Holiday gatherings are often a time for families to reconnect, but a recent survey from Trust & Will reveals they can also become a flashpoint for disputes with lasting consequences.
According to the survey conducted between November 6 and November 8, in the immediate wake of the presidential election, nearly two-fifths (40 percent) of families report experiencing open disagreements during holiday celebrations.
Notably, one-third of these conflicts lead to lasting grudges, and nearly 20 percent of respondents indicated that such rifts have resulted in changes to a family member’s will or estate plan.
The survey of 500 individuals found that politics, especially in a post-election environment, is the most common source of tension, cited by 34 percent of respondents. Other leading causes include past family grievances (32 percent), relationships (25 percent), finances (25 percent), and parenting (17 percent).
While sensitive topics such as inheritance or family heirlooms may end up being the proverbial elephant in the room, 38 percent of respondents admitted that holiday conversations sometimes touch on these issues, even in lighthearted ways.
Despite the challenges of interpersonal tensions and navigating family dynamics during reunions, Cody Barbo, CEO of Trust & Will, argued that the holiday season open a window to address sensitive topics constructively.
“The holidays are a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations about your legacy and intentions,” he said in a statement revealing the findings. “We encourage families to take a thoughtful, long-term perspective, focusing on what truly matters, rather than letting temporary emotions shape important decisions.”
The survey also highlighted differences in holiday conflicts based on demographics. Millennials were most likely to cite relationship issues as a focus of holiday conversation (37 percent), while Baby Boomers pointed to politics (36 percent). Past grievances, meanwhile, were a source of consternation for 40 percent of Gen Y and 32 percent of Gen X.
Regional factors also shaped tensions: respondents from the West were most likely to identify finances as a source of arguments (34 percent), while political discussions dominated in the Midwest (38 percent). In the Southeast, relationships and love lives were cited most often (37 percent), while parenting concerns were a primary trigger in the Northeast (30 percent).
By listening for what truly matters and where clients want to make a difference, advisors can avoid politics and help build more personal strategies.
JPMorgan and RBC have also welcomed ex-UBS advisors in Texas, while Steward Partners and SpirePoint make new additions in the Sun Belt.
Counsel representing Lisa Cook argued the president's pattern of publicly blasting the Fed calls the foundation for her firing into question.
The two firms violated the Advisers Act and Reg BI by making misleading statements and failing to disclose conflicts to retail and retirement plan investors, according to the regulator.
Elsewhere, two breakaway teams from Morgan Stanley and Merrill unite to form a $2 billion RIA, while a Texas-based independent merges with a Bay Area advisory practice.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
