Category: Estate Planning

79.6 million family households include at least one family member with a disability, and 23.6% of all families include at least one adult with a disability. Source: U.S. Census Bureau When a family member is newly living with a disability, life changes suddenly and profoundly for everyone in their family, not just the injured individual. [...]

Life is full of decisions, especially when it comes to planning your legacy and choosing who will manage your trust. With trusts being an estate planning tool utilized by many of our clients, a common question we hear is whether to appoint an individual—such as a family member or close friend—or to employ a professional [...]

When it comes to estate planning, LGBTQ+ individuals may need additional considerations to ensure that their wishes are fully honored and protected. Given the variation in state laws and recognition, same-sex couples must continue to be conscientious and thoughtful when it comes to their estate planning efforts, and are highly encouraged to seek a competent [...]

Are you intrigued by the idea of maximizing life experiences and strategically spending your wealth while you’re able to enjoy it? If you’ve read Die with Zero: Getting all you can from your money and your life by Bill Perkins, you may be inspired to rethink traditional wealth accumulation. This book challenges the conventional mindset, encouraging individuals [...]

Trusts are among the most powerful, common, and flexible legal tools used to protect wealth in the United States. Trusts can serve a variety of purposes, from minimizing estate taxes to shielding assets from creditors, predators, future ex-spouses, and oftentimes from beneficiaries themselves. You can use trusts to identify how you would like assets to [...]

Talking about money can be uncomfortable for many people; it’s taboo in our culture to reveal too much about our finances, often even with those closest to us. Additionally, discussions about money can generate strong emotions, or feel intimidating and overwhelming. But as parents become grandparents, retire, and begin thinking about building their legacy and [...]

Who manages the finances in your family? Do you share the responsibilities in your household, or is one individual mostly in charge? While every family is different, it’s not unusual to have a single person take the lead in managing the money for a family, often covering everything from budgeting to investing to estate planning. [...]

As we near the end of the year, it’s time to wrap up year-end charitable giving. To ensure that your gift donations are processed by year-end, please follow the deadline guidelines below for Schwab and Fidelity brokerage accounts. Schwab Deadlines Type of gift/contribution Deadline requirement for 2024 tax deduction Mutual fund Schwab must receive letter [...]

Wealth is more than just money—it’s about security, opportunities, and legacy. But preserving and growing that wealth across generations requires a proactive plan. Enter the family wealth charter, a personalized document that lays out your family’s financial goals, values, and a structure for decision-making. It’s not just about handling assets, but about ensuring everyone in [...]