The Importance of Wealth Management Planning

According to a study reported in Forbes in 2010, only 35 percent of Americans have a will, and many of those who do spent less time planning for it than they did their last vacation. In neglecting estate planning, though, they run the risk of losing a sizable portion of their estate to taxes and fees.

In establishing objectives for transferring your estate, it is important to develop a wealth management plan that matches your priorities.

Lifestyle maintenance
Your most important planning objective is likely to preserve your financial independence. One of the major obstacles to effective planning can be the gap between the perception of wealth and reality of wealth. Thus, you should clearly define what is required to maintain your current lifestyle – the annual income needed for personal consumption and material assets – while keeping adequate liquidity.

Wealth transfer to heirs
Though you likely want your heirs to exhibit character, integrity, a sense of family legacy and responsible behavior – attributes money can’t buy – you might still like to provide both selected advantages and a safety net. Only you can decide how much to leave your heirs. Questions you should consider when establishing a wealth management plan include:

1.   What are my financial and nonfinancial goals for my heirs?
2.   Does my wealth management plan accomplish those goals?
3.   What is the best structure to provide my heirs with appropriate assets?
4.   Have I provided for unforeseen circumstances?
5.   What is the best structure to promote our family values?
6.   Are my heirs prepared to act responsibly with the assets I leave them?
7.   Will my planning bring my family members closer together or pull them apart?
8.   Have I made provisions for my community legacy?

The most important step in the planning process is to establish clear and concise objectives for your wealth management plan. Your plan should be responsive to your core interests, needs and concerns; acknowledge the level of involvement you want in “managing” philanthropic activities; and incorporate the interests and expertise of heirs. Additionally, it should take into account your total estate plan in a manner that is timely, effective and tax-efficient.

Your financial advisor will be able to work with you to determine your best course of action. In addition, always consult your tax professional regarding your personal financial situation.

Article provided by Robert W. Baird & Co. with the authorization of its author for Evan Guido, Vice President, Financial Advisor at the Sarasota office of Robert W. Baird & Co., member SIPC. The opinions expressed are subject to change, are not a complete analysis of every material fact and the information is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Evan R. Guido
Vice President of
Private Wealth Management
One Sarasota Tower, Suite 806
Two North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL  34236-4702
941-906-2829 Direct Line
888 366-6603 Toll Free
941 366-6193 Fax

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