In this special Q&A episode, Thomas and David tackle some of the most common—and practical—estate planning questions they get from clients. From deciding when a revocable trust makes sense to the pros and cons of joint vs. individual trusts, they break down tricky issues like funding trusts with S-Corps, student loan discharge at death, and structuring distributions for children. Whether you're helping clients title assets, avoid probate, or protect family wealth, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for real-world planning.

Titling assets correctly is one of the most overlooked but critical parts of estate planning. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton unpack the complexities of properly funding a trust—breaking down how to handle everything from bank accounts and investment accounts to business interests, private investments, and life insurance. They highlight common pitfalls, share practical guidance, and explain how to coordinate across professionals to ensure your estate plan actually works the way it was designed.

Thomas, Anne, and David break down one of the most complex—but powerful—tools in advanced estate planning: the dynasty trust and the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax. Learn how ultra-high-net-worth families use these structures to shield assets from future estate taxes, and why understanding the GST exemption matters for long-term planning. From trust structuring to choosing the right state jurisdiction, this episode offers a primer on preserving wealth across multiple generations—with practical context for advisors and clients alike.

Helping kids financially isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and David Haughton unpack the nuanced differences between gifting, loaning, and renting when supporting family—especially when it comes to housing. They explore the legal, tax, and emotional factors behind each approach, including intra-family mortgages, interest forgiveness, and structuring rental agreements. From IRS considerations to preserving family dynamics, this episode helps advisors and clients make smart, intentional decisions when offering financial support.

Brent Weiss, Head of Financial Wellness at Facet, joins Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes to bust common estate planning myths and explore how technology is reshaping the planning experience. They discuss why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, how friction and emotional weight often delay action, and how advisors can help clients overcome these barriers. From building connections with client's families to using digital platforms like Wealth.com, this episode offers practical insights to make estate planning more accessible, timely, and client-centered.

In this episode of The Practical Planner, Thomas Kopelman and David Haughton dive into the estate planning opportunities that arise during down markets. With recent market volatility and policy shifts making headlines, they explore how advisors can leverage tools like SLATs, GRATs, and Roth conversions to preserve and grow wealth outside of the estate. From timing gifts to managing legislative and market risks, they provide actionable insights for advisors navigating uncertain times.

No one gets married planning for divorce—but failing to plan can leave assets vulnerable. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and Dave Haughton dive into why prenuptial agreements (prenups) are a key estate planning tool, not just a safeguard for the ultra-wealthy. They break down the difference between community and separate property, how prenups protect business owners, and what happens if you don’t have one in place. They also discuss post-nuptial agreements, common misconceptions, and how advisors can guide clients through these crucial conversations.

Crypto, online accounts, and other digital assets are now a critical part of estate planning—but many advisors and clients aren’t prepared. In this episode, Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton break down what advisors need to know, from crypto taxation and security risks to ensuring digital assets are accessible when needed. They cover key estate planning strategies, common mistakes, and how to help clients organize and protect their full digital footprint. Ignoring digital assets isn’t an option—advisors who understand them will be the ones clients trust most.

AI is transforming wealth management and estate planning, but how should advisors think about it? In this episode, Thomas Kopelman, Dave Haughton, and Anne Rhodes sit down with Seungwoo Son, VP of Applied AI at Wealth.com, to unpack what AI can do today—and where it’s headed. They break down how advisors can use AI to streamline workflows, why human oversight still matters, and what to watch for when evaluating AI tools. From data privacy concerns to spotting unreliable outputs, they cover the must-knows for integrating AI effectively. AI won’t replace advisors, but those who use it wisely will have a clear advantage.

This week, hosts Thomas Kopelman and Dave Haughton provide their perspectives on the critical role advisors have in helping their clients with their estate plans. They already have an intimate understanding of their financial situation and future goals, so they’re uniquely positioned to help educate them on their estate plan options. 

They discuss how advisors can integrate estate planning into ongoing financial planning sessions, how to coordinate with estate attorneys and other third-parties and, ultimately, how they can be the go-to person to help their clients make informed decisions