Absolute Trust Talk is your navigational compass that brings together the business of trusts, estate planning, and aging – your home base to find the knowledge you’re seeking on what lies ahead. With over 27 years of experience, Kirsten has seen her fair share of clients confused and overwhelmed with the complexity of estate planning and the challenges and obstacles that life can throw your way. On a mission to take her vast expertise and experience to a new level, Absolute Trust Talk host K ...
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182: Beyond Borders: International Estate Planning Essentials for Families (Part 2)
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24:30In this second installment of Absolute Trust Talk's international estate planning series, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back estate planning specialist Janet Brewer to explore advanced strategies for families with cross-border connections. Building on their previous discussion of guardianship challenges, this episode focuses on critical tax considerat…
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181: Beyond Borders: International Estate Planning Essentials for Families
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18:28In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes estate planning specialist Janet Brewer to explore the unique challenges faced by immigrants and international families when planning for their future. Janet, with over 30 years of experience serving clients throughout Silicon Valley, brings her vast knowledge to address the specifi…
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180: Divorce in Progress: Safeguarding Your Estate Plan Before It's Final (Part 2)
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9:15In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their discussion on estate planning during divorce proceedings with practical solutions. Following their previous episode on the potential problems that can arise if someone becomes incapacitated or dies during divorce, they now focus on preven…
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179: Divorce in Progress: Safeguarding Your Estate Plan Before It's Final
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8:24In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert discuss critical estate planning considerations during divorce proceedings. They explore what happens if someone becomes incapacitated or dies while their divorce is still pending, revealing potentially unwelcome consequences if proper planning isn't in…
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178: 3 Critical Estate Planning Lessons from Richard Simmons' Legacy Battles
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8:29In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe examines the estate complications following Richard Simmons' death in July 2023. She details the ongoing legal dispute between Simmons' brother Leonard (named trustee) and Teresa, his housekeeper of 30 years who briefly served as co-trustee before a contested resignation. The conflict center…
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177: Inside the Heated Padres Inheritance Feud: What It Teaches Us About Sound Estate Planning
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10:59In this all-new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and her associates, Jessica Colbert and Ariana Flynn, delve into the complex estate battle surrounding the late San Diego Padres owner, Peter Seidler. The MLB team finds itself at the center of a legal dispute as Seidler's wife, Sheel, contends with his brothers over control of the franch…
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176: Behind the Headlines: Gene Hackman's Estate Plan and What We Can Learn
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13:57In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe, managing attorney at Absolute Trust Counsel, and associate attorney Jessica Colbert examine the estate of beloved actor Gene Hackman. They meticulously analyze the available court records from Santa Fe County, New Mexico, and contrast them with California's probate procedures. The attorneys skil…
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175: The Valuation Puzzle: What Your Assets Are Really Worth: Part 2
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16:40In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe continues her valuation discussion with expert Alex Spaete from Bridge Forensic CPAs, exploring the intricacies of asset valuation. The discussion focuses on how privately held assets are valued, particularly examining discount factors applied to LLC interests based on control limitations an…
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174: Part 1: The Valuation Puzzle: What Your Assets Are Really Worth
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16:33In this insightful episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes Alex Spaete, a valuation expert and partner with Bridge Forensic CPAs. In part one of their discussion, Kirsten and Alex explore the complex world of asset valuation, particularly focusing on closely held businesses and real estate holding partnerships. Alex explains why …
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173: Stop Family Feuds: Expert Tips for Probate Real Estate Sales
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24:00In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes real estate expert Nathan Jines from Jines Real Estate Group, Keller Williams, to discuss the complexities of selling real estate in a probate or trust administration. When a homeowner passes away, managing the sale of their property presents unique challenges, from family dynamics …
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171: IRS Audits Uncovered: What Triggers Them and How to Prepare
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22:21Few things are as nerve-wracking as receiving an IRS audit notice—but how do audits really work, and what can you do to protect yourself? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe sits down with Anthony Kim, a former IRS Chief Counsel Attorney with 26+ years of experience, to reveal the truth behind IRS audits. Tony, who has litigated co…
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172: IRS Audits Uncovered Part 2: Protests and Appeals Explained
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22:11Intro Summary] In this follow-up episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back tax law expert Tony Kim to continue their deep dive into IRS audits and appeals. With 26 years of experience working for the IRS, Tony provides invaluable insights into what happens after an audit determination is made. He explains the role of a protest…
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170: How to Secure Your Estate: Insights from O.J. Simpson’s Latest Legal Drama:
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9:39In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, hosts Kirsten Howe and Jessica Colbert delve into the latest twist in O.J. Simpson’s long-running estate saga. The estate’s executor has taken an unexpected step by filing a lawsuit against one of Simpson’s heirs, claiming that a key Las Vegas property was secretly transferred out of the estate’s control. As …
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169: Understanding Probate Part 3: How to Get Your Will Admitted to Probate
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9:22In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the critical steps in getting a will admitted to probate. They explain why lodging an original, properly executed will with the county superior court is essential, and how witness testimony can authenticate the document. They also examine the pi…
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168: Understanding Probate Part 2: What Exactly Is a Will?
