When you’re ready to start a long-term giving program, choosing the right philanthropic vehicle can feel challenging. Here’s how a family office team can walk you through the steps to leaving an impactful legacy. more >
By Lisa Colletti Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
If you’ve been working with a financial plan and building your wealth over the years, there may come a time when you’ll need a higher level of advisory service. See what that may look like. more >
Financial crimes are on the rise, and people with diminishing capacity or other vulnerabilities are the biggest targets. Designating a trusted contact today can help your financial advisors protect you from exploitation in the future. more >
Special purpose acquisition companies have become a popular way for companies to go public. Learn more about them to decide whether your firm should merge with a SPAC. more >
By Kelly Cruz Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Two ballot measures would make some of the most sweeping changes to California property tax law in 42 years, if passed. Find out how they may affect property owners and what you can do to plan ahead. more >
By Nick Ruzette Senior Associate in Wealth Management
Unemployment can be a stressful time. But it’s much easier if you plan ahead. Learn what you need to do to take care of yourself financially while you move on to bigger and better things. more >
A change in the presidential administration may result in higher taxes for estates, property transferred at death and capital gains. Learn why it’s important to review your estate plan now. more >
By Linda Kitchens Director in Wealth Management, Partner
A goals-based approach to wealth management considers where you currently are in your financial journey and where you ultimately want to go. Discover the four simple steps to getting there. more >
If you’re on a clear road for professional success, it’s essential that you begin planning for financial success. Find out how to set up a layered savings strategy and download our checklist to get started. more >
By Sandra Conners Director in Wealth Management, Partner
No matter what stage your marriage is in, it's important to understand your personal financial situation. If it’s starting to look like the marriage is ending, thinking ahead and taking essential steps early can empower you to exit a divorce financially empowered. more >
Taking actionable steps now to cultivate your leadership skills will ensure you become the leader who helps your family business beat the odds and continue to thrive long into the future. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
Having a solid foundation of wealth management knowledge and a clear vision of what you’d like to achieve can help keep you on the path to financial success during COVID-19. more >
Interest rates are at an all-time low as the economy slumps during the pandemic. Find out what this means for your mortgage and loans to family and friends. more >
By Lisa Colletti Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
Many community groups have greater needs as a result of the pandemic, and the CARES Act encourages charitable giving. Learn tips on how to broaden your philanthropy with purpose. more >
By Melissa Punim Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
A marital agreement is sometimes a thorny topic for an engaged couple. But setting expectations early can be a healthy way of tackling the often-taboo subject of money — laying the groundwork for a happy marriage. more >
Although the coronavirus is turning the economy and markets sour at the moment, transferring assets at today’s reduced values means you could save on estate and gift taxes. more >
In addition to helping individuals, the CARES Act aims to prop up the economy by sustaining small businesses through the coronavirus pandemic. Find out about loan programs and tax provisions in the law. more >
By Lisa Colletti Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
To help us through the coronavirus pandemic, the federal CARES Act brings financial relief in the areas of retirement savings, charitable contributions, direct payments, student loans, unemployment insurance and more. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
During volatile markets, our emotions and biases can lead us to make unwise decisions that jeopardize a well-thought-out financial plan. Learn about common investing behaviors to avoid and how to stay calm. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
During turbulent financial markets, it’s helpful to understand the industry lingo. Learn general investment and tax terms to help you be a more confidant investor. more >
When living with your significant other, financial matters are unavoidable. Equity, fairness and protecting your own personal interests are important areas to discuss. Learn how a cohabitation agreement can help set clear expectations. more >
Direct listings of companies going public are on the rise. Find out if a direct listing is right for your firm and what it means for your shares. more >
By Matthew Sharp Senior Associate in Wealth Management
The SECURE Act brings a lot of changes to the retirement landscape and beyond. Read about the special provisions to find out who benefits and who may pay additional taxes. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
When a woman receives a large inheritance, it can have a big impact on her marriage. A doctoral candidate in clinical psychology who studied these relationship dynamics shares her findings and how couples with wealth can navigate challenges. more >
The gift tax exclusion can help you pass along your wealth to loved ones tax-free and reduce estate taxes. Learn about the different strategies you can use. more >
It’s open enrollment season. Understand the basics of employer-provided health care insurance and retirement savings plans so you can craft a benefit plan that aligns with your personal and financial needs. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
When it comes to building and preserving wealth, women have unique strengths and challenges. Play up your strengths and overcome challenges by following these steps on your financial journey. more >
Social Security is an important benefit program, but creating an appropriate strategy is often challenging. Be aware of the important considerations to sift through to maximize your benefits. more >
