Author: Randy Holcombe

  • 5 Key Steps to Help Ensure Your Financial Plan Informs Your Investments

    Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth and helping to secure financial stability, but to maximize its benefits, it should be aligned with your personal financial goals. A Financial Plan, supported by the professional guidance of a Wealth Management firm, such as Confluence Financial Partners, can help your portfolio reflect your long-term aspirations. Here are a few key steps to help make sure your financial plan drives your investing decisions.

    1. Define Your Financial Goals

    Before diving into investing or reassessing your current investments, it is best to establish clear financial objectives. Are you investing for retirement, a major purchase, or perhaps even leaving a legacy for your children? Whatever your objectives are, you should evaluate your existing investments to ensure they still align. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Financial Advisor can help you set realistic, time-bound goals that serve as a foundation for your investment strategy.

    2. Develop a Financial Plan

    A well-crafted financial plan can serve as the foundation of a successful investment strategy. It starts with a clear understanding of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A comprehensive plan should incorporate key elements such as budgeting, debt management, savings, and insurance to establish a strong financial footing. It should also define both short-term and long-term objectives, providing a structured roadmap for building and preserving wealth. By thoroughly evaluating your current financial situation and anticipating future needs, a strategic plan can empower you to make informed investment decisions that support your overall financial well-being.

    Confluence Financial Partners takes a holistic approach to financial planning and can help provide you with actionable steps to integrate the aspects of your financial life seamlessly. Rather than viewing investments in isolation, Confluence works to align them with cash flow management, tax strategies, estate planning, and risk mitigation to create a cohesive and strategic path toward your goals. This coordinated approach can help maximize wealth accumulation and long-term financial security, give you clarity and confidence in your decisions. With a well-defined plan in place, you can move forward with greater confidence that your financial future is built on a solid, strategic foundation.

    3. Optimize for Tax Efficiency

    An essential component of financial planning is optimizing for tax efficiency. Tax considerations can significantly impact investment returns, and working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Financial Advisor can help minimize tax burdens through strategies such as tax-loss harvesting, asset location planning, and retirement account maximization. By integrating these tax-efficient approaches, after-tax returns could increase and more of your wealth can be put to work toward your financial future.

    4. Review, Monitor, and Adjust Your Investments Regularly

    Beyond initial planning, continuous review and monitoring of investments can be critical to long-term success. As your life and goals change, your investment strategies should also adapt. Regularly assessing your portfolio in light of your plan can help it remain aligned with your financial objectives. Whether you’re starting fresh or reevaluating existing investments, partnering with a wealth management firm can provide professional oversight, helping to navigate market fluctuations and build a portfolio to help you live the life you want to live. With a proactive approach and professional guidance, you can more confidently pursue financial security and long-term prosperity.

    5. Work with a Wealth Management Firm

    Confluence Financial Partners is committed to a disciplined approach, guided by five key principles, to shape effective investing strategies. We manage investments to achieve individual client goals, not to beat arbitrary benchmarks. Our objective approach combines active and passive strategies, strategic planning, and tax-efficient solutions to help maximize returns and minimize long-term costs.

    The Five Principles of Investing at Confluence Financial Partners

    1. Objective-Based
      We believe clients are best served by focusing on how their investments serve their long-term goals rather than outperforming industry benchmarks.
    2. Unbiased
      We take an unbiased approach in selecting investment types—active or passive—while maintaining transparency and prioritizing objectivity in the decision-making process for a sound investment strategy.
    3. Strategic
      We use a balanced approach that combines strategic planning with carefully selected opportunities to align client investment portfolios with their specific goals.
    4. Tax-Efficient
      For taxable accounts, we believe outcomes should be optimized not just for what the investments return, but for what the investments return after taxes.
    5. Cost-Effective
      We believe optimizing the spend of client investment dollars on investment expenses is a key determinant of long-term success.

    Confluence Financial Partners offers professional guidance in investment planning, risk management, and long-term financial strategy, providing clients with confidence and clarity in their financial journey. By leveraging the knowledge of experienced professionals, we can help develop a structured approach to investing that aligns with your financial aspirations and adapts to changing economic landscapes.