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6:55In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their deep dive into probate fundamentals by focusing on wills. They clarify what makes a will legally valid, why a handwritten (or “wet ink”) signature is still required, and how witnesses play a key role in safeguarding the document’s authent…
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167: Understanding Probate: A Closer Look at the Personal Representative’s Duties
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8:44In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Associate Attorney Ariana Flynn shine a light on the often misunderstood world of probate. They discuss why estate planners typically seek to avoid probate, the situations that make it unavoidable, and the key role of the personal representative—whether executor or administrator—in guiding th…
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166: Don't Fall for Disaster Scams: Tips to Safely Support Fire Relief Efforts
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13:01In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and Jessica Colbert discuss the ongoing Los Angeles fires and offer practical advice on how to help victims without falling prey to scams. From identifying legitimate charities to safely navigating crowdfunding platforms, they outline actionable steps to ensure your generosity has a real impact. …
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165: When ‘I Wish’ Isn’t Enough: Precatory Clauses and the Mangione Family Estate
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7:52If you’ve been following the news lately, chances are you’ve heard of Luigi Mangione, the man at the center of recent headlines for allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While the criminal case has drawn widespread attention, what caught our interest is a surprising detail about Mangione's personal life: he’s reportedly listed as …
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164: Shielding Your Legacy: How to Avoid Estate Litigation Pitfalls
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10:57Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk for Part 2 of our exciting deep dive into estate litigation with our associate attorney and former litigator, Ariana Flynn! In this episode, we’re exploring the steps you can take to prevent challenges to your estate plan after you’re gone. Ariana shares valuable insights from her experience, including how writin…
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163: Courthouse Confessions: Inside Trust and Estate Litigation
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8:54In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, managing attorney Kirsten Howe welcomes associate attorneys Jessica Colbert and Ariana Flynn to discuss common issues in trust and estate litigation. Drawing from her experience as a litigator, Ariana highlights three major themes that often arise in family disputes over estates: undue influence, lack of capa…
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162: Untangling Community vs. Separate Property Issues in Estate Planning (Part 2)
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11:36In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back accomplished estate planning attorney and litigation expert Ruth Kohler Burke for part two of their deep dive into community vs. separate property in estate planning. Together, they unravel the complexities of property characterization and highlight how proper planning can save…
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161: What’s Yours, Mine, and Ours? Untangling Community vs. Separate Property in Estate Planning
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16:53In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe is joined by the accomplished Ruth Koller Burke, Partner at Koller Herlihy LLP, whose 25+ years of experience span estate planning, trust administration, and probate litigation. Ruth’s dual expertise as both an estate planner and litigator—gained through years of representing Fortune 500 com…
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160: Celebrity Probate Case Files: O.J. Simpson
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7:48In this special Absolute Trust Talk episode, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert step into the captivating world of celebrity estates, taking a closer look at the probate of O.J. Simpson. Unlike traditional probates, where assets are distributed to heirs, O.J.'s estate paints a very different picture—one dominated by overwhelming de…
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159: Trustees' Checklist: Essential Notices You Can't Afford to Miss
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8:45Trustees, are you confident you’ve completed all your legal responsibilities? This final, crucial question is one every trustee should ask—but the answer is rarely simple. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the often-overlooked legal notices trustees are required to send befor…
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158: Avoiding Trustee Liability: Critical Steps Before Distributing Assets
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10:00Being named a trustee is a significant responsibility that demands careful attention, time, and effort—and missing critical steps can lead to complex legal consequences. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into real-life cases where trustees overlooked essential duties. They discuss…
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157: Avoiding Probate Hassles: Understanding California's 2025 Law Change
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6:23A significant shift in California probate law is on the horizon, promising to make estate transfers more accessible for many homeowners. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into a game-changing legislation effective April 1, 2025. This new law allows for a simplified transfer of pri…
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156: Probate Alternatives: Real Estate Affidavits and Succession Petitions Explained