Often family business owners believe the company is their best long-term investment. But other factors need to be considered before transferring the company to the next generation. Learn how to evaluate the risks and rewards. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Restricted stock units are a popular way for tech companies and start-ups to compensate employees. Learn how to value them, their tax treatment and the potential consequences of holding too much. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
The word “loss” is often used casually and imperfectly in the investment world. But in reality, a limited number of situations actually lead to true investment losses. Here are a few of the most common and ways to avoid them. more >
Employing family members is a natural part of a family business. But it must be done carefully to avoid a visit from the IRS. Here are some important guidelines to follow. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
This summer, read a good book (or listen to a podcast) to discover how money impacts our society, secrets to wealth, or how your emotions play into your financial decisions. Aspiriant advisors offer up 10 top reads. more >
By Ginny King Director in Wealth Management, Partner
It’s easy to feel bombarded and obligated to donate to a wide range of charities. If you want to leave meaningful gifts, it’s best to write a philanthropic mission statement to guide your decisions. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
Children learn best by witnessing people exemplify strong ethics and wise decision-making. That is especially true when it comes to financial management. This Mother’s Day, we asked two Aspiriant wealth managers how they talk to their kids about money. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
By paying taxes on income today, you can have tax-free earnings in retirement with a Roth 401(k). Find out why a Roth 401(k) may be a better savings option for employees with higher income. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
Having the power to make your own financial decisions, without being manipulated or victimized by another, is key to independence. Find out three ways education can help end financial abuse. more >
A private business is often a family’s largest single asset, leading to additional risks that concentrated wealth brings. Learn about four diversification strategies to sustain your wealth regardless of the company’s success. more >
Getting into college isn’t as easy as it used to be. We spoke with a private college counselor for tips on how to navigate the tough terrain of the admissions process and financing. more >
By Lani Kapur Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Catastrophic wildfires and hurricanes are leading to higher property insurance bills. Learn why and what you can do to keep costs down while maintaining good coverage for your exclusive home. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
This year, why not set a resolution that will have lasting benefits? Sandi Bragar offers tips on how to find your money mojo through conversation. more >
By Matthew Sharp Senior Associate in Wealth Management
Today’s young professionals are giving greater thought before deciding to invest in a home. Learn about current homeownership trends among millennials, as well as the pros and cons of renting and buying. more >
When it comes to raising children with a giving mindset, it’s important to focus on teaching them empathy. Learn five tips from a client who specializes in helping families create successful giving plans. more >
As the way we receive care later in life is changing, so are our options for how to pay for it. Learn some of the current trends in financing elderly care and when you and your family should start planning. more >
By Kelly Cruz Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Limited liability companies offer several advantages to holding and protecting assets. But they require management and have additional costs. Learn about LLC basics, including the benefits and pitfalls of this special structure. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
When crafting a wealth transfer plan, it’s important to know there are two sides of money: the intellectual side and the emotional side. Learn how tackling the emotional aspects first leads to a more satisfying plan for you and future generations. more >
By Stephen Simon Senior Associate in Wealth Management
The term “financial advisor” can mean many things. For young professionals who are just starting to plan for the long term, it’s important to know the significant differences between an RIA, broker-dealer and robo-advisor. more >
By Jason Kiss Director in Wealth Management, Partner
By hiring your child for chores around the home or to work at your family business, you can transfer assets and help them save more for their future, thanks to the new tax law. Learn how. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
Not having a wealth transfer plan is a plan in and of itself. You’re just allowing the government to implement one for you. Learn how a wealth transfer framework helps you plan with intention. more >
With extremely low interest rates, investors were told for a long time to hold as little cash in money market accounts as possible. But as short-term interest rates rise, investors have more options to earn income. Randy Rae describes four cash options. more >
By Dawn Baca Senior Associate in Strategic Planning
If you’d like your family to support charities in a significant, long-term way, consider a private family foundation. Learn the tax advantages, family benefits and legal requirements of this philanthropic financial structure. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
Everyone should be proactive in personal security, but high net worth households have particular, heightened safety concerns. Sandi Bragar follows up on a Wall Street Journal interview with details on how to keep you and your family safer. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
If you’re a high-ranking company official with a concentration of company equity, a 10b5-1 plan is the smart way to trade shares and diversify your portfolio while avoiding scrutiny by the SEC. more >
After defining your legacy, how do you go about making it real? Greg Fasig follows up his previous article with actionable steps to give your time and money in ways that last generations. more >