    Final Thoughts

    Investing is more than just buying securities—it’s about strategically growing your wealth in alignment with your personal financial goals. It’s about helping make sure that you aren’t just saving for saving’s sake, but rather you are building wealth while maximizing both your life and legacy. With the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Financial Advisor, you will have someone to assist you with your investment decision as you work towards the life that you want. Working with Confluence Financial Partners provides access to our dedicated team that offers strategic insight, thoughtful guidance, and tailored solutions which can help turn your financial aspirations into reality.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • CARES Act Explained: What You Need to Know

    From rebate checks to small business support, there is quite a bit packed into the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law on Friday. The $2+ trillion emergency fiscal stimulus package is intended to mitigate some of the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

    We have all been working to gain an understanding of the law so that we can act as a resource for our friends and family looking to take advantage of the applicable provisions. We have been reading numerous articles, participating in webcasts hosted by industry experts and large accounting firms, and talking with banks to understand the process for various provisions. New information is still coming out daily, but please do not hesitate to use us as a resource as we work through this pandemic.

    Here is a look at some of the key provisions in the CARES Act that may be of interest to you:

    1. A check – Based on income and family makeup, most Americans can expect to receive $1,200 individually ($2,400 for joint filers) and $500 per dependent. Amounts phase out for those who reported adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers in 2018 or
    2. A buffer – The CARES Act eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty for coronavirus-related distributions from retirement accounts. Withdrawn amounts can be repaid to the plan over the next three years. In addition, required minimum distributions (RMDs) are waived for 2020. Investors who have already taken an RMD for 2020 have options that may include returning the amount or rolling it over, as long as the distribution was not made from a beneficiary
    3. Support for small businesses – In the form of more than $350 billion, including forgivable loans (up to $10 million) to help keep the business afloat, a paycheck protection plan and
    4. Expanded unemployment benefits – Unlimited funding to provide workers laid off due to COVID-19 an additional $600 a week, in addition to state benefits for up to four months. This includes relief for self-employed individuals, furloughed employees and gig economy workers who have lost work during the
    5. Fortified healthcare – $100 billion is allocated to hospitals and other health providers to help offset costs and provide relief. In addition, the legislation provides funding for numerous other areas including state and local COVID-19 response measures, an increase to the national stockpile for medicine, protective equipment, medical supplies and additional FEMA disaster relief
    6. Enhanced education – $30 billion to bolster state education and school funding, as well as the deferral of federal student loan payments through the end of September.

    What’s next? Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has targeted early April to deliver the funds. Discussions are starting in D.C. around a possible next phase of economic relief, although it’s just talk for now.

    We’ll continue to keep you updated with relevant and timely information. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These are difficult times in which we are living, but we are confident that we will get through them together.

    The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Confluence Financial Partners is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Investing involves risk, and investors may incur a profit or a loss. Some expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of Raymond James and are subject to change. There is no assurance that any of the forecasts mentioned will occur. Economic and market conditions are subject to change.  Some of the material was prepared by Raymond James for use by its advisors.

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • 2 Things Every Investor Should Know About SECURE Act 2.0

    In late December, a $1.7T omnibus spending package was passed in Congress and subsequently signed into law by President Biden. This bill included some significant updates to the landmark 2019 SECURE Act, such that this portion of the legislation is being referred to as SECURE Act 2.0.

    While there are many important updates in the law, I’d like to focus on two items that we believe are especially significant

    1. Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Age Increase

    Beginning 1/1/2023, the new beginning age for RMDs will be 73. By 2033, the age for RMDs will be pushed back further to 75.

    This means that investors who will turn 72 in 2023 received a pass on what would have been their first RMD! It also means that the window of opportunity for income planning in retirement is extended.

    Some of the most opportune years in terms of income planning are the years between retirement and when RMDs begin. In these years, individuals tend to be in a relatively low tax bracket, because they no longer have high employment income and they also don’t yet have required income coming from their retirement accounts.

    If these retirees are able to live on Social Security and income from taxable brokerage accounts, they could end up in an unusually low tax bracket. These years can then be used to “harvest” capital gains at a 0% tax rate, or convert portions of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The lower adjusted gross income can also help retirees save on things like Medicare and Social Security taxes.  

    Pushing the RMD age out to 73 and then 75 will give retirees additional time to take advantage of these opportunities.

