January Newsletter | 2026

January 2026 Financial Insights Newsletter

Written by Genti Cici & Dr. TaeYoung Lee,

The title: "Estate Planning Is Only for People Who Care About Their Loved Ones"

The title is intentionally crafted to make you pause and read it twice, or perhaps three times. Be honest: how many times did you?

Many articles extol the virtues of estate planning and explain why it is essential, yet these messages often fail to resonate. No action is taken; the matter is relegated to the back burner for so long that one forgets the burner exists at all. With the fresh motivation of a new year (resolutions fresh in mind and determination to accomplish meaningful goals), there is no better moment to tackle this often-delayed task. Sometimes, an exclusionary approach is required to achieve true inclusion. Sometimes, a shift in perspective is needed, one that considers the viewpoints of those you hold dear.

Estate planning is the disciplined process of preparing for a future in which you are no longer present, while your loved ones remain and must navigate the consequences of your affairs, or the absence of any preparation. They will be the ones sorting through what you owned or intended, attending court proceedings where personal and private matters are aired in probate hearings. They will contend with financial institutions, realtors, attorneys, and courts, or perhaps all of these, while simultaneously grieving your loss. This plan is for them, not for you, if you truly care.

Without a plan, your assets may not reach the intended beneficiaries, your values may remain un-honored, and unnecessary taxes could diminish your legacy (though the 2026 federal exemption, now permanently set at $15 million per person and indexed for inflation, reduces concerns for many). Inadequate planning can even ignite family conflicts or overlook modern elements like digital assets (e.g., online accounts and cryptocurrencies). Have I alarmed you sufficiently? Excellent. That is the intent.

For those who do care about their loved ones, regardless of wealth, age, or the perennial excuse of being "too busy," please take these foundational steps:

Beneficiary Designations: Name beneficiaries on financial accounts (e.g., bank, investment, and retirement accounts) to enable direct transfers. Review and update these periodically, especially if family circumstances or wishes change. (Your current spouse may not appreciate discovering your former spouse listed as beneficiary.)

Joint Ownership: Title assets such as real estate as "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" to allow automatic passage to co-owners.

Trusts: A properly structured trust (revocable or irrevocable) ensures assets are managed and distributed according to your precise instructions, avoiding probate altogether.

Essential documents include:

A Trust: This legal entity, overseen by a trustee, holds and distributes assets per your directives. You may act as trustee during your lifetime, with a designated successor assuming control thereafter to handle complex assets or multi-generational distributions. Important: After creation, remember to retitle assets in the trust's name. Otherwise, the trust remains unfunded and its benefits are largely ineffective.

Living Will: Specifies your healthcare preferences in the event of incapacitation.

Power of Attorney: Appoints a trusted individual to manage financial matters if you become unable.

Last Will and Testament: Outlines final wishes and distributions for assets not placed in a trust.

Provisions for Digital Assets: Inventory online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and digital content; designate a digital executor for access and management.

Letter of Intent: A non-binding note detailing funeral preferences, pet care, or personal explanations to guide loved ones.

These documents safeguard your intentions and preserve your wealth for those who follow. Review your plan every 3 to 5 years or after major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth, or relocation) to avoid common pitfalls like unfunded trusts or outdated designations.

As financial planners, our role is to guide you through estate planning: initiating the essential conversations, ensuring the content reflects your exact wishes, and facilitating the creation of legally valid documents, either through an attorney or, more economically, via digital platforms designed and vetted by legal professionals.

Estate planning is one of those tasks we delay as long as possible, given the uncomfortable discussions it entails (surrounding mortality and its aftermath). Yet remember: estate planning is not for you. It is for your loved ones, but only if you care about them.

Contact us to begin the process and address the conversations you have been postponing.

Written by Genti Cici & Dr. TaeYoung Lee