"When it's love vs. money, Americans prefer the hefty bank account," the results of a Northwestern Mutual survey of 4,375 U.S. adults revealed. A majority of couples in a serious relationship, the survey revealed, feel financial compatibility is more important than...
estate and tax planning
On Charitable Terms
People make split-interest charitable gifts to balance philanthropy with their personal financial needs. As Fidelity Charitable explains, clients can achieve several goals using split-interest charitable giving: Generating lifetime income without triggering immediate...
Wine and Estate Planning — More Similar Than You Think
"Wine and investing are more similar than you think", Bryce Sanders tells financial advisors, suggesting they use wine-related analogies to create "aha" moments in conversations with their clients. Interestingly, several of the analogies Sanders mention apply to the...
Talking About Giving — Where’s the Disconnect?
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the fact that estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners each have a role in helping clients as they prepare to sell a business. It appears, from recent studies, however, that when it comes to...
Before the Business Sale, Bolster the Estate Plan
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the importance of having estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners work together to help clients realize their goals. Nothing demonstrates the need for precisely that kind of coordination than...
To Do the Estate Planning Tango, It Often Takes Even More Than Two
" By organizing and structuring your estate plan, you can avoid confusion, hefty tax implications, and the potential for family disputes," a Cornerstone Wealth piece points out. But accomplishing those three goals often involves a team with at least three key...
Franchising for Growth? Adjust Estate Plan to Achieve Long-Range Goals
When you want to expand your business, you evaluate possible sources of capital: finance the growth through personal savings and credit cards? apply for a government-backed (SBA) or bank loan (paying interest) as well as personal guarantees? solicit angel investors or...
Business Succession Planning — No, It Isn’t Easy
"Business succession planning is both necessary and beneficial," Mark Cussen observes in Investopedia. But the process isn't easy, as our Geyer Law estate planning attorneys know. Whether you’re the owner of a small family business or a large corporation, the...
Estate Planning Helps Keep Purpose Intact
"Mishandled, estate and/or trust administration can cause family rifts; on the other hand, competent and careful management helps keep family memories happy and purpose-intact," Margaret A. Munro and Kathryn A Murphy explain in Estate and Trust Administration for...
Tax Law Changes Don’t Diminish the Value of Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-advised funds are charitable investment accounts that individuals or families can use exclusively for the support of charities they care about. These funds can be opened with a minimum gift of $5,000 and have significantly lower administrative burden and costs...

