Asset Protection

In the past few weeks, we’ve had three inquiries that specifically asked for “asset protection”. But as we got into the weeds, it was clear that each person was using the same term to mean very different things.

You've done the hard work: built a solid portfolio, contributed diligently to your retirement plan, and steered clear of financial fads. But if you’re like many high-net-worth investors, there's a quiet unease when you scan your IRA.

The systems aren’t broken. But they’re bending. US dollar risk, political gridlock, growing deficits – none of these are new. But together, they’ve become a signal. A signal that relying solely on “the way it’s always been” is no longer a plan.

If you've worked hard to build substantial wealth, you're probably thinking about how to protect it – not just for yourself, but for your children and grandchildren.

Got money stashed outside the US? You need to know about something called the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report).

The internet is full of urgent warnings for rental property owners: "You MUST put your properties in an LLC immediately or risk losing everything!"

On April 1, 2025, President Trump dropped a bombshell—the biggest tariffs we've seen