Category: Estate Planning

Vanilla

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Jan 19, 2026

The financial advisory profession has shifted from selling investments to building long-term client relationships grounded in comprehensive wealth stewardship. Today’s clients expect a holistic approach to financial planning from their financial advisor, and the ongoing commoditization of investment management means that advisors can no longer rely on returns alone to prove their value. Think of this shift as an opportunity to deepen client relationships, boost satisfaction, and differentiate your practice, particularly if you’re serving mass affluent clients and high earners building wealth. Leveraging the following 12 strategies can help you deliver the end-to-end experience modern clients are looking for while...

Sarah D. McDaniel, CFA

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Jan 08, 2026

The new year naturally prompts clients to reflect on their priorities and reassess their goals. While many focus on financial resolutions and self reflection, this mindset creates an ideal opportunity to introduce estate planning conversations to ensure client wishes are properly documented and their loved ones protected. Just as clients wouldn't operate with an outdated financial strategy, their estate plans require regular attention to remain aligned with current circumstances and intentions. A systematic review identifies gaps between clients' current plans and present reality, demonstrating your commitment to holistic wealth management beyond investment performance. Frame it as an estate health check...

Vanilla

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Jan 06, 2026

Though an often overlooked part of financial planning, estate planning is a critical part of a well-rounded wealth management strategy. In fact, estate planning is about much more than just creating a will. A thoughtful estate plan is a comprehensive strategy for things like:  Managing one’s wealth during life and after death Ensuring one’s family is cared for Supporting causes that align with one’s values Minimizing taxes and fees Documenting wishes in case of incapacitation Planning for one’s future legacy The common myth that estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy is patently false. Estate planning benefits individuals at all...

Sarah D. McDaniel, CFA

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Jan 05, 2026

Let’s face it—most people procrastinate. Deadlines are often the only motivators that spur action, and for financial planning, this “crunch time” tends to hit in November and December. Unfortunately, this end-of-year rush isn’t ideal for a number of reasons: The holidays: Advisors and clients alike are juggling travel, vacations, and family obligations. Emotional decision-making: Whether it’s the stress of family reunions or the joy of celebrations, emotions can cloud judgment. Rushed choices: Big-picture financial planning requires clarity and focus, neither of which are easy to achieve in a hectic environment. The result? A less-than-optimal setup for making critical long-term decisions....

Vanilla

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Dec 18, 2025

As your clients’ lives evolve, so should their estate plan. Your role as their financial advisor is to guide them through each stage, ensuring their plans stay relevant and aligned with their goals while working alongside estate attorneys to protect what they've built. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to position your estate planning services and deliver real value throughout the entire estate planning process. Why estate planning requires wealth management expertise For even simple estates, clients need professional help beyond drafting documents. They need someone who understands how their wealth connects to their legacy goals....

Vanilla

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Dec 09, 2025

All of your clients need estate planning. Many of them don't realize it yet. Only a little over 50% of Baby Boomers have a trust, will, or an estate plan in place, a figure that decreases with each subsequent generation. Meanwhile, your ability to retain their families through generational wealth transfers hangs in the balance. Only 27% of heirs plan to keep their benefactor's wealth advisor, dropping to 20% for those who have already received an inheritance. Estate planning isn't just critical for your clients. It's critical for your practice. As an advisor, you can influence your clients’ ability to...

Vanilla

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Dec 01, 2025

Over the next two decades, $124 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to younger generations. Your clients are part of this colossal shift, and they want help navigating it. Research confirms this: 93% of clients want estate planning advice from their advisor. Beyond the legal structures of estate planning, legacy planning is increasingly a key component of a comprehensive financial plan. Where estate planning focuses on wills, trusts, and tax strategies, legacy planning adds another dimension, addressing personal values, family dynamics, charitable intentions, and the stories your clients want to pass down.  Legacy planning: Estate planning plus intent Your clients...

Vanilla

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Nov 11, 2025

Choosing the wrong power of attorney (POA) can leave families scrambling during a crisis. Each state has its own rules governing these documents, and understanding which POA is suitable for a situation matters more than most people realize. In this guide, we break down the six main types of POAs for individuals, families, caregivers, financial advisors, and estate planners who need clarity on this essential part of estate planning. 1. General power of attorney A general power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) broad authority over another person’s (called the principal)...

Jennifer Raess JD, CFP®, CLU®

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Nov 05, 2025

The IRS has released its inflation-adjusted numbers for 2026, confirming key updates for estate, gift, and income tax planning. These changes, combined with provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), will reshape how advisors approach gifting, deductions, and trust taxation. Now is the time for advisors to revisit clients’ estate strategies to prepare for 2026. Here's a snapshot of the key changes advisors need to know: 2026 Changes at a Glance Category 2025 2026 Lifetime estate & gift exemption $13.99M/person $27.98M/married couple $15M/person $30M/married couple Annual gift exclusion $19,000/ $38,000 if gift splitting $19,000/ $38,000 if gift splitting...