When we spend money, we are doing more than simply buying things. We want to create feelings of happiness, satisfaction and well-being—for ourselves and the people we care about. But are we really spending our money in ways that achieve those results? The answer, unfortunately, is probably not. The good news: We can shift our […]

Inheriting money comes with plenty of benefits. But an inheritance—even a big one—doesn’t automatically mean a worry-free life of ease. A windfall can actually create unique challenges and conflicts that become the root of significant problems for your heirs—and for you, too. The good news: You can take steps now to address potential issues related […]

Stress testing is a process that carefully examines your current wealth planning strategies. The main goal is to assess the likelihood that your strategies will deliver the results you expect them to in various environments and situations. Stress testing can also be effective at identifying potentially big problems—or possibly huge mistakes—so you can make changes […]

Too many of us put our work first and our lives second—and end up with little to no time for ourselves, our health, our families and all the other aspects of life that really matter to us. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this month’s Whistle Stop Report, Reclaim Your Time: Finding […]

They say we get wiser as we get older, but let’s face it: Many new uncertainties and challenges can crop up as people get deeper into their golden years. Changes in physical health and issues with memory can mean you—or your elderly parents—might require new types of never-before-needed assistance. That’s why in this Whistle Stop […]

Are you a fast-acting “do-er?” Taking quick, decisive steps when confronted with a challenge—or a potential opportunity—is often praised by our families, our bosses and even our entire culture. But is it the best way to achieve great outcomes? Maybe not. It turns out that the most financially successful individuals and families tend to take […]

Supporting favorite causes and nonprofit organizations is a top priority for many of us as we seek to not just do well but also do good. Indeed, we find that charitable giving is consistently one of the key financial concerns shared by many affluent individuals and families. But are your charitable contributions doing all they […]

A well-crafted estate plan can potentially allow you to pass on your assets as you see fit, and minimize the state and federal tax bite that often accompanies the transfer of significant wealth. If it’s up to date, that is. Far too many estate plans today are several years old—and therefore may not reflect important […]

In this Whistle Stop Report Three ‘Spy Secrets’ That Can Protect You, Your Family and Your Business a former CIA operative reveals some of his best spy strategies that regular people like us can use every day to safeguard two things that are most precious to us: our lives and the lives of our loved […]