Workbook

Family Wealth Conversations

What you'll get inside

It's easy to take your foot off the planning pedal once your wealth is built and retirement is underway. But that wealth, and the legacy behind it, will eventually become your family's responsibility to carry.

This workbook is designed to help you start the conversation with your loved ones.

Conversation starters and exercises to align your family's values and intentions 

Guidance on estate planning roles, and who in your family may be best suited for each 

Reference materials on wealth, probate, and terms you'll hear along the way

Why this conversation matters

Silence is often the costliest choice a family makes. Families who plan ahead protect more than their wealth – they protect each other. 

70%

of families lose their wealth by the second generation

90%

of families lose their wealth by the third generation

42%

of Americans wouldn't know what to do if a family member died today

53%

of families anticipate delays, conflict, or confusion during their wealth transfer

When to prioritize this conversation

This conversation deserves a regular place on the calendar, not just a single moment. Tax law changes alone are reason enough to revisit your plan – and certain life moments make it even more urgent.

Any one of these is reason enough to move this conversation up the priority list.

A recent health scare or diagnosis
A retirement, business sale, or major move has changed what's at stake
Additions to the family, including children or grandchildren
A change in family dynamics – marriage, divorce, estrangement, or remarriage
A significant change in net worth
Uncertainty around key documents, like a will – where they’re stored, when they were last reviewed, etc.

Get help with your estate plan

A plan is only as strong as the confidence you have in it. Before you start a conversation with your family, let's review your financial and estate plans together – so you're confident it reflects your wishes. From there, we can help guide the conversation with your loved ones, or help implement changes once decisions are made. 

Connect with us to get started

Resources to help you plan

BO-Guide-Tax
Reference Guides

Tax & Planning

Estate and tax laws change often, and thresholds are adjusted most years. Keep the current numbers on hand with our printable Tax, Social Security, and Medicare Guides. 

Download now
estate-planning-guidebook-mockup-e
Guide

Building Your Legacy with an Estate Plan

Explore a variety of unique family situations and the estate planning recommendations a trusted advisor would make for each. 

Download now
IF-Guide-Trust
Checklist

How to Prepare to Create a Trust

A trust is a legal arrangement that holds and distributes assets under terms you set. This checklist walks through what to prepare before creating one. 

Download now

About Manning & Napier

With more than 55 years of experience, we strive to be your one-stop shop for financial wellness. Which is why we consider all aspects of your financial health, from investments to taxes and more, to build your plan. And with regional service teams throughout the US, we’re prepared to meet you wherever you are – physically and financially.
Get to know us

Connect with us

Talk with an expert one-on-one to learn more about how you can make the most of your financial journey.

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Sources: CFA Institute, Trust & Will 2026 Estate Planning Report, Empathy The Hidden Barriers to the Great Wealth Transfer Report.

Please consult with an attorney or a tax or financial advisor regarding your specific legal, tax, estate planning, or financial situation. The information on this page is not intended as legal or tax advice.