A&I Wealth Management > Blog > Elder Planning > Preserving Wealth, Legacy, and Lifestyle: A 7-Step Elder Planning Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Let’s begin with Margaret, a retired entrepreneur in her late seventies, who had built a remarkable life with her successful ski store in Aspen. Her mountain estate was a testament to her hard work, but as the years passed and her health declined, she found herself increasingly reliant on her longtime housekeeper, Elena. Elena, initially hired for basic tasks, gradually took on more responsibilities, managing the household, overseeing finances, and even accompanying Margaret to medical appointments in Denver.

Margaret’s family, living out of state, grew increasingly worried about her well-being and the potential risks of her dependency on Elena. They urged Margaret to consider elder planning, but she resisted, clinging to her independence. However, a winter storm that left her stranded at her estate without power or access to medication became a turning point. The experience made her realize her vulnerability and the need for a comprehensive plan.

With the help of her family and a financial planning group from Denver, Margaret established a trust to protect her assets, appointed a financial advisor in Denver, and designated a trusted friend as her healthcare proxy. She also ensured Elena was fairly compensated for her support. Margaret’s story underscores the importance of elder planning, not just as a means to protect assets, but as a way to ensure dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind in the face of life’s uncertainties, especially in the unique context of Colorado’s mountain communities.

Why Is Margaret’s Story Important?

It is imperative to create a comprehensive plan to safeguard your assets, ensure your desired lifestyle throughout your golden years, and create a lasting legacy. At A&I Wealth Management, we specialize in addressing the unique financial complexities and opportunities faced by high-net-worth individuals. This guide outlines the seven crucial steps to consider when elder planning for a secure and fulfilling future.

1. Aging in Place: Your Estate, Your Sanctuary

Your home is more than just an asset – it’s a place of comfort and personal history. We’ll assess your estate’s current condition and develop a plan for any modifications or upgrades to ensure it remains a haven for years to come. This could involve renovations for accessibility, integrating smart home technology, or exploring options for on-site staff to provide personalized support.

2. Multi-Property Management: Optimizing Your Real Estate Portfolio

If you own real estate and multiple properties, we’ll help you strategically manage your portfolio to maximize value and minimize tax liabilities. This could involve exploring rental income opportunities, considering estate planning strategies to protect your assets, or evaluating the potential for charitable donations of real estate.

3. Concierge Healthcare Planning: Your Health, Your Priority

We understand the importance of maintaining optimal health and well-being. We’ll work with you to resource a customized healthcare plan that includes access to top specialists, private nursing care, and even concierge medicine services. We’ll also help you review health insurance and healthcare expense management and explore long-term care solutions tailored to your specific needs.

4. Advanced Wealth Preservation: Protecting Your Legacy

Safeguarding your wealth is our top priority. We’ll develop a financial plan that addresses complex tax considerations, generational wealth transfer, and philanthropic endeavors. This may involve utilizing advanced strategies such as trusts, family foundations, and charitable remainder trusts to protect your assets and minimize tax burdens for your heirs.

5. Medicare Optimization: Navigating a Complex System

While Medicare is essential, it may not be sufficient for your specific healthcare needs. We’ll guide you through the Medicare landscape, help you identify optimal supplemental coverage options, and ensure you receive the highest quality care without financial limitations.

6. Estate and Legacy Planning: Your Wishes, Your Legacy

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is essential for protecting your legacy. We’ll work with you to establish clear directives for your assets, minimizing estate taxes and ensuring your wishes are carried out seamlessly. This involves sharing resources for crafting wills, trusts, and other legal documents to provide for your loved ones and the causes you cherish.

7. Philanthropic Guidance: Creating a Lasting Impact

Giving back to society can be a rewarding aspect of wealth management. We’ll help you establish a meaningful philanthropic strategy that aligns with your values and creates a lasting impact on the causes you care about. This could involve establishing private foundations, donor-advised funds, or supporting charitable organizations that resonate with you.

Your Partner in Wealth Preservation and Legacy Creation

At A&I Wealth Management, we recognize that your financial goals extend beyond wealth accumulation. We’re committed to preserving your legacy, ensuring your well-being, and maximizing your impact on the world. Contact us today to initiate a conversation about your unique needs and aspirations.

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About the author

Karl Frank, Certified Financial Planner ®, MSF, MBA, MA, is the President of A&I Financial Services LLC, a local business that specializes in wealth management, insurance planning, and retirement planning. Karl cares for business owners and the businesses that care for them. Learn More about Karl.