The holidays can be a good time to discuss money issues with extended family. TIP SHEET’s Linda Stern asked Johnne Syverson, a financial adviser in West Des Moines, Iowa, how to make that conversation work.

What is the point of holding a family money meeting?
We call it a family retreat. The primary purpose is to foster good communication between generations on topics pertaining to money and money values. We do a lot of them around the holidays. The whole goal is to maintain harmony even after Mom and Dad are gone.

Who should hold them?
The families I’ve been doing it for are those that care a lot about passing on values and legacies with their inheritances. It’s less “Here’s what you should be doing with your money” than it is “When I pass my money down, these are things that are important to me and I want you to know.”

Who should be invited?
Parents, children and their spouses. We always suggest using an outside facilitator. They are there as a neutral party to help resolve conflicts and spur conversation.

How can one find a facilitator?
Families can ask their own financial advisers for recommendations. They might have to do some searching, but it’s worth it.