The Cycle of the Gift - (Bloomberg) by James E Hughes & Susan E Massenzio & Keith Whitaker (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive guide to giving well to family members

Giving is at the core of family life--and with current law allowing up to $5,120,000 in tax-free gifts, at least through December 2012, 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, Hughes, Massenzio, and Whitaker have written The Cycle of the Gift in three main parts: "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 part, "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. The authors also introduce their "family bank" concept as a model that combines loans, trusts, and outright gifts. It embodies a framework and set of practices for long-term family growth. Even families without great wealth--or those who have already made large gifts to their children and grandchilren--can benefit from the human wisdom and practical advice found in The Cycle of the Gift.

From the Back Cover

Praise for The Cycle of the Gift

"A generous spirit and crystal-clear values are the foundation that protect a family from spiraling into dysfunction and entitlement. The Cycle of the Gift is the perfect blueprint."
--Charlotte B. Beyer, founder and former CEO, Institute for Private Investors

"This is a remarkable book. It truly helps illuminate the issues and breakthrough conversations that families can have around giving to their children and grandchildren."
--Charles W. Collier, former Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Harvard University

"The authors have given the reader much to consider-the spirit of giving, the desired effect when making gifts, and the function of the gift over the form. Like Family Wealth, this book puts a spotlight on the most important questions for family members to contemplate when making gifts and offers the potential for completely different outcomes from the experience."
--Sara Hamilton, founder and CEO, Family Office Exchange

"With thoughtfulness and clarity based on a multi-discipline collaboration of considerable expertise, the authors challenge readers to mindfully consider the dynamics that occur between a gift giver and the recipient. The Cycle of the Gift is an invaluable resource for both individuals and the advisory community."
--Dr. Lee Hausner, Managing Director, First Foundation Advisors

"The Cycle of the Gift is a must-read for affluent families. It deals with one of the most difficult and profound issues: how much should I gift and what process should I follow? It provides powerful insights to help family members become mindful givers and receivers."
--Mel Lagomasino, CEO, GenSpring Family Offices

"This extraordinary book is a gift. Its contribution is helping us understand the complete cycle of any gift. The true gift of this book and of its writers is turning awkward situations and even pain . . . into joy!"
--Thomas R. Livergood, CEO, The Family Wealth Alliance

"The best learning comes when a book is able to take something that you do and consider important, and guides you to step back and look with fresh eyes. The Cycle of the Gift takes the process of gifting, a foundation of all society, and takes us on a journey to understand its deeper nature."
--Dennis Jaffe, Saybrook University

"These well-versed authors offer a golden blend of technically astute practical guidance and the foundational spiritual and classical knowledge of wisdom, discernment, and counsel."
--Paul G. Schervish, Professor and Director, Center on Wealth & Philanthropy, Boston College

"Families with wealth face a great and persistent challenge: how to give to children and grandchildren in ways that enhance their lives rather than create dependency. The Cycle of the Gift faces this challenge squarely with sound and prudent counsel. If leaving a legacy is important to you, this is a must-read."
--James P. Steiner, President, Abbot Downing, a Wells Fargo Business

About the Author

JAMES E. HUGHES JR., ESQ., is a resident of Aspen, Colorado, and a retired attorney. Jay is the author of Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family, and of Family-The Compact Among Generations, and numerous articles on family governance and wealth preservation as well as a series of "Reflections" which can be found on the Articles section of his website jamesehughes.com. He was the founder of a law partnership in New York City and has spoken frequently at numerous international and domestic symposia. He is a member of various philanthropic boards and a member of the editorial boards of various professional journals.

DR. SUSAN E. MASSENZIO is a psychologist and founding Associate of Wise Counsel Research Associates, a think-tank and consultancy. Susan has extensive experience consulting to senior executives, leadership teams of Fortune 500 companies, and heads of family businesses. Susan served for many years as the senior psychologist for John Hancock Financial Services, a senior vice president at Wells Fargo Family Wealth, and professor and program director at Northeastern University. Susan is a member of the Collaboration for Family Flourishing.

DR. KEITH WHITAKER is an educator and founding Associate with Wise Counsel Research Associates, a think-tank and consultancy. Keith has many years' experience consulting with advisors to and leaders of enterprising families. Keith served as a managing director at Wells Fargo Family Wealth, where he founded the innovative Family Dynamics Practice. He has also served as a researcher at the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, a private trustee, a director of a private foundation, and a philosophy professor at Boston College.