06/10/2026
I founded SeventySeven in 1994. I didn't set out to build a family business… it just became one. Financial services runs in the family, my mother worked in insurance at Lloyd's of London, and two of my daughters are also in financial services. Years ago one of my brothers joined the business and, in the last few years, my youngest son joined me too.
The rule of threes is at play here… three decades, three generations of my family, and we are now looking after an increasing community of third generations of the families who first came to us way back when.
That still means a great deal to me. It also taught me something I didn't fully appreciate when I started, and it is of the highest priority today…. the most powerful 'family money' conversations happen when the generations are in the room together.
This is surprisingly rare, however…. Sadly, when one generation plans alone, the next often learns what was intended only when it is too late to ask questions.
The paradox is that the more caring, considerate and respectful the next generation are, the less likely they are to ask, or 'pry'. But once everyone is around one table, in a healthy and structured environment, it becomes something different, a chance to hear what matters to each other and to plan for it together. Handling intergenerational wealth is, we have found, about having whole families come in to see us together, the generations side by side.
So why am I telling you this? Because the families who get this right don't wait to be pushed into it. Before a deadline, a family has time to think and room to disagree kindly. After one, everyone is reacting…
So here's a thought, the next time the family is together, ask one simple question, "What would you want us to know?" It may well be the most valuable conversation you have this year. And if you'd rather have it somewhere neutral, with someone to keep it on track, our door is always open.
Book a conversation: https://www.77wm.co.uk/contact
SeventySeven Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc.
SJP Approved 05/10/2026
