Beyond Basic Estate Planning – Friendly Reminders

Valerie Adelman • October 29, 2026


Unforeseen events can happen at any time and at any age. It is easy for things to slip through the cracks and not get done. Our role as financial planners is to offer those kind reminders to our clients so they have peace of mind knowing that important matters are in place.


As National Estate Planning Awareness Week is observed the third week of October each year and this year it occurs from October 19th through the 25th, it is important to remind clients to review their estate planning documents. It isn’t enough to simply ask whether they have a will or a healthcare power of attorney. We need to confirm that wills and any amendments are signed, that assets are retitled in the name of a trust when applicable, and that all information is updated regarding current and successor executors and trustees.


Sharing information about estate planning documents is crucial not only for adult children who need to understand their aging parents’ plans, but also for senior parents who should be aware of their adult children’s arrangements. For example, in the event of an accident, who should be contacted as the healthcare power of attorney? Do family members know what medications and dosages are being taken? Are they aware of allergies and blood types? Are guardians named for minor children? Is there life insurance? Are there multiple 529 college savings plans?


While specific details do not necessarily need to be shared among family members, it is imperative that everyone knows where to find important documents and who the trusted advisors are—attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, insurance brokers, and religious leaders. Have funeral arrangements been made, and is long term care insurance in place?


By asking the right questions, we can help families reduce their worries and focus on what matters most: each other.


Two women are sitting next to each other on a bench and laughing.

Trump Account Basics

By William Howard • August 7, 2025
The Trump Accounts are a new tax-advantaged savings program for children created under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). They are available to any U.S. citizen or resident child under age 18 with a valid Social Security number. The accounts are established for the benefit of the child, with a parent, guardian, or grandparent serving as custodian until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18, depending on state law). Once the child becomes an adult, ownership and control transfer to them, similar to other custodial or youth-beneficiary accounts Key Features of the Trump Accounts Government seed funding: Children born between 2025 and 2028 receive an initial $1,000 contribution from the federal government. Family contributions: Families may contribute up to $5,000 per year, indexed for inflation. Employer contributions: Employers may contribute up to $2,500 per year; these contributions do not count as taxable income to the family. Investment options: Accounts will offer broadly diversified, low-cost index mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Distribution rules: Withdrawals are not permitted until the child reaches age 18 (with limited administrative exceptions). Qualified withdrawals: After age 18, penalty-free withdrawals are allowed for higher-education or job-training expenses, first-home purchases up to $10,000, and other standard IRA exceptions. Earnings and non-basis “seed” contributions grow tax-deferred and are taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. Early withdrawal penalties: Non-qualified withdrawals before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax. Adult-phase rules: Once the child reaches adulthood, standard IRA rules apply. Your overall goals should guide whether these accounts are the right fit. If education planning is your main objective, a 529 plan may offer more flexibility, since funds can be used for a wide range of qualified expenses before age 18. If long-term retirement planning is the priority, a Trump Account may be an attractive tool to help a child begin building a tax-advantaged nest egg early. Since the program is still being finalized and several administrative details remain uncertain, it’s important to stay informed ahead of the 2026 launch and consult a financial advisor with any additional questions.