The Practical Planner

Navigating Louisiana's Estate Planning Landscape

wealth.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:19:17 GMT

In this episode, Anne Rhodes is joined by Addie Prewitt, and Alaina Lacter unpack the complexities of estate planning in Louisiana—from its unique legal terminology to key concepts like forced heirship, community property, and usufruct. They also address common misconceptions and explain why a comprehensive estate plan—especially including powers of attorney—is essential. Whether you're planning for your own estate or advising clients, this conversation sheds light on how Louisiana law shapes the planning process.

How to Handle Digital Assets in Estate Planning

wealth.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Crypto, online accounts, and other digital assets are now a critical part of estate planning—but many advisors and clients aren’t prepared. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton break down what advisors need to know, from crypto taxation and security risks to ensuring digital assets are accessible when needed. They cover key estate planning strategies, common mistakes, and how to help clients organize and protect their full digital footprint. Ignoring digital assets isn’t an option—advisors who understand them will be the ones clients trust most.

What to Know About Deed and Property Transfers in Estate Planning

wealth.com — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Practical Planner, our hosts dive deep into the complexities of deed transfers. They discuss how to transfer properties into trusts, the importance of title searches and the common mistakes that can create headaches and legal issues down the line. They also touch on navigating state-specific challenges and how to guide clients considering transferring property into a trust.

How Election Results Can Impact Estate Tax Strategies

wealth.com — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode, hosts Thomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and David Haughton explore how recent election results could shape estate tax planning through 2025 and beyond. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in navigating uncertainty in tax laws and political environments. The discussion includes the potential sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, why advisors must stay informed and adaptable and how to approach flexible planning for ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Everything You Need to Know About Credit Shelter Trusts

wealth.com — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:47:08 GMT

If you’ve wondered if your client needs a Credit Shelter Trust, this episode details their value in estate planning. Hosts Anne Rhodes, Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton discuss why Credit Shelter Trusts are designed for estate tax planning, specifically to preserve the estate tax exemption for spouses. They go into the different ways Credit Shelter Trusts can be structured and the potential downsides of using one. They also touch on Survivor’s Trusts and why flexibility in estate planning is so important. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

SLATs, Marital Trust Conversations, and “Extraordinary Dividends” with Chris Nason "

wealth.com — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Anne and Thomas are joined again by Chris Nason, partner at McDermott, Will and Emery LLP, to discuss the intracacies of how trusts operate, focusing on SLATs an Marital Trusts. Chris dives deep into SLATs, how they work, the benefits of having one and when having one may make sense. They also debunk a conversation that has been taking social media by storm about a certain trust structure that can help you avoid all taxes, and discuss why it's unlikely to work despite it going viral. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

Should Your Irrevocable Trust Own Your Business?

wealth.com — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

The previous episode covered why you may want your revocable trust should own your business. So, in this episode hosts Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com, and Thomas Kopelman, Head of Community at wealth.com and co-founder of AllStreet Wealth, talk about why you may want your irrevocable trust own your business. The discussion the main considerations — Control, Asset Protection and Tax Planning — as well as key legal terms to know, plus key examples of when someone may want to consider their business being in their irrevocable trust.

Intro to Revocable Trusts vs Irrevocable Trusts

wealth.com — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Practical Planner, hosts Anne Rhodes & Thomas Kopelman dive deeper into the world of trusts, giving nuanced definitions of what differentiates a revocable trust from an irrevocable trust and providing advisors with the knowledge they need to discuss the functionality and benefits with their clients.

Estate Planning Basics

wealth.com — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:41:00 GMT

In the premiere episode of The Practical Planner, hosts Anne & Thomas break down the foundational estate planning knowledge advisors need in an actionable way with real-life examples.

Trusts vs. Wills

wealth.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

What is the difference between a trust and a will? This is one of the top questions in estate planning, but finding a clear answer isn’t always easy. In this episode of The Practical Planner, Anne & Thomas dispel common misconceptions through straightforward discussion of the differences between wills and trusts, both definitionally and in practice — providing advisors with an actionable basis for estate planning conversations with their clients.

