About 70% of U.S. adults don’t have a will or trust, according to various surveys. That doesn’t mean they’re neglecting estate planning. Most people are exempt from estate and gift taxes under current law, so they don’t need a tax avoidance plan. The main goals of estate planning these days are to transfer property to the intended heirs in the most efficient way possible. Avoiding the expensive, time-consuming, and public probate process often is an important way to meet those goals. The title of this article is adapted from what was probably the first book to encourage people to take…

These seven gold stocks keep hitting new highs, a sign of a bullish trend in place and gathering force for the sector. How long that can continue is anyone’s guess but, for now, those trend-following algorithms and their human programmers are not staying away from the “buy” button. 7 NYSE Gold Stocks Hitting New Highs, Again Alamos Gold (NYSE: AGI) The new high on Friday was $25.36 and then the stock pulled back to close at $25.15. The stock’s 50-day moving average has remained above its 200-day moving average on the whole price chart. Both measures are headed up. The…

Last week, the S&P 500 hit correction territory, which is defined as a 10% decline from a previous high. Stocks rebounded on Friday, so the S&P 500 sits a little over 8% below its mid-February high, including the more than 2% decline last week. The Magnificent 7, consisting of Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Amazon.com (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), NVIDIA (NVDA), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Tesla (TSLA), has faired worse with a drubbing of almost 18% since mid-December. The pressure on stocks seems to come from an economic growth scare, which includes plunging consumer confidence, with additional fuel provided by the policy…

Most people should consider having one or more trusts in their estate plans. To make decisions about trusts you must be aware of trust terminology and basic concepts about the most common types of trusts. Keep in mind that some trusts are given different names in some regions or by different estate planners, but once you know the basic concepts you should be able to identify a trust by its description. A trust is a legal agreement involving at least three parties. The terms of the trust usually are embodied in a written document called a trust agreement. The person…

Recently, PwC highlighted key insights in “President Trump’s Agenda: What to Expect Next.” Under the Tax Policy section, they emphasize modeling various scenarios of potential tax proposals. In today’s climate of uncertainty—locally, nationally, and globally—the role of estate planners as risk managers is more crucial than ever. With the political and economic landscape shifting, including the potential sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), looming recession threats, and the possibility of increased tariffs, clients are faced with unprecedented uncertainties. While traditional estate planning often focuses on short-term tax benefits, adopting a long-term, scenario-based approach is now essential.…

Planning for retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. A straightforward approach can make the process easier: maximize investments and minimize expenses. Maximize Investments The more savings accumulated before retirement, the greater the financial flexibility later. This starts with increasing contributions to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA. Even small percentage increases over time can significantly impact long-term wealth. Bonuses and unexpected windfalls present another opportunity—rather than spending them, directing a portion into an investment account can accelerate retirement readiness. Beyond traditional retirement accounts, brokerage accounts offer additional growth potential for those looking to further build their nest egg. Another…

Tesla: does it benefit from the appearance in front of the White House by President Donald Trump and CEO Elon Musk along with new models of the EV? The price of Tesla stock has been in a significant slide ever since the two began showing up together in White House offices. You don’t often see the chief executive officers of big USA-based corporations making Sieg Hail hand gestures in public. Enough investors may have decided that billionaire Musk may have pushed beyond the boundaries and this recent selling of Tesla stock may be one of the consequences. Tesla stock charts…

Monday the S&P 500 closed down 8.62% from its Feb 19th high. For many parents, it’s a reminder that 529 savings plans are investment vehicles. If your 529 plan is the cornerstone of your education funding strategy, you may be worried. With over 16.8 million accounts according to the College Savings Plans Network, 529 savings plans are currently the most popular college savings vehicle. Given over a half trillion in the plans, this recent market crash demands a thoughtful response. Unlike retirement accounts, where many families can wait out a market downturn, college savings plans are typically bound by a…

The art market is undergoing significant transformations as younger collectors infuse it with fresh perspectives and modern investment strategies. Leading this shift is Arushi Kapoor, founder of The Agency Art House, who is dedicated to democratizing art investment and advising collectors on sustainable and meaningful collections. Her insights offer valuable lessons for seasoned art collectors, estate planning attorneys, and professional advisors aiming to engage younger generations in art succession. A New Mindset: Younger Collectors Redefining the Art World Younger collectors are reshaping the art world with innovative approaches. Unlike previous generations, who viewed art collecting as a long-term legacy pursuit,…

As I research the evolution of wealth management for my upcoming book, I’m constantly on the lookout for firms that are doing things differently—breaking away from the pack and redefining what it means to serve high-net-worth families. I recently spoke with Matt Fleissig, co-founder and CEO of Pathstone. Matt shared valuable insights into the firm’s forward-thinking approach, one that reimagines the entire client experience. With an unbundled service model, a focus on meaningful community-building, and a strategic commitment to leveraging technology, Pathstone offers a roadmap that other wealth management firms can learn from. Here’s what I think firms can take…