A Revolution in Estate Planning for Wealthy Families Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time. Longfellow Family Wealth Counseling: Getting to the Heart of the Matter is an attempt to put into writing the collective wisdom of more than twenty years of working with and learning from hundreds of wealthy families. Over the years, we have helped these affluent families honestly address the important soft issues of life as well as the complex hard issues of wise tax planning. We further have helped these affluent families to effectively integrate these two components into a comprehensive life-plan that produces results-results that continually exceed all expectations. Throughout this book, you will read the stories of how the Family Wealth Counseling process has profoundly impacted Americas wealthy families financially, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The Family Wealth Counseling process has helped many to find the deepest levels of joy, meaning and fulfillment in life. Family Wealth Counseling is a life-planning process whose time has come. It is not only a revolutionary approach to planning-it is the right approach to plan-ning. If you are ready to start thinking beyond . . . you have picked up the right book. Regarding life-planning, this book will challenge you to think about . . . * the purpose for your life * the purpose for your wealth * how to leverage your remaining time, unique talents and accumulated treasures to do the most good for the most people * how to adequately prepare your heirs for their inheritance, so it will bless them and not ruin them * how to transition from a life of financial success to a life of personal significance Regarding tax-planning, this book will explain . . . * that estate taxes are optional * that capital gains taxes are optional * how to reduce your current income taxes by opting out of these two taxes * how to actually increase your net, after-tax annual income by opting out of these taxes * how to give your estate and capital gains taxes away to charity and actually make a profit * how to increase the amount of wealth you and your family control This book has the potential to radically change your life and the lives of those you most care about. It all starts with your willingness to begin thinking beyond . . . Edmund Burke stated, All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. My friend, Jay Link, has produced a tool in this book that challenges and motivates good men and women to do something very proactive and positive with their time, their talents and their treasures that can have a profound impact on them, their families and the causes they care about. His holistic approach to life-planning and leveraging all your resources for good will help you move beyond financial success to a life and legacy of significance. -- Dr. Ron Jenson Chairman Future Achievement International Chairman High/Ground Author of Make a Life: Not Just a Living. Jay Links book is a much needed - and unique - contribution to a tapestry of work that is essential for healthy financial and emotional balance in todays increasingly affluent society. With eighty percent of todays millionaires being first generation, it is of paramount importance that we learn how to pass our wealth on to our children and our local and global communities in ways that will enhance all of our lives. Jays book will ensure that you and your family learn how to accomplish this important task. -- Jessie H. ONeill, MA, CET II Author of The Golden Ghetto: The Psychology of Affluence Founder & Director of The Affluenza Project The Affluenza Healing & Education Foundation, Inc. This book by Jay Link is the first solid discussion of the issues, elements and discipline required to do thoughtful family wealth planning. After all the comparative ledgers and projections, fancy documents and sale hyperbole, the best plan is one that protects and builds families, reinforces core values and strengthens the community. -- Douglas K. Freeman, JD, LL.M., Freeman, Freeman & Smiley, LLP . This is a very clear and helpful resource for families transferring wealth. It keeps the heart where it is supposed to be-at the center of this work. --Katherine Gibson, Co-Founder of The Inheritance Project. Biography of E.G. Jay Link Mr. Link is the founder of the Family Wealth Counseling movement that has swept America. He is considered one of the foremost experts on issues and strategies relating to wealthy families and is often quoted in the national press. He is an extremely popular and compelling public speaker within the legal, financial and nonprofit industries. He also frequently speaks at meetings attended by Americas most affluent. Several years ago, in an attempt to expand his capacity to help even more affluent families, Mr. Link began personally training other professional advisors in his Family Wea