Where Estate Planning Fits into Life Planning with Justin Castelli

wealth.com — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:25:06 GMT

Justin Castelli, Founder of RLS Wealth, joins hosts Anne Rhodes and Thomas Kopelman to talk about how his approach to financial planning has shifted to focus on life planning by placing a focus on his clients’ life goals and values at the center rather than focusing on the numbers first. By helping clients figure out what their authentic life looks like and how to achieve it, he believes it brings more clarity to the estate planning process. Check out this episode to hear how he helps clients figure out what’s most important in their lives and how that helps them plan for what happens when they pass. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

How AI Is Changing Wealth Management and Estate Planning

wealth.com — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT

AI is transforming wealth management and estate planning, but how should advisors think about it? In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Dave Haughton, and Anne Rhodes sit down with Seungwoo Son, VP of Applied AI at Wealth.com, to unpack what AI can do today—and where it’s headed. They break down how advisors can use AI to streamline workflows, why human oversight still matters, and what to watch for when evaluating AI tools. From data privacy concerns to spotting unreliable outputs, they cover the must-knows for integrating AI effectively. AI won’t replace advisors, but those who use it wisely will have a clear advantage.

Charitable Giving & The Role of DAFs with Adam Nash

wealth.com — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 GMT

This week, Adam Nash, CEO and co-founder of Daffy, joins host Thomas Kopelmen for a special charity-focused episode of The Practical Planner. Giving to charities isn’t just about supporting causes you care about, it can provide immediate and long-term tax deductions. Adam and Thomas discuss how donor-advised funds (DAFs) work, how they allow you to better support your favorite charities and the financial and tax benefits of having one place. They touch on the role of automation in making charitable contributions easier, how to find the right charities to support and how to leverage the tax benefits of giving back.

Everything You Need to Know About Marital Trusts

wealth.com — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Curious when it makes sense to have a Marital Trust? Hosts Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at [wealth.com](http://wealth.com) and Thomas Kopelman, Head of Community at wealth.com and Co-founder of AllStreet Wealth discuss the three main reasons to set one up, including: - Concerns over how your spouse may use your assets - Tax planning purposes, including the the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax - Asset protection They dig into each reason and get into specifics of situations when having a Marital Trust can be beneficial.

Utilizing the Doubled TCJA Exemption before the 2025 Sunset with Chris Nason

wealth.com — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Chris Nason, a partner at McDermott, Will and Emery LLP, who focuses on tax and estate planning, and Stanford University Trust and Estate Planning teacher, joins Anne and Thomas in this episode to provide some background on The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 and how advisors can help their clients create estate planning and tax strategies before it’s benefits are set to sunset at the end of 2025. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

Individual vs. Joint Trusts: Which One Makes Sense?

wealth.com — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Deciding to fund an individual or a joint trust may seem like a straightforward decision. But there are a number of factors that can impact which one to choose. Hosts Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com and Thomas Koppelman, Head of Community at wealth.com and Lead Financial Advisor at AllStreet Wealth, get into the major differences between the two types of trusts, how people should approach choosing the right type of trust, and some misconceptions, including: How living in or moving to a community property state could impact a decision How joint trusts may negatively impact tax planning Why a joint trust doesn’t always have to be between spouses

2025 Tax and Wealth Transfer Numbers Every Advisor Should Know

wealth.com — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:30:00 GMT

Join hosts Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton as they dive into the critical financial planning numbers for 2025. Learn about updated estate tax exemptions, gifting limits, IRA and 401(k) contribution thresholds, and strategies like the Mega Backdoor Roth. Gain valuable insights into tax-advantaged accounts, including HSAs and 529 plans, and how these changes can impact your clients’ financial plans. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

Preparing for the Unimaginable and Inevitable with Samantha Russell

wealth.com — Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, joins hosts Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com and Thomas Kopelman, Head of Community at wealth.com and Founder at AllStreet Wealth, to share her personal story and how major life events led her to view estate planning in her life—that it’s not just something the top 1% do when they’re older but is also about giving loved ones peace of mind and clarity. She discusses how selling the company she and her husband, Ryan Russell built (Twenty Over Ten) was acquired by FMG, led them to taking estate planning seriously due to the financial windfall. But when the unimaginable happened and her husband was diagnosed with cancer, estate planning took on a whole new meaning for her and her family. You can buy her husband’s book, which she discussed in the episode, on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1804090840?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_F0F592E6F9AJY05AHNZ5.