    2. 529 accounts to Roth IRAs

    For the first time, 529s will be allowed to rollover tax-free to Roth IRAs, albeit with significant restrictions.

    The total amount allowed to be rolled over in aggregate is $35,000, and the rollovers must be done in accordance with the annual Roth contribution limits (currently $6,500 for those under age 50). In addition, the 529 must have been established for at least 15 years.

    This change will help to alleviate investor fears of what may happen to 529 funds if the beneficiary chooses not to pursue higher education.

    The change also allows for a strategy whereby investors begin planned rollovers to a Roth IRA once the beneficiary turns 16. At today’s limits (which will be adjusted up for inflation), a 529 beneficiary could have $35,000 plus earnings saved in a Roth IRA before graduating from college. That is a solid head start!

    If you have questions about how these opportunities could affect your financial planning, please call one of our offices to speak with a wealth manager today.

    See below for additional key provisions in SECURE Act 2.0:

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Should Millennials Plan on Social Security?

    Social Security, started in the 1930s as a part of FDR’s New Deal, has been under fire since I can remember. All the while, the program has been helping fund the retirement of some 47 million Americans, with another 19 million on survivor or disability benefits. What started out as a way to ensure elderly Americans had some form of income has turned into a major piece of the US economy.

    As we help our younger clients plan for retirement, we often hear, “Let’s not plan on Social Security, I don’t think it will be there by the time I retire.” While we understand where this attitude is coming from, we don’t think it reflects reality.

    Here’s why:

    • Social Security is funded by a separate payroll tax (FICA) that comes out of paychecks up until an individual reaches $160,200 in earned income (2023). That means, that for the first $160,200 each earner makes, 6.2% goes to Social Security, with another 6.2% coming from the employer.
    • That’s a total of $19,864 that goes to Social Security for someone who earns $160,200.
    • These amounts are then paid out directly to retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals.

    As long as there are people working in the United States, there will be money going into, and then out of Social Security.

    “But what about the trust fund?”

    • As discussed above, Social Security is funded directly from payroll taxes. Up until very recently, the ratio of working to non-working Americans had been high enough that Social Security benefits were fully funded each year.
    • However, as Baby Boomers retire and birthrates continue to decline, this is changing. If payroll taxes are not enough to current obligations, the difference is paid by the asset reserves in the Social Security trust fund. As more and more workers retire, the trust fund is expected to be depleted.

    By the most recent estimates, the trust fund assets will be spent down by 2034. At that point, Social Security would officially be insolvent.

    “That’s what I mean! Once Social Security is insolvent, I won’t get any benefits!”

    But what does insolvency actually mean?

    • Assuming no legislation is passed to shore up the program, all benefits will be cut to about 79% of what they are today.
    • 79% is not 0%. Far from it, in fact, 79% is still solid amount of guaranteed income that the younger generation can plan on as a piece of their overall retirement picture.

    “That’s it? That doesn’t sound as bad as what I’ve read in the news.”

    No, it doesn’t. For younger workers who have plenty of time to factor such a possibility in their long-term planning, the potential reduction would not be life changing. A relatively modest increase to retirement savings would make up for the potential shortfall.

    In reality, Congress will be forced to act, there will likely be changes to Social Security at some point. These changes will probably make sure that current benefits are not cut, and that Americans with no time to adjust will not have the rug pulled out from under them. For younger Americans, the fact remains that as long as we have workers and payroll taxes, Social Security will be there in one way or another.

    Disclaimer: This analysis could certainly change pending action by Congress. We are in no way trying to predict the future, but we believe this analysis is reasonable based on the current landscape.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Is Your Family Financially Prepared for the Unexpected?

    If you were gone tomorrow, would your family be financially OK?

    That is a jarring question, and one that most of us try to avoid.

    As difficult as this scenario is to consider, however, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to be able to answer the question with certainty.

