by Ethan S. Braid, CFA | Dec 25, 2025 | Blog, Estate Planning
What is it really like to be a trustee? How much time will it take? What are my legal requirements and responsibilities? I have been in wealth management for over 25 years and have helped dozens of families with their trust planning. I have been a trustee myself for...
by Ethan S. Braid, CFA | Jun 25, 2025 | Blog, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning
Retirement planning can be overwhelming. To simplify your retirement plan and increase your odds of success, break your retirement plan down into the following three goals: portfolio, housing, and estate plan. Instead of getting lost in a complicated software program,...
by Ethan S. Braid, CFA | Mar 20, 2025 | Blog, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning for Retirement
Annuities are among the worst investments an investor can make for their retirement. In this article, we will explore nine reasons why you should never buy an annuity. All Gains are Taxed as Ordinary Income Annuities do not qualify for favorable tax treatment in the...
by Ethan S. Braid, CFA | Feb 16, 2025 | Blog, Estate Planning, Tax Planning for Retirement
There are many reasons you should never buy an annuity; high fees, limited investment options, and surrender charges to name a few. But the number one reason to never buy annuities with after-tax funds is the tax structure. When you purchase standard investments like...
by Ethan S. Braid, CFA | Jun 7, 2024 | Blog, Estate Planning
Over my career as a financial advisor I have met with over 300 wealthy families to discuss their estate and retirement plan. About 80% of the time, assets that should be in a trust, are not in the trust. Trust funding is one of the most common estate...
