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Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking points of Anthony Bourdain's death is the mere fact that he thought his 11-year-old daughter was going to be taken care after he was gone. As reported in the press, he left an estimated $1.21 million estate to Ariane Bourdain. Unfortunately, she will most likely end up with a fraction of this. So why is this? Did he not have a will? Actually, yes, Anthony Bourdain did have a will, but he did not have a living trust. By definition, a living trust or inter-vivos trust is a fiduciary relationship used in estate planning created during the lifetime of the trustor. This trust has a duration that is determined at the time of the trust's creation and can entail the distribution of assets to the beneficiary during or after the trustor's lifetime. So when you die, your trust stays in place and will execute what is outlined within the trust.

The term wealth advisor has become somewhat difficult to define these days. Not too long ago, a wealth advisor was considered necessary for clients with substantial means. Usually, the advisor was only focused on the investments they were managing and selling funds so they could cushion their own bank roll. Fast forward to today, and wealth advisor takes on (or at least should take on) a whole new meaning.

If you were building your dream home, would trust a robot to pick out the floor plan, the wall color, the fixtures, the décor? Chances are you would probably answer no. How about trusting a robot to choose and manage your investment decisions?

The thought of early retirement is appealing to many people. Perhaps we are too easily enticed by the pull of idealized visions of leaving the workforce early: walking leisurely on a white-sand beach, enjoying a sunset at some far-off destination, spending time with family and friends. These romanticized depictions of early retirement can be appealing even to those who still get great fulfillment from their avocations. It’s no surprise, then, that early retirement in some form can be a common goal.

Life is a journey filled with the certainty of uncertainties. Despite what is often our best intentions and efforts, it’s the rare occasion when the path from Point A to Point B is a straight line. Frequently, the route more closely resembles the loops and curls of a plate of spaghetti.

BlueSky Wealth Advisor, Stephen Fletcher, CFP® Professional, MBA is located in our New Bern office. When I first began my career, I got a very helpful piece of advice from my first boss; he was a perfectionist and reviewed even the most minute detail of the work I turned in to him. He told me that, as good as someone is at their job, you must assume at the outset of your experience with them that they are terrible at it.

David Blain, CFA is the guest speaker for Wharton Business Radio show "Your Money". Saving for college tuition, planning for retirement or doing your taxes? Should you look into an IRA? Get practical advice on your personal finances and find out what today’s headlines mean for your pocket.

I’ve always been a “do-it-yourself” (DIY) person. In fact, if you have heard the story of BlueSky you know that I started the firm out of frustration when I tried to find financial and tax advice for myself as I was starting out in my investing endeavors. Unsuccessful at finding highly skilled people I could trust, I decided to teach myself. Eventually, I turned my DIY chore into my lifelong passion.