
Three steps to shaping heirs before the inheritance arrives
Ken Polk, founder of Arlington Family Offices, shares a three-step framework to prepare children for inheritance: 1) build character early by having kids identify eight aspirational traits and write a letter to their future selves to define their purpose beyond money; 2) teach ongoing financial habits starting around age 6 using a three‑jar system (give, save, live) and gradually entrust more money as they grow; 3) explain what they’re inheriting and why with a legacy letter, revealing family finances to them between ages 19–22 and letting them make their own financial decisions, all while living and passing on shared values that create a lasting legacy.











