Welcome to the Family Council Canvas
Clarity for Families. Directions for Advisors.
A collaborative tool that helps families and their advisors align around values, goals, and strategies.
Because a lasting legacy requires purpose, trust, and shared direction.
A Tool Grounded in Experience and Research
The Family Council Canvas was developed by Nicholas Schwarz, Founder and CEO of The Cecily Group. With over two decades of experience advising high-net-worth families across borders, Nicholas saw a recurring challenge: the technical side of wealth management was well covered, but the human side was often overlooked.
Families needed more than financial advice. They needed help building trust, strengthening communication, aligning values, and defining long-term purpose. Without this alignment, advisors can't deliver truly meaningful guidance, and families risk losing their legacy.
To address this, Nicholas pursued doctoral research at Bocconi University, studying the mechanisms that create long-term purpose and how this strengthens the quality of advisory relationships.
The Family Council Canvas is the result: a structured framework for the conversations that matter most. It helps families and advisors move forward with clarity, alignment, and a shared sense of purpose.
What We Offer to Families
Align Around What Truly Matters.
- Have Meaningful Conversations: Create space where every voice is heard.
- Clarify Shared Values: Discover and articulate the principles that unite you.
- Plan Together: Build a strategy around Wealth, Relationships, Time, and Purpose.
What We Offer to Advisors
Elevate Your Practice. Deepen Client Trust.
- Strengthen Client Relationships: Engage families at a deeper, more holistic level.
- Create Strategic Alignment: Turn family goals and values into actionable plans.
- Stand Out as Trusted: Differentiate your services with a tool that delivers clarity and connection.
How It Works
A Simple Framework With Lasting Impact.
In just four intuitive steps, the Family Council Canvas guides families and advisors through the most crucial conversations.
Plans & Pricing
Now until February 1, 2026
Our product is, and always will be, free for families, because the clarity and connection it brings are truly priceless.
Forever Free for Families
- Create your own Family Canvas
- Invite Family members to contribute
- Invite Advisors to view and advise
- Full access to tools designed to support your family's conversations
€0 / year
Free Forever
For Advisors
Free until February 1, 2026.
Afterward:
- Silver – Free Forever: Invite families, view Canvases
- Gold – €10 / month: Contribute to unlimited Canvases
- Platinum – Coming Soon: Includes Family Council Cards + Booklet
Coming Soon: Complete the Experience
Take the Canvas offline. With the Family Council Card Set, you can guide meaningful conversations at the dinner table with the same clarity and structure as in the digital tool.
Family Council Card Set + Booklet
• A printed set of the Council Cards
• The Family Council booklet
€120 one-time purchase
*Shipping costs may apply. Available soon for direct order.