Archive for September 2025
OBBBA 101: Quick Guide for Advisors Supporting Clients
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is one of the most significant pieces of tax and benefit legislation in recent years. While its details can feel overwhelming, advisors don’t need to memorize every subsection to make a meaningful impact for their clients. This quick guide highlights the key changes and action steps every trusted…
Read MorePros & Cons of OBBBA: What Advisors Should Flag Before Year-End
For financial advisors, CPAs, and fiduciaries, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) presents both powerful opportunities to add value and critical pitfalls to flag for clients. With year-end approaching, now is the time to help clients make informed, strategic moves—while the window of opportunity is open. Opportunities to Flag Bonus Depreciation PlanningOBBBA restores 100%…
Read MorePros & Cons of OBBBA: How Waiting Could Cost You in 2026
The Opportunity Is Real—but So Is the DeadlineThe “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) introduced a wave of tax incentives designed to stimulate investment, support business growth, and give families more flexibility in their planning. But like many generous tax laws, these benefits come with a sunset. Several key provisions are set to phase out…
Read MoreThe Big Beautiful Bill in Plain English: What Business Owners Need to Know
Laws like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) can seem dense and intimidating—but business owners can’t afford to tune out. This landmark legislation is reshaping the tax and planning landscape for entrepreneurs, property owners, and families. Here’s a clear breakdown of what it means for your income, your business structure, and your legacy. Effective…
Read MoreOBBBA Cons: The Hidden Risks Families Should Watch For
While OBBBA offers attractive tax breaks for many, not everyone comes out ahead. Some provisions introduce new risks—especially for seniors, Medi-Cal recipients, and families with complex assets. Key Hidden Risks: Why This Matters: Families must review Medi-Cal eligibility strategies, reconsider asset titling, and explore trust planning to preserve benefits while complying with the new rules.…
Read MoreOBBBA Pros: Tax Savings & Opportunities You Can Use Now
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, is shaking up the tax landscape in ways business owners and high-net-worth families can’t afford to ignore. While some provisions come with hidden complexities, there’s no question: the law opens the door to significant tax savings and strategic planning opportunities right…
Read MoreKnow What You Are Going to Do With It
Growing up, my dad had one piece of advice he shouted at every baseball game I played: “Know what you are going to do with it!” His voice cut through the noise of the field as our pitcher wound up to throw, and there I was—somewhere in the infield—listening. At the time, I thought it…
Read MoreCollaboration Is Key: Advisors in the Circle of Care
As professionals, we all know that no family situation is simple—and this is especially true when there is a vulnerable adult involved. Whether the challenges are related to mental health, addiction, disability, or diminished capacity, one thing is certain: no single advisor can provide every answer. True protection comes when we work together as part…
Read MoreTrust Design for Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Every family is unique, and so are the people we love. When a child, sibling, or other loved one lives with challenges such as mental health struggles, addiction, or a disability, planning ahead isn’t just about money—it’s about protection, stability, and dignity. Why Standard Planning May Not Be Enough Leaving an inheritance outright to a…
Read MoreSeptember Reminds Us: Prevention Isn’t Just Medical, It’s Legal Too
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time when families, communities, and professionals pause to raise awareness and strengthen the safety nets around those who may be struggling. We often think of prevention in medical or emotional terms—therapy, medication, and support systems—but there’s another layer that is just as vital: legal planning. Prevention in a Different Form…
Read MorePlanning for Vulnerable Adults in the Family
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a reminder that our loved ones’ well-being involves more than just their physical health or financial stability. For families, this month is also an opportunity to reflect on how estate planning can provide support, protection, and dignity for vulnerable adults who may be living with mental health challenges, disabilities, or other…
Read MoreBreaking the Silence Around Mental Health and Planning
Conversations about mental health—and especially suicide—are never easy. For many families, the instinct is to stay quiet, hoping struggles will pass or that bringing them up might make things worse. But silence doesn’t protect us. In fact, it can make families even more vulnerable when a crisis arises. Estate planning, though often seen as a…
Read MoreCreating a Circle of Support
When we think about estate planning, it’s easy to focus only on the legal documents—wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But when a vulnerable loved one is involved, paperwork alone is not enough. True protection comes from creating a circle of support—a team of people and professionals who can step in together to provide care,…
Read MoreWhen the Seasons Turn
There are seasons in life that arrive not with fanfare, but with a quiet whisper. You notice it first in subtle ways—a cooler morning breeze, a pause in the pace of your days, a restlessness you can’t quite name. Change rarely knocks loudly at the door. More often, it slips into the room softly, asking…
Read MorePlanning for Vulnerable Loved Ones: A Different Kind of Protection
When most people think of estate planning, they imagine wills, trusts, and dividing assets. But planning is also about protecting family members who may face challenges that money alone can’t solve. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to pause and recognize the importance of preparing for life’s hardest moments. If a loved one…
Read MoreWhy Advisors Should Flag Mental Health Risks in Planning
Advisors are trained to think about risk—market downturns, tax changes, asset protection, or family disputes. But one area of risk that often goes unnoticed is mental health. When advisors overlook the impact of mental health struggles on planning, families can face unexpected challenges that jeopardize not just wealth, but also relationships, safety, and well-being. Mental…
Read MoreThe Advisor’s Role in Suicide Prevention Planning: Spotting Issues and Supporting Families
Advisors often stand at the intersection of financial, legal, and family dynamics. Because of this trusted position, you may be among the first to notice when something doesn’t feel right with a client or their family member. In cases where mental health challenges or suicide risk may be present, your ability to spot potential issues…
Read MoreEstate Planning Isn’t Just for Wealth—It’s for Wellness
When most people hear “estate planning,” they picture wills, trusts, and dividing assets. It’s easy to assume planning is only for the wealthy. But the truth is, estate planning is just as much about health, safety, and well-being as it is about money. More Than Dollars and Documents Estate planning creates a roadmap for how…
Read MoreWhy Powers of Attorney Matter More Than You Think
When we think of estate planning, we often imagine wills, trusts, or dividing assets after someone passes away. But some of the most critical planning tools come into play during life, especially when a loved one faces a health challenge. The Hidden Risk of No Plan If a loved one experiences a mental health crisis…
Read MoreProtecting Loved Ones Who May Be Struggling
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, foster compassion, and shine a light on those living with mental health challenges. For many families, this awareness leads to an important question: how can estate planning help protect loved ones who may be vulnerable? Estate Planning as a Safety Net While estate planning is often…
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