Money Matters in Family Dynamics

Transforming Financial Conversations from Sources of Tension to Opportunities for Connection

Guest Introduction

Emily Bouchard is a specialist in family dynamics around wealth, with over 20 years of experience working with families navigating complex financial relationships. She's the founder of Blended Families Flourishing and Bouchard Bespoke Consulting, focusing on stepfamily dynamics, multigenerational family meetings, rising generation leadership, family governance, and family business succession.

Key Topics Discussed

Personal Journey

Emily shares how her mother's sudden death at age 44 (when Emily was 14) profoundly shaped her path

Her volunteering experience with teenage cancer patients at age 18 taught her about resilience

Her personal experience becoming a stepdaughter, step-granddaughter, and later a stepmother influenced her career focus

Why Money Conversations Are Difficult

Different people develop different archetypal patterns related to money based on their upbringing and experiences

Understanding the underlying motivations, values, concerns, and beliefs makes money conversations more productive

People avoid money conversations because they've rarely experienced them going well

Couple Finances and Prenups

Financial infidelity (making significant financial decisions without including your spouse) is a leading cause of divorce

Important early conversations for couples include sharing earliest money memories and identifying core values around money

Prenups should be viewed as strengthening a marriage by developing the muscle of having healthy money conversations

A prenup is an opportunity to decide what happens at the end of a marriage rather than leaving it to lawmakers who don't know you

Blended Family Finances

The concept of "fair versus equal" is crucial when discussing inheritance in blended families

One of the biggest mistakes in estate planning is not checking and updating beneficiaries

Communication about estate plans with family members can prevent misunderstandings and litigation

Teaching Children About Money

Start money conversations as early as age five, focusing on philanthropy and understanding value

Use share/save/spend models to help children develop healthy money habits

Be open about family wealth status to prepare children for when they might encounter this information from peers

Multi-generational Wealth

Wealth holders should articulate the stories and values that led to wealth creation

Beneficiaries need education about their roles and responsibilities

Money amplifies existing family dynamics rather than creating entirely new problems

Podcast Program – Disclosure Statement

Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.