The Legacy of Inherited Wealth
INTERVIEWS WITH HEIRS
Edited by Barbara Blouin with Katerine Gibson & Margaret Kiersted.
This book of seventeen first-person histories of men and women presents an inside view of what it’s like to grow up with affluence and inherit enough money to render paid work a matter of choice. Born into the bright promise of money these heirs learn that unearned money has its own hazards. Taken together these stories reveal a paradox that for many the more financial security they are given the less emotional security they seem to have. A confusion of self worth with net worth leads to questions like “Who would I be without my money? Could I make it on my own?” These candid, first person stories of men and women from all regions of the United States break the cultural taboo against talking about personal wealth.
By basing The Legacy of Inherited Wealth on the experiences of those who have dealt with the life issues surrounding major inheritance, the authors have produced a work of authenticity, meaning, and depth. The stories in this collection represent a powerful way of teaching, from which all of us can learn about the experience of inheriting ¬ the pitfalls it poses, and the ways in which it can become an empowering process. John L. Levy, Wealth Counselor
I have found The Legacy of Inherited Wealth to be a very useful work. I am currently dealing with several families who have very substantial businesses. In one case, there are seventeen family members, ranging in age from 19 to 42. I gave each person a copy of your book and assigned them to read three of the interviews. In our work sessions, we met in small groups to identify what we saw as fundamental principles that had been violated within the context of the stories. That process has been very effective and has stimulated an excellent examination of this complex situation. David Bork, family business consultant
Thanks for your great book, The Legacy of Inherited Wealth. I laughed, cried, sighed with deep recognition, and stared out to sea for many hours, envisioning a new relationship to money for me and my family.
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