    Below are some points to consider:

    • Estate Plan
      • Do you have up to date wills, trusts, and other applicable documents? Have you gone through the documents in the past 5 years? What has changed since they were written? Is it time for an update?
      • Does your estate plan help and encourage family collaboration while safeguarding relationships? Many a family has been torn apart by disputes regarding an inheritance.
    • Life Insurance
      • Do you have life insurance in place? Is it enough so that your spouse and children would not have to worry about money when you are gone?
      • We can’t control very much in this situation, but we can control the windfall that our dependents would receive if we die unexpectedly.
    • Communication
      • Do your loved ones know the structure of your estate plan? Do they know what your expectations are for the money? If you have young children, this may be a conversation to have with your spouse and the person who would be the legal guardian for your children. If you have adult children, this could be a family meeting where the plan is fleshed out in more detail.
      • Studies show that aging parents have a difficult time bringing up finances with their children. This is understandable, but it needs to happen at some point. Your adult children can handle it, and the risks of them knowing how much money the family has pale in comparison to the burden that an unexpected inheritance can be.
    • The Things No One Thinks About
      • Passwords, document locations, lock boxes, safe combinations, utilities, iPhone lock codes, and anything else that your loved ones would need.
      • If you knew you weren’t going to wake up tomorrow, what information would your loved ones need to handle everything? Consider a tool like everplans to help with this.
    • Trusted Person
      • Is there someone in your life whom trust to be there for your family if something happens to you? We work with many clients who view us as that person who they trust to be across the table from their spouse should this situation arise. We are often one of the first calls that is made, because we know where everything is and we’ve helped clients through this before.

    So, we ask again.

    If you were gone tomorrow, would your family be financially ok?

    If you aren’t sure, take time to reflect. We at Confluence Financial Partners have been helping clients answer that question in the affirmative for decades, and we would be honored to be able to help you as well. We know this isn’t a pleasant thing to work through, but it’s worth it, and you owe it to those you love.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • The Collector’s Journey: How to Plan for the Legacy of Your Treasures

    As enthusiasts and collectors approach the later stages of their lives, the act of collecting takes on new dimensions. Some may be content to sell their collection and pass the proceeds on to heirs, but for others the treasures that have been amassed over the years are now an opportunity to leave a legacy that will continue to endure.

    Here are four considerations to help navigate this phase of your collecting journey:

    1. Legacy Planning and Succession Strategy

    If you haven’t already, start to incorporate your collection into your broader estate plan. Decide how your treasures will be managed, preserved, or passed on. Engage with experts who specialize in collectibles and estate management, particularly those well-versed in the tax implications of transferring collections.

    Consider which heirs will receive each item and why, taking into account their emotional significance and potential for instilling responsibility. If you aim to establish a philanthropic legacy, donating to a museum or organization aligned with your mission not only offers tax benefits but also ensures parts of your collection remain together.

    2. Balancing Emotional and Financial Value

    While financial considerations have likely played a role in your collecting journey, the emotional value of your treasures becomes increasingly significant as you near this phase. Embrace the joy and memories your collection evokes. If the next chapter is one that doesn’t fetch your estate the highest possible payout or the most optimal tax deduction, that can be OK if the destination fulfills your wishes and maximizes the emotional component of the transition.

    3. Philanthropy & Impact

    Consider the broader impact your collection can have. Some individuals opt for philanthropic endeavors that align with the themes of their collection. For example, a collector of classic cars may choose to donate his or her collection to an automobile museum that will display the vehicles and allow them to continue to provide joy for many. Donating items, contributing proceeds to charitable causes, or establishing cultural endowments can solidify your legacy as one that extends beyond material possessions.

    4. Don’t Forget Logistics

    Once you’ve established a robust plan for your collection, it’s crucial to have capable individuals ready to carry it out. For vehicles, consider arranging for an appraisal in advance or identify a trusted appraiser to guide those handling your estate. If you anticipate liquidating a coin collection after your passing, take the initiative to identify a reputable precious metals dealer beforehand. By personally selecting the third parties involved, you can alleviate the executor’s potential challenges in managing and distributing your collection.

    As your collecting journey matures, it evolves into a narrative of legacy and stewardship. It’s important to recognize that your collection signifies not just an investment, but a testament to the diverse experiences of your life. Take the necessary time and consider that at Confluence Financial Partners, we’re here to help. Collaborating with the right professionals can help ease the burden and ensure both your life and legacy are maximized.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Multi-Generational Legacies: Communicating Your Estate Plan

    $96 Trillion is going to pass from one generation to the next over the coming 30 years.