The Family Support Playbook: Gifting, Loaning, and Renting Explained

wealth.com — Tue, 13 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Helping kids financially isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and David Haughton unpack the nuanced differences between gifting, loaning, and renting when supporting family—especially when it comes to housing. They explore the legal, tax, and emotional factors behind each approach, including intra-family mortgages, interest forgiveness, and structuring rental agreements. From IRS considerations to preserving family dynamics, this episode helps advisors and clients make smart, intentional decisions when offering financial support.

Introducing The Practical Planner

wealth.com — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:43:57 GMT

The Practical Planner is a new show from wealth.com where Anne Rhodes, expert estate planning attorney and our Chief Legal Officer + Thomas Kopelman, a top financial advisor and Co-Founder of AllStreet Wealth break down everything advisors need to know about estate planning. In this quick intro episode Thomas and Anne talk about why they’re excited for the show to launch and what listeners can expect from future episodes.

How to Leave Assets to Children & Minors

wealth.com — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT

It’s important to take the time to decide how to leave your assets to your children, or other minors in your life. That’s the takeaway message from hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton in this week’s Practical Planner episode, where they focus on the reasons for structuring how children receive assets but the considerations that go into it, such as their long-term motivation and well-being. They dig into the reasons why leaving it outright may not be best, and why choosing a trust can be a valuable tool to plan for children’s financial future. The explore different options for structuring trusts, such as naming a trustee to manage distributions or staggering distributions based on age or yearly terms. Reddit thread Thomas mentions at 8:55: https://www.reddit.com/r/Asmongold/comments/1ehx7ug/a_redditor_spent_their_inheritance_on_intel_this/

2024 Estate Planning Numbers You Need to Know

wealth.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

A new year means financial advisors are taking a fresh look at their clients’ financial plans, so it’s important to know IRS’s adjusted numbers for 2024. In this episode hosts Thomas Kopelman (Named a Top 100 financial advisor by Investopedia) and Anne Rhodes (Chief Legal Officer at Wealth.com) discuss: The updated IRS numbers all advisors need to know. Annual family gifting details and opportunities you may not be aware of. Other estate planning strategies, such as why grandparents contributing to a 529 plan are excluded from FAFSA applications. Get the full 2024 IRS inflation Adjusted Numbers Reference Guide for Estate Planning here.

What is a Financial Advisor’s True Role in Estate Planning?

wealth.com — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:30:00 GMT

This week, hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton provide their perspectives on the critical role advisors have in helping their clients with their estate plans. They already have an intimate understanding of their financial situation and future goals, so they’re uniquely positioned to help educate them on their estate plan options. They discuss how advisors can integrate estate planning into ongoing financial planning sessions, how to coordinate with estate attorneys and other third-parties and, ultimately, how they can be the go-to person to help their clients make informed decisions

Should Your Revocable Trust Own Your Business?

wealth.com — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

If you’re a business owner, does it really make sense to put it in a Revocable Trust? That’s what hosts Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com, and Thomas Koppelmen, Head of Community at wealth.com and co-founder of AllStreetWealth discuss in this week’s episode. In this episode, they cover: - Why a trust may offer more flexibility in separating out personal and business assets but also offers better protection if you’re incapacitated. - How a trust can be a better vehicle for your wishes to be followed after your passing. - Why setting up a revocable trust today offers you flexibility should you need to make changes as your business grows.

How To Manage Estate Planning Costs For Clients

wealth.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Hosts Anne Rhodes and Thomas Kopelman discuss how advisors can help their clients manage and reduce fees related to estate plans. The conversation highlights that, often, the biggest assistance and advisor can provide is to prepare their clients ahead of meeting an estate planner while also helping set expectations. While this can help streamline their time with an estate planner, they stress that quality is always paramount.

