Turning up the Lights: A Progressive Approach to Wealth Disclosure Conversations

For many people, talking about money is seen as taboo. While open communication about money and wealth is touted as a best practice in preparing the rising generation and maintain harmony, many families don’t know where to begin and when and how much to share. Often, they feel pulled toward two opposing choices: disclose everything or disclose nothing. In this sense, disclosure feels like an on/off switch. At the Merrill Center for Family Wealth®, we have developed a progressive approach that makes wealth conversations efficient and productive for families. Thus, rather than viewing wealth disclosure communications as an on/off switch, we suggest viewing it as a dimmer switch.