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8:26In the third episode of their probate alternatives series on Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into two streamlined legal procedures that help families avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process when transferring small real estate estates in California. They explain an affidavit procedure f…
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155: Spousal Property Petitions: An Easier Alternative to Probate
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7:39In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert delve into the spousal property petition, a vital tool that offers a faster and more cost-effective way for surviving spouses to claim assets from a deceased spouse's estate. They break down the legal nuances, sharing practical examples of how this process w…
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154: Unlocking Assets Without Probate: The Benefits of Using a Small Estate Affidavit
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9:12Navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming, so what if there was a way to avoid it entirely? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, associate attorney Jessica Colbert and managing attorney Kirsten Howe introduce the small estate affidavit—an often overlooked yet highly effective tool for bypassing probate when certain conditions are met.…
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153: AB Trusts After 2013: What You Need to Do Now
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8:58Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk! In this exciting episode, associate attorney Jessica Colbert steps into the spotlight for the first time, accompanied by managing attorney Kirsten Howe. Together, they continue the series AB Trusts: Do You Have One? Do You Need One? This episode uncovers the surprising reason many couples have AB trusts without …
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152: The Truth About AB Trusts: Will Your Wishes Be Followed?
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6:28Welcome back to Absolute Trust Talk with Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert! In this second episode of our AB Trust series, we dive into a vital question: Will your wishes truly be honored? While AB Trusts are a common estate planning tool for couples, they have potential challenges. One significant issue is when the deceased spous…
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151: Is an AB Trust Right for You? Essential Insights for Married Couples
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8:10Married couples, is your AB trust still serving your needs, or has it outstayed its welcome? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert take a closer look at AB trusts, a once-standard estate planning tool. They discuss when an AB trust makes sense and when it might just add unnecessary complexity an…
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150: Third-Party Trustees: A Smart Choice for Your Estate Plan?
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10:06In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert continue their in-depth discussion on selecting a successor trustee, with a focus on third-party options. They explore key considerations when choosing a licensed professional fiduciary, breaking down the advantages and potential drawbacks of this option. Ad…
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149: Choosing a Child as Your Successor Trustee: Key Factors to Consider
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8:14Are you considering naming a child as your successor trustee? In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore the pros and cons of selecting a child for this crucial role. They break down key factors, including whether to name one child or multiple children as co-trustees, and the potential c…
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148: How to Choose the Right Successor Trustee for Your Trust
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6:02Are you prepared to name a successor trustee in your estate plan? Don’t worry if you’re unsure—this episode of Absolute Trust Talk will guide you through the process. We’ll break down the most important traits to look for in a successor trustee, such as trustworthiness, reliability, and the ability to seek professional advice when needed. Plus, we’…
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147: How to Legally Access a Loved One's Bank Account After Death
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29:08Have you ever faced the frustrating challenge of accessing a loved one’s bank account after their passing? You’re not alone. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe and associates Ariana Flynn and Jessica Colbert break down the complexities of this process into simple, actionable steps. They explain why placing accounts in a trust is t…
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146: Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls Part 3
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6:16Navigating estate planning as a surviving spouse can be complex, especially when dealing with the intricacies of an A-B trust. In this episode of “Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls,” Kirsten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert focus on the A-B Trust—an estate planning tool that was once commonly used to mini…
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145: Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls Part 2
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7:32Taking on the role of a trustee or executor can be daunting—and for good reason! With so many responsibilities and legal requirements, checking all the necessary boxes can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, we continue our discussion on trustee and executor duties, focusing on the critical importance of notices. For instance…
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144: Navigating Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls
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8:11When asked to be a family member’s trustee or executor, it’s easy to immediately say yes out of love and a sense of duty. It’s just some paperwork, right? How hard could it be? At Absolute Trust Counsel, we’ve seen the struggles trustees and executors face, particularly when they are family members. The role involves a heavy workload, significant r…
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Can you avoid probate without a trust? The short answer is yes, but the alternatives can have risks and offer limited control over your assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kiersten Howe and associate attorney Jessica Colbert explore various probate-avoidance strategies, including beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death accounts, and…
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142: Navigating Trust Administration with Real Property
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18:12Navigating the administration of a life estate trust with real property can be a complex task. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe is joined by Karen Fisher and Kathy Rodriguez of Bishop Fiduciary Services to delve into the intricacies of life estates involving real estate. They cover the unexpected responsibilities of a trustee, s…
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141: Managing Real Estate Assets as a Trustee
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19:24Managing a trust can be challenging, especially when it involves real estate assets. In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes Karen Fisher, founder of Bishop Fiduciary Services, and Kathy Rodriguez, a licensed professional fiduciary and co-trustee with Bishop Fiduciary Services. Together, we will explore the complexities o…
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140: Navigating Trust Complexities: The Family Home Dilemma
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14:59To all of our local Bay Area listeners, you may have heard about the recent story of a three-bedroom house listed for $488,000 in San Francisco’s Russian Hill with a tenant renting it for only $417 a month. How is that even possible?! If you’re as intrigued as we are, stick with us for this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, where we will be dissectin…
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139: Optimizing Your Portfolio with Alternative Investments
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21:30We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs into one basket,” which rings true for building your portfolio. The ideal portfolio consists of more than stocks and bonds – it includes Alternative Investments, like real estate, drilling funds, and value adds. In this episode of Absolute Trust Counsel, certified financial planner Miguel Delgado…
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138: Beyond Profits: Tackling Key Issues for Business Longevity
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19:11In our latest episode, we welcome back Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management. Miguel previously offered an excellent inside look at financial planning for small businesses, and his insights were so valuable that we knew we had to have him on again. This time, we're diving deeper into the challenges that businesses often …
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137: Maximize Your Wealth: Expert Financial Strategies for Business Owners
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16:57Are you a business owner or partner? If so, you don’t want to miss this episode of Absolute Trust Talk! We’re exploring all things financial planning for business owners so you can transform your business success into personal wealth. Joining us is Miguel Delgado, Senior Wealth Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management, who specializes in tax minimizatio…
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136: Guardianship Explained: Essential Insights for Effective Estate Planning
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35:53Have you ever considered what would happen to your children if you passed away? It can be daunting and hard to think about; no one wants to plan for the possibility where they aren’t around to see their kids grow up. We often talk to clients who follow that old superstition that if they don’t think about it, then it won’t happen to them, so why pla…
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135: Character Matters Part 2: Estate Planning for Community Property vs. Separate Property
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11:31If you missed the first episode of our "Character Matters" mini-series, we discussed the differences between Community and Separate Property and why the "character" of your assets matters in estate planning. As a quick recap: Separate Property includes assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances during marriage, while Communit…
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134: Character Matters Part 1: Understanding Community Property in Divorce and Estate Planning
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11:27Did you know that in California, any property acquired while married is considered Community Property? This means that, regardless of who bought it, the ownership is split 50/50 in the case of divorce. It also means that if you die without valid estate planning documents, your spouse automatically receives 100% of the ownership. If we’re talking ab…
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133: From Wheels to Waves: How to Fund Your Trust with Cars, Boats, or Mobile Home Assets
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11:42When it comes to funding your trust with assets like cars, mobile homes, and boats, it can get a little complicated and confusing. For instance, do you know whether or not you need to retitle your cars to your trust? And when it comes to mobile homes, before you can even determine whether you should retitle it, you must first know if it’s registere…
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