Our Planning Process
No two clients plan for the same trip.
We guide you to the best estate planning strategy
given your unique life goals.
We begin by navigating you through each and every turn of your life journey, exploring options to plan for the known and to prepare for the unexpected.
At the end, you feel empowered to choose the best planning route - your legacy is protected and will provide for your loved ones further down the road.
We Prepare You to Plan
Your estate planning route is tailored to your life circumstances, your planning goals, and your estate’s value.
Prior to your initial meeting, we send a form asking you about the three keys to estate planning. It goes far beyond designating beneficiaries.
During your initial meeting, David maps out how your answers in these three areas will determine your best estate planning route.
Your Three Keys to Estate Planning Checklist
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These impact your estate plan:
remaining single, getting married or any other change in marital status
having or adopting a child
purchasing a home, cabin, 2nd home, or other real estate purchases
providing for a family member with special needs or who needs help managing their inheritance
aging parents who are anticipating long-term care costs
David will ask about your specific life circumstances to tailor your estate plan to the unique needs of your loved ones so they are protected on their journeys as well.
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Give your assets to charities, friends, or family outside your bloodline (common in mixed families and those in the LGBTQ+ community):
without an estate plan, the MN intestate statutes pass your assets onto your heirs (in your bloodline); “intestate” means “without a Will.”
Keep your estate value private and avoid hassles with distributing assets to your loved ones.
Without an estate plan, your loved ones must go through probate, a public court proceeding, to receive your assets; avoiding probate meets both goals.
Avoid estate tax and ensure your surviving spouse does as well.
If the total value of your estate falls into estate tax territory, this goal can be met with tax-planning strategies.
Choose the right loved one to handle your estate and make decisions on your behalf, if you are unable - your personal representative or successor trustee, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and guardian.
David explains the duties for each role so you assign the loved one best suited for the tasks.
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Add the current value and anticipate growth over time of your:
cash accounts (checking, savings, money market, etc.)
investment accounts (non-qualified)
retirement accounts (qualified)
life insurance policies (death benefit values)
real-estate (property tax values for house, cabin, etc.)
other physical property (cars, boats, etc.)
your business (if self-owned)
anticipated inheritance
other assets
Knowing your total estate value determines whether you are in estate tax territory; if so, tax-sheltering is built into your estate plan.
Our Planning Process
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Step 1 - Initial or Review
In this complimentary initial meeting, or for a review meeting, we get to know you and your current goals & your concerns.
After listening to your goals and needs, we map out a an estate plan that works for you along with planning strategies and estate planning vehicle options to consider.
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Step 2 - Design & Signing
After formally engaging with us, we will review your plan in more detail; confirming your planning goals, your loved one’s needs, and the value of your assets to ensure the estate plan meets your needs.
We answer questions throughout the process and explain your documents in full before signing.
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Step 3 - Funding
Funding retitles your assets so they follow the correct route to your loved ones.
We work with your trusted financial planners and institutions to ensure your assets are transferred properly - your estate plan is complete.
Annual Maintenance Program (AMP)
Are you expecting more than one life transition in the coming year?
We offer an Annual Maintenance Program for just this purpose. For a reasonable, annual fee, you receive these benefits:
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Our annual membership fee includes one complimentary annual review meeting; small amendments to your wills or trusts may also be included depending on your needs.
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Stay abreast of changes within the industry
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Educate your family and have fun doing it with our AMP events.
How we differ?
Simply put, our 25 years of estate planning experience, our personable approach, a convenient and efficient process along with fixed, affordable fees that include funding services. We even do house calls for those who need this special assistance.