The Four Types of Wealth to Share
Here’s a staggering fact: Families fail to keep their families and fortunes together for three or more generations 90% of the time.
While these seem like unbeatable odds, with good planning and preparation, farmers can become part of the coveted 10% who stick together, says Johnne Syverson, a family business consultant with Transition Point Business Advisors in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The key is to focus on all four types of wealth and capital—human, intellectual, social and financial.
Syverson says human capital involves who we are, where we come from and the talents of the family. Intellectual capital includes work and life experiences, formal and informal education, spiritual beliefs and practices and work ethic. Social capital consists of a person’s contribution back to the community. Finally, financial capital is comprised of assets, such as real estate, machinery, livestock and buildings.
“These components make up a more holistic view of wealth,” Syverson says. “It is important to transfer all components of wealth to the next generation. Without which, the financial wealth will eventually disappear.”
Families who are successful in transitioning their operation understand wealth in this way, Syverson says. Other good habits and common characteristics of successful families include:
- Meet regularly and have fun together
- Communicate well and exhibit trust
- Know their family story
- Actively mentor the successive generations
- Celebrate shared values and accept any differences
“These things don’t have anything to do with taxes or buy-sell agreements,” Syverson says. “They have to do with relationships.”
Syverson will be leading a Farm Journal Legacy Project Workshop in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 20. He will explain how to construct a succession plan, have critical conversations with stakeholders and assemble a helpful team of advisors.
Event Details:
Farm Journal Legacy Project Workshop
Friday, February 20
Arizona Farm Bureau
(located between Werner Road and Elliot Road)
325 South Higley Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Speakers will include:
- Johnne Syverson, Transition Point Business Advisors
- CPA Craig R. Thomson, Frost
- Lawyer James R. Hiento, Ridenour Hienton
Learn more here and register here, or by calling 877-482-7203.