Key Points:

  • Generational wealth often disappears within a few generations, but teaching financial literacy and involving children in real-world experiences can prepare them to manage wealth responsibly.
  • Open communication, clear expectations, and guidance from trusted advisors can help prevent conflict and ensure inherited wealth strengthens rather than strains family relationships.
  • By combining financial education, values, and professional support, families can preserve wealth, foster harmony, and build a legacy that lasts for generations.

For families who have built significant assets, preserving and passing down wealth isn’t just about money. It’s also about legacy, values, and ensuring harmony across generations.

However, history shows that most fortunes don’t survive the passage of time. According to a 20-year research project by the Williams Group, nearly 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% lose it by the third.

So, why does this happen? Too often, the next generation simply isn’t ready to handle the responsibility that comes with significant wealth.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. By taking time to educate and prepare the next generation, your family can build a lasting framework for generational wealth that supports financial stability and strengthens bonds across generations.

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Americans are well known for their generosity. In fact, in 2024, charitable contributions across the country totaled an extraordinary $592.50 billion, according to Giving USA. If giving is already part of your financial plan, now is an ideal time to revisit your approach. Beginning January 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will make permanent changes to the tax treatment of charitable giving, with the biggest impact on those who itemize deductions.

By understanding the upcoming rules and making thoughtful adjustments before the end of the year, you may be able to capture today’s more favorable tax advantages while they remain in effect.

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Uncertainty is a constant in the financial world — but your goals don’t have to get lost in the noise. Whether markets are volatile, interest rates are shifting, or policy winds are changing, a well-built financial plan should bend without breaking. For individuals and families with significant wealth, staying on track means revisiting assumptions, adjusting tactics, and reaffirming priorities. The key is knowing how to adapt without overreacting.

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On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, a comprehensive tax and spending package totaling nearly 900 pages. This landmark legislation introduces approximately $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, shifts federal spending priorities, and directs substantial resources toward border security and national defense.

The bill’s broad scope means it will likely impact a wide range of Americans, including business owners, retirees, and high-income earners. If you're aiming to minimize your tax liability or fine-tune your financial approach, understanding the core elements of the OBBBA will be key to navigating what’s ahead.

Here's a breakdown of the most important updates.

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Markets have been anything but steady lately. Rising geopolitical tensions, stubborn inflation pressures, and renewed conversations around tariffs linked to President Trump’s economic policies have all fueled a surge in volatility. In periods like this, feeling unsettled is only human. But it’s also when the value of diversification becomes especially clear. A thoughtfully diversified portfolio won’t eliminate all risk, but it can help soften the blow of market turbulence and provide a stronger, more resilient base for long-term growth—no matter what the news cycle brings.

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Turning Income Into Wealth: A Strategic Guide

  • Tillman Hartley

Key Takeaway: Turning income into wealth requires a strategic approach that transforms what you earn today into lasting financial security for the future.

Earning a high income is often seen as the hallmark of financial success, but income alone doesn’t guarantee wealth. In fact, a recent Bank of America study found that nearly one in five U.S. households earning more than $150,000 a year are still living paycheck to paycheck.

Meanwhile, someone with a modest salary can quietly build significant wealth through discipline, patience, and smart financial decisions. Consider the now-famous story of Theodore Johnson, the UPS employee who never earned more than $14,000 a year but amassed a fortune of over $70 million by the time he passed away.

These examples make one thing clear: income and wealth are not the same. Income is what you earn. Wealth is what you keep—and grow.

If you're making good money but feel like you're constantly treading water, you're not alone. The good news is with the right strategy, you can turn your income into lasting wealth that supports both your life today and your goals for tomorrow.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many aspects of our lives.  However, as technology evolves, so do the threats associated with it. One area where AI is becoming increasingly problematic is in the financial industry, where fraudsters are leveraging sophisticated deception tactics to target individuals and institutions alike.

We want to take a moment to remind you of the steps you can take to safeguard your accounts and personal details from cybercriminals. In order to best protect yourself, it is important to be aware of the latest fraud tactics, how to recognize potential scams, and how to stay vigilant in the face of these ever-evolving threats.

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Disclaimers

Tillman Hartley is an SEC-registered investment adviser.

PLEASE NOTE: The information above is strictly provided as a courtesy. In preparing these materials, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information available from public and internal sources. Tillman Hartley shall not be liable for claims and make no expressed or implied representations or warranties regarding their accuracy or completeness or for statements or errors contained in or omissions.

The material provided is meant for general illustration and informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary; therefore, the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

This information is not an offer to buy or sell securities. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that the investment process described herein will be profitable. Investors may lose all of their investments. Past performance is not indicative of current or future performance and is not a guarantee.

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