Each year on November 11, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve served in the Armed Forces. Beyond the ceremonies and flags, Veterans Day offers military families a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a vital question: Is your family...

Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Research shows that a majority of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and by the third generation, the number climbs as high as 90%. That happens not because parents...

October 20–26, 2025, is Estate Planning Awareness Week - a national observance created to encourage Americans to think about what will happen to their loved ones and their assets after they die. For many people, the term estate planning brings to mind stacks of legal...

Losing someone you love reshapes your world in ways you may never expect. Some changes are obvious—you no longer share birthdays, dinners, or conversations. But the harder truth is that grief often weaves itself into the smallest details of daily life. You may notice...

A client once told me she would give anything to hear her grandmother’s voice again. Her grandmother had been the heart of the family—the one who told stories about how she survived the Great Depression and how she fell in love with her husband. But when she passed...

Labor Day has always been about honoring the American worker—the people who build our communities, power our economy, and create the foundation of our society. But this year, as we fire up our grills and enjoy that long weekend, there's an elephant in the room that...

When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Denton, Texas, heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he'd befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner's death, he didn't hesitate. Burke arrived at the City of Denton Animal Shelter before it opened to be...

You've just lost someone important to you, and now you're responsible for their home. Maybe it's sitting empty while you figure out what to do next. Maybe you're planning to sell it, or perhaps other family members want to move in eventually. Whatever your plans,...

When you think about estate planning, you probably picture wills, trusts, and who gets what. But what happens when decisions are made about your body, without your full consent, or when you're not really gone? A recent federal investigation uncovered a chilling truth:...

Imagine this: You've built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city's downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vision and generosity. Then, unexpectedly, you pass away—and nearly five years later, a will you may have...

Memorial Day isn’t just about barbeques or pool parties. It’s a day to collectively pause and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security.  As flags wave at half-staff and solemn ceremonies unfold across the country,...

When we think about Mother's Day, we often picture breakfast in bed, handmade cards, and bouquets of fresh flowers. But what if there was a way for mom to express her love and care that extends far beyond their lifetime? This is where thoughtful estate planning enters...

The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has revealed a complicated estate situation that serves as a powerful warning for everyone, married couples especially, regardless of your net worth.  Whether you have significant assets or just want to ensure your...

The July 2024 passing of beloved Gen X actress Shannen Doherty offers important lessons about estate planning during divorce. Known for her iconic roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210," “Heathers” and "Charmed," Doherty not only faced a courageous and public battle with...

When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility - distribute assets according to their will and handle some paperwork. However, as many executors discover, the role involves far more complexity, time, and...

​​Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will - a 6% decline from 2023. The Ameriprise survey found...