The Modern Mini-Family Office: A Smarter Way to Manage Wealth

 

When most people hear “family office,” they picture a full-time team managing the personal finances, investments, tax strategies, and legacy planning of a billionaire family. And while that image fits for the ultra-elite, the reality is that many families with $1M to $10M+ in assets don’t require—or want—the complexity or overhead of a traditional family office.

 

That’s where a boutique wealth management firm like ours steps in.

 

We operate as a mini-family office—offering many of the same services you’d expect from a fully staffed private office, but with greater flexibility, fewer layers, and a deeply personal relationship. Think of us as your family’s CFO, strategist, and concierge all rolled into one.

 


 

WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

 

1. Strategic Investment Management

We don’t do cookie-cutter portfolios. We build customized, tax-aware investment strategies—often incorporating private equity, direct indexing, structured notes, or thematic allocations—to align with your goals, risk profile, and family priorities.

 

2. Tax & Cash-Flow Optimization

From charitable giving vehicles and capital gain deferrals to multi-entity income structuring, we work alongside your CPA (or bring one in) to proactively manage your tax exposure and maximize after-tax returns.

 

3. Coordinated Planning Across Generations

We help families manage multi-generational wealth by coordinating estate planning, setting up family trusts, and helping younger generations become responsible stewards of capital. We also integrate family values into philanthropy and legacy planning.

 

4. Business & Liquidity Event Planning

We help families manage multi-generational wealth by coordinating estate planning, setting up family trusts, and helping younger generations become responsible stewards of capital. We also integrate family values into philanthropy and legacy planning.

 

5. Unconflicted, High-Touch Advice

Because we’re an independent fiduciary firm, our advice is always in your best interest. No hidden commissions. No product pushing. Just thoughtful, strategic guidance built around your family’s goals and complexity.

 


 

WHY FAMILIES ARE REPLACING TRADITIONAL WEALTH MANAGERS

 

What we hear most from clients is this: “We want the capabilities of a family office, without building one from scratch.” That’s exactly what we deliver—deep expertise, institutional-level strategy, and close coordination across all facets of your financial life, but with the agility and personalization of a boutique firm.

 

And unlike siloed financial models, we ensure your estate attorney, CPA, insurance advisor, and other professionals are all on the same page. We lead the charge in keeping things aligned—so you can focus on living your life, not managing your advisors.

 

Bottom Line

If you’ve outgrown the traditional wealth manager but aren’t ready (or interested) in assembling a full-scale family office, our boutique approach might be exactly what you need. We help simplify complexity, preserve wealth, and give families confidence in every decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Clients of DePaolo & May Strategic Wealth may hold positions in the securities discussed in this content. Please see disclosures here: https://dmstrategicwealth.com/disclosures

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