How can I write my family's future?

It‘s not easy projecting yourself into the future. To see what‘s around the next bend. And know which direction to take. But one day, you‘ll stop and look back at the decisions you made along the way. And you‘ll appreciate the financial plan you put in place that allowed you to fully enjoy the ride.

Planning for a time when you’re no longer around may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. We’re here to take the uncertainty out of preparing for the future. All it takes is an open conversation about what you want for your family. Of course, you’ll have questions. But together we can find the answers. And the earlier you start planning, the earlier you’ll be ready.

It’s a good idea to start early to make your financial plan as effective as possible. But there’s a lot to consider. Begin by asking yourself these three questions:

It’s never too early to talk to your children about money: how it was made, how you should manage it, and why it doesn’t define you. Does your family have the right perspective on wealth?

It may seem like an uncomfortable topic to discuss. But simply starting to talk through your plans is half the battle. And the more honest you are about how you’d like to pass on your wealth, the easier the discussion becomes.

You want to give your children access to the best opportunities in life. But you also understand that the challenges you faced helped to get you where you are. How do you leave a legacy which serves their best interests?

*Dan Gilbert, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, in a study commissioned by Prudential.

**Family Wealth Transfers Report, Wealth X, 2015.