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The federal estate tax exemption remains at an all-time high. For some families, that is genuinely good news. But it may also be creating a false sense of security, especially if you live in one of the states that sets its own rules or if your estate strategy was written before the law changed.

As financial professionals, we spend much of our time helping our clients prepare for retirement. By the time most of our clients are within a few years of retirement, their savings are there, their investment accounts are in order, and their income strategy is in place.

After years of walking clients through inheritances, business sales, bonuses, and liquidity events, we have seen how these moments unfold in remarkably consistent ways. There is almost always a boat, or something like one. A vacation home. A renovation. A car that was never quite justified before. None of it is wrong on its own.

Key Takeaways 

• How much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter? 
• What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last? 
• How common is it for women to be primary earners, and how should that change their insurance, investment, and retirement strategy? 

Key Takeaways

• Treat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.
• Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.
• Review contribution limits, charitable rules, and estate thresholds periodically to see if legislation has evolved.
• Consider how income timing, R

Key Takeaways

• Emotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.
• Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.
• Recognizing emotional triggers can help manage impulsive decisions.
• Guidance can help you recognize biases and potentially support

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past innovations such as the personal computer, the internet, and the smartphone.

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals.

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting

• Use SMART Goals for Clarity and Focus: Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Key Takeaways

• A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December.
• Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages.