April 6, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Family Wealth Counseling: Getting to the Heart of the Matter
By E.G. (Jay) Link
Just as an architect would talk extensively with clients before designing their dream home, the effective planned-giving officer must spend a good amount of time with wealthy families before pitching an estate plan, writes the author.
Mr. Link runs a consulting company in Franklin, Ind., that specializes in counseling rich families.
He provides steps to help persuade wealthy people not to succumb to “involuntary philanthropy” — taxes — when they could be giving to good causes and making sure their names, and their money, live after them.
Mr. Link’s methods include a one-day retreat with families, an evaluation of their current estate plans, and a consequent restructuring of their assets.
His chapters examine the different types of trusts available for planning large gifts, provide case studies, and offer psychological advice for dealing with family skeletons — such as parental favoritism or failed expectations concerning children.
“Once the family’s unfinished business is completed, the planning process can move forward with unity, energy, and strength,” Mr. Link writes.
Publisher: Professional Mentoring Program, P.O. Box 697, Franklin, Ind. 46131; (888) 736-7201; http://www.fwc9dots.com; 385 pages; $39.95; I.S.B.N. 0-9674023-0-1.
