Success story two: Spouse Feeling "in the dark"

Women & Investing: From Avoidance to Empowerment

Family Engagement, Intergenerational Wealth Transfer & Lasting Legacy

Let’s introduce you to a family we’ll call the Taylors - a story that could belong to any number of successful households where one spouse demonstrates less interest in the family finances and doesn't yet recognize the importance of their input and participation. A story of discovery, enlightenment and then empowerment. A story that demonstrates the value of every family member being an active participant. 

The Taylors had always been diligent about their finances. One spouse, a seasoned professional with a reputation for precision, had managed the family’s financial affairs for years. The other, while deeply involved in family life and decision-making, felt disconnected from the details of their wealth and long-term plans. This dynamic, common in many families, left one partner feeling “in the dark,” unsure of what the future might hold if circumstances changed. They never felt the confidence or care to engage in finances, a topic that typically didn't interest them. But there was this underlying looming fear regarding the uncertainty of it all, what would occur if the family CFO were to pass? 

When the Taylors approached us, their objective was simple but profound: "We don't want to worry about our finances. We don't want to worry about our children's future. We want to eliminate uncertainty and ensure our family’s well-being for generations to come. We want our children to inherit and responsibly manage our legacy and for our wealth to proceed for generations to come".

The Challenge

Despite their success, the Taylors faced a familiar set of challenges:

1. One spouse managed all finances, leaving the other feeling unprepared and unsure of anything
2. There was little family-wide understanding of the estate plan or legacy intentions
3. They worried about how to efficiently transfer wealth and values to the next generation
4. They wanted to ensure that, no matter what happened, their loved ones would be supported and confident
5. They wanted to achieve these goals in the most tax efficient matter
6. They wanted their children to understand the value of their inheritance and manage it properly 
7. They wanted their children to begin their own investment journey's and be educated on the matter
8. They wanted all their affairs in order so if either spouse deceased the remaining one would be fully prepared

Our Approach

We recognized that true financial peace of mind requires more than just technical expertise - it requires open communication, every member of the family involved, education, a safe and comfortable environment to have vulnerable conversations and an experienced team to lead the way. Here is how we helped the Taylors create peace of mind:

1. Bringing Everyone to the Table

Step one was obvious, we needed both spouses engaged. We encouraged both spouses to participate fully in the planning process, highlighting the importance of a shared understanding and both feeling heard. By fostering open dialogue, we helped the less-involved spouse gain confidence and clarity. After getting the other spouse fully onboard we then invited the next generation to join the conversation and the table. We facilitated and ran a family meeting where we educated them, outlined their pending wealth transfer, set them up with their own investment accounts for today and a seamless transfer of wealth in the future. Their financial futures will be greatly benefitted by such an advantageous head-start.

Additionally, by encouraging the less-involved spouse to participate through a safe, comfortable space they discovered they did have a voice, they did care about the details, they did feel empowered... but most importantly they felt so much relief!

Family meetings led by a knowledgeable advisory team foster transparency and trust, feel safe and creating a solid foundation for the family’s future.

The Kirkby Group specializes in facilitating, hosting and moderating family meetings to make them comfortable, effective, safe and beneficial for every family member involved. 

2. Collaborative Planning

We organized a comprehensive meeting that brought together the entire family and their trusted advisors. Together, we reviewed their financial landscape, discussed estate and succession plans, and explored strategies for supporting both their children and the causes they cared about. This collaborative environment ensured every voice was heard and every concern addressed.

3. Education and Empowerment

Throughout our work, we prioritized education - answering questions, demystifying complex topics, and providing regular updates. The spouse who once felt sidelined became an active participant, empowered to make informed decisions and ask the right questions. In fact they found themselves incredibly interested in the financial affairs. What was once a topic of avoidance was now a topic of total interest. 

4. Thoughtful Wealth Transfer

We guided the family through the process of structuring wealth transfers, opening investment accounts for the next generation, and considering philanthropic opportunities. Our focus was always on tax efficiency, clarity, and honoring the family’s values.

5. Ongoing Support

Not long after the family meeting and extensive planning the family faced an unexpected loss and the groundwork we had laid together proved invaluable. The surviving spouse was in an entirely different situation than just a year ago - prepared, confident, and supported - able to make decisions with clarity and peace of mind. We continued to provide guidance, from updating legal documents to managing assets and supporting the family’s evolving needs and to do this day continue with exceptional care and support. 

The Outcome

The Taylors' Story: The Influence of The Woman Investor and Family Engagement 

The Taylors’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of engaging women investors and fostering family involvement. By turning uncertainty into empowerment, we supported them in achieving their ultimate goals: a united family, peace of mind, and newfound confidence.

