Estate Planning

Tens of millions of estate plans are a disaster waiting to happen.   They are often out of date and contain issues that can cause chaos for loved ones in the future. Relationships change, as do health and wealth, and plans are frequently unfunded. Out-of-date plans can cost your clients loved ones tens of thousands…

Irresponsible, Inconsiderate and Ignorant.  These are the words used by 88% of respondents to describe those who leave this earth without an estate plan.  This same Merrill Lynch client survey found that only 18% of people over the age of 55 have a completed estate plan!    So why the cognitive dissonance?? The good news…

An 2nd open letter from financial planning clients Dear Advisor, Previously, I sent you a letter expressing why I lie each year saying “This is the year I will get my estate plan done.”   I have thought more about this and I have a request to make that would really really help me and…

Many people have misconceptions around estate planning. We want to clear up the myth that because advisors cannot give legal advice they should not act in a supporting role in their clients estate planning. Advisors should always steer clear of Unauthorized Practice of Law.  In doing so they must not: Apply a legal opinions to…

Often we get asked how Encore is different from online retail estate planning software options. Our initial answer sounds vague, but once understood makes a world of difference.   We are the only estate planning solution built exclusively to equip the financial advisor to be the hero for the client.   This plays out in…

An open letter from clients to their advisors. Dear Advisor, For the last few years we have ended our review meeting with you asking if I have gotten my estate plan done yet and my admission that I have not.  You then remind me why it’s important and I agree.  We finish up our little…