The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...

The global pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of our lives and exposed many shortcomings in our economic and social systems. By extension, the pandemic has also had a profound impact on ESG investing, as there is now a heightened sense of awareness and urgency to combat climate change and social inequality. Despite the challenges, however, there are also significant opportunities...

On April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden laid out some of his tax policy proposals in connection with his American Families Plan. While it appears that his previously announced American Jobs Plan would be paid for primarily with corporate taxes, his American Families Plan looks to individual taxes as a source of funding. Many of the proposed changes were part of his campaign platform and likely...

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Read Part 1: Three topics to understand as you start your trust planning Read Part 2: Four considerations for choosing the best trustee for you and your family A trust is an arrangement whereby one person (the grantor) places property in the care...

The role of a trustee—holding title to property for the benefit of another—sounds simple enough on its surface, but selecting a trustee is a complex decision with many nuances. Individuals who create trusts often focus on the trust provisions regarding disposition of the trust assets and their intent on timing and amount of assets to go to beneficiaries, but it is also really important to focus...

With the election over and the congressional makeup decided, we are all hoping to start gaining some clarity on what to expect on the tax policy landscape. In fact, we are beginning to see some action, as campaign promises become bills. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty as we wait and watch the legislative process unfold. For those considering wealth transfer, the most...

There are many variations of George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”[1]  A notable version came from novelist Kurt Vonnegut who wrote, “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”[2] When irrational exuberance seizes investors and the valuations of some assets rise...

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on fiduciary considerations for grantors, beneficiaries and trustees of trusts. Like other sound financial management and stewardship tactics, trusts are about planning for the future and planning for the ones you love. While you may think of trusts primarily as a part of planning for what happens to your wealth when you die, you may...

Fraud is rising at an alarming rate. Scammers are quick to leverage the latest technologies to deceive consumers and are becoming more creative and sophisticated with their deceptions. In addition, COVID-19 has played a significant role in the dramatic growth in scams and fraudulent activity. The pandemic has resulted in varying degrees of challenges for consumers and businesses....

Year-end is typically when many people start thinking about taxes. But waiting until the year is over may result in a scramble or the inability to implement certain time-sensitive strategies, which can make tax planning less effective. Often, people look back on the previous years’ filings and think of all the things that could have been done differently to help lessen their tax bill. Taking...

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Many individuals accomplished significant wealth planning in 2020 and earlier by...

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals If you are contemplating making a gift this year to take...

Listen to the podcast People often engage in charitable giving because they feel strongly about a specific cause and want to make a difference. There are many ways to be philanthropic and help a cause or organization, whether it is in your local community or in another country. No matter how or what you decide to give, from a financial standpoint, charitable giving can be an important part of...

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 1: Is uncertainty preventing you from planning? Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals A well-constructed and comprehensive wealth management plan involves the...

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on purposeful planning this year amidst some uncertainty. Read part 2: Considering whether life insurance fits within your wealth plan Read part 3: Flexible gifting for possible tax reform Read part 4: Four planning ideas that can help further your wealth planning goals 2020 was a year of significant wealth transfer for many families...

Listen to the podcast An integral function of most estate plans is the transfer of wealth to future generations. But rather than waiting until death to transfer assets, there may be tax benefits to giving while you’re living.   If you have sufficient wealth to cover your needs and then some, a lifetime gifting strategy could make sense from an estate and tax planning perspective, as well...