Estate Planning Myths, Roadblocks and Solutions with Brent Weiss, Co-Founder of Facet

wealth.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Brent Weiss, Head of Financial Wellness at Facet, joins Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes to bust common estate planning myths and explore how technology is reshaping the planning experience. They discuss why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, how friction and emotional weight often delay action, and how advisors can help clients overcome these barriers. From building connections with client's families to using digital platforms like Wealth.com, this episode offers practical insights to make estate planning more accessible, timely, and client-centered.

Estate Planning for Crypto & Digital Assets with special guest Tyrone Ross Jr.

wealth.com — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Practical Planner Hosts Anne Rhodes & Thomas Kopelman are joined by Tyrone Ross Jr. — CEO and co-founder of Turnqey Labs and 401 Financial, Strategic Advisor to wealth.com. — to discuss the unique landscape of Estate Planning for cryptocurrency and digital assets. In this episode: Tyrone breaks down why Estate Planning in crypto is a massive opportunity for advisors to add value. A practical overview of how crypto & digital assets function uniquely as an asset within estate plans. Scenarios and examples of why estate planning for unique digital assets is so valuable. Insightful discussion of client and advisor behaviors regarding crypto and how estate planning can be a helpful context for client discussions. + More Find other episodes of the Practical Planner at wealth.com/podcast

Helping clients leave a legacy and facilitate a family meeting with Derrick Kinney

wealth.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:31:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner podcast, hosts Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes are joined by esteemed guest, Financial Advisor and Founder of the Good Money Framework, Derek Kinney. Together, they delve into the profound impact of estate planning, exploring how it transcends financial considerations to shape lasting legacies. Derek shares compelling stories from his career as a top financial advisor, illustrating the emotional connections and meaningful conversations that can transform estate planning into a powerful tool for legacy building. Discover how thoughtful dialogue and strategic planning can ensure your values and wishes endure for generations. Don't miss this insightful discussion that challenges conventional approaches and offers fresh perspectives on creating a living legacy.

Top Estate Planning Mistakes

wealth.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:15:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner Podcast, hosts Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton dive into the critical topic of estate planning. They discuss common mistakes people make, such as not having an estate plan, failing to update it after life changes, and the pitfalls of do-it-yourself planning. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, they emphasize the importance of proper planning to avoid costly errors and ensure your assets are protected. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your legacy and make informed decisions for your future.

The Role of Charitable Giving in Estate Planning

wealth.com — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Charitable giving can provide crucial immediate tax benefits, but it can also be a powerful tool in estate planning. Hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton discuss the various tools available for charitable giving, including donor-advised funds (DAFs), Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts. They emphasize how to use tools like these to optimize charitable giving for tax efficiency. They also discuss why it can be important to include children in charitable decisions and how to minimize the tax burden on heirs through strategic planning that maximizes charitable contributions.

Everything you need to think about tax planning before the year's end

wealth.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Join hosts Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton as they explore essential end-of-year tax planning strategies for financial advisors. This episode provides a comprehensive checklist, covering everything from maximizing deductions and charitable giving to Roth conversions and tax loss harvesting. Equip yourself with practical tips and insights to guide your clients through the tax season effectively. Enhance your advisory services with strategies that can save your clients money and improve their financial outcomes. Happy tax planning!

Live from Heckerling: Trusts, Taxes & Conference Insights

wealth.com — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This episode of The Practical Planner was recorded live at the 59th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning in Orlando, one of the premier conferences for estate planning professionals. Anne Rhodes and David Haughton attended in person and shared insights with co-host Thomas Kopelman, who joined virtually, about why estate plans often stall, the latest developments in irrevocable trusts, and the enduring value of conferences for building relationships and gaining expertise in the estate planning and wealth management fields.

