family Philanthropy: Navigating Generational Conversations and Embracing Evolving Strategies

When it comes to philanthropy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your family offices should instead base its approach on the family’s purpose, mission, and interests, with a commitment to reevaluate and adjust as the future transpires. One of the key advantages of engaging an advisor in your family’s philanthropic journey is their unbiased opinion. An experienced advisor brings an external perspective, free from personal biases or emotional attachments, which can often cloud important decision-making. By maintaining objectivity, advisors can ensure that the family’s philanthropic endeavors align with their core values and long-term objectives. The role of an advisor becomes especially crucial in navigating the complex dynamics that emerge within families when it comes to philanthropy. Over time, as the family evolves and generations transition, different perspectives and priorities may arise. An advisor acts as a mediator, facilitating open and constructive conversations among family members. They help bridge the gap between generations by encouraging active participation from all family members, building a sense of shared ownership and mutual respect. By promoting inclusive discussions, advisors create an environment where family members can express their viewpoints, learn from one another, and collectively shape the family’s philanthropic strategies. Their guidance ensures that the evolving needs and aspirations of each family member are considered, to encourage unity and a shared sense of purpose.

Advisors stay well-informed of emerging trends, innovative approaches, and best practices in the philanthropic sector. By continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the family’s philanthropic initiatives, advisors help identify opportunities for growth, improvement, and adaptation. They guide families in embracing evolving strategies, ensuring their philanthropy remains impactful and aligned with the changing needs of society. Furthermore, advisors act as a resource, connecting families to networks of like-minded individuals, organizations, and experts in the philanthropic realm, expanding their knowledge and enabling collaboration for greater social change.

Just as your family office evolves over time, so should your philanthropic strategy. To ensure your values of philanthropy will be carried on with the rising generations, allow them to contribute to the conversation, advising on causes that align with your larger philanthropic strategy. If you are looking to review your current strategy and goals, book a call with Beacon Family Office for an initial review conversation.

5 Reasons Why Charitable Gifting is Integral in a Prosperous Community

How to Encourage and Preserve Philanthropy in the Rising Generation

5 Reasons Why Charitable Gifting is Integral in a Prosperous Community

“When you're in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back.”

Community is our passion. This is one of the core values that drive Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. every single day. We’re fortunate as we also see this same value of giving back and investing in community in all our clients. Generational philanthropy is something that many high net-worth families weave into the core of who they are and the legacy they’re building. Continuing to raise generations of compassionate humans is how we can and will bring more compassion and much-needed constructive change to this world.  

Our role as family stewards provides us with an opportunity to teach our children the value of giving back to the community and making a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of others. It’s here that families are able to leave a legacy of benevolence and social responsibility, cultivated through a mentality of giving and adhering to philanthropic values and practices. 

It’s simply a matter of raising the rising generation to embrace philanthropy as they become more integrated into the family office itself.

Building a Culture of Generosity: Instilling Philanthropic Values in Families

Teaching the spirit of goodwill into family values is essential to raising generations of philanthropists. When generosity is deeply ingrained in a family’s fundamental values, it paves the way for a lifetime of giving back and making a difference. Families can foster this mindset by engaging in an open discussion about social issues and community needs. By exploring these topics with their children, parents may nurture in them a sense of awareness and responsibility. These discussions can ignite children’s genuine desire to make a difference, encouraging them to think critically about the challenges faced by others. 

We must also remember that children learn by watching. When older generations lead by example, younger generations are learning the deeper impact of philanthropic values and the impact this can have on the greater world around them. When children observe their parents engaging in philanthropy and volunteering – and are encouraged to participate as well, they are more likely to internalize the value of giving back. Participating in philanthropic activities as a family, including sharing ideas on what organizations to support, donate to, and volunteer with, provides children with hands-on experiences that enable them to see the tangible results of their actions. These experiences help to ingrain philanthropy within the next generation, which will impact how they continue this aspect of the family legacy.

Connecting Family Wealth to Purpose: Driving Meaningful Philanthropy Beyond Material Wealth

Connecting family wealth to a larger cause is a critical component of developing philanthropic goals and ideals. It is vital to go beyond the idea that wealth is only for personal gain and instead, emphasize the potential to change the lives of others. Instead, it becomes about what role wealth can play in the grander goals of the family office. 

