Commentary

Estate planning is more than signing documents and putting them away—it’s making sure your plan continues to reflect your wishes and works for the people who may need to carry it out. Reviewing it through the perspectives of your attorney, a professional trustee, and wealth advisor can help uncover gaps, simplify unnecessary complexity, and keep your family’s goals at the center. And yes, it helps if they can find the documents more easily than the garage door opener.

[VIDEO] We were fortunate to have our good friend and colleague Iran Harvell in office this week, meeting with the team and a number of clients. She also joined Dave and Mike presenting at this week’s Quarterly Event and we recap the night with them in this week’s video. [ARTICLE] I regularly talk with other advisors, whether some “kicking the tires” on TEN Capital, discussions at conferences, etc., as well as see and be the recipient of countless sales pitches from firms on why to join them. A common refrain that drives me crazy is the concept of creating a “lifestyle” practice that functions on “autopilot.” This week we discuss our philosophies around TEN and how they stand in stark contrast to these mindsets.

Investors often feel, and express, that the “market makes no sense” and that certainly has been the case this year where “bearishness” has been pervasive despite the strong market returns year-to-date. This week we walk through some of what drives that sentiment, but also what ultimately drives markets higher.

This week we reflect on the latest decision from the Federal Reserve, the market’s current reaction, what similar decisions have meant to markets historically with a bit more time and perspective, and key thoughts for investors to consider regarding how they should or shouldn’t react.

As we head into fall, after a relatively quiet summer for markets, there are any number of potential headline-making events ready to take the stage and act as meaningful market catalysts. From the Fed’s rate decision, to Treasury rates, and of course the upcoming midterms. Today, we’ll take a look at some of these events, but also look out a bit to get a better understanding of where the economy sits today.

Grief and financial decisions are a difficult combination. Give yourself time, take things one step at a time, and lean on trusted family members and professionals to help manage the details while you focus on yourself and your family.

Providing care for aging parents isn’t just a financial or logistical challenge—it’s an emotional one, too. Families who build both a financial planning team and an emotional support network before a crisis occurs can be better equipped to reduce stress, navigate conflict, and honor their loved one’s wishes.

The biggest risk facing the Sandwich Generation isn’t necessarily financial—it’s being forced to make important financial and family decisions during a crisis because the family hasn’t had the conversations or done the planning beforehand. Don’t make your family figure this out while they’re in crisis!

Many investors continue to frame advisors as though they are old-school stockbrokers. Such a view misses out on the opportunity to solve so many real issues facing investors. This week we touch on the importance of asset location and distribution strategies to help improve net returns.