Vanilla
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Jan 26, 2026
Estate Planning in 2026: The Data Behind What Clients Actually Want
What do clients really want from estate planning, and their advisors? Vanilla’s third annual State of Estate Planning survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers reveals shifting expectations around legacy, wealth transfer, and the role advisors play in these deeply personal conversations. What we’ll cover: Why 80% of clients now expect estate planning as part of their advisor’s offering The gap between intention and action—and where advisors can step in How the gender gap in estate planning represents an untapped opportunity What clients actually want from AI-assisted planning (hint: it’s not replacement) How to position estate planning conversations around values, not just...
Vanilla
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Jan 05, 2026
From Planners to Process: How Verdence Capital Advisors Scaled Financial Planning
Running a successful advisory practice isn’t just about having great planners—it’s about building systems and processes that enable those planners to deliver exceptional client experiences consistently and efficiently. At Verdence Capital Advisors, a $5B+ RIA, Sarah Mouser has spent over a decade developing comprehensive approaches to financial planning that go beyond individual expertise to create scalable, systematic client service. Join us to hear how Sarah, a sought-after speaker at Barron’s, FPA National Conferences, and other industry events, thinks about practice management, technology integration, and building planning processes that support growth. Together with Vanilla’s Sarah Marriott, Sarah will discuss: The evolution...
Vanilla
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Nov 18, 2025
A Year of Innovation: Vanilla’s 2025 Highlights & 2026 Vision
This year has been transformative for Vanilla and the advisors we serve. From major product launches to key milestones that strengthened our position as the category-creating estate planning platform, we’ve continued our mission to make comprehensive estate planning accessible and scalable for advisors across all wealth segments. Gene and Sam will walk through: The innovations we shipped in 2025 and what they mean for your practice The moments that defined our year and reinforced our market leadership What’s coming next in 2026 and how we’re building toward the future of estate planning technology We’ll reserve plenty of time for Q&A,...
Vanilla
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Oct 16, 2025
Redefining Advisor Value: A Conversation on Productivity, Pricing, and Moving Upmarket
Join industry thought leaders Michael Kitces and Steve Lockshin for a live fireside chat and Q&A on Nov. 13th. They’ll unpack the evolving landscape of financial advice—from the realities of advisor productivity to the enduring importance of estate planning. In an era where advisors are expanding their services and redefining value, Kitces and Lockshin will explore what it really takes to move upmarket, scale efficiently, and deliver deeper client impact. Drawing on decades of experience, they’ll separate myth from reality around fee compression, discuss how holistic planning drives growth, and highlight why estate planning remains a cornerstone of exceptional client...
Vanilla
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Oct 09, 2025
A Differentiated Approach: How Robertson Stephens Stands Out with Estate Planning
In a crowded marketplace of advisory firms, going the extra mile for clients can be the difference between multi-generational retention and losing out to competitors. At Robertson Stephens, Mallon FitzPatrick is prioritizing client success and satisfaction through white glove estate planning services supported by Vanilla. Join us to hear how Mallon, who was recently named a Finalist for Thought Leader of the Year in the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries, is driving long-term success for Robertson Stephens through strategic differentiation and client centricity. Together with Vanilla’s Laura Jogani, Mallon will discuss: The framework behind Robertson Stephens’ differentiated approach to planning and what sets...
Vanilla
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Aug 22, 2025
Lifespan & Legacy: The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning
Life insurance is a critical aspect of any client’s estate plan, no matter their age or wealth-level. But how exactly does life insurance fit into a client’s broader estate and financial picture, and how can advisor support this aspect of planning? Join Vanilla and Allianz for a webinar exploring the intersection of estate planning and life insurance, where we’ll cover what advisors need to know about life insurance planning. Topics will include: How life insurance fits into the estate plan, including liquidity, tax efficiency, wealth transfer Term vs. permanent insurance, and which makes sense for clients Common mistakes when life...
Vanilla
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Aug 05, 2025
Estate Planning for Advisors: Foundational Concepts and Best Practices
Tune in for this estate planning 101 course with Vanilla’s expert team. We’ll cover all the basics an advisor needs to know about estate planning, from core documents to common types of trusts. Plus, we’ll take a look at the soft skills an advisor needs to hone to start having these important conversations with clients. Whether you’re exploring the idea of adding estate planning to your firm’s offering or just need a refresher on the basics, this CE-eligible course will offer a valuable overview of estate planning topics geared toward advisors. Topics will include: Intro to estate planning, core documents,...
Vanilla
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Jul 01, 2025
Winning the next generation of wealth holders
The wealth management landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and advisors who want their firms to thrive in the future need to pay attention. Join us for a candid fireside chat featuring Ron Bullis, Founder & CEO of Lifeworks Advisors and the Future of Advice Academy, in conversation with Michael Schwoerer, Head of Partnerships at Vanilla. Together, they’ll explore how shifting client expectations, emerging technologies, and the rise of holistic planning are redefining the advisor-client relationship. They’ll also discuss the core tenet of holistic advice: the firms that win the next generation of wealth holders will be those that prioritize...
Vanilla
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Jun 13, 2025
Organic Growth and Lead Generation: Using Estate Planning to Win New Business
Estate planning is quickly becoming one of the most effective ways for advisors to differentiate their offering and generate new business—without relying on cold outreach or traditional marketing. In this live webinar, you’ll learn how forward-thinking firms are using estate planning as a lead-generation engine. From offering free planning checkups to delivering visual summaries of complex documents, you’ll see how this once-overlooked service can open the door to more conversations, referrals, and assets under management. We’ll also show how Vanilla can help you scale these efforts without adding overhead. Steve and Larry will cover topics like: Creative ways to use...
