Endorsements
“As Webster advises the proper meaning of the word wealth is ‘well-being.’ Kristin’s wonderful book takes the proper meaning of wealth and applies it, using the tools of positive psychology, to enable the journeys of the rising generation members of financially significant families to achieve their individual well beings… So they become truly wealthy.”
James (Jay) E. Hughes, Jr., Esq.
Innovator and thought leader in the field of intergenerational family wealth, author of Family Wealth: Keeping it in the Family, Family the Compact Among Generations, and co-author of Complete Family Wealth (second edition), The Cycle of the Gift, The Voice of the Rising Generation, and Family Trusts
“Kristin Keffeler’s book has, simply put, so much wisdom. The Myth of the Silver Spoon acknowledges the challenges of wealth without succumbing to the fears and negativity of many similar resources. She methodically examines the lives and experiences of inheritors of wealth, offering a new understanding of the underlying issues and strategies for building strengths and skills. From every page, her encouraging voice and solid advice speak clearly to this often-disdained population. You will be more than inspired—you will be energized.”
James Grubman, PhD
Consultant to families of wealth, family offices, and their advisors; and author of Strangers in Paradise: How Families Adapt to Wealth Across Generations
“Wealth and inheritance are a challenge for a lucky minority, but their path in life is complex and challenging even with their privilege. This book is a refreshing journey for inheritors and their families about how to unravel, nurture and pursue one’s life purpose when your choices are infinite. It offers some wonderful learning activities for heirs as they make life choices and build their family’s non-financial ‘wealth’ for a new generation.”
Dennis T. Jaffe, PhD
Early architect of the field of family enterprise consulting, clinical psychologist, and author of Borrowed from Your Grandchildren: The Evolution of 100-Year Family Enterprises
“Kristin Keffeler has brilliantly addressed the fundamental issue that families with significant financial capital face: how might we integrate our resources to shape flourishing individuals, families and communities? Anchored in stories, evidence-based research of positive psychology and chalked full of reflective questions and practical ideas, this clever book is a must read for rising gen, their families and advisors looking for a better way. More than ever before, we need to harness the potential of an engaged, generous and purpose driven rising gen to make the world a better place.”
Stacy Allred, MST
Family Wealth Consultant
"It is finally here! A book is written for the rising gen (and the people that support them)! As a rising gen myself and now raising kids in wealth, this book is a much-needed trail map into hard topics and truths. This book breaks this complicated terrain down into navigable steps using research-based guidance. It's a must-read."
Lacey Books
Non-profit founder and parent
“The Myth of the Silver Spoon is a true ‘how to’ guide for rising generation family members to learn how to discover, pursue, and realize their own dreams and passions in the context of significant family success. As an advisor, I have long been searching for the answer to my clients’ all too common question, ‘what resources are available to help my kids thrive in the context of significant wealth?’ I now have the answer and it is The Myth of the Silver Spoon! I can’t wait for my young adult daughters to read this gem—it provides the keys to unlock the secrets to flourishing as a rising gen wealth inheritor.”
Brandon Johnson
CEO Johnson Financial Group, rising gen, and parent to rising gen
“Keffeler reframes the misconceptions and critical challenges faced by those born into wealth, providing the tools and resources necessary for the rising gen to create a meaningful life. This practical, hands-on book uses personal stories, including her own, to humanize the complex issues faced by many young adults, making the topics more accessible to family members and advisors thereby creating a clear pathway for the rising gen and those of us who support them to flourish and grow.”
Glen W. Johnson
President, Family Office Exchange (FOX)
“As an inheritor and parent of two rising gens, with 20 years of professional experience working with families of wealth, this book spoke to every aspect of who I am. It was so healing to see my own feelings compassionately reflected in the narratives. I appreciated that the book is grounded in positive psychology research, offering actionable steps towards mindset and behavior change. Finally, I applaud Kristin's call to action for advisors to ‘pivot from a fear-based approach to a strengths-&-capacity based approach’ in working with families of wealth. No matter who you are, an inheritor, a parent or grandparent of one, or a trusted advisor, you will greatly benefit from reading this book.”
Jamie Traeger-Muney, PhD
Family wealth consultant, founder of Wealth Legacy Group, and second-generation family business owner
“We found and retained Kristin after two years of research and countless books. As a G3 charged with helping to transition and prepare G4 for their roles in the world, I was acutely aware of the history of the number of families who were painfully unsuccessful in that transition. Wealth can be a tremendous tool that can be used for good—good of the family, good of the company(ies) and good of communities. But it can also, if not managed well, be an albatross that can ultimately ruin (referring to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” in which a sailor who shoots a friendly albatross is forced to wear its carcass around his neck as punishment—that metaphor can be quite apt in this instance). Through Kristin, we have learned that the process can indeed be managed well—helpful guardrails can be erected, thoughtful understanding of wealth and its responsibilities can be taught, and most importantly, the critical aspect of giving back can be demonstrated and modeled from a very early age. She taught us the ‘dimmer switch’ philosophy—appropriate learnings and disclosures at specific ages so as not to overwhelm and impede, but to empower and engage. And we are so much the better for it. This book is an encapsulation of Kristin’s work, a superb tool to begin a process (and make no mistake, it is a process) and most importantly, a manual to have the very necessary conversations that so many families of wealth shy away from. ‘To whom much is given, much will be required’ (Luke 12:48) is not a punishment, but an opportunity that can span generations—and Kristin and this book is the first step on that journey.”
Cara Esposito, DPDD, JD, MPA
Executive Director of the Leonetti-O’Connell Family Foundation
“The Myth of the Silver Spoon is the book we have been waiting for! It provides clear and, more importantly, actionable ideas and strategies for the rising generation regardless of age. This book belongs on the bookshelf of every advisor who is involved in family generational wealth planning.”
Timothy Belber, JD AEP
Family wealth consultant and author of The Middle Way: Using Balance to Create Successful Generational Family Wealth Transition Plans
“The Myth of the Silver Spoon is a much-needed resource for rising generation family members who might be ready to claim their narrative and control their trajectory. Keffeler captures the complex reality facing inheritors and empowers them with practical and approachable tools for moving forward. The Myth will also serve parents and advisors who want to bring empathy—and a plan—to the rising gen they care about. Let’s get this book into as many hands as we can.”
Jim Coutré
Family office and philanthropy professional
“Any inheritor navigating the journey toward the life they’re meant to lead would benefit from having Kristin as a guide. Reading her book is like taking a road trip with your best friend—one who also happens to wisely understand the challenging road inheritors face as they work to integrate their identity and their wealth and has brought along not only the map to chart the route but also snacks to make the journey fun!”
Coventry Edwards-Pitt, CFA, CFP®
Chief Creative Officer of Ballentine Partners and author of Raised Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
“The Myth of the Silver Spoon offers a practical, seven-step method to think through money, identity, relationships, and work that is grounded in the science of positive psychology and in Kristin Keffeler’s deep and personal understanding of the emotional complexities of wealth. It is a masterful contribution to anyone trying to build a life of meaning and purpose.”
Scott Peppet, JD
President, Chai Trust Company
