Smart Wealth Blog

Fiduciary investment advisors help you make money decisions that truly benefit you.

Should you get a financial advisor? If you have $500,000 or more in investable assets and you're nearing retirement, you should get a financial advisor.

2025 Midyear Outlook: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations delivers market insights on what we can expect from the economy, stocks, bonds, and more through year end.

Intestate succession laws in Minnesota apply when a person dies without a will.

A business financial advisor isn't someone who tells you how to run your business. Instead, a business financial advisor is someone who helps you understand how your business fits into the bigger picture of your financial life.

As a Minnesotan, considering a living trust is a great step towards making sure your assets are protected. We'll cover how to create one.

One of the most important things to understand is that Minnesota has a state-level estate tax, and it kicks in at a relatively low threshold: $3 million.

It’s important to understand the basics of how Minnesota law treats these trusts in divorce scenarios.

While Minnesota doesn't have a gift tax, certain gifts made within three years of death may be included in your estate for Minnesota estate tax purposes. 

If you have $500,000 or more in investable assets, a team of professionals can help coordinate all aspects of your financial life, aiming to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

One of my clients is a plumber who owns and runs his own business. He employs his wife and four children. We are able to do some pretty cool things for them. Their combined net worth — including their home, investments, and retirement accounts — was a little over $500,000. It might seem like estate taxes won't affect this couple. However, that's not the case. Net worth and estate value are not always the same thing.

I recently had a meeting with a couple that is in their early 40s to talk through their current estate plan. Their combined net worth — including their home, investments, and retirement accounts — was a little over $500,000. It might seem like estate taxes won't affect this couple. However, that's not the case. Net worth and estate value are not always the same thing.

If you want to prevent issues with trusts during a divorce, this is important information.

A wealth management team will help you with tax planning, investment management, estate planning, and retirement planning.

If your advisor isn't meeting your expectations, it's time to evaluate the relationship.

The appropriate fee for a financial advisor can vary widely. Typically, you might see fees structured as a percentage of AUM.

You can avoid probate in Minnesota if you follow a solid estate planning process that includes working with an estate planning attorney, financial advisor, and accountant.  

Generational wealth planning is about creating a thoughtful strategy to accumulate, preserve, and pass on your wealth in a way that benefits your family for decades to come.

As a business owner, you've worked hard to build something meaningful — something that supports your family, your employees, and your legacy.

An investment advisor is a strategic partner who aims to help you manage risk, grow wealth, and align your finances with your broader goals.