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What is The Family Bank?

The Family Bank is a system for passing wealth across generations in a way that builds responsibility instead of entitlement. Instead of giving heirs outright gifts, families create a “bank” that provides structured loans, managed by a board of family members. This approach fosters accountability, preserves relationships, and keeps wealth working productively, so the family’s prosperity and values can last for generations rather than disappearing within one or two.

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So What’s the Problem?

The Core Challenges Families Face with Wealth

Entitlement

Heirs often receive wealth without understanding how it was built.
Unearned money can lead to dependency, lack of ambition, and even destructive behavior (e.g, addiction, reckless spending).
Without education and ability wealth becomes a curse, not a blessing.

Poor Planning

Most estate plans rely on outdated methods like direct inheritance or blind trusts.
Traditional legal documents may delay problems but don’t solve them—complex clauses can’t replace personal stewardship.
Even the most “meticulous” plans often create unintended consequences, such as:

Disincentivizing work.
Ignoring individual needs or abilities.
Fostering resentment or legal battles.

Divided Families

Money often becomes a source of conflict among heirs.
Emotional wounds and childhood rivalries resurface during inheritance disputes.
Lack of transparency or communication breaks trust and can sever relationships entirely—sometimes for generations.

“Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves”

70% of wealth is gone by the 2nd generation
90% of wealth is gone by the 3rd generation

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The solution

How The Family Bank Solves the Problem of “Just Inheriting Money”

Simple inheritances often fuel entitlement, weak stewardship, and conflict. The Family Bank replaces gifts with governed loans—tying support to responsibility so wealth strengthens both people and relationships.

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Structure Over Windfalls

A board oversees applications and terms, turning one-time windfalls into an ongoing, principled system.

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Accountability Built-In

Loans (not gifts) align help with responsibility—preserving dignity, work ethic, and clear expectations.

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Unity & Continuity

Shared decision-making reduces resentment and keeps capital productively circulating across generations.

Bottom line: the Family Bank turns inheritance from a risky lump-sum event into a stewardship system that grows people and wealth.

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What Others are Saying

“The Family Bank is a simple guide to ensuring financial security for future generations. It’s an indispensable resource for individuals wanting to leave a lasting financial legacy. It
offers practical advice, strategies, and insights into preserving and responsibly managing wealth across generations. By implementing the book’s guidance, readers can rest assuredthat their hard-earned wealth will be well preserved and utilized wisely by their children and grandchildren, ensuring a prosperous and secure future.”

—Jaime Catmull, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Host of the Live Richer Podcast

“I highly recommend The Family Bank for anyone seeking
comprehensive guidance on estate planning through family
banks. This insightful book emphasizes the significance of family
banks in preserving and managing wealth across generations.
John’s expertise in the field, coupled with practical examples
and actionable advice, makes this book a great resource for
individuals looking to secure their family’s financial future.”

—David York Esq., CPA, Managing Partner of York Howell, Author of Bestsellers Entrusted and The Gift of Lift

"As an attorney and practitioner of implementing the family bank with my clients, I can honestly say that this book is the most comprehensive and straightforward book on the subject. John does a great job of explaining the complex topic and illustrating it in a way that anyone can understand and implement the family bank strategy. It is not a product or investment-driven book; it is his sincere way of trying to help as many people as possible in making a meaningful impact on future generations."