A dementia diagnosis changes the nature of the advisory relationship. Before a diagnosis, the focus may be on recognizing subtle changes and cautiously responding. After a diagnosis, it shifts to managing risk, supporting the client, and putting protective structures in place while the client can still participate in decisions. A diagnosis does not mean that […]
Continue reading…The Wealth Counselor
When a Client’s Behavior Changes: A Guide for Advisors
At some point, most advisors will work with clients who experience cognitive decline. The challenge is that these changes rarely become obvious all at once. They tend to emerge gradually—subtle at first and easy to explain away. A missed detail here, a repeated question there. On their own, these moments may seem insignificant. But over […]
Continue reading…Planning Around Clutter: Tools Advisors Can Use Without Overstepping
People often accumulate personal belongings over time, from everyday items to sentimental keepsakes. While these possessions may seem harmless, they can complicate estate planning, slow administration, and create difficult decisions for heirs if not proactively addressed. Advisors do not need to tackle these issues alone or impose drastic changes on clients. Instead, they can provide […]
Continue reading…The Fiduciary Fallout of Household Accumulation
Many clients have accumulated belongings over decades, from everyday items to family heirlooms, which can create significant challenges for their heirs and fiduciaries. What may feel manageable during a client’s lifetime can become complex and time-consuming after they pass. When a home contains a large volume of personal property, organizing and distributing items can create […]
Continue reading…When “Stuff” Becomes a Planning Problem
Comedian George Carlin once joked that a house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more. “Sometimes you gotta move, gotta get a bigger house,” he said. “Why? No room for your stuff anymore.” Although humorous, Carlin’s observation highlights a real issue that advisors encounter: Many clients accumulate […]
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