The Role of an Executor

wealth.com — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:18:00 GMT

In this insightful episode, we delve into the intricate world of estate planning with Cody Garrett, CFP, from Measure Twice Planners. Discover the pivotal role of an executor and the challenges they face in managing and distributing assets. Cody shares expert advice on navigating responsibilities, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining family harmony during the process. Whether you're an appointed executor or simply curious about estate planning, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to guide you through the complexities of this essential role.

Dynasty Trusts & the GST Exemption: Protecting Wealth Across Generations

wealth.com — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Thomas, Anne, and David break down one of the most complex—but powerful—tools in advanced estate planning: the dynasty trust and the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax. Learn how ultra-high-net-worth families use these structures to shield assets from future estate taxes, and why understanding the GST exemption matters for long-term planning. From trust structuring to choosing the right state jurisdiction, this episode offers a primer on preserving wealth across multiple generations—with practical context for advisors and clients alike.

How to Make Estate Planning an Essential Part of Any Client’s Financial Plan with Dasarte Yarnway

wealth.com — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Dasarte Yarnway is well known throughout the wealth management community as the Founder of Yarnway Wealth Management and Head of Community at Altruist. In this episode, he joins co-hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton to discuss his approach to holistic financial planning and why estate planning is the backbone of any financial plan. He shares his RIITE (Retirement, Investment, Insurance, Taxes, Estate Plan) planning process with clients and how he educates his clients on why these are the critical pieces of a financial plan He also details how he coaches his own clients into knowing what they should be looking for in their financial plan and estate plans to empower them and deepen the client-advisor relationship. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

When To Update An Estate Plan

wealth.com — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT

A fully optimized Estate Plan changes in tandem with life circumstances changing. In this episode of The Practical Planner hosts Anne Rhodes & Thomas Kopelman dive into: The life events that should prompt Estate Plan updates. Why those specific events impact Estate Plan functionality. Contextual examples regarding these life events that will help advisors better understand the necessity of ongoing Estate Plan updates. How establishing a regular cadence for Estate Plan reviews can fit into the flow of a client’s overall planning. Find other episodes of The Practical Planner at wealth.com/podcast

You Created Your Estate Planning Documents, Now What?

wealth.com — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:30:00 GMT

Host Thomas Kopelman is joined by Dave Haughton, Senior Corporate Counsel at wealth.com, who’s stepping for Anne Rhodes as ongoing co-host temporarily, to discuss what happens after someone creates their estate planning documents. Dave details the three key steps to know, especially for advisors guiding their clients, including the critical piece of needing physical documents and getting them notarized—and why online notarization may not be the best solution. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

What to Know About Funding a Trust

wealth.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Your client has set up a trust, now what? Hosts Anne Rhodes and Thomas Kopelman dive deep into what assets should go into a trust and what assets should not or, more often, what assets can't go into a trust. They cover real estate, businesses, international assets, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, bank accounts and more. And why the key may be what your state's threshold for probate is, known as "petition for small estate." They also tackle beneficary designations and more, sharing key insights for financial advisors.

Trust Distributions

wealth.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:27:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner Podcast, Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes return to their roots with a focused discussion on trust management. They explore the intricacies of being a trust beneficiary, the rights involved, and the strategic decisions surrounding trust distributions. With a focus on practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in estate planning or managing family trusts. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of trusts and how to effectively manage them for long-term success.

Corporate Trustees with Special Guest, Christopher Holtby

wealth.com — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Join Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes as they welcome Christopher Holtby to the Practical Planner Podcast. This episode delves into the world of trustees, exploring the differences between corporate and individual trustees and their impact on financial planning. Christopher shares his expertise on the strategic importance of trustees in managing wealth, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of trust dynamics. Whether you're an advisor or a beneficiary, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of trust management.

Everything You Need to Know about Gifting (& Taxes)

wealth.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Gifting can be a great strategy to transfer wealth but the tax implications and exemptions are often misunderstood. Tax-free strategies for gifting to family or loved ones may actually be broader than most think. Hosts Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton discuss both the ways someone can gift as well as strategies for minimizing potential taxes on those gifts. For any questions, email us at practicalplanner@wealth.com. Follow us on Instagram at @practicalplannerpodcast to stay up-to-date with our podcast!

