Eeek… Just hearing the words “family meeting” can make you cringe, right? Most of us don’t have great memories of them. They’re usually called in response to conflict—especially when kids are involved—or to address topics no one really wants to talk about. And once the kids move out, these meetings seem to disappear altogether. But…
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You may want to think again! It’s common for a parent, or parents, to start gifting assets to their children as they get older. The problem is that they don’t seek advice and if they do, it’s typically from the wrong people. Unfortunately, the result can be very costly to the family. It could rock…
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If you are paralyzed (in this regard), there is good news. You are not alone! 68% of Americans do not have a valid Will. 63% of those making more than $80,000 per year say that “procrastination” is the reason they have not done any estate planning. Yet 52% of Americans over 55 say it would…
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Kids these days! How many times have you heard…or even said this? Parents these days! Yes, your children will be saying this someday, if they aren’t already. There is an ongoing disconnect between generations and the way they think about a lot of things, including money. This is evident in any family, so the good…
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Be forewarned. I am going to be candid here: Whatever excuse you just gave? It is just that—an excuse. First, it’s important to recognize that we all have dysfunctional families to some degree. Maybe you are facing substance or alcohol abuse, your kids are not getting along or there are others that don’t understand the…
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Preparing for the inevitable, or the unexpected, is not something that a lot of people like to think about. And today’s high-tech world is creating numerous, unintended challenges for loved ones. In this article, we’re sharing tips for why, what and how to best leverage technology to make things easier for loved ones. Why Organize…
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When you start your career in life planning and wealth management you realize every day is like drinking from a fire hose. As time goes on…it doesn’t really change. Unfortunately, there is ever increasing complexity that surrounds what seems to be the simplest of planning tools. IRAs, 401(k)s, and other like-kind retirement accounts are a…
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Can you hear it? It’s those two, ominous notes from the movie Jaws to let you know we are drawing nearer and nearer to the almost inevitable…the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This could mean that higher income taxes and estate taxes are headed your way. It’s important to…
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It’s the day after Super Bowl 58 and I am finally able to mutter the words…Dallas Cowboys without angst. We should have, could have, would have…. This week’s article title came by way of a colleague, who just happens to be a Green Bay Packers fan. It was in a humble effort of sportsmanship that…
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Across most of the world, our American work ethic is perceived as crazy. There was an article in Business Insider called, 11 American Work Habits Other Countries Avoid at All Costs.1. It named these: Crazy long hours Very little vacation time Not enough family leave Americans eat at their desk Breaks during the day are…
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