What Would Society Look Like Without This Organization?

I gave a presentation this morning to a group of wealth managers at a large investment firm in Calgary.  It was a fairly informal conversation around what my services are and things were chugging along until I was asked, "What organizations are on your top list?" 

I get asked this a lot.

My answer is this, "It's not about what are my top charities, because I have a different social vision from you.  The real question is, what would society look like if the organization you are interested in supporting didn't exist?"

There was a pause, some head nodding and that is when the conversation started getting interesting.  Let's face it, having a conversation about your personal values usually is saved for close family and friends.  When you are sitting down and discussing your tax planning strategies your values proposition usually does not get brought up. 

This is why I think your values need to be discussed with your advisors:

1. You have hired them to build a wealth management strategy and giving money away needs to be managed just as much as the money that is being saved
2. At the end of they day, if you have not articulated your values and your desires to those who have been managing your wealth, their job becomes that much harder when they have to communicate your wishes to those who are left the estate
3. The opportunity for a cohesive team is at your finger-tips.  Integrating your lawyer/estate planner, your family, your wealth manager in the emotional conversation means that questions can be asked and answers researched in advance for effective planning can
4. You can tap into their network.  Seriously, leveraging your gift by sharing information about what your social vision means that other people can buy into it and support you.  You never know, perhaps there's another Warren Buffet who is looking to contribute to your foundation

On October 25th we are hosting a workshop on Ethical Wills by two of Calgary's leading experts on the subject.  This workshop will provide you with the tools to start the values conversation.  For more information and to register click here.