Have you taken the time to think about what your family truly stands for — and have you written it down?
A family charter is just that: a living document that turns your values into a compass for every decision, from investments to philanthropy. By planning with shared purpose and clarity, you are more likely to build generational success stories, not just financial ones.
At Bradley Wealth, we’ve seen that true wealth is measured in the meaning behind your wealth.
A well-crafted, values-based family charter ensures that your family’s wealth serves your overall purpose and peace of mind.
What Is a Family Charter?
A family charter is a written guide that defines your family’s shared vision, values, and principles. It’s easy to think of it as the “constitution” for your family.
It helps transform financial success into generational alignment, creating continuity between today’s goals and tomorrow’s legacy.
Unlike legal documents such as wills or trusts, a family charter isn’t binding.
Instead, a charter serves as the emotional infrastructure for your family, reflecting what your family believes in and how you’ll make decisions together.
A strong family charter typically includes:
- A clear statement of family values and purpose
- Roles and expectations for family members
- Guidelines for business, philanthropy, or investment decisions
- Commitment to communication, education, and accountability
Why Every Family Should Have a Values-Based Charter
Wealth can be a powerful connector or a silent divider. Without a shared vision, even the most successful families can lose direction as they grow and evolve.
A values-based family charter creates alignment by anchoring every financial and emotional decision in what truly matters.
Families who define their purpose early create frameworks for collaboration and resilience. Consequently, a family charter doesn’t just prevent conflict — it nurtures confidence across generations.
Key benefits of a family charter:
- Keeps your family aligned around shared values
- Reduces tension in major financial or succession decisions
- Ensures wealth supports purpose and lifestyle, not just numbers
- Helps the next generation understand responsibility and legacy
How to Design Your Family Charter
Creating a family charter is both a reflective and practical process. It invites families to pause, communicate, and define what their wealth is meant to achieve.
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to approach this process with an open mind and clear intention because the heart of a meaningful charter lies not in perfection, but in shared understanding.
1. Start with Your Family’s Core Values
Begin with open, honest conversations. Ask, “What do we want our wealth to represent?” and “What principles should guide our family’s future?”
Typical values include integrity, compassion, stewardship, or curiosity, but the key is authenticity. These values should reflect who you are as a family, not who others expect you to be.
We often recommend guided discussions or family retreats, allowing every voice to be heard and every generation to feel included.
2. Define Your Vision and Mission
Your vision is your long-term dream. Your mission is how you’ll live that dream each day.
For example:
- Vision: “To be a family that creates opportunity through generosity and innovation.”
- Mission: “We will grow our wealth responsibly, give back to our community, and teach our children the meaning of stewardship.”
By clearly stating your family’s vision and mission, you can transform intention into everyday practice.
3. Establish Guiding Principles for Decision-Making
Think of these as the rules that keep your family aligned when decisions become complex.
Sample guiding principles include:
- “We will prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gain.”
- “We will give generously to causes that reflect our shared values.”
- “We will treat wealth as a tool for connection, not division.”
When clearly stated, these principles act as guidelines for investments, philanthropy, and family life.
4. Document, Share, and Revisit Together
Once your family has agreed on core values and principles, write them down in a shared document. Keep it simple and meaningful, like something you’d be proud to read at a family gathering.
Review it annually, especially after significant life changes. Many families choose to revisit their charter each summer or during an annual getaway, ensuring it grows with them.
FAQ: Family Charters for Phoenix Families
Do families in Phoenix really need a charter like this?
Yes. Many Arizona families use charters to align values and business goals as they grow in Phoenix’s thriving entrepreneurial community.
Can Bradley Wealth help facilitate our family discussions?
Yes. We serve as neutral facilitators to help families discuss values, priorities, and expectations across generations.
How often should we update our family charter?
Review it annually or after significant life changes, such as new ventures, moves, or estate updates.
Does a family charter replace legal estate planning?
No. It complements legal and financial plans by adding heart and intention to your strategy.
How long does it take to create a family charter?
Most families craft their charters through a few conversations or sessions with an advisor, strengthening communication and trust along the way.
How Bradley Wealth Helps Families Build Meaningful Legacies
At Bradley Wealth, we believe money should work in service of your purpose, not the other way around. Through our Return on Life approach, we guide families to define what “true wealth” means — clarity, connection, and confidence.
Our advisors help families identify their shared values, structure their goals, and design charters that bring generations closer together. With personalized guidance, your family can translate prosperity into peace of mind.
Schedule a private consultation to learn how we can help you plan for your family’s future today.
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