Whether it’s gathering for an annual reunion, laughing over a story about quirky Uncle Jim, or standing by one another during challenging times, family traditions are the comfort food of our relationships. They keep us connected, grounded, and reminded of what matters most.

Yet money often remains a taboo topic. According to a recent Fidelity study, more than half of Americans say their parents never talked to them about finances — a gap experts agree can be bridged by starting open, intentional conversations now.

Here’s a tradition worth adding to the mix: family wealth planning conversations.

What Are Family Wealth Planning Conversations (And Why Have Them)?

Family wealth planning conversations are intentional discussions where family members come together to align on financial goals, responsibilities, and values. At their best, these conversations ensure everyone knows how the family’s resources are being managed and how they can contribute—whether that’s offering ideas, helping with decision-making, or preparing to take on a bigger role in the future.

In many families, one person naturally emerges as the steward or spokesperson for financial matters. That’s perfectly fine—if it’s based on mutual agreement and not just habit or assumption. Without regular conversations, other family members may feel out of the loop or unprepared to step in if circumstances change.

Life can be unpredictable. The time to prepare the next generation (or even the next “in line” within your generation) is before there’s an urgent need. By making these conversations part of your family’s ongoing traditions, you create a stronger foundation for managing wealth and passing it on with confidence.

Key Topics to Explore Together

When you’re ready to begin—or refresh—your family wealth planning discussions, consider:

1. Roles and Responsibilities: Who is leading financial decisions now, and is everyone clear on their role?
2. Knowledge Transfer: Does everyone know where to find key information, documents, and points of contact?
3. Long-Term Goals: Are you aligned on how your family wealth should support lifestyle, philanthropy, legacy planning, and future generations?
4. Contingency Plans: If the current steward could no longer manage the role, who is prepared to step in—and are they ready?
5. Open Communication: Are there unspoken concerns or ideas that need a safe space to be shared?

How Navalign Can Help

Facilitating these conversations can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Navalign Wealth Partners, we help families build structure, clarity, and trust into their wealth planning process. Whether in person or virtually, we can:

• Guide discussions so every voice is heard.
• Help identify and document key priorities.
• Provide objective guidance to keep decisions aligned with your family’s values and financial goals.
• Ensure all decision-makers (and future decision-makers) have access to the information they need.

The Takeaway

Family wealth planning conversations are more than a financial exercise—they’re a way to protect your legacy, foster transparency, and strengthen your family’s unity. By making them a regular tradition, you help ensure your wealth remains a source of security and opportunity for generations to come.

Ready to start the conversation?

Contact Navalign Wealth Partners today to learn how we can help your family create a shared vision for the future—one that protects your wealth, strengthens relationships, and gives everyone a seat at the table.