    This is either going to go smoothly or poorly, and much of that answer will come down to estate planning.

    Your estate plan is a crucial aspect of securing your family’s future, and communicating this wealth plan effectively to your children is perhaps even more important.

    Here are 4 key strategies to help ensure your heirs are ready:

    1. Talk About It

    This might seem basic, but start the conversation early. Don’t wait for a crisis to discuss your estate plan. Start the conversation with your children while everyone is in good health and spirits. Choose a suitable time and place for the discussion, ensuring minimal distractions. This will allow your children to focus on the important matters at hand without feeling rushed or pressured.

    • Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

    Clearly communicate who will be responsible for executing your wishes and managing your affairs if you are unable to do so. If your adult children will be filling these roles, tell them. Don’t assume that your oldest child will understand why you made your middle child the executor. Explain your decisions and choices so that when the time comes there won’t be any confusion or hurt feelings.  

    • Educate Your Heirs on the Structure of Your Estate Plan

    You don’t have to share all of the details right away, but make a plan for bringing in the next generation into your financial picture. These discussions are difficult to begin in most households, but at some point you should consider letting your adult children know what you have and how all of it will be transferred. Eventually you should share detailed information about your assets, including properties, investments, and savings. Do you have a financial plan with your financial advisor? It would be wise to share it with your children.

    When in doubt, over communicate. You would be amazed at the disagreements that will come up after you are gone, many of which are due to a lack of direction and clarity on your part. Don’t assume your children will know what to do. Spell it out for them.

    • Address Potential Concerns and Questions

    You don’t have to share all of the details right away, but make a plan for bringing in the next generation into your financial picture. These discussions are difficult to begin in most households, but at some point you should consider letting your adult children know what you have and how all of it will be transferred. Eventually you should share detailed information about your assets, including properties, investments, and savings. Do you have a financial plan with your financial advisor? It would be wise to share it with your children.

    When in doubt, over communicate. You would be amazed at the disagreements that will come up after you are gone, many of which are due to a lack of direction and clarity on your part. Don’t assume your children will know what to do. Spell it out for them.

    Nobody likes to have these conversations, but they are important. We often talk at Confluence about helping our clients maximize their legacies, and typically children are the most important part of a legacy. We are here to help you facilitate meaningful conversations with the next generation that help you ensure your wealth impacts future generations positively. Don’t wait, the time to communicate is now.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Navigating Estate Taxes: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

    In the past decade, estate tax conversations have been steadily decreasing. As the lifetime credit has climbed to unprecedented highs, many wealthy Americans have come to believe that they are safely out of Uncle Sam’s reach. However, recent history is just that, it’s recent. Historically, estate taxes have been a major factor for both middle class and high-net-worth Americans. Furthermore, estate taxes are often easy targets for adjustments when fiscal gaps need closing. This article explores why estate taxes should continue to be a priority in your wealth planning, and how you can be prepared for whatever the future may hold.

    Don’t Assume Estate Taxes Won’t Be a Problem

    The current estate tax lifetime exemption is $13.61MM per individual, or $27.22MM per couple. These numbers have become so high in recent years, that many high-net-worth Americans have come to believe that they no longer need to worry about estate taxes. My advice is to be careful, because congress can change the rules at any time. As recently as 2008, the exemption was only $2MM per individual, and it was even lower than that in the 1990s and early 2000s. Even under current law if nothing else changes, the $13.61MM exclusion will be cut in half on January 1st of 2026. When tax shortfalls arise, estate taxes are often viewed as low hanging fruit for Washington. The current exclusion level is an aberration, not the historical norm.

    Don’t Let Your Estate Documents Become Stale

    The rule of thumb for most families is to have their estate plan documents reviewed every 5 years. However, if you are a high-net-worth individual with an estate tax issue, these reviews should be much more frequent. In fact, estate tax considerations should be a part of your financial plan to be reviewed and discussed at least annually and perhaps more if there is a significant change in the law. Vehicles such as irrevocable trusts and joint insurance policies can help mitigate the risk of owing estate taxes, and these vehicles and strategies should be a part of the normal cadence of planning.

