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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Over the weekend, I read commentary around a new book by a gentleman named Bill Perkins. The book is called “Die with Zero,” and the premises is just that—you don’t get to take it with you, so you need to enjoy it and attain fulfillment. This fulfillment, Perkins states, may include giving money to your…
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The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there’s little doubt that “the most wonderful time of the year” has arrived. For most families, this season is a time of reflection and connection as we bid farewell to the old year…
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I’m so grateful Angela invited me to be a guest on the Life Planning 101 podcast. In this week’s episode, we talked about how technology — which makes our daily lives easier — has the potential to make things incredibly challenging for our loved ones, should something ever happen to us. One of the topics…
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That is the million-dollar question…no pun intended. It sounds like a lot – and it is – but well, it’s not. It is exciting when that life event you’ve been anticipating finally occurs: retirement or selling your ranch or business. It is especially exciting when there is a seven-figure check involved. However, it is important…
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