Blended families are now a defining feature of modern life. As remarriage and later-in-life family formation become more common, many individuals find themselves balancing deep commitments to a current spouse while also feeling a lifelong responsibility to children from a prior relationship. Estate planning in this context is not just a legal exercise, it is…
Estate planning is one of the most important but often overlooked steps in protecting your legacy and providing clarity for your loved ones. Without the proper documents in place, such as a will, state law dictates how your assets are distributed and who administers your estate, which may not reflect your intentions. Proactive planning can…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. Crummey trusts can help families use the annual gift exclusion while supporting longer-term estate planning goals. They offer a thoughtful way to move assets out of an estate without giving beneficiaries immediate unrestricted control. Learn more about whether a Crummey trust…
For many families, gifting assets to children or grandchildren is an important part of long‑term financial planning. While annual cash gifts can be made, beneficiaries may use them immediately. Alternatively, trusts can be funded to provide oversight and protection, but gift and estate taxes can make those transfers more costly than expected. Fortunately, there is…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This video explains the role of Special Needs Trusts in planning for the future while preserving benefits and supporting lifelong care.
Estate planning for a loved one with special needs requires thoughtful consideration and specialized tools to ensure long‑term financial protection and continued access to essential state and federal benefits. In the past, families often left assets to another sibling with the understanding they would manage funds on behalf of the family member. Today, there are…
Giving is often seen as something reserved for the wealthy, but meaningful philanthropy is more personal and accessible than many people realize. In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Elizabeth Wagner, Senior Vice President and Director of Endowments, Foundations, and Charitable Giving at Bryn Mawr Trust, about…
A cohabitation agreement helps fill these gaps by defining expectations, documenting contributions, and protecting both partners through clarity and enforceability.
College costs keep rising, but the financial side is only part of the story. How do you plan for education while balancing emotions, expectations, and long-term goals? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy break down smarter, more flexible ways to fund education while navigating the emotions, expectations, and values that shape these decisions….
Wealth planning strategies are rarely about numbers alone, and traditional structures may not meet the complex long-term goals individuals seek to achieve. One planning concept that has gained increased attention in recent years is the purpose trust, designed to carry-out a defined objective rather than simply distributing assets to beneficiaries. Purpose trusts are not new, but their…
As you accumulate wealth over a lifetime, complexity follows. Early in your career, financial planning may have consisted of budgeting, cash flow, building an emergency fund, and getting proper insurance in place. You may even engage an advisor for investing, an attorney to draft wills, or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to do your taxes….
Life insurance can be a powerful tool to incorporate into your estate and broader financial plan, particularly if you are a business owner. This is due, in large part, to the tax-free nature of income tax treatment of life insurance death benefits. Life insurance serves as a tax-efficient tool that allows you to pass wealth…
Consistently updating your estate planning documents is essential to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and legally enforceable as your life circumstances change. Consider these top eight life situations or events that highlight the importance of regular updates. 1. Life Changes Major life events often require updates to your estate plan. These include: If your documents…
As parents age, adult children often find themselves in the dual role of caregiver and financial planner — a balancing act that can be emotionally and financially taxing. This dynamic, frequently referred to as the “sandwich generation,” describes those who support their children while caring for aging parents. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of…
In today’s fast-paced world, planning for the unexpected is more important than ever, especially when it comes to our health and medical care. A living will serves as a vital safeguard for individuals and their loved ones, articulating one’s preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may be unable to voice those choices. This…
As families accumulate wealth, trusts offer protection, growth, and efficient transfer from an individual (or grantor) to beneficiaries. While previously thought to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy, trusts are an excellent financial planning resource and are gaining popularity among the broader public. Today, we review how trusts may help families prepare for a multitude of…
People often ask whether they need a living trust for their estate plan. The answer depends upon your goals for managing your assets during your lifetime and how you would like to transfer them after your passing. Here are some key points to consider when determining whether a living trust is right for you. What…
In this webinar, we discuss when and how to open up about money with your family.
The largest wealth transfer in history is happening right now. Baby Boomers—who control an estimated $84 trillion in assets…
Estate planning is one of the most thoughtful decisions property owners can make when placing real estate assets in a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Many people think estate planning is just about writing a will, but it involves much more—especially if you own valuable property. Using an LLC for real estate can provide legal protection,…
Financial planning can have many definitions. It can relate to your business, your finances, or your family in general. This exercise provides a road map of where you have been financially, where you are, and where you want to go. I am often asked how frequently I should partake in this exercise, and my answer…
According to DeVoe and Company, 2024 saw the highest number of transactions in the RIA space (269), with Q4 recording the most reported deals ever (78) in a single quarter.1 Even Robinhood’s recent acquisition of TradePMR signals the strategic positioning among advisory firms. This massive migration to the independent RIA model, many of whom are transitioning from traditional, full-service models, signals significant advisory trends shaping wealth management solutions’ current and future state.
As 2025 approaches, policy shifts under a new Trump administration are taking shape. For investors, understanding the new tax, healthcare, and retirement landscape is crucial to navigating the future. Here are some of the most impactful potential policy changes and how they may influence your financial planning. Tax Reform One primary goal is the continuation…
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to review effective tax strategies. Watch our insightful webinar where we’ll uncover powerful tax-saving methods that can help you maximize your savings before the end of the year. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, you’ll learn actionable tips to reduce your…
In a world where technology drives our daily lives, it is no surprise that we have increasingly placed more value on our digital identities and belongings, also known as digital assets.
Despite placing six-figure valuations on their digital assets, Americans are largely neglecting these assets during financial planning
As the year closes, it’s a good time to update your beneficiary designations, which is a vital yet often overlooked step in financial planning. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, and the passing of a loved one can leave outdated beneficiary information on accounts. Failing to update these can create confusion, delay, and even prevent…
When the foundation of a structure becomes unstable, everything built on top must adjust or risk collapse. This principle is not only true in construction but also in financial and estate planning. In the United States, financial and estate planning is deeply intertwined with legal and tax codes, which form the foundation for achieving our financial…
Planning Perspectives is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This week we discuss the importance of frequently reviewing your estate plan.
Dealing with your estate plan is often not front of mind, but it is very necessary. Below are five reasons you should consider reviewing your estate plan now.
Watch our replay on why having an estate plan is vitally important. Watch to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes by providing your loved ones with invaluable peace of mind. In this webinar, we outline the benefits of establishing and regularly updating a plan to secure your legacy.
When it comes to managing your wealth for the future, having a sound investment strategy is paramount. However, equally important is ensuring that your estate plan is closely aligned with these investment choices. The synergy between how you manage your assets today and how you plan to pass them on to beneficiaries can significantly impact your financial legacy and security.
Planning Perspectives is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This week we discuss how creating a digital vault for your estate plan.
Planning Perspectives is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This week we discuss asset protection trusts and spousal lifetime access trusts (SLAT).
Trust asset management requires a multifaceted approach to managing the day-to-day running of a portfolio that encompasses, among other things, strategic asset allocation, fiduciary responsibilities, risk management and a keen understanding of tax implications. Trustees must navigate a complex landscape to fulfill their obligations, optimize financial outcomes, and align investments with the trust’s goals and beneficiaries’ needs.
SLATs have gained popularity recently, to shift wealth out of the taxable estate. What is the big deal about the estate tax?
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