With fewer and fewer workers covered by a defined benefit retirement plan (pension), more Americans today depend on 401(k)s and other defined-contribution plans to supply retirement income. Through disciplined and tax-incentivized savings throughout their career, many workers will have their 401(k)/IRA as their largest financial asset by the end of their career.

It has become an American tradition to pass on accumulated wealth to subsequent generations. Whether it be family real estate or a sizeable stock portfolio, it is only natural for parents to want to leave something to their children. Proposed policy changes under the new administration may severely alter how we continue this practice. In this episode of the 2021 Financial Forecast Series, David L. Blain, CFA, outlines the proposed policy changes to estate planning while highlighting the strategies for the wealth of this generation and future beneficiaries.

As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Carolina East Health System, David L. Blain, CFA, has experienced a front-row seat to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from both a micro and macro effect on the economy and financial markets. In his ongoing series, 2021 Financial Forecast: A Step-By-Step Guide to a Year of Change, David provides a thorough overview of what to expect in the year(s) ahead, while taking a deep-dive into the financial sectors potentially affected by the incoming administration's proposed policy changes.

The desire to leave a legacy has led many people to estate planning and charitable giving with a philanthropic heart. It’s a lot more than a way to reduce taxes, although it does that quite effectively. Ultimately, your choice of charities reflects your values and your purpose in life.

Estate planning for business owners can be extremely complicated. Working with an estate attorney or a professional fluent in estate planning for business owners will help ensure that their needs are met and that they have adequate estate planning.

Our very own Director of Client Engagement, Jennifer White, was recently featured in an issue of RIA Intel. The article discusses the ideal frequency for advisors to meet with clients and the importance of defining communication standards.

Have you ever jumped off the sofa declaring “I need a vacation” and then sped off in your car toward the airport? Of course not! You planned. After everyone agreed on where to go, you checked calendars, chose dates, and reserved flights, hotels, and various activities. Then you waited weeks or months for the special date. In the meantime, you squared everything away at work so nothing would interrupt your big trip.

Jennifer White is the Director of Client Engagement for BlueSky Wealth Advisor and is located in New Bern, NC. 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?