Establishing a family charitable mission statement is one way to connect wealth to a greater cause. This statement might express the family’s core values, philanthropic aims, and charitable interests. By incorporating all family members in the mission statement creation process, each individual feels a sense of ownership and is more likely to be invested in its implementation. Beyond this, ask the rising generation what causes have meaning for them, allowing them to start connecting the idea of wealth to a solution they can be a part of. This teaches them that generosity is a way of life – the family’s way of life, and they are as responsible as the older generations in carrying out their philanthropic responsibility for the greater good.

Fostering Organic Philanthropy: Cultivating Generosity through Encouragement

Even if philanthropy is a core value of your family, no one can be forced to fulfill philanthropic duties. For this aspect of your legacy to be carried forward, the rising generation must be nurtured and supported in taking on this responsibility to give back. Encouraging future generations to engage in philanthropy requires a delicate balance between autonomy and guidance. It is essential that parents introduce and instill philanthropic values in their children, but it is equally essential that they allow their children the freedom to discover and develop their own sense of purpose and passion; to identify what causes have a deeper meaning for them. Forcing children to perform philanthropic duties may result in resentment or a lack of genuine commitment. Instead, give them opportunities to engage in philanthropy on their own terms in a way that connects to their own deeper purpose.

It’s also important to make them understand that giving is a reciprocal act by emphasizing the positive impact philanthropy has on both the recipient and the giver. Allow them to discover that when they support causes that matter to both themselves and the family, they not only benefit those they support, but gain personal satisfaction, a deeper sense of purpose, and a stronger connection to their community. 

By demonstrating the intrinsic benefits of philanthropy, it is more likely that the next generation will develop a sincere desire to make a difference, rather than an obligation in the name of family legacy. This helps them to develop their sense of self-worth, reinforces the significance of their actions, and ensures that philanthropy remains a meaningful, voluntary choice rather than a duty. Plus, they are more likely to then pass this philanthropic tradition on to their own children. Thus, furthering the impact of the family legacy for generations to come.

Ready to further your multi-generation conversation on philanthropic goals? Contact Beacon Family Office for where to start.

Timeless Legacy

Philanthropy: A Timeless Legacy of Purposeful Giving

Philanthropy, derived from the Greek words “philos” (love) and “anthropos” (humankind), represents a profound and purposeful approach to giving. Often interchanged with charity – which more often addresses imminent crises, philanthropy focuses on creating lasting impact and positive change. In the context of family charitable giving, philanthropy plays a crucial role in legacy planning, presenting a great opportunity to pass down shared values across generations in the hopes of leaving a positive mark on the world.

Empowering Change: The Wider Impact of Family Philanthropy

Successful philanthropists are aware of the far-reaching effects of their philanthropic decisions, both on the local community and on the larger globe. It is essential to consider the long-term effects of your charitable contributions and to remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the causes you are invested in. By prioritizing strategic giving aligned with your values and vision, you can propel causes that resonate with your family’s collective interests, thereby fostering lasting societal transformations. In addition, by embracing adaptability, you can seize emerging opportunities, resolve evolving obstacles, and adapt your philanthropic efforts to maximize your positive impact. 

 Furthermore, family philanthropy goes far beyond generosity, it fosters a shared sense of purpose, instills fundamental values, and results in a profound sense of accomplishment and pride as something good that was completed together. As different generations unite around a common philanthropic cause, familial bonds are strengthened and a collective commitment to social responsibility is further instilled into the family’s DNA. Through deliberate and mindful philanthropy, you will have the ability to shape the trajectory of the world, leaving a positive imprint on our shared future that transcends generations. 

Crafting a Philanthropic Roadmap: Long-Term Strategies and Adaptive Expectations

Creating a comprehensive, long-term philanthropic strategy is essential for maximizing your influence and achieving your philanthropy goals. This involves establishing clear expectations and outlining the vision for donations while embracing adaptability to accommodate an ever-changing future. Your philanthropic objectives must align with tangible outcomes. This includes determining the kinds of donations, identifying particular causes and institutions, and defining the motivations behind your charitable efforts. 

Embracing multigenerational participation in the philanthropic process is crucial for developing long-term strategies that align with the family’s overarching goals. By incorporating each generation, your strategy will be designed around the distinct priorities and perspectives of the generations. This creates greater communication and understanding of the expectations for the rising generation as to how philanthropy will play a role when they become stewards of the family’s wealth.

