Estate and Legacy Planning | Financial Advisor

How We Work

Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of my foundation of success.

The Importance of Estate and Legacy Planning

Your wealth isn’t just a number; it’s a legacy. We focus on helping individuals and families manage their hard-earned assets, reduce tax consequences, and ensure their financial legacy lives on for generations to come. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with you, your CPA, and your attorney to develop a customized plan that addresses your specific goals and needs.

Here are some of the most important aspects of estate planning and what individuals aim to accomplish:

Will and Testament

A legal document outlining how your assets should be distributed after your death. Without a will, your assets may be distributed according to state laws which might not align with your wishes.

Trust

Trusts are legal entities that can hold and manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries. They are often used to avoid probate, provide for minor children or individuals with special needs, and manage assets for beneficiaries that may not be financially responsible.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney document authorized someone (known as an attorney-in-fact) to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. This ensures that your affairs are managed by someone you trust.

Healthcare Directives

These documents allow you to specify your medical preferences and designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so. They provide guidance on end-of-life care and treatment options.

Beneficiary Designations

Properly naming beneficiaries on your accounts ensures that your assets are distributed directly to the intended individuals, bypassing probate.

Reducing Taxes

Estate planning also involves strategies to minimize estate and inheritance taxes. This may include gifting assets during your lifetime, taking advantage of tax exemptions, and setting up trusts to protect your assets from taxation.

Charitable Contributions

Some people use estate planning to support causes and charities they care about by leaving a portion of their assets to the organization or by establishing a charitable trust.

Business Succession

Developing a succession plan may be of interest to business owners, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and management to the next generation or a designated successor.

Guardianship for Minor Children

Naming guardians for minor children is crucial in case both parents pass away. It ensures that responsible individuals are appointed to care for and raise the children.

Funeral and Burial Preferences

Instruction regarding your funeral and burial or cremation preferences.