Beyond Wealth: The Top 7 Priorities of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families

Why Lasting Legacies Require More Than Just Financial Success Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families—those with $30 million or more in investable assets—carry both extraordinary opportunities and unique responsibilities. Managing wealth at this level is not solely about returns; it involves safeguarding family harmony, shaping legacy, and aligning resources with values. In my experience, the following seven priorities … Continued

Considerations for a Corporate Trustee Before and After Death

Estate planning is one of the most important steps an individual can take to ensure that their assets are protected and properly distributed according to their wishes. For some people, appointing a corporate trustee—such as a bank trust department or an independent trust company—can provide significant advantages both during their lifetime and after their death. … Continued

The Sun Didn’t Set After All

Two of the most crucial steps in a successful financial plan are tax planning and estate planning. And like most important things in life, they are not a “one and done” endeavor but one that requires ongoing review and occasional adjustments to stay on track towards goals. For clients who are likely to have a … Continued

A Family Guide to Aging Parents

While it is never easy to discuss aging issues with our parents, these conversations are necessary to ensure that our loved ones can live out their final years with as little stress and conflict as possible. Given the complex dynamics between parent and child, it is important to approach the matter delicately as roles begin … Continued

Why Family Meetings Help Estate Planning Goals

The importance of well-crafted and proactive estate planning documents is widely understood by most families with significant wealth, but arguably an even more important element for successful wealth transfer is how such plans are ultimately interpreted and properly executed by the recipients after one’s passing. One practice that can really help the next generation better … Continued

Raising Wealth-Wise Gen Alpha Kids in a Digital World

Recently, my two-year-old daughter tapped the screen of a toy expecting it to do something—anything!—instantly. When it didn’t respond, she frowned and moved on, already looking for something else to capture her attention. In that simple moment, I saw the world she’s growing up in: one of instant feedback, endless options, and increasingly invisible value. … Continued

Final Rules for Inherited IRA Owners in a Post-SECURE Act World

Between now and 2045, Cerulli Associates estimates that more than $80 trillion in wealth will be transferred from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs. It is understandable to assume some of those assets will be in the form of retirement accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. With the enactment of the SECURE … Continued

Initial Steps to Take for Widows

The death of a spouse can be one of the most stressful events you’ll ever experience. Even if it is expected after a long illness and you’ve left nothing unsaid, it can be a time of great sadness and mourning. Unfortunately, for many surviving spouses, the pain can be compounded by the stress of decision … Continued

2025 Gifting Opportunities

The start of a new year is a great time to revisit on your existing financial plan and to determine if there are opportunities to make changes.  For example, with the rise in the S&P 500 over the last couple of years, you may find yourself in a position to be more generous with your … Continued

The Flexibility of the California Uniform Directed Trust Act

The need to identify an individual or group of individuals to step in down the road as your successor trustee can be a daunting exercise. Some clients prefer to name a private fiduciary or corporate trustee in the place of a family member or friend for these reasons:  • Appointing a corporate trustee alleviates family … Continued