    Don’t Forget to Incorporate Charitable Giving into Your Estate Plan

    Charitable giving is one of the many strategic ways to avoid estate taxes, especially if you’ve already set aside the amounts that you plan to leave to your children. Wealth that is left to charitable organizations is not subject to the 40% estate tax. This means that instead of giving $600K to your children and $400k to the government, you give $1MM to an organization you care about, or to a foundation or Donor Advised Fund that is run by your children. Most people would prefer that their heirs decide which causes receive those funds rather than a large chunk being sent to Washington.

    Make Sure You Have the Right Team:

    Your team of professionals should include not only an excellent wealth manager who can help you plan around these issues, but also an attorney and a CPA who are experts in their fields when it comes to estate taxes. These issues are complex, and they can change quickly. Make sure that you are working with professionals who have the knowledge and the bandwidth to give these issues the attention they deserve.

    In Summary

    Estate planning is a dynamic field that requires regular attention, especially for those with significant wealth. High-net-worth individuals should not only reassess their estate plans frequently but should also consider incorporating charitable giving as part of their strategy. Be sure your planning team includes knowledgeable wealth managers, attorneys, and CPAs as this is crucial as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of estate taxes. Complacency can be costly – proactive estate planning should remain a critical element of your financial health.

    If we can be of help to you and your family, please give us a call!

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

    Confluence Financial Partners and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Maximize Your Legacy: The Great Wealth Transfer and Your Opportunities

    We’ve all heard the numbers. Over the next 30 years, an estimated $70-$90 trillion is going to pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation. This will be a transfer of wealth the likes of which the world has never seen. Not only are the Baby Boomers the wealthiest generation ever to live, their wealth is broad and relatively spread out. Generally speaking, this is the first generation in which the middle class will play a significant role in the wealth transfer. While Boomers’ parents largely had pensions that ended at death, their children instead have sizable retirement accounts that will be passed down. Add that to the fact the American and global economies have massively expanded over the past 50 years, and we have a recipe for a wealth transfer for the ages.

    At Confluence Financial Partners, our mission is to help our clients maximize their lives and legacies. When it comes to legacy, the upcoming wealth transfer is an important issue for the majority of our clients. That means that a major part of our job is to help our clients, where appropriate, engage the next generation in hopes that the family legacy will continue. Studies have shown that 70% of families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% by the third. We want to help families avoid being part of this statistic, and instead build something that lasts.

    Here are four steps that you can take to help ensure that your legacy is secure.

    Consider a Multi-generational Advisory Relationship

    Over 50% of our clients are multigenerational, meaning we have family members in more than one generation who we are serving. Often children are clients with their parents from a young age, but as they become adults, they become more independent and establish their own relationship with us as their advisor. Another common situation is when clients refer their parents to us, forming a multigenerational relationship from the other direction. Still another way this happens is when adult children establish a relationship with us as their parents (who are clients already) age and it becomes even more important to all be on the same page.

    Even if you are not a Confluence client, we would encourage you to find an advisor and a firm that is making multi-generational wealth considerations a priority. Your advisor should help you bridge the gap between the wealth that you’ve built and the next generation for whom you hope that wealth will be a blessing. We have shepherded many families through this difficult period already, and the whole process is undoubtedly much easier if the parents and the children share the same advisor.

    Take Another Look at Your Estate Plan

    When was the last time you had your estate plan reviewed? If you are like most Americans, it’s probably been a few years. The typical estate plan is adequate for only a certain season of life, and it will need to be redone as children get older and circumstances change. Like a financial plan or an investment portfolio, an estate plan should be periodically updated as goals change. An estate plan update is almost always needed after a major life event such as a birth, a death, or a change in marital status.

    Sometimes an estate plan can be as simple as a pair of wills and power of attorney documents. More often, however, trusts should be involved and more careful consideration should be taken to help ensure that wishes are carried out. For example, what would happen in the event of a death or divorce of a child? If protections aren’t built into the estate plan, it’s possible that a parent’s wealth ends up with a child’s ex-spouse instead of the grandchildren. That is an avoidable scenario, but it’s important to ask the right questions and think critically about the key factors that will cause the plan to either be successful or not.

    We don’t have attorneys at Confluence, but we do have a robust process for reviewing your existing estate plan so that you understand your current situation. Once we learn where you are today, we can help educate you so that you are prepared when you speak to your attorney about updates. We work closely with our clients throughout the whole process and are there to help in every way we can.

    Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

    The primary reason that the wealth transfer could go poorly for the majority of families is a lack of communication. An inheritance can be a difficult subject to broach, especially for the first time. As a result, many families put these conversations off until it is too late. Don’t let that be your family.

    We find that most families assume that their children will handle the inheritance with ease, but that isn’t always the case. We’ve seen many situations in which the heirs were paralyzed by their newfound wealth and the responsibility that comes along with it. They don’t feel prepared to handle the wealth, and so it wears on them. Rather than enjoying the legacy that their parents worked so hard to build, they instead live in fear of losing it all. Fortunately, this can be remedied by simple and consistent communication. Imagine if those same heirs had been let in on the family wealth along the way. Imagine if they knew how the accounts and estate plan were structured. Most importantly, imagine if they understood their parent’s dreams and wishes around the wealth. Imagine they understood the values and expectations that go along with the wealth being transferred.

    One question we often ask our clients is this: Will your children still speak to each other after you are gone? Many clients take this for granted, but an estate plan that has not been communicated will inevitably lead to disagreements and fraught relationships. This is especially true in unique situations where the split is not even amongst the heirs, but money can cause even the most reasonable people to turn their backs on each other. Thankfully, again the odds of this happening can be greatly reduced with solid and consistent communication on the part of the wealth creators. Don’t leave ambiguities that can be interpreted. Make your wishes known and take the (sometimes) uncomfortable step of starting a pattern of communication.

    Have a Family Meeting

    One concrete way to start or solidify communication around the great wealth transfer is to have a family meeting. Ideally, this would lead to a regular cadence of meetings, but the first one is usually the hardest. These meetings can take many different forms, but they are typically initiated by the wealth creators of the family and include the adult children in the upcoming generation. Many families want to communicate better about important topics like their estate plan, financial expectations, and charitable goals, but they don’t know where to start. That’s where a family meeting can be a great opportunity to open important lines of communication.

    At Confluence, facilitating these family meetings is one of the most important things that we do. We regularly sit down with our client families at our office or their homes to help get everyone on the same page. We don’t believe this type of meeting should be only done in an emergency after a terminal diagnosis, although that may sometimes be necessary. Rather, we think it is essential to start thinking about this now, before there is a crisis of any kind. Communication around wealth transfer that is done while the whole family is focused and not in crisis is ideal because it prepares the family to be ready if or when the crisis does arrive.

    Conclusion

    The largest wealth transfer that the world has ever seen is coming. For many, it has already started. That transfer is going to go well for some families, but very poorly for many. At Confluence, we’ve made the next generation a priority, right down to the way we have structured our firm. Many advisors work as lone wolves, with no real succession plan or assurance of what will happen to the families they serve once the advisor retires. At Confluence, we are building a firm so that we can help not only our current clients, but their children and grandchildren as well. We work in teams, and we have advisors who are in their 70s all the way down to their 20s. We’ve made significant investments in growing the next generation of advisors so that our clients’ children and grandchildren can be confident in the Confluence of the future.

    As you read this today, we implore you to start thinking about what your next step may be towards making sure that your financial legacy is secure. Perhaps you need to have your estate plan reviewed, or you should make that call to your attorney that you’ve been putting off. Maybe you’ve been meaning to ask your advisor about a family meeting or considering introducing your parents or children to your financial team. Whatever the next step is for you on this journey, we ask you to take it. Your family will be grateful that you did.

    Confluence Wealth Services, Inc. d/b/a Confluence Financial Partners is a SEC-registered investment adviser. Confluence Financial Partners only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or notice filed or excluded or exempted from registration requirements. The security of electronic mail sent through the Internet is not guaranteed. All email sent to or from this address will be received or otherwise recorded by the Confluence Financial Partners corporate email system and is subject to archival, monitoring and/or review, by and/or disclosure to, someone other than the recipient. Confluence Financial Partners recommends you do not send confidential information to us via electronic mail, including social security numbers, account numbers, and personal identification numbers, unless properly encrypted. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request or by visiting the following link:https://live-confluencefp.pantheonsite.io/form-adv-2a/

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    Randy Holcombe

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