January 24, 2002 | Read Time: 1 minute
Wealth in Families
by Charles W. Collier
Charles W. Collier, a Harvard University fund raiser, offers a philosophical look at the meaning and purpose of wealth, in the hope of helping readers — especially those with substantial financial means — to explore family issues, shape their philanthropy, and make wise giving decisions.
Wealth in Families builds on the premise that wealth is not just financial — it’s also defined in human, intellectual, and social dimensions. In the first chapter, Mr. Collier writes that, before wealthy people plan their estates, they should consider the following questions: “What is really important to your family? How wealthy do you want your children to be? What should you do to guide and support the life journey of each family member over time?”
Mr. Collier says those questions are important because “the arena of values and principles, communication and trust, calling and education is critical to your children’s pursuit of happiness and to the positive preservation of your family.”
The book, which includes interviews with experts on families and wealth, also broaches subjects like family communication, the development of a balanced approach to money, financial education, and the philanthropic impulse. Appendixes with planning questionnaires, descriptions of different gift options and how they work, and additional resources on finance and philanthropy are also included.
Publisher: Harvard University, 1350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass. 02138; (617) 495-5040; http://www.harvard.edu; 127 pages; $15.