Dive Into the One Big Beautiful Bill

wealth.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:15:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner podcast, hosts Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton delve into the intricacies of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," exploring its unexpected twists and implications for estate planning, income tax brackets, and more. They discuss key changes, such as the increase in the estate tax exemption and the extension of income tax brackets, while offering insights into strategic planning opportunities for high-net-worth individuals. Tune in to understand how these developments could impact your financial strategies and what steps you can take to stay ahead. Don't miss this informative discussion that could shape your financial future!

Prenups, Post-Nups, and Protecting Assets in Marriage

wealth.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:12:00 GMT

No one gets married planning for divorce—but failing to plan can leave assets vulnerable. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and Dave Haughton dive into why prenuptial agreements (prenups) are a key estate planning tool, not just a safeguard for the ultra-wealthy. They break down the difference between community and separate property, how prenups protect business owners, and what happens if you don’t have one in place. They also discuss post-nuptial agreements, common misconceptions, and how advisors can guide clients through these crucial conversations.

Key Estate Planning Terms To Know

wealth.com — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of confusing Estate Planning terms, and many of the available resources for understanding this nomenclature aren’t straightforward for financial advisors. In this episode of The Practical Planner hosts Anne Rhodes & Thomas Kopelman walk through a list of the main common terms financial advisors should know when it comes to Estate Planning and provide contextual examples of how those terms apply to client situations. Find other episodes of The Practical Planner at wealth.com/podcast

Creating Liquidity at Death

wealth.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner Podcast, host Thomas Kopelman, along with Anne Rhodes and guest Rachel Hartman, delve into the critical topic of liquidity in estate planning. They discuss the importance of liquidity for high-net-worth individuals, especially in the context of estate taxes and the implications of death. The conversation covers various strategies for creating liquidity, including the role of life insurance, tax implications after death, and the necessity of proper estate planning to avoid complications for beneficiaries. The episode emphasizes the need for advisors to guide clients in ensuring their estate plans are robust and capable of addressing liquidity needs effectively.

How to Financially Plan for Your Children’s Future

wealth.com — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you die. It’s also about knowing how to best pass on your wealth during your lifetime, especially your children. In this episode, hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton discuss different ways to play for your children’s future. The explore various types of accounts, including UTMA accounts and 529 plans, detailing the pros and cons of each. They also discuss gifting, including how to help with large expenses like student loans and housing, and when to utilize trusts.

Why Trust Location Matters: Exploring Tax & Asset Protection States

wealth.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:30:00 GMT

In Episode 48, we provide financial advisors and planners with essential insights into the pivotal role of trust location in estate planning. Explore how selecting the right state can enhance tax efficiency and asset protection for your clients. Gain expert knowledge and actionable strategies to guide your clients in making informed decisions that align with their financial goals. Join us for a deep dive into optimizing trust locations to elevate your estate planning services.

Foundational Estate Planning Documents

wealth.com — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

There are several key estate planning documents every financial advisor should understand and be able to discuss with their clients. This can be daunting because documents are often referred to by different names and there are specific nuances associated with each document that affect how they work. In this episode of The Practical Planner, Anne & Thomas break down the functionality and benefit of foundational documents in estate planning — giving advisors the knowledge they need to confidently approach estate planning with their clients.

How to approach real estate in an estate plan with Jennifer Rozelle

wealth.com — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Rozelle, Owner and Attorney at Indiana Estate & Elder Law and host of the Legal Tea podcast, joins hosts Anne Rhodes and Thomas Kopelman to discuss what advisors need to know when helping their clients figure out what to do with their real estate assets. They touch on common mistakes to avoid, gifting strategies and why it’s often about helping clients have conversations they’ve been avoiding.

Approaching difficult conversations with clients - Anna N'Je-Konte

wealth.com — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Estate planning can be difficult due to tough conversations you may need to have and make. This can be exacerbated by certain cultural and generational expectations and taboos. Anna N’jie-Konte, CFP®, President and Director of Financial Planning at Re-Envision Wealth, joins this episode to share how financial advisors can help their clients approach these conversations and why having them now can be beneficial for all their family and loved ones.

