Wealth Planning Commentary – April 28, 2025

Creating Peace of Mind During Volatility The markets feel relatively calm compared to early April, and it is easy to become complacent. However, it remains more likely than not that we will experience continued turbulence this year, which may cause ongoing concern. One key objective of wealth planning is to help provide peace of mind, […]
Will My Children Inherit Too Much?

As published in Kiplinger If you worry about how your children will handle an inheritance, you’re not alone. Luckily, you have options — from lifetime gifting to trusts — that can help. Some parents worry that leaving too much money to their children could hinder their growth or well-being. But what constitutes “too much” is […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – April 21, 2025

Seeking Stability with Annuities Amid this year’s market volatility, certain high-net-worth individuals and families who have historically been comfortable with risk are shifting their behavior. Some are now expressing increased interest in annuities to manage uncertainty and protect future income. In 2024, total annuity sales were $432.4 billion, up 12% from the prior year. Overall […]
Leveraging Deferred Sales Trusts for Strategic Tax Management

As published in Rethinking65 DSTs enable sellers of businesses or real estate to invest the proceeds while controlling the amount and timing of tax liabilities. Key Points• The trust can help control the amount and timing of tax liabilities.• It’s often used when selling businesses or real estate.• The seller avoids credit risk and gets […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – April 14, 2025

Volatile Times: Tax Loss Harvesting, 529 Plans, and Risk Tolerance Many investors have sold positions over the past few weeks to lock in capital losses. It’s important to distinguish capital losses from charitable deductions, as the two operate differently from an income tax perspective. Tax loss harvesting allows losses to be carried forward indefinitely until […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – April 7, 2025

Downturn Wealth Planning Threats and Opportunities The market is in a correction and flirting with bear market territory. Given this environment, assessing potential risks and taking advantage of planning opportunities is important. Start by reviewing loan-to-asset ratios where portfolios are pledged against lines of credit. A $1 million pledged asset line against a $2 million […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – March 31, 2025

Rising Costs, Roth IRAs, and Social Security Expectations With inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty this year, building a buffer for rising costs may be wise. To prepare for a potential price surge, we recommend increasing projected living expenses this year and next. For those feeling the strain of higher costs, now is a good time […]
Are You a High Earner But Still Broke? Five Fixes for That

March 24, 2025 If you’re a HENRY (a higher earner, not rich yet) but feel like you still live paycheck to paycheck, there are steps you can take to get control of your financial future. As published in Kiplinger HENRYs, or high earners, not rich yet, are professionals who earn significant income but struggle to […]
Preparing for an Inheritance: Don’t Let Your Blessing Become a Curse

March 5, 2025 A few practical steps, such as establishing your financial independence and asking questions, can help you avoid inheritance pitfalls. As published in Kiplinger By Mallon FitzPatrick Many people look forward to an inheritance — it can provide financial security, opportunities for education and the ability to pursue passions. But there’s a lesser-known, […]
2025 and Beyond: Investment and Wealth Planning Outlook Webinar

Jan 24, 2025 – Chief Investment Officer Stuart Katz and Head of Wealth Planning Mallon FitzPatrick have a conversation moderated by Chief Economist Jeanette Garretty as they offer their perspective on markets and wealth planning. Disclosures Investment advisory services offered through Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not […]
Dynasty 529 Plans Can Build Generational Wealth

November 12, 2024 Leveraging these college-savings plans for tax-free growth combats rising education costs but families must keep up with IRS developments. As published in Rethinking65 By Mallon FitzPatrick A 529 plan is arguably one of the most powerful vehicles for funding higher education in the United States. These plans come in two varieties: prepaid […]
3 Questions with Robertson Stephens featuring Head of Wealth Planning, Mallon FitzPatrick

May 9, 2024 – Chief Marketing Officer Louis Calabrese hosts Mallon FitzPatrick to talk about wealth transfer planning and strategies on how to approach it. Disclosures Investment advisory services offered through Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does […]