Smooth Operator

Kids these days can use Internet search engines to find out how much their parents are worth, and they’re using the information to their advantage.

Picture this: You and your spouse are sitting in the family room when your two children, ages 10 and 12, walk in. “We’ve got a question,” the younger one announces. “We know you two are worth about 800 grand, and so Frankie and me were wondering about when we get our shares.”

This question hits you like a tracer bullet between the eyes for a couple of reasons. First, you’ve never talked to your children about any financial arrangements more than when to expect their allowances. And second, this “800 grand” that little Chrissy just mentioned is remarkably close to your actual worth. So you sit there with your mind racing to comprehend where this conversation originated, but before you can frame a response, Chrissy adds, “I told Frankie that we each get our 400 G’s when we turn 18, but Frankie says we have to wait until you both die. Who’s right?”

You take a deep breath to steady yourself and to buy time to...