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 …

Published by Beth Schanou, Director of Wealth and Estate Planning When you hear “estate planning,” what comes to mind?  Some of the things that come to mind for many are the need to work with an estate planning attorney and having long, hard to read documents drafted. That is part of it. Th …

Published by Beth Schanou, Director of Wealth and Estate Planning Does it ever feel like time gets away from you?

Published by Beth Schanou A current estate plan is important to have in place for senior citizens.  This planning is just as vital for parents of minor children for two important reasons:  naming a guardian and arranging for the management of the children’s inheritance.

Published by Beth Schanou As the school year comes to a close and summer unofficially begins, high school graduates begin the transition to a new stage in their life. For many, final preparations are underway for post-secondary education and possibly getting ready to move, at least temporar …