The Cycle of the Gift: Family Wealth and Wisdom (Bloomberg)

Are You Wondering "How Much is Enough ... ?"
Giving is at the core of family life--and with current law allowing over $5 million in tax-free giving, the ultra-affluent are faced with the task of giving at perhaps largest scale in history. Beyond the tax saving and wealth management implications, giving to family members opens up a slew of thorny questions, the biggest of which is, "How do I prepare recipients of such large gifts?" With that question and others in mind, The Cycle of the Gift takes on "The Who of Giving," "The How of Giving," and "The What and Why of Giving." The first part focuses on the people most deeply involved in family giving, especially the recipients and givers (parents, grandparents, spouses, trustees). The second, "The How of Giving," addresses the delicate balance of givers who want to maintain some level of control and recipients who want some level of freedom in accepting and growing their gifts. The final part, "The What and Why of Giving" describes various types of gifts, from money to business interests to values and rituals. Even families without great wealth--or those who have already made large gifts to their children and grandchildren--can benefit from the human wisdom and practical advice found in The Cycle of the Gift.