Law and Financial Order

Where should you keep your cash? In this episode of Law and Financial Order, Robyn Wolcott, CFP® and Erin Duques discuss the risks of hiding cash around the house and explore smarter options for keeping your money safe, accessible, and working for you...

 This episode of Law and Financial Order is focused on RMDs. They are a required part of retirement—but they don't have to catch you by surprise. The right strategy can help you manage taxes, support charitable goals, and make the most of your retirement assets. 

In this episode of Law & Financial Order, Financial Advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP® and Attorney Erin Duques discuss why a Power of Attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. Learn how it protects you during your lifetime, what powers you're granting, how to choose the right agent, and why keeping your documents up to date can help avoid unnecessary stress and delays when they matter most.

In this episode, Robyn and Erin sit down with Damian Cashman of Ascend, whose Irish accent is as memorable as his deep knowledge of the mortgage industry.

The conversation centers around PITI—Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance—the key components that determine what home you can realistically afford. Damian breaks down how lenders evaluate affordability and explains why understanding your full monthly housing payment is so important.

Damian also shares how Ascend provides access to many of the same loan products offered by major banks, while leveraging strong vendor relationships to help clients find the right financing solutions. He discusses creative lending strategies, non-traditional mortgage options, and other outside-the-box financing programs that can benefit a wide range of homebuyers.

Robyn highlights a common concern among her retired clients; many of whom assume they won't qualify for a mortgage because they no longer receive traditional employment income. Robyn, Erin, and Damian discuss how retirees can successfully navigate the mortgage process and explore financing options when purchasing a home. Listen to the entire episode for more tips! 

 In this recent episode of Law and Financial Order, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP®, estate planning attorney Erin Duques sit down with insurance specialist Morgan Krause from Anderson Krause Insurance. This episode focuses on the importance of insurance planning. This episode aims to explain insurance concepts in plain language and discuss practical ways people can protect their homes, vehicles, belongings, and overall financial well-being.  

In the second part of LAFO’s End of Life Planning episode, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP®, and attorney Erin Duques are joined by Dr. Joseph Sacco, Chief Medical Officer at Connecticut Hospice, to discuss the essentials of end-of-life planning.

They explain the importance of naming a healthcare representative—someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to communicate. The conversation also addresses what to consider if family members disagree about who should take on this role, and why having a clearly designated person ensures your wishes are respected during critical medical situations.

The episode also covers key planning documents, including a living will and the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). These tools help outline your specific preferences for care, from nutrition and hydration to advanced interventions like respiratory support, ensuring your medical treatment aligns with your values and goals.

In the latest episode of Law and Financial Order, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP®, and attorney Erin Duques, discuss end of life planning with Chief Medical Officer at Connecticut Hospice, Dr. Joseph Sacco, MD, ABFM, ACQ-HPM. 

They break down what families need to know about hospice, palliative care, and the financial realities that come with both.

Understanding Hospice: What It Is—and What It Isn’t

Hospice care begins when a physician determines that a patient likely has six months or less to live. At that point, the focus shifts away from curative treatment and toward comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Dr. Sacco explains the difference between palliative and hospice care and why patients may benefit from them. 

Listen to learn more and stay tuned for episode 2! 

In the “Houston, We Have a Minor Problem” episode of Law and Financial Order, financial advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques discuss the importance of planning ahead for your children’s future. They explain why it’s essential to choose not only who would care for your children, but also who would manage their finances if something happened to you.

The episode covers helpful planning tools such as trusts, Roth IRAs, 529 education savings plans, and UTMA custodial accounts, which allow adults to manage investments on behalf of a minor until they reach adulthood.

As always, every family’s situation is different, so it’s important to speak with your financial and legal professionals to determine the best approach for your family.

In the “New Year, Fresh Start – Taxes” episode of Law and Financial Order, financial advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques share practical, plain-English tax tips for the new year, joined by special guest James Warner, CFP®, CEO and Lead Wealth Advisor at Warner Wealth and owner of Warner Allred Tax Solutions. The discussion focuses on actionable strategies that can help individuals and families optimize their tax situation, reduce liabilities, and plan effectively for both short- and long-term financial goals. By breaking down complex rules into understandable advice, the hosts make it easier for listeners to see where they might be leaving money on the table—and what steps they can take to fix that.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax situation with a qualified tax advisor. 

A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. 

A Roth IRA conversion—sometimes called a backdoor Roth strategy—is a way to contribute to a Roth IRA when income exceeds standard limits. The converted amount is treated as taxable income and may affect your tax bracket. Federal, state, and local taxes may apply. If you’re required to take a minimum distribution in the year of conversion, it must be completed before converting. To qualify for tax-free withdrawals, you must generally be age 59½ and hold the converted funds in the Roth IRA for at least five years. Each conversion has its own five-year period, and early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Income limits still apply for future direct Roth IRA contributions. A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.