The next generation within wealthy families are often said to be born with a silver spoon in their mouths. Perceived as free from life’s toughest challenges. “Having it all.” But being raised in affluence brings a unique set of pressures and hidden tripwires. Great wealth casts a long shadow. Inheritors commonly face intense familial expectations, public scrutiny and judgment, and confusing or debilitating self-narratives, under which many flounder. And we - as family, friends, and society - slowly lose their contribution to our lives and the common good.
The Myth of the Silver Spoon helps guide the next gen of the affluent, their families, and the ecosystem of professionals who influence them - wealth advisors, estate attorneys, tax attorneys, philanthropic advisors, family office professionals, and career coaches - to identify and confront negative thinking and behaviors related to wealth.
Through new research, meaningful storytelling, and actionable concepts, Kristin Keffeler - an expert advisor, consultant, and certified professional coach to high-net-worth families - helps readers clear the internal and external clutter from their paths that accumulates from growing up with wealth. She shows readers how to:
- Put words to their difficulties and dismantle the hidden tripwires of affluence
- Address challenges at their root, including when raising children of their own, instilling guardrails against entitlement and feelings of helplessness
- Identify structures for finding and sustaining one’s own vision of a fulfilling, impactful life
Privately held wealth has great potential to benefit society. But only if it is held by people able and willing to do good with it. Whether you’re a rising gen yourself or gifting this to a client, The Myth of Silver Spoon offers a compassionate discussion and a seven-step process for connecting a rising gen’s innate strengths to the embers of their hopes, so that they can move forward creating thriving and impactful lives.
Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Acknowledgements xiii
About the Author xvi
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 A Flickering Flame 11
Part I Confronting the Myth of the Silver Spoon 25
Chapter 2 Poor Little Rich Girl 27
Chapter 3 Money Versus Wealth 39
Chapter 4 Parenting Without the Worry of Making Ends Meet Should Be Easier Why Isn’t It? 51
Part II Clearing the Clutter 65
Chapter 5 Money Clutter 67
Chapter 6 Identity Clutter 85
Chapter 7 Relationship Clutter 99
Chapter 8 Contribution Clutter 111
Part III The Big Logs for Your Fire: Human Thriving and Your Unique Spark 123
Chapter 9 The Science of Human Thriving 125
Chapter 10 Big Logs: Growth Mindset, Grit, Mastery- Orientation, Close Positive Relationships, and Your Foundational Character Strengths 133
Part IV Creating a Uniquely Impactful Life 155
Chapter 11 From Spark to Flame: Ideas That Ignite You and Impact Others 157
Chapter 12 The Missing Chapter in Your Parenting Book 173
Chapter 13 The Role of the Trusted Advisor 187
Conclusion: Beyond the Myth of the Silver Spoon 201
Appendix A: Resources to Support Rising Gen, Their Parents, and Their Advisors 205
Appendix B: In Their Own Words - Advice from the Rising Gen to the Rising Gen 207
Appendix C: Research Methodology 211
Notes 221
Index 235
