Financial Wellbeing, Defined

Financial literacy looks different at every stage of life — and for many families, it extends far beyond understanding numbers on a balance sheet. As responsibilities grow and decisions become more complex, financial wellbeing becomes less about outcomes alone and more about clarity, confidence, and alignment. 

As Senior Managing Director and a leader for Tolleson’s advisory team, Josh Coury works closely with families navigating these decisions — helping them bring structure to complexity and confidence to the choices that matter most. Within the scope of financial wellness, Josh shares the themes he sees most often in his work and how he thinks about wellbeing across generations. 

Q: What’s the most common challenge you see families facing today? 

A: Many families are navigating increasing complexity — financial, personal, and generational — all at the same time. Success often brings more decisions, more moving parts, and more voices at the table. The challenge usually isn’t a lack of resources but rather bringing clarity and alignment to decisions, so wealth supports the life and legacy our client families want to shape. 

With our roots as a single‑family office, we’ve always kept that perspective in mind. Our goal has consistently been to simplify the complex for clients. At the end of the day, we don’t want the added complexity that wealth can bring to become a burden. 

Q: How do you personally define financial wellbeing, and how is it different from financial success? 

A: Financial success is often measured by outcomes — returns, growth, or scale. Financial wellbeing is broader and much more personal. To me, it means having a plan and, just as importantly, having confidence in that plan. 

Financial wellbeing reflects alignment between resources, values, priorities, and long‑term vision. It’s the sense that your finances support your life rather than complicate it — and that they are structured to support your family over time in the way you expect and intend. 

Q: What is a piece of advice that has stayed with you throughout your career? 

A: One of my mentors reminded me that we are ultimately in the business of giving advice. That means the key differentiator becomes both the quality of the advice and the execution behind it. 

I’m constantly looking at our business through multiple lenses — the services we provide, the client experience, technology, and the mentoring and development of advisors — and working to ensure our service model continues to align with what families actually need. 

Q: When working with families, what matters just as much as numbers and strategy? 

A: Trust and communication matter just as much as the numbers. Families need to feel heard, understood, and supported. My role as an advisor is to help families see the possibilities — recognizing that what works for one family may not work for another. 

Most meaningful decisions involve many people and perspectives, which makes collaboration essential. Strong coordination and thoughtful execution are just as important as the strategy itself. 

Q: How do you help families think about financial wellbeing over time — not just for today? 

A: We begin by helping families articulate what they want their wealth to accomplish, both now and over time. Those conversations often include family values, education, preparation, and responsibility. 

Long-term financial wellbeing is less about control and more about understanding and alignment. Some of the most impactful conversations we participate in involve the entire family, and being invited into those discussions is something we don’t take lightly. 

At the same time, it’s important to meet individuals where they are in life — whether that means helping a next generation buy their first home, walk through basic estate planning, or build a foundational budget. Those moments matter and serve as important preparation for what comes next. 

Q: Outside of work, what helps you maintain balance or perspective? 

A: Time with my family keeps everything grounded. Life with a three‑year‑old daughter and an eight‑year‑old son has a way of bringing clarity to what really matters, and my wife and I are intentional about protecting that time together. 

I also enjoy getting out for a run on the weekends — less so during Texas summers — but it’s a great way to reset and create space for perspective. 

Q: What is something you are especially proud of? 

A: I’m proud of the relationships I have, both with the families who trust us and with the talented people I work with every day. Being able to serve in a leadership role and help mentor and develop advisors is especially fulfilling. 

Financial wellbeing is not defined by a single metric or moment. It’s shaped through thoughtful decisions, clear communication, and trusted relationships over time — and through an approach that remains personal as circumstances change.