Inheritance Planning
Helping you make thoughtful choices with what’s been passed to you.
Clarity today. Confidence for tomorrow.
Why Inheritance Planning Matters
An inheritance can represent both a gift and a responsibility. It offers the chance to honor a loved one’s legacy while making thoughtful choices that support your future. With the right approach, it can bring clarity, reduce stress, and provide meaningful stability for you and your family.
We guide individuals and families through the complexities of receiving an inheritance, from coordinating asset transfers and addressing tax considerations to creating a strategy that reflects your goals. The process is handled with care and intention, giving you peace of mind that your loved one’s legacy is carried forward thoughtfully while you move ahead with confidence and clarity.
What to Do First
Clarity Begins Here. Confidence Follows Next.
Pause Before Making Big Decisions
Give yourself space to process.
Take time before making any major financial choices.
Gather Key Documents
Start with the essentials.
Collect wills, trust documents, beneficiary statements, and estate paperwork.
Understand What You’ve Inherited
Clarity begins with knowing what’s yours.
Identify cash, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, real estate, business interests, or other property.
Confirm Legal Transfer
Ensure everything is official.
Work with the executor or attorney to complete the transfer of assets.
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Taxes and Assets
What to Know When You Inherit
Different rules apply to different assets. Awareness helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Consider how it fits into your financial plan before spending and investing
The federal government imposes an estate tax above certain thresholds; some states levy inheritance taxes (but most do not).
Non-spouse beneficiaries generally must withdraw funds within 10 years under the SECURE Act. Withdrawals are taxable.
Still subject to the 10-year rule, but distributions are usually tax-free.
Decide whether to keep, sell, or diversify, mindful of taxes and risk.
Most non-retirement assets (like stocks or real estate) receive a “step-up” in cost basis to their market value at the date of death, which can reduce capital gains taxes if you sell later.
Evaluate whether to live in, sell, or rent the property, and understand ongoing costs.
May require valuations or partnership decisions.
Collectibles, jewelry, or art may need appraisals.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Clarity Comes from Knowing What to Avoid.
Rushing Into Decisions
Give yourself time to think.
Missing Key Deadlines
Rules and timelines matter.
Ignoring Your Portfolio
Balance matters most.
Overlooking Your Own Plan
Keep everything current.
How We Help
Guidance Made Simple. Support That Lasts.
Understand the scope of your inheritance before making decisions.
We explain tax rules in clear, practical terms.
Build a financial strategy tailored to your new assets.
Work seamlessly with your estate attorney and CPA.
Adjust as your financial life evolves over time.
Shift from Scarcity Thinking
to a Mindset of Strategic Abundance.
Ready to start the conversation? Send our team a message to explore how we can support your retirement goals.
