Creating a long-term vision and strategy

A thriving family and a flourishing self are at the top of most people’s wish list, yet many of us don’t take the time to map out what that actually looks like or how to get there. Yes, check your year-end tax, estate, and philanthropic planning — and then engage your family as you gather to revisit or articulate your shared vision for the health, functioning, and fulfillment you hope for.

Finding success is a lot easier when you know what you’re looking for

Articulating what success might look like can be daunting, but without doing so, progress can be random and even rare. There is no one right way to do this — communication styles, values, and culture differ from family to family — so open the conversation in a way that feels comfortable for you and then put pen to paper. Keep in mind that even if your kids are young, vision-setting is most powerful when every family member’s voice is given space. This isn’t a top-down exercise.

Getting started

Watch our recent webinar Defining Family Success: Crafting a Vision for Multigenerational Growth and Thriving for tips, tricks, and tools to help you on your way.

For more year-end guidance, please see these articles: 

Head into Year-End with Confidence: 2025 year-end planning considerations

2025 Year-End Planning Checklist: Guidance for reviewing your financial – and non-financial – wealth

Protect Your Digital Life: Guidance for managing cybersecurity risk

Strengthen Relationships for Today and Tomorrow: Setting the table for success

Will You Do More with Your Philanthropy This Year? Check gifting plans before year-end

Strategic Business Planning Opportunities: New possibilities for proactive and strategic planning

What Is the Value of Time? Pause to rethink how you spend this precious commodity

Keeping Yourself—and the Season—Merry and Bright: Prepare for the holidays with a focus on health