By Stephen Simon Senior Associate in Wealth Management
Spring cleaning your home office may seem overwhelming. It’s easier if you start by organizing these five essential financial documents that help your advisors and family manage your financial affairs. more >
How do you know if you need a CFP or a CFA, or both? We explain some of the most common professional designations so you can select the right financial advisor to help you achieve your goals. more >
By Clay Stevens Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
The tax reform doubled the amount that a taxpayer can transfer without gift, estate or generation-skipping transfer taxes. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about estate planning. Here are six considerations to discuss with a wealth manager. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
As you finalize your 2017 taxes and prepare for the new federal tax law this year, save time and money by avoiding these common tax misunderstandings, from documentation to state taxes, which our wealth managers clarify. more >
The new qualified business income (QBI) deduction provides a new reason for small business owners to reconsider how they distribute profits to themselves. Learn why your business structure and compensation method matter. more >
Leaving a legacy is about more than just giving money. It’s about the influence you have on others. We all leave a legacy to some extent. Find out how to clearly define your legacy so that you can have a lasting, beneficial impact. more >
With the new tax law, year-round holistic tax planning and a sound understanding of your income and deductions can help you identify opportunities and strategies to achieve a more efficient tax result. Here are some planning tips for 2018. more >
By Greg Schick Director in Wealth Management, Partner
The combination of big-data techniques and massive data breaches means that all consumers, especially the wealthy, are at risk for targeted and sophisticated attacks on their identity. Learn how the game has changed, which risks you should be most concerned about, and how to protect yourself. more >
The new deduction for Qualified Business Income, also known as pass-through income, is one of the most complicated provisions of the tax act. Ray Edwards explains how the new deduction works for certain business owners and investors. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
There are thousands of wealth managers to choose from. Whether times are good or bad, it’s important to have a trusted financial partner who cares about you, not just your portfolio. Here are six signs to tell when you’ve found the perfect match. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
The tax act cuts the amount of home loan interest you can deduct from your income taxes. Should you still get a home loan? Wealth manager Sandi Bragar explains the changes in the tax law and why it still might be a good idea to mortgage your home. more >
By Helen A. Dietz Managing Director in Total Wealth Management, Partner
Last year was record-breaking for its low volatility, helping investors to see strong returns. While the economic expansion could continue, find out why a market correction is likely at some point, which requires careful risk management. more >
The gift of higher education is one that can have a long-lasting impact on your grandchild’s future. But what’s the best way to go about it? Learn the financial considerations — from gift taxes to financial aid — that should be made in partnership with the parents. more >
By Michael V Glowacki Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Reaching financial success from your hard work at a young age may leave you feeling a bit lost. Learn how to set a new vision for a fulfilling future. more >
Congress moved at a swift pace to deliver a tax overhaul bill to President Donald Trump. The House of Representatives and Senate made a number of amendments to their bills to reach a compromise. Here’s a summary of the final changes. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
For top executives, thinking about what you will do in your later years is essential to having a sound financial plan and being emotionally prepared for retirement. Read how an Aspiriant client successfully transitioned into a slower-paced lifestyle. more >
Congress is making headway in passing historic tax reform that would dramatically change tax rates and reduce the number of deductions. Find out how the current bills compare and what it means for your 2017 year-end tax planning. more >
By Helen A. Dietz Managing Director in Total Wealth Management, Partner
Donating illiquid stock and other assets is a great way to support your favorite charities and save taxes. But it’s more complicated than giving public securities. Wealth managers Helen A. Dietz and Cliff Loh explain why a team approach is the best way to go about it. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
Even when you have it all figured out, life can throw you a curveball. That’s why insurance is important to minimize the impact of the unexpected and help you get back on sound financial ground. Read about the basic coverages you need in the final chapter of our educational series for young adults. more >
Keeping most of your money in cash or a single stock can be riskier than you may think. Read about how a diversified strategy helped one couple meet their retirement goals sooner. more >
By Dawn Baca Senior Associate in Strategic Planning
Planning before acting often results in many benefits. This can be especially true when you’re facing a liquidity event like the sale of a business. Dawn Baca explains two strategies that can help reduce estate taxes. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
When you’re young, you’ve got amazing dynamics on your side to start investing for retirement or longer-term goals. Get empowered to invest by learning the basics in this chapter of our financial education series for young adults. more >
Frequently, new clients come to us asking for help managing their money after they’ve received a huge payout from a liquidity event at work. If they had come to us before the event, we could have helped them keep more of their hard earnings. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