Uniting Generations for a Globally Impactful Future

Engaging family members of each generation provides a unique opportunity to unite them around a common cause while cultivating a profound connection to the reason for their philanthropic decisions and strategic choices. Ultimately, this inspires a deeper commitment to the family’s philanthropic values, ensuring a sense of social responsibility and a culture of generosity within the rising generation. 

In addition, through uniting generations around philanthropic goals, there is an intergenerational exchange that enriches the philanthropic process, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the current issues that relate to the shared values of the family. Through open communication and collaborative decision-making, family members can collectively identify and address critical challenges that affect the welfare of communities that matter to them. 

What’s exciting about including the rising generation is that are capable of developing a sense of agency and recognizing their potential to effect positive change from a young age. Family philanthropy is capable of attracting substantial support and working together with other philanthropic organizations, nonprofits, and governments on a global scale. Through strategic partnerships and collective action, family philanthropy will affect systemic change and leave a positive legacy for future generations. 

If you have questions about designing a philanthropic strategy within your family office, connect with Beacon Family Office for a conversation.

Family Philanthropy

Building Social Capital: The Impact of Giving Back to Communities

Philanthropic endeavors have the ability to reshape the lives of those in need, as well as the lives of the individuals and families who choose to make a difference. This leaves an indelible impact on the world while aligning their values and fostering a sense of purpose that transcends generations by investing time, resources, and compassion in community projects. Giving back serves as a catalyst for personal development, social transformation, and the creation of a lasting legacy.

The Power of Philanthropy: How Giving Back Impacts Your Community

Philanthropy is a way for families to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in the world. By aligning their giving efforts with causes that reflect their core beliefs and interests, families can establish a unique philanthropic identity that distinguishes them in the eyes of their community.  It also offers families the opportunity to shape their reputation in a way that transcends material wealth. 

By giving back, families demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of others and actively work towards building stronger, more inclusive communities. The impact of philanthropy on a family’s legacy and reputation extends beyond the immediate benefits of their efforts as it shows giving commitment to making a positive difference that withstands the test of time. By involving family members in the decision-making process and encouraging their active participation in philanthropic initiatives, families can reinforce their shared values and strengthen the bonds that tie them together.

Strengthening Social Capital and Family Bonds Through Giving Back

Philanthropy offers a one-of-a-kind chance for families to enhance their social capital, not only within their communities but also within the dynamic of their own homes and families. Social capital is a set of shared values or resources that allows individuals to work together in a group to effectively achieve a common purpose, such as a corporation or a nonprofit, to function together as a whole through trust, shared identity, norms, values, and mutual relationships. Put simply, social capital benefits society as a whole through social relationships. This often begins within the family. 

Families have the potential to promote a sense of unity, purpose, and connection by giving back to their communities and bringing younger generations into the fold, as each generation brings with it a distinct set of objectives and points of view. Being involved in charitable activities inspires family members to spend more time together, talk about their lives, and collaborate on achieving a common objective. This provides an opportunity to bridge generational divides and foster a deeper understanding of one another. Here, they can uncover common values, learn from each other’s experiences, and build a sense of empathy and compassion when there is open communication and collaborative decision-making between one another. 

Contributing to the welfare of others helps family members grow as individuals as well. It gives people the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world, acquire an appreciation for the difficulties experienced by others, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the advantages they have themselves. Members of a family have the opportunity to grow their leadership abilities, and profound feelings of social responsibility when they actively participate in charitable activities. These characteristics contribute to their overall growth as individuals and provide them with vital life skills that go beyond the scope of their charity work.

Investing in Social Capital as a Way to Augment Complete Family Wealth

Social capital is an additional invaluable component of family wealth. It includes the networks, relationships, and ties that individuals and families develop throughout their lifetimes. Because of this, it has the potential to substantially boost the wealth and well-being of a family. Specifically, families often augment their total wealth by investing in social capital through philanthropic activities. This also builds the family legacy as one of influence and community impact. Beyond the benefits of material prosperity, families who engage in philanthropy become active contributors to the wellness of their communities, forging connections and relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. This activity fosters trust, cooperation, and reciprocity, thereby creating a social network that can be utilized in future endeavors. Families may establish connections between various sectors of society through their efforts, bringing together individuals, organizations, and community leaders who share a common vision for positive change. 

