For many individuals who have attained success, built flourishing careers and secured comfortable lives for their families, there is often a nagging unease that lingers, and this can be traced to the pursuit of peace of mind.

Beyond the attraction of material wealth, there is a deeper desire to build wealth on a foundation that withstands the test of time, providing security for oneself and future generations.

If we take a look at a family of successful entrepreneurs who have acquired considerable wealth over the years and built business empires across different industries, their greatness is not in question. But with a closer look, one may find beneath the surface, a lingering worry about how their wealth can be secured in the long term, particularly when they are no longer at the helm of affairs.

For these families, wealth isn’t just about the material comforts it affords; it is about leaving a legacy for the children and grandchildren, ensuring that their hard-earned assets are protected, preserved and multiplied for years to come. When the consideration of a changing economic and political environment is brought into the mix, having a comprehensive wealth management plan is more important than ever.

Comprehensive wealth management is more than just balancing budgets and maximizing returns; it’s about crafting a complete plan that covers every aspect of one’s qualitative and quantitative assets. From investment management and retirement planning to estate planning and risk mitigation, it’s about taking a 360-degree view of an individual or a family’s wealth and aligning it with their life’s goals and aspirations.

Individuals and families select comprehensive wealth management for various reasons, the most important of which are stability and peace of mind. They want to know that their assets will be protected regardless of market fluctuations or economic downturns. According to recent research, a large majority of affluent individuals claim peace of mind as their primary reason for choosing complete wealth management services. This demonstrates the common desire for stability in an increasingly uncertain world.

One of the most appealing aspects of comprehensive wealth management is its ability to adapt and evolve with one’s changing needs and circumstances. Whether planning for retirement, paying for a child’s education, or managing the challenges of estate planning, a comprehensive wealth management strategy gives the flexibility and agility needed to handle changing priorities. It starts with a detailed evaluation of one’s existing financial situation, which includes a review of assets, liabilities, and cash flow. Following that, a tailored strategy is created to address the most important goals and objectives, taking into account aspects such as risk appetite, the time frame in view and family dynamics.

Some of the key components of complete wealth management are:

• Investment Management: This involves constructing a well-diversified portfolio tailored to one’s risk tolerance and investment objectives. By spreading investments across various asset classes and geographic regions, one can minimize risk and maximize returns over the long term.
• Retirement Planning: Whether years away from retirement or on the verge of leaving the workforce, having a good retirement plan in place is critical for financial security in one’s golden years. This may involve setting aside a percentage of income in tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as individual retirement accounts, as well as looking into other retirement savings vehicles and pension plans.
• Estate Planning: Creating a detailed estate plan outlining how one’s assets will be managed both during and after one’s lifetime, helps minimize estate taxes and probate fees for heirs while ensuring wealth distribution according to intentions. This may include making a will, establishing trusts, and naming beneficiaries for retirement accounts and life insurance plans.
• Risk Management: From insurance coverage to asset protection strategies, managing risk is essential for protecting one’s wealth from unexpected events, such as illness, disability, or lawsuits. By identifying potential risks and executing suitable risk management strategies, the chances of strenuous life events leading to financial difficulties can be minimised.

The Shocking Reality: The Cost of Inaction

A study by the Campden Wealth research group revealed that 70 per cent of affluent families lose considerable wealth within three generations. This statistic emphasises the value of proactive wealth management. Without a comprehensive plan, even the most carefully built fortunes can decline over time due to poor investment decisions, inadequate tax planning, or family conflict.

While financial security is paramount, complete wealth management caters to wealth preservation desires such as:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that one’s financial future is secure and their loved ones will be well cared for, regardless of life’s uncertainties.
• Strategic Growth: Access to expert guidance that helps one grow their wealth responsibly and navigate the ever-changing financial environment.
• Legacy Building: Ensuring their wealth contributes to a lasting legacy, leaving a positive impact beyond one’s lifetime.
• Philanthropic Impact: Utilizing one’s resources to make a meaningful difference in the world through strategic philanthropy.
• Family Harmony: Maintaining strong family bonds and fostering a sense of unity while managing the challenges of wealth management and inheritance.

Comprehensive wealth management is not just about growing your wealth—it is about building on the right foundation that provides stability, security, and peace of mind. Taking a holistic, proactive approach to one’s wealth and working with trusted advisors to navigate complexities on the journey is the path to clarity and peace. Time is a great advantage on this journey, and the earlier the foundation is laid, the better the outcomes will be.

Abimbola is an Advisor at the Meristem Family Office