Building Financial Capability Across Generations

When families look to CPA financial planners, they’re often asking more than just tax or investment questions. They want to know: Will my kids be ready when it’s their turn to inherit?

In this episode, Cary Sinnett welcomes Mindy Kalinowski Earley, consultant to ultra-high-net-worth families and Chief Learning Officer at Family Office Exchange. With two decades of experience at the intersection of family dynamics and education, Mindy challenges planners to move beyond balance sheets and into legacy stewardship.

Together, they explore:

· Why preparing heirs is about purpose, values, and emotional intelligence—not just financial literacy.

· How advisors can help design learning experiences that build resilience, trust, and stewardship across generations.

· The hidden lessons families pass down through behavior and how advisors can help surface values more intentionally.

· Practical ways to start the conversation about rising-generation education with clients.

For CPA financial planners, this conversation offers insight into one of the most complex and rewarding areas of planning: ensuring that wealth transitions are not just tax efficient, but truly human-centered.

Resources:

Podcast: How to talk to your kids about your estate plan

Podcast: Guiding families in their philanthropic endeavors

Article: Talking to your kids about money

Video: Financial independence: Rethinking retirement

Video: Discover how to have impactful legacy conversations

This episode is brought to you by the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning Section, the premier provider of information, tools, advocacy, and guidance for professionals who specialize in providing tax, estate, retirement, risk management and investment planning advice. Also, by the CPA/PFS credential program, which allows CPAs to demonstrate competence and confidence in providing these services to their clients. Visit us online to join our community, gain access to valuable member-only benefits or learn about our PFP certificate program.

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