Imagine two families, both immensely wealthy at the height of their fortunes. One family, the Vanderbilts, saw their immense wealth squandered within just a few generations. By the time they held their first family reunion a century later, not a single millionaire remained among them. In contrast, the Rockefeller family has continued to grow its wealth and influence across seven generations. What was one of the key differences? Family meetings.

https://www.youtube.com/live/2eKMQKYyxEA

The Rockefeller family prioritizes connection and communication, meeting twice a year with as many as 100 family members to stay aligned on their mission, vision, and values. This intentional practice has enabled them to preserve and grow their wealth over generations. Today, I want to share with you how you can implement the powerful practice of family meetings to strengthen your relationships, instill financial stewardship, and set your family on a path toward multigenerational success.

Why Family Meetings MatterStructuring Family Meetings for SuccessWeekly Family Check-ins: Building Habits EarlyExecutive Leadership Meetings: Aligning as a CoupleFamily Summits: The Big PictureGovernance and Decision-Making: Preparing for ComplexityThe Ripple Effect of Family MeetingsStart Your Family Meeting Tradition TodayNext Steps

Why Family Meetings Matter

Whether you're just beginning your wealth-building journey or you're already managing a family enterprise, creating a system for effective communication is essential. Family meetings are more than just check-ins; they’re a foundation for unity, collaboration, and intentional planning. In this article, I’ll walk you through why family meetings are vital, the different types of meetings you can hold, and how to structure them for maximum impact.

By the end, you’ll have actionable tools to start your own family meeting tradition, no matter the stage of life you’re in. Let’s dive in.

Structuring Family Meetings for Success

Weekly Family Check-ins: Building Habits Early

If you have young children, weekly family meetings are the perfect way to establish a rhythm of communication and problem-solving. Here’s a simple framework we use in our home:

Highs and Lows: Start by having each family member share the best and most challenging moments of their week. This fosters gratitude and empathy while helping everyone feel heard.

Calendar Review: Go over the upcoming week’s schedule. Discuss events, appointments, and any changes to the usual routine.

Feedback and Improvements: Create space for family members to voice concerns and suggest ways to improve the week ahead.

These meetings don’t need to be long—five to ten minutes is enough. The key is consistency. By practicing this habit regularly, you’re teaching your children invaluable skills in communication, decision-making, and teamwork.

Executive Leadership Meetings: Aligning as a Couple

If you’re managing a household or business with a partner, a weekly “executive meeting” is crucial. During this meeting, you can:

Review your finances, including spending, income, and progress toward financial goals.

Plan your calendar and set priorities for the week.

Discuss any challenges or decisions that require attention.

This meeting ensures you’re aligned as a couple and creates a foundation for leading your family effectively.

Family Summits: The Big Picture

For families with older children or adult children, an annual or quarterly family summit can be transformative. These larger gatherings provide an opportunity to:

Reflect on the past year: Celebrate milestones, successes, and lessons learned.

Plan for the future: Discuss family goals, upcoming projects, and financial strategies.

Reaffirm your family’s mission, vision, and values.

Family summits are also an excellent time to educate the next generation about financial stewardship. You can share family history,