The more you know, the better your plan

You may have heard of a Land Trust, but do you really know what it is?

"How do I set up a family foundation?" It's a question we hear from clients who want to make a lasting impact with their wealth.

Thinking about getting a living trust in New York? You're not alone. Many New Yorkers want to protect what they’ve built and make things easier for their loved ones.

When Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away in February at 95, he left behind an amazing film legacy—and, unfortunately, a real-life drama about his $80 million estate.

Picture this: a charming stone cottage nestled in a historic Italian village. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past your doorstep.

"What's an umbrella company?" This question pops up more and more in our client meetings these days. Maybe you've come across the term while researching asset protection strategies.

When we first started in this business, opening a foreign bank account was considered "going offshore". In the decades since, our clients tend to do a lot more. More asset types. More real estate. More money invested internationally.

For quite some years, we've worked with American clients buying, holding, and selling real estate in Panama—especially in the hot spots of Panama City, Boquete, David, and more recently, Coronado.

For our business at least, Italy has been a popular place for Americans looking to settle in Europe. A wonderful laidback lifestyle that appeals to people wanting out of the rat race.

Perhaps the most aggressive tax strategy I’ve ever come across was the person who declared themselves a church in order to lower their tax bill. (Spoiler alert: The IRS did not agree.)

No one likes to think about death. But if you have a family, friends, or charities that you care about and want to leave things to when you pass, it's important to plan.