Credit is a fact of life in America. It’s easy to get and easy to use. But how you use credit will impact your finances throughout your lifetime. Learn how to establish healthy credit habits in the latest chapter of our financial literacy series for young adults. more >
Serving as trustee to a family trust is a major responsibility. Learn about the pros and cons of choosing a relative to manage the trust and how a professional trustee can help. more >
By Melissa Punim Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Think you have a solid estate plan in place for your heirs? If it’s been a while since you established it, it’s probably time for a review. Melissa Punim details key estate planning considerations you should review each year. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
When you’re first starting out, your financial stability and future wealth depend on good saving habits. Learn about the three buckets of savings in the third post of our financial education series for young adults. more >
Giving a child a head-start in life requires careful financial planning to achieve both your and the child’s future goals. Here are four common strategies to pass down wealth to children in a meaningful way. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Company-provided stock options, especially ISOs, can be a boon for employees of start-ups experiencing skyrocketing growth. The trick is managing the income taxes. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
For first-time filers, taxes may seem daunting at first. But they're actually pretty easy. Aspiriant wealth managers explain the basics in the second post of our financial education series for young adults. more >
The money you’ll make during your lifetime is only half the story. How you manage your money is the key to reaching your personal goals. And it starts with setting a reasonable budget. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Incentive stock options, or ISOs, can make a huge impact on reaching one’s life goals. But success requires careful financial planning until that big liquidity event. Here’s one example. more >
By John Collins Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Sometimes protecting a family’s assets can go beyond suitable investments and tax-saving strategies. Learn how your wealth manager can also help your family through an addiction. more >
By Gavin Neil Manager in Wealth Management, Partner
As the Fed plans to push up interest rates, are you wondering if you should sell your bonds for stocks? Learn why rising rates are not necessarily a bad thing for a diversified, long-term investment portfolio. more >
A reverse mortgage can be a good way to supplement retirement income. Talia Pierluissi explains reverse mortgages and describes strategies to potentially help retirees reduce the risk of running out of money too soon. more >
By David Muchow Director in Wealth Management, Partner
When working through a divorce settlement, it’s important to factor in the possibility of a permanent disability impacting support payments. Special divorce disability insurance may help assure continuity and peace of mind. more >
By Sandi Bragar Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
If you’re wealthy, you don’t need to worry about your credit profile, right? Sandi explains why that’s not true and offers tips on how to maintain a great credit score and use credit to your advantage. more >
Republican income tax proposals to reduce rates at the top end and cap itemized deductions make year-end tax planning as important as ever. Ray Edwards details strategies to potentially minimize your tax bill. more >
By Lorraine Fox Director in Wealth Management, Partner
Too many professional athletes find themselves in financial distress or victims of investment scams. It’s a problem anyone could face. Lorraine Fox shares her insights as to how common pitfalls can be avoided. more >
By Clay Stevens Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Even if the new Republican-held White House and Congress repeal the estate tax, the question of how long it will last and other uncertainties still make estate planning a good idea. Clay Stevens explains why. more >
By Lisa Colletti Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
For many adult children, caring for their aging parents is a challenging responsibility. The best way to prepare is to start planning with them now, before crisis strikes. It's easier if you break down the process into three phases. more >
Choosing the right credit card for you depends on your unique spending patterns, desire for simplicity versus benefit optimization, and willingness to pay an annual fee to obtain better rewards. more >
By Myles D Rush Director in Wealth Management, Partner
If you’re thinking about moving to a retirement community at some point, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are an increasingly popular and unique housing option for senior living. more >
By Greg Schick Director in Wealth Management, Partner
While it may feel more comfortable to chase performance, taking a rigorous, systematic approach to your investment portfolio will steer you toward fundamental value and away from speculative excess. more >
By Kelly Cruz Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Before you sell that California property or transfer part of the ownership to a family member, trust or co-owner, be aware of what you can do… and how to do it right. more >
Life insurance has long been sold as a solution for paying burdensome estate and generation skipping taxes. It’s simple and free of income tax — it’s all you need to do, right? more >
By Lisa Colletti Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner
As a professional financial advisor, sometimes I find it impossible to leave my work at the office. Here are five memories that serve as financial lessons that are important to teach your kids. more >
By Aspiriant News Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm
While becoming a self-made millionaire is a dream for many, the reality of sudden wealth can actually bring with it a myriad of challenges that some may not know how to deal with. more >
By Kelly Cruz Director in Strategic Planning, Partner
Without an estate plan, your assets will be left to a list of your heirs determined by state law, and the courts would place any minor children with relatives. more >