The Great Wealth Transfer Part 2: Wealth Transfer Strategies for Your Family's Next Chapter

In this episode:

00:00 – 07:22: Intro and Bridging the “Why” to “How”
07:23 – 13:10: Busting Estate Planning Myths
13:11 – 21:59: Estate Tax Exemptions, Attorneys and Probate
22:00 – 31:18: Types of Trust Structures
31:19 – 36:42: Navigating Gifting and Gifting Limits
36:43 – 40:01: Preparing Children for Wealth
40:02 – 45:04: The Great Wealth Transfer’s Impact on Women
45:05 – 50:24: Building Your Advisory Team

In Part 1, host and SVP Wealth Fiduciary Advisor, Kelly Mould alongside SVP Director of Wealth Strategy, Joe Maier and SVP Private Client Banking Leader, Jackie Ruppel explored the why behind the Great Wealth Transfer — family values, emotional dynamics and the conversations families need to have before any legal document is ever drafted. Part 2 goes further, tackling the how: The specific tools, structures and team dynamics that ensure your wealth reaches the ones that matter to you most.

5 Key Takeaways

1. The “how” is the execution of the “why” 

Every trust structure, gifting strategy and legal document should flow directly from a family's defined values and intended impact. Joe says when the "why" is clear, the technical tools almost select themselves. Families that skip the values conversation and jump straight to documents end up with paperwork that doesn't reflect what they actually want.

2. Your estate plan is never done

One of the biggest myths Joe and Jackie address is the "set it and forget it" approach to estate planning. Life changes — children grow, relationships evolve, tax laws shift — and your documents need to keep pace. A plan drafted when your kids were minors may be dangerously outdated when they're adults with their own assets and families.

3. The estate tax window may be closing 

The current estate tax exemption — approximately $15 million per person, $30 million per couple — is the highest it has been since 2000. It is widely expected to sunset or be reduced. Families who assume they don't need to act now may face a dramatically different tax landscape in the near future, with millions less to transfer.

4. Trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy 

Jackie notes that the word "trust" alone scares many clients away, who assume it's reserved for the ultra-high-net-worth. Joe demystifies the core distinction: Revocable trusts give flexibility and avoid probate whereas irrevocable trusts provide asset protection, estate tax savings and governance. The right structure depends entirely on a family's values and goals.

5. Your advisory team should be advocates

Jackie reframes the advisory team as "a team of advocates" — professionals who champion a family's "why," not just manage their assets. Joe adds a clear red flag: If an advisor leads with jargon and acronyms before explaining the human impact behind them, they're probably the wrong fit. The right team listens first, then plans.