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
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 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
At Sand Hill, we work with multi-generational families and one request that we sometimes see from clients is a preference to name minor children as account beneficiaries. Unfortunately, minors are legally unable to own property; therefore, they cannot inherit investment assets in their own name. Naming minors outright will lead to unnecessary complications for their … Continued
The Covid pandemic was disruptive and even catastrophic in many ways. One of the few positive developments during the pandemic was the emptying of animal shelters as we were all homebound and craving companionship. For most lucky pets (and humans), the attachment with their humans has continued post-pandemic. While pet insurance has been around for … Continued
Estate planning is a critical aspect of financial management that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Among the many decisions you’ll make during this process is who to name as beneficiary of your retirement plan accounts. Before completing or updating any existing beneficiary designations, it is crucial to … Continued
As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor™ (CEPA), I am committed to helping my clients navigate the complex world of business transitions and secure their financial legacies. I want to shed light on the pressing need for exit planning by sharing some eye-opening statistics and highlighting the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s delve into the … Continued
While no one wants to think about their mortality, end-of-life wishes are an essential part of estate planning. This type of planning gives you the opportunity to explicitly state what you do and—perhaps more importantly—don’t want. Advanced planning includes writing down your wishes and discussing them with friends, family, and doctors to help prevent potential misunderstandings … Continued
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity that allows a donor to contribute, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charitable 501(c)3 organizations from the fund over time. There are several considerations when using a DAF that will help you make the most of their benefits. … Continued
Fueled by the advance of technology, flexibility of remote work, continued expansion of global business, and desirable cost of living tradeoffs for retirees, the ranks of American expats continue to swell. Per the U.S. State Department, in 2020, roughly nine million Americans lived abroad, while a 2022 Gallup poll revealed 15% of Americans would like … Continued