The holidays often bring a whirlwind of activity—planning, hosting, and striving for perfection. But beneath the surface lies an opportunity to reflect on what truly endures.
In the family office world, we talk often about human capital—the relationships, values, and shared purpose that sustain families across generations. Financial capital matters, of course, but without strong human capital, wealth can fracture rather than unite.
This is where the concept of Sacred Goods comes in: love, respect, fairness, understanding, and meaning. These intangible assets are the foundation of thriving families. They are not measured in dollars, yet they shape legacies more powerfully than any investment portfolio.
I recently read an article highlighting the importance of Sacred Goods, written by Matthew M. Wrenshall and Scott E. Rahn in the STEP Journal (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). The article highlights a striking truth: many estate disputes don’t arise from financial assets, but from items with deep emotional significance. In one case, a decade-long conflict centered on a single painting with no market value—because one sibling felt profoundly connected to it.
The lesson? Not all value is financial. Sometimes, what we’re really protecting isn’t a thing—it’s a feeling. And those feelings—those sacred goods—can either bring families closer or tear them apart if we don’t handle them with care.
Beyond Financial Value: What We Overlook
When planning for generational wealth, we tend to focus on tangible assets—real estate, businesses, securities. But often, the items that hold the deepest significance—jewelry, heirlooms, handwritten letters—are overlooked because they lack market value.
How do you quantify the ring passed down through three generations, or the painting that hung in your childhood home? These objects carry identity, memory, and belonging. Ignoring their meaning can lead to misunderstandings—or even conflict.
Investing in Relationships: A Core Principle of Wealth
True wealth is not only financial—it’s relational. Families that thrive across generations invest intentionally in trust, communication, and shared values. That means elevating conversations beyond balance sheets:
✅ Reflect on what feels sacred
• Which traditions, stories, or objects hold meaning beyond their material worth?
✅ Talk about it—courageously
• Share your intentions and the stories behind what matters most. These conversations require vulnerability, but they strengthen bonds and prevent future heartache.
✅ Create rituals that celebrate meaning
• Create habits around talking about sacred goods and highlighting gratitude.
• Discuss not just your estate plan, but how you want to live and prioritize what matters every day.
The Big Takeaway
Generational wealth is more than financial capital—it’s human capital. It’s the ability to keep families intact and thriving by honoring what truly matters. This season, be bold enough to elevate the conversation. Listen deeply. Share openly.
Because wealth isn’t just what you own—it’s how you live, how you love, and how you invest in relationships that last for generations.
What’s your sacred good? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories!
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Lindsay Hollinger is Co-Founder of Granite Family Office, a former tax lawyer, educator, and speaker dedicated to women’s financial empowerment. She created the Granite Women’s Powership Symposium and upcoming Powership Podcast to help women connect money with meaning — and step confidently into their power, purpose, and legacy.
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