A previously "in the dark" spouse discovered the value and importance of active participation in financial discussions. They recognized not only the insights they could contribute, but also the significance of having a voice and engaging in their family’s financial decisions. Through this process, they found a genuine interest in the topic and realized they are fully capable of managing their financial situation independently.

Today, the Taylors enjoy empowerment, pride, and authority over their financial lives - qualities they once thought unattainable.

This story highlights our commitment to full family participation, with a special focus on supporting the Woman Investor. We recognize the unique challenges women may face - whether as a spouse or independently - and we specialize in addressing their needs. We recognize the unique challenges woman face and foster a welcoming and comfortable environment for them in a traditionally male dominated industry.

Every Woman Investor can feel safe, heard, and confident when working with our team.

Success Story Three: Corporate wind down, intergenerational wealth transfer and philanthropy

Leaving a Legacy

Corporate Wind Down, Simplification of Life, Wealth Transfer and Donor-Advised Funds Through Benefaction (Philanthropy Endeavors)

Let's introduce to you a family we'll call the Keller's. This client success story highlights a family who exemplifies strong work ethics, strong values, and a commitment to proactive planning. The Keller's were not novice to the investment management world and in fact half their assets were with another advisory team at another firm. Their journey with our team demonstrates the impact of integrated advice, trust-based relationships, and a truly holistic and proactive approach to wealth management.

In the end they consolidated their investments with our team as they recognized our efficient, results-driven process is unique to the industry and the right fit for them. 

The Challenge

The family’s financial landscape was complex, and very relatable to certain types of professionals, involving:

1. Multiple real estate holdings (personal, corporate, and within a family trust)
2. A successful professional practice and related corporate structures
3. Significant investment portfolios across various institutions
4. Evolving estate planning needs, including intergenerational wealth transfer
5. The desire to support their children’s financial literacy and independence

They sought clarity, simplification, and a coordinated strategy to ensure their wealth would benefit their family for generations, while minimizing tax and administrative burdens.

Our Approach

Organize everything, simplify and have a coordinated, unified approach. 

1. Comprehensive Discovery & Relationship Building

Our team invested time to understand the family’s full financial picture, family dynamics, and long-term goals. We took extensive time to gather and organize all relevant documents, review existing plans, and identify gaps and opportunities.

The clients expressed deep appreciation for our professionalism and the clarity we brought to their situation - especially after previous experiences with less comprehensive planning.

2. Integrated Planning & Professional Collaboration

Recognizing the need for specialized advice, we facilitated introductions to trusted local professionals and coordinated a collaborative Roundtable approach. This ensured that all aspects of their financial, legal, and tax planning were aligned. We also helped them consolidate their assets, considerably simplify their situation and ensure all their investment accounts were aligned and in harmony with their goals and entire financial picture. 

3. Family Engagement & Education

The clients were deeply committed to their children’s future. We helped them:

1. Set up and fund investment and education accounts for their children, encouraging disciplined investing and saving
2. Structure the potential gifting of a significant property to a family member, maximizing principal residence benefits and minimizing tax
3. Update beneficiary designations on registered accounts to ensure a smooth transfer of wealth

4. Estate & Succession Planning

We guided the family through:

1. Reviewing and connecting with a lawyer to update their wills and powers of attorney
2. Considering dual wills for personal and corporate assets
3. Reviewing the structure and future of their family trust and holding company
4. Planning for the eventual transfer of corporate shares and real estate to the next generation
5. Exploring the value of professional executor services to minimize family conflict and administrative risk

5. Ongoing Support & Adaptation

Throughout market volatility and life changes (including a pandemic and unexpected family events), the clients remained calm and focused, trusting our guidance. We regularly updated their financial plan, monitored cash flows, and provided timely advice on tax, investment, and philanthropic strategies

The Outcome

The Keller Journey to Coordination, Simplification and Lasting Peace of Mind

The Keller's now enjoy the calm that comes from having a well-coordinated, actionable plan for their wealth. Their estate plan is thoughtfully structured to foster harmony and minimize conflict, ensuring the next generation benefits fully and fairly. By consolidating assets and streamlining documentation, they’ve significantly reduced administrative headaches.

Their passion for giving back found new life through a Benefaction donor-advised giving account - allowing them to support causes they care about, enjoy tax benefits, and maintain control over their philanthropy, all without the complexity of managing a private foundation. Their children are empowered with financial knowledge and their own investment strategies, carrying forward the family’s values.

Most importantly, the Keller's feel a deep sense of gratitude and peace of mind, knowing their legacy is secure and their future is guided by a team that shares their commitment to thoughtful, client-centered growth.

This family’s story is a testament to the value of comprehensive financial planning, organization and simplification through relationship-driven advice. Their administrative load has diminished, they have one point of contact and life is just easier. By working together, we have helped them achieve clarity, security, a lasting legacy and the ability to sleep better at night.