The Guardian (Nigeria)

Expert tips for building a lasting legacy

- By Abimbola Awudu Abimbola is an advisor at the Meristem Family Office.

IN the world of Wealth Management, where things can get tricky with unexpected changes and economic uncertaint­ies, it is paramount to ensure that the results of one’s hard work are sustained for generation­s to come. This is especially crucial for individual­s and families with significan­t resources, whose extensive assets necessitat­e a personaliz­ed approach to safety and longevity. Creating a solid plan for a family’s financial future isn’t a walk in the park; but a meticulous, long- term task. It requires careful planning, shrewd risk management, and a proactive strategy that adjusts to the constantly changing ecosystem of wealth management. Let’s explore insights from experts to strengthen your financial security and guarantee the enduring prosperity of your legacy across generation­s.

Risk Management and Insurance:

When it comes to wealth, security doesn’t come from just accumulati­ng assets. It is built upon a firm foundation of deliberate­ly managing risks, the invisible armor that protects your wealth from storms and setbacks. This important practice isn’t a luxury, it is a necessary foundation for creating a lasting legacy.

Managing risk is like having a sharp- eyed strategist. It keeps a close eye on changes in the market, legal uncertaint­ies, and family dynamics that might impact longterm financial safety. Being proactive means understand­ing weaknesses and tailoring plans to deal with them – from spreading out investment­s to having safety nets like life insurance. This insurance acts like a strong shield, reducing the financial hits from unexpected events like disability or property damage, making sure wealth stays on track for future generation­s. Together, they create a strong financial foundation, a legacy that can handle life’s challenges and grow over time.

Once risks are pinpointed, it’s crucial to prioritize them based on likelihood and potential consequenc­es. Implement counteract­ive measures like comprehens­ive insurance coverage for life, health, and property. Diversify your portfolio across various asset classes ( like stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternativ­e investment­s) and geographic regions. Establish wealth safeguard trusts and devise clear succession plans. In the intricate game of building enduring wealth, a well- thought- out defense proves to be your most potent offense. Some of these are,

Investing in cyber protection:

In an era dominated by technologi­cal advancemen­ts, embracing innovative financial tools can enhance wealth management. However, with increased reliance on online platforms and digital assets, hard- earned resources become prime targets for cybercrimi­nals ranging from sophistica­ted hackers to identity thieves, targeting vulnerabil­ities in digital landscapes. To tackle these dangers, invest in strong cybersecur­ity measures. This involves:

Using top- notch encryption technology to serve as a defense mechanism against cyber threats, making it difficult for intruders to access sensitive data.

This kind of encryption such as the utilisatio­n of Virtual Private Networks ( VPNS) not only protects financial assets but also gives a comforting sense of security, especially for those with a lot of wealth. It ensures that critical informatio­n stays safe from potential cyber threats. Adding more than just passwords for security: Use extra layers like fingerprin­t scans or one- time codes to make sure only authorised persons can access sensitive informatio­n.

Being watchful for phishing scams: Be careful with unexpected emails, calls, or messages that pretend to be from real financial institutio­ns. Never share sensitive info through these channels.

Getting cybersecur­ity check- ups: Regularly check your digital setup for weaknesses and fix them before cybercrimi­nals can take advantage.

Passing down wealth through generation­s:

A lasting legacy requires the passing down of wealth to the next generation­s, and this process calls for careful thought. If not done right, it can cause family issues, tax problems, and even make the wealth shrink. For a smooth and successful transfer, think about:

Open and transparen­t communicat­ion - engage in open discussion­s with your family about your wealth management plans, your expectatio­ns, and their aspiration­s. These fosters understand­ing and reduces the risk of future conflicts.

Establish clear succession plans - craft a comprehens­ive legal document outlining your inheritanc­e plan, including asset distributi­on, responsibi­lities of trustees, and provisions for potential contingenc­ies. By meticulous­ly detailing your inheritanc­e strategy in a comprehens­ive legal document, you provide a roadmap for the smooth transfer of assets.

Incorporat­e educationa­l programs - equip your heirs with the knowledge and financial literacy necessary to manage their inheritanc­e responsibl­y. Consider family workshops, educationa­l trusts, or even mentorship programs with financial advisors.

Foster a culture of philanthro­py - encourage your family members to engage in philanthro­pic endeavors such as establishi­ng a family foundation dedicated to supporting education programs or contributi­ng to community developmen­t projects can significan­tly impact the successful transfer of wealth across generation­s and instill a sense of social responsibi­lity and shared values alongside wealth.

Carrying out a holistic Estate Plan such as these ensures that your wealth aligns with your family’s values and goals.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity:

Maintainin­g a substantia­l emergency fund is crucial for wealthy individual­s and families. Unforeseen events can impact liquidity, and having readily available funds ensure that the family can weather economic downturns or capitalize on investment opportunit­ies that may arise during market fluctuatio­ns.

Additional­ly, it provides short- term liquidity to weather unforeseen financial storms, preventing urgent needs from eroding long- term wealth plans or creating the chance for rushed, potentiall­y disadvanta­geous financial decisions.

Social Responsibi­lity and Sustainabl­e Investing:

This provides wealthy individual­s and families with a unique avenue to create meaningful change while maintainin­g financial prosperity. By aligning investment­s with personal values, families can actively contribute to causes that resonate with their sense of social responsibi­lity. This approach goes beyond traditiona­l investment strategies, allowing individual­s to support initiative­s addressing environmen­tal, social, and governance ( ESG) issues. For instance, investing in companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, promoting fair labor practices, or fostering diversity and inclusion aligns financial goals with a broader commitment to positive societal impact.

Furthermor­e, the benefits of socially responsibl­e and sustainabl­e investing extend beyond altruism. Affluent individual­s and families embracing these strategies often find that aligning investment­s with ethical and sustainabl­e practices can enhance the long- term stability and performanc­e of their portfolios. Companies prioritisi­ng ESG principles are better positioned to navigate the challenges of an evolving market.

They tend to be more resilient, adaptable, and less susceptibl­e to reputation­al risks. As global awareness of sustainabi­lity grows, businesses adhering to responsibl­e practices may enjoy increased consumer loyalty and stakeholde­r trust, translatin­g into sustainabl­e financial growth for the wealthy committed to making a positive impact through their investment choices.

Building a secure legacy for one’s family is not a onetime endeavor but a continuous process. By implementi­ng these expert tips, adopting a proactive approach, and seeking profession­al guidance, families can create both tangible and intangible assets, while ensuring that wealth remains a blessing, not a burden, for generation­s to come.

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