Titling Assets: The Critical Step After Estate Docs Are Signed

wealth.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Titling assets correctly is one of the most overlooked but critical parts of estate planning. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton unpack the complexities of properly funding a trust—breaking down how to handle everything from bank accounts and investment accounts to business interests, private investments, and life insurance. They highlight common pitfalls, share practical guidance, and explain how to coordinate across professionals to ensure your estate plan actually works the way it was designed.

Trusts, Titling & Tough Calls: A Practical Q&A

wealth.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In this special Q&A episode, Thomas and David tackle some of the most common—and practical—estate planning questions they get from clients. From deciding when a revocable trust makes sense to the pros and cons of joint vs. individual trusts, they break down tricky issues like funding trusts with S-Corps, student loan discharge at death, and structuring distributions for children. Whether you're helping clients title assets, avoid probate, or protect family wealth, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for real-world planning.

Tips for Advising New Clients on Estate Planning

wealth.com — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Helping new clients with their estate plan can be an early win. It’s not uncommon for new clients to not even have an estate plan in place. If they do, there may be opportunities for updating and optimizing. In this episode host Anne Rhodes, Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com, asks her co-host Thomas Koppelman, Co-founder of AllStreetWealth and wealth.com’s Head of Community, how he approaches new clients and where financial planning intersects with estate planning, including: Finding simple opportunities like just creating a will or updating old plans to include new children. Understand the “why” of what they did previously to see if there’s new, better ways to achieve their goals. How to dig deeper for more robust estate planning optimizations and opportunities.

Navigating the Line Between Tax and Legal Advice

wealth.com — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

CPA and Retirement Tax Services founder Steven Jarvis joins the Wealth.com team to unpack the compliance, communication, and client service dynamics around tax planning. They explore how financial advisors can, and should, talk about taxes without overstepping into legal territory. From forming better relationships with CPAs and estate attorneys to setting clearer expectations with clients, this episode provides real-world insights on collaboration, liability risks, and how thoughtful tax involvement can elevate an advisor’s value and reputation.

Revocable Trusts Explained: The Power To Change Your Mind

wealth.com — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Practical Planner hosts Anne Rhodes & Thomas Kopelman discuss what advisors need to know about revocable trusts, including: What revocable trusts are & how they function. Common reasons why clients benefit from having revocable trusts, such as real estate ownership privacy. The differences between trust restatements and amendments. Common misconceptions about revocable trusts. + More Find other episodes of The Practical Planner at wealth.com/podcast

Capital Gains vs Estate Tax Planning

wealth.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Thomas Koppelman and Rachel Hartman delve into the complexities of capital gains tax and estate tax planning. They discuss the differences between the two, the importance of state-specific tax implications, and various strategies for managing high appreciating assets. The conversation highlights the significance of timing in tax decisions, the tools available for tax planning, and the benefits of gifting and charitable donations to maximize tax efficiency.

How to Incorporate Estate Planning Into Your Practice

wealth.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Practical Planner podcast, hosts Thomas Kopelman, Dave Haughton, and Anne Rhodes, delve into the crucial role advisors play in estate planning. They explore the three phases of advisor involvement: nudging clients to initiate their estate plans, assisting with implementation, and ensuring plans remain up-to-date. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the importance of advisors in guiding clients through life events and maintaining effective estate plans. Tune in to learn how advisors can go beyond asset management to truly impact their clients' lives.

Turning Market Turmoil into Estate Planning Opportunity

wealth.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:30:00 GMT

In this episode of The Practical Planner, Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton dive into the estate planning opportunities that arise during down markets. With recent market volatility and policy shifts making headlines, they explore how advisors can leverage tools like SLATs, GRATs, and Roth conversions to preserve and grow wealth outside of the estate. From timing gifts to managing legislative and market risks, they provide actionable insights for advisors navigating uncertain times.