Episodi

  • Updating Your Estate Plan: Why Once Isn’t Enough

    Updating Your Estate Plan: Why Once Isn’t Enough
    Oct 14 2026
    In episode 8, we explore why creating an estate plan is only the beginning of the planning process. Families, finances, businesses, health, and personal goals can all change over time, potentially leaving an existing plan out of step with the client's current circumstances. The episode examines common events that should trigger an estate plan review, including marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, changes in health, death in the family, business transactions, changes in wealth, relocation, and changes involving trustees or beneficiaries. It also highlights how financial advisors can proactively identify these changes and encourage clients to review their plans before outdated documents or uncoordinated assets create problems. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    12 min
  • Medicaid and Elder Care Planning Essentials

    Medicaid and Elder Care Planning Essentials
    Oct 7 2026
    In this episode 7, we explore why Medicaid and elder care planning should begin before a family is facing an immediate care crisis. The episode examines the differences between healthcare and long-term care, the role Medicaid may play for eligible individuals, and why families should seek appropriate guidance before transferring assets or making major financial decisions. The episode also addresses incapacity planning, powers of attorney, the family home, long-term care insurance, spousal considerations, family communication, and the role financial advisors can play in identifying potential elder care planning needs. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    12 min
  • Estate Planning for Families with Complex Assets

    Estate Planning for Families with Complex Assets
    Sep 30 2026
    In episode 6, we explore the unique challenges families face when estate planning involves complex assets such as businesses, real estate, private investments, partnership interests, and concentrated positions. This episode examines why these assets require more than simply deciding who receives them, including the importance of succession planning, valuation, liquidity, ownership structure, and coordination among legal, financial, tax, and business professionals. Listeners will also learn how advisors can help clients identify potential planning gaps before complex assets become difficult issues for future generations. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    11 min
  • Communicating Estate Plans With Families

    Communicating Estate Plans With Families
    Sep 23 2026
    Episode 5 explores why communication is an essential part of a successful estate plan. While legal documents provide the structure for transferring wealth and managing affairs, families are often left to interpret those decisions without understanding the intentions behind them. The episode examines how clients can prepare trustees, executors, business successors, and beneficiaries for their future roles, why explaining the purpose behind certain decisions can reduce conflict, and how advisors can help clients begin important conversations before a crisis occurs. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    11 min
  • The Role of Professional Trustees vs Family Members

    The Role of Professional Trustees vs Family Members
    Sep 16 2026
    In episode 4, we examine one of the most important decisions in trust planning: who should serve as trustee. The episode explores the advantages and potential challenges of choosing a family member versus a professional trustee, including expertise, independence, cost, continuity, family dynamics, and the complexity of the trust and its assets. You'll also learn why trustee selection should be based on the responsibilities involved rather than simply choosing the person the client trusts most, and how financial advisors and other professionals can help clients evaluate whether their current and successor trustees remain appropriate. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    11 min
  • Minimizing Taxes Through Estate Planning

    Minimizing Taxes Through Estate Planning
    Sep 9 2026
    Episode 3 explores how proactive estate planning can help address potential tax exposure while balancing the client’s broader financial and family objectives. The episode examines lifetime gifting, trusts, charitable planning, business and real estate considerations, and the importance of evaluating income tax consequences alongside estate tax concerns. It also highlights how coordinated planning among legal, tax, and financial professionals can help clients avoid costly mistakes and implement strategies before time or circumstances limit their options. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    11 min
  • Understanding Trusts: Which Type is Right for Your Clients

    Understanding Trusts: Which Type is Right for Your Clients
    Sep 2 2026
    Episode 2 breaks down the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, explains several common misconceptions about how trusts work, and explores why the right structure depends on the client’s specific goals, assets, family circumstances, and need for control. This episode also highlights the important role financial advisors and other professionals can play in identifying planning needs, coordinating with estate planning counsel, and making sure a trust is properly implemented after the documents are signed. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    16 min
  • The Importance of Starting Estate Planning Early

    The Importance of Starting Estate Planning Early
    Aug 26 2026
    Estate planning is often postponed until retirement, a major financial event, or a health concern makes it feel urgent. In the debut episode of Wise Counsel: Effective Financial and Estate Planning, we explain why starting earlier can give individuals and families more choices, greater flexibility, and more time to coordinate the legal, financial, tax, and personal aspects of a comprehensive estate plan. We also explore the risks of waiting until a crisis limits the options available. Contact Jay Franz: Website: buchalter.com/lawyer/j-noland-franz Email: jfranz@buchalter.com Phone: (480) 383-1861
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    13 min