When deciding where a law firm wants to do its banking, influencing factors are typically interest rates, fees, fund management, etc. While these are obviously important, some firms focus too much on the bottom line and fail to consider the value of their banking relationship.Having a good relationship before you actually have to rely on […]

If you still haven’t looked at Google’s new business platform, Google My Business, now may be the time. In early June, the search engine/technological giant unveiled a new design and promised it would streamline the way businesses of all sizes approached online marketing. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or a global enterprise, Google My Business […]

Often, estate planning attorneys and clients ask why use a trust as the primary dispositive vehicle when a will could transfer the assets. There are many reasons. As an example of how easy it is to find information about a will, go to the Fairfax County, Virginia courthouse and you can see George and Martha […]

I saw this wonderful diagram today and it nicely captures the possible choices we make when confronted by stressful situations. For all of us, a situation or set of bad circumstances arise and we have to make a choice. Either we intend to take responsibility for our lives and be “cause in the matter” or […]

Recently, my associates and I agreed to take a significant leap out of the carefully constructed comfort zone of our work environment. After many years together in an informal, small office space, we have joined the consulting division of a large and respected accounting firm that is home to almost 300 employees. Intellectually we know […]

For decades, estate planners have used a trust to hold the estate tax exclusion of the first spouse to die of a married couple. That trust had various different names: “B Trust,” “Credit Shelter Trust,” “Bypass Trust,” and “Family Trust” are among the more common names. With this A/B planning, the money of the first […]

The 2006 film The Queen, starring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, brilliantly illustrates the complications of funeral planning for a notable person. Estate planning clients may not be royalty, but perhaps you treat them like kings and queens. Clients need to consider the implications of not creating their funeral plans. Issues can include how […]

You might have heard the old saying: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” A humorous play on words with good intentions still might make you feel a little uneasy. As Practice Building Consultant here at the Academy, a large part of my job is helping others succeed with their goals through effective planning. A […]

This will be a short and sweet reminder about the Academy’s 2-Part Webinar Series that takes place on July 16th and 23rd at 2pm Pacific Time. If you haven’t registered, don’t forget – and if you have registered, SIGN ON A FEW MINUTES EARLY because we’re expecting a packed webinar.Here’s what we’re covering – in […]

The idea of using financial incentives to encourage advance care planning has resurfaced in Washington.  After the “death panel” accusations against this provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) forced its early removal from the bill, any discussion reimbursement for advance care planning became political poison. But the tide may be turning.  Three initiatives in […]