How Families Can Reduce Legacy Risk Beyond Money

Most families spend years preparing financial wealth — but very little time preparing the people who will inherit it. That disconnect creates one of the biggest legacy risks family businesses and affluent families face today.

In this episode, Shawn Barberis of More Than Money 360 explains why communication, shared values, and rising-generation engagement are essential for sustaining wealth and preserving family relationships across generations. Drawing from nearly two decades of research and family meeting facilitation, Shawn shares what successful multi-generational families do differently — and why traditional estate planning alone is not enough.

Michael Palumbos and Shawn also explore the growing role of “FamTech,” the importance of giving younger generations a voice, and the hidden risks that emerge when families avoid conversations around legacy, purpose, governance, and stewardship. Listeners will walk away with practical insight into how families can reduce legacy risk beyond money and create stronger long-term family continuity.

Family Communication Legacy & Values

“Legacy is often discussed, yet rarely acted upon.”

Shawn Barberis

Key Takeaways

➜ Wealth transfer fails when families ignore the qualitative side of legacy.
Shawn explains that estate documents and financial structures alone cannot solve communication breakdowns, entitlement concerns, or family conflict. Families must intentionally develop relationships, values, and shared purpose alongside financial planning.

➜ Rising generations want a voice, not just an inheritance.
One of the most powerful research findings Shawn shares is that 93% of rising-generation family members felt dictated to and unheard. Families that actively involve younger generations create stronger engagement, trust, and long-term continuity.

➜ Family communication is a major driver of legacy success.
Many families assume conflict will resolve itself over time, but poor communication often destroys relationships after a transition or wealth event. Structured family conversations can reduce misunderstanding and strengthen alignment across generations.

➜ Technology can help families strengthen legacy planning.
Shawn discusses the evolution of “FamTech” — technology designed to support family communication, governance, education, and engagement. Modern rising generations expect digital tools and interactive systems that match how they naturally communicate and learn.

➜ Successful multi-generational families focus on preparation, not just protection.
Families often spend enormous energy protecting assets while overlooking the need to prepare heirs emotionally, relationally, and intellectually. The families that succeed across generations intentionally teach stewardship, responsibility, and shared values.

Guests Appearing in this Episode

Shawn Barberis
A family dynamics and legacy advisor specializing in communication, alignment, and helping multi-generational families navigate the emotional side of wealth transfer and succession.