Investing in social capital, particularly through philanthropic means, opens the door to new opportunities and resources. Families gain access to knowledge, expertise, and collaborations that can amplify the impact of their philanthropy, cultivating profound connections with like-minded individuals and organizations. These relationships can result in partnerships with influential stakeholders, empowering families to address complex social issues more effectively. The collective impact of social capital creates a multiplier effect, magnifying the scope and influence of the family’s philanthropic endeavors.

If you're looking for ways to augment your family's social capital while having an impact on the greater community you live in, connect with Beacon Family Office for an initial review and discover what options are available to you.

Unhappy man visiting his counselor

Nurturing Mental Well-being: Addressing Anxiety in Family Stewards

Anxiety is a common, yet often misunderstood psychological condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, unease, and apprehension. At times, it can become an intrusive problem because it can lead to an inability to make effective decisions when it comes to your business, your health, and your family. This may eventually lead to unintentional choices that may put the family’s greater well-being at risk. For family stewards, recognizing the impact that anxiety can potentially have on your overall goals is crucial to ensuring the healthy execution of your wealth management strategy while maintaining positive relationships with your family members.

The Perils of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Seeking Balance and Support

Clearly, in one’s pursuit of complete family wealth, it is essential to recognize the role that mental health plays in achieving lasting prosperity across all areas of the family’s capital. One indicator that anxiety may be impacting your mental health without you cognitively recognizing this is to look at specific coping mechanisms you turn to, particularly when under significant stress.

Without us realising it, anxiety can drive us towards unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, workaholism, disordered eating, or other self-destructive behaviours. Behaviours that may make us feel calm and in control at the moment, but have a long-term, negative impact on our health, our relationships, and our wealth. The reason being is that, despite the immediacy of anxiety alleviation, these unhealthy behaviours often exacerbate the underlying issues and further compromise financial decision-making abilities. Eventually, these behaviours can cause long-term damage to our greater health, such as an increase in our heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, and chest problems – all will prime us for coronary events.

Fostering a Culture of Mental Health for Family Support

Family stewards must prioritize their mental well-being and seek appropriate support to manage anxiety effectively if they want to successfully preserve, protect, grow, and transition their wealth to the rising generation. One essential solution is to share the burden of stress through open dialogues around mental health within the family. Let family members know what is weighing on your mind. By acknowledging and discussing anxiety, family members can offer emotional support, empathy, and understanding. Additionally, routine visits to psychologists or advisors specializing in high-net-worth families can provide valuable guidance and strategies to cope with anxiety-related challenges, particularly as they relate to wealth management, family offices, and legacy development.

A high net worth does not exempt individuals from experiencing anxiety. This is why it’s crucial for family stewards to nurture an environment that champions mental well-being and supports the long-term success of complete family wealth management. When mental health is woven into generational conversations, the overall health of family members is likely to increase. An increase in the overall health of the family helps to ensure the longevity of the family reputation. For the next family steward, this goes a long way for them knowing that they will not have to carry the weight of the family legacy and reputation alone.

Leaning on Your Financial Advisory to Overcome Anxiety-Related Challenges

Anxiety-related challenges are becoming a widely-recognized common occurrence, impacting all aspects of our lives. , Knowing the importance of seeking advice from a wealth and/or financial advisor to help navigate these challenges and safeguard your family wealth is one way to ensure that anxiety does not adversely impact your financial health and/or financial decisions. While anxiety can be overwhelming, understanding how an advisor can assist you in managing and overcoming these obstacles can provide a sense of relief, security, and even control. A skilled wealth advisor acts as a trusted partner in your journey towards complete family wealth management, offering invaluable guidance and support in times of uncertainty. They possess the knowledge and expertise to help you develop a comprehensive wealth plan tailored to your unique circumstances. By understanding your goals, fears, and aspirations, they can create strategies to mitigate anxiety-related challenges that may arise as you work towards preserving, protecting, and growing your family’s capital. From providing personalized investment strategies to crafting contingency plans for unexpected circumstances – such as a panic attack during stressful situations –  a financial advisor can alleviate your concerns and equip you with the tools to overcome anxiety from a financial perspective. This will look different from advisor to advisor but can include connecting you to their network, which often includes a psychologist who specializes in high-net-worth families.  

A wealth advisor can offer a steady hand, providing reassurance and guidance when uncertainty prevails, particularly during turbulent times, such as an economic downturn or a personal crisis.

