At KERUX, we believe we are more than financial advisors; we are partners in the earthly and eternal journeys of the families we serve. One story that captures this mission is how we supported a family spanning three generations through a complex season of transition.
The Challenge
Recognizing the Shift
We had worked for years with a couple well into their golden years. As the mother’s health began to decline due to dementia, we recognized a looming shift. Her daughter—also a KERUX client—would eventually need to step in, not just emotionally, but legally and financially.
The Friction
Balancing Autonomy and Protection
These transitions are often fraught with emotion. It is difficult for a parent to accept a child’s help, especially during cognitive decline. We observed the tension: a mother frustrated by her limitations, an aging father facing his own hurdles, and a daughter seeking a way to lead without creating family friction.
Faithfulness in the “Earthly” details leads to “Abundance” and peace for the entire family.
The Strategy
Facilitating Order
Our role became more than just managing investments. We facilitated a meeting with all parties—mom, dad, daughter, and son-in-law—creating a space for open conversation. We explained how making the daughter a co-trustee and granting her medical powers of attorney wasn’t about taking away autonomy—it was about ensuring that mom had a trusted partner to help her navigate financial and medical decisions as her needs evolved.
We framed the transition as Stewardship, not Surrender. By establishing the daughter as a co-trustee and granting medical powers of attorney, we weren’t removing the mother’s autonomy—we were securing a trusted partner to protect her legacy.
The Result
Peace of Mind for Three Generations
By connecting the family with a trusted attorney and streamlining the legal process, we ensured that the daughter was empowered to act when the time came. This preparation proved invaluable as the family navigated:
- Assisted Living Transitions: Moving parents with minimal financial friction.
- Medical Events: Ensuring healthcare directives were clear and legally sound.
- Financial Continuity: Managing ongoing needs with transparency and peace.
What began as an advisory relationship became a testament to our core belief: that faithfulness in the “Earthly” details leads to “Abundance” and peace for the entire family.
The Beauty of a Life in Order
True wealth is found in the moments where financial planning meets the needs of the heart. What began as an advisory relationship became a testament to our core belief: that faithfulness in the “Earthly” details leads to “Abundance” and peace for the entire family.
By bringing order to the chaos of transition, we didn’t just manage an estate; we protected a family’s ability to love and honor one another during their most vulnerable season. At KERUX, this is what it means to invest in eternity—ensuring that your legacy is marked not by friction, but by the quiet confidence of a life well-stewarded.
Is your family prepared for the seasons ahead?
We specialize in bringing order to the complexities of intergenerational wealth so that you can focus on what matters most: honoring your loved ones. Let’s start a conversation today about securing your family’s peace of mind for the journey ahead.
Fiduciary Duty & Professional Advice: Advisory services are offered through KERUX, LLC, a registered investment adviser. We are held to a fiduciary standard, legally obligating us to act in our clients’ best interests at all times. This content is for educational and illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.
Case Studies & Illustrative Examples: The “Intergenerational Stewardship” story presented is for illustrative purposes to demonstrate our planning process and the types of challenges we help families navigate. While inspired by real-world advisory experiences, this narrative is a composite or anonymized example and does not represent the specific performance or results of any one individual client. Your experience may vary based on your unique financial situation.
Coordination of Professional Counsel: This story discusses legal and medical planning, such as Co-Trusteeships and Medical Powers of Attorney. KERUX, LLC is not a law firm or medical provider. We act as a facilitator to coordinate with your external legal and tax professionals; however, you should consult with your own qualified legal counsel and tax professionals before implementing any legal or estate strategy discussed herein.
Risks & Suitability: All financial strategies involve material risks. Faith-based financial planning has inherent limitations and may not account for every market variable; therefore, past outcomes are not indicative of future results. Actual results will vary and may include the loss of principal.
