Insights

By Beth Schanou, JD, CExP, Senior Wealth Planner Clients frequently ask whether they should leave their assets in a trust. My answer: It depends. If your net worth plus the death benefit of life insurance policies you own exceeds $13 million, putting your assets in specific types of trusts …

By Beth Schanou, JD, CExP, Senior Wealth Planner Who wants to spend an afternoon thinking about their mortality? No one, which is why more than half of Americans don’t even have a will.

By Elizabeth Schanou, JD, CExPTM , Senior Wealth Planner  Succession planning – or more accurately “business exit planning” – is a critical process that has weighty implications for small business owners. There are two key goals: You want to ensure a seamless transition that will pres …

Is your retirement plan lacking? Let’s look at 5 common retirement planning mistakes and how you can get the most out of your retirement plan.

Beth Schanou, Senior Wealth Planner   Finances can be difficult to talk about – especially with your parents when they need your financial help.

There is a strong premium on earning a college degree, perhaps driven by previous generations who witnessed the power of education. But you may find yourself receiving a student loan bill every month, even now as you contemplate sending your kids to college. Though an education continues to …

Heath Ledger’s death in 2008 is another tragic story of an extremely talented artist gone too young. The unfortunate circumstances of his death compounded the complexity of his estate, leaving lawyers and family in a difficult position.

Published by Beth Schanou During this time of year it is very common to see commercials or holiday movies with an adorable puppy or kitten as a Christmas gift. That scene and lasting image it leaves in our mind is very heart warming. While it may seem brilliant in that moment, gifting a pup …