By leveraging their expertise, you can alleviate the loneliness that often comes as a family steward, helping to lessen the mental burden that comes with managing complex financial matters by entrusting your family wealth management to a professional, you can focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing relationships, and pursuing activities that bring you joy. This holistic approach to wealth management promotes mental well-being and ensures that your family’s wealth is not a source of anxiety but a tool for realizing your dreams.

If you sense that anxiety is clouding your decision-making abilities to successfully execute your family’s wealth management plan, speak with your advisor as well as an anxiety specialist or psychologist. Together, we can help support you where you’re at, while fostering a culture of positive mental health in your family, empowering you to make informed choices to further nurture your complete family wealth. Contact Beacon Family Office today and embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and lasting prosperity.

Senior man with beard sitting on chair with clipboard and talking to the young people during lesson

Strong Mental Grit: A Key to Successful Wealth Management

Mental grit is something all generational family offices have. This is the ability to passionately persevere in the face of challenges in order to reach your long-term goals. This grit allows you to retain a balanced perspective, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain focus on long-term objectives; a critical component of any effective wealth management strategy. Beyond supporting you as you thoughtfully manage finances, it promotes your personal development, emotional stability, and overall contentment with life. In the world of wealth management, it’s crucial to proactively develop ideas, resources, and practices that can build and enhance your resilience so you can thrive in the face of adversity and achieve financial success over the years.

Understanding Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger

Mental grit comes down to our resilience. Resilience is the remarkable ability to emotionally recover from personal or professional setbacks. It plays a pivotal role in navigating the inevitable ups and downs that come with preserving, protecting, growing, and transitioning wealth. Families pursuing complete family wealth management must understand that wealth is not just about financial assets. Rather, it is defined by how emotional, intellectual, and social capital are all interconnected. Therefore, the importance of mental fortitude cannot be overlooked when it comes to designing a strategy. It is not just about weathering the storm but emerging stronger and wiser in all areas of wealth. In reality, resilience often serves as the first step towards building a solid foundation for complete family wealth as you proactively account for the ups and downs that come with navigating an integrated wealth management solution.

Developing Market Resiliency: Thriving Despite Adversity

One area in particular that family stewards must account for are bear markets. Bear markets – markets where prices are falling – can be unnerving, causing anxiety and stress for even the most seasoned investors. However, by proactively building resilience, you can better manage the impact of such downturns. The best way to ride the wave and stay focused on your long-term sales so you do not make any rash decisions is by maintaining your overall well-being. Prioritize healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, meditation, and stress management techniques. These practices will not only contribute to your mental and physical well-being but also fortify your ability to withstand any financial shocks that may happen.

Included in this health prioritization is to continue fostering meaningful social connections. Reach out to your support network, whether it’s family, friends, or trusted advisors, such as your wealth advisor. Sharing your concerns, seeking advice, and engaging in open dialogues can create a robust support system for you and your loved ones while giving you greater insight into what is in your control and what is not. This helps you to release anxiety about those things you can’t control, such as the value of a stock or other investment. By modeling resilience and the tools you use to build yours, you are encouraging your family to build their own practices,  paving the way for collective strength in your family unit.

The Importance of Resilience in Wealth Management

Wealth management, as a journey, is filled with both triumphs and challenges. Markets fluctuate, economies evolve, and unexpected events occur. These circumstances can often test one’s emotional fortitude. Here, resilience becomes a powerful tool, enabling individuals and families to stay focused, composed and remain on track during turbulent times. It is the bridge that connects the dots between short-term setbacks and long-term success.

Resilience is not merely a trait that you have or not; it is a skill that can be developed and honed. It is crucial to recognize the pivotal role it plays in navigating the complexities of wealth. By embracing a positive and inspiring mindset, and prioritizing mental well-being, you are setting the stage for enduring success across all aspects of life.

Remember, resiliency is not about simply bouncing back; it is about bouncing forward, emerging stronger, and thriving in the face of adversity. This mental grit plays a crucial role in successfully achieving your wealth goals. In building a resilience practice that works for you, and encouraging your family to do the same through open dialogue, you are laying the foundation for generations to come. To learn more about the best practices in cultivating mental resilience so you can continue to pave the path to a prosperous and fulfilling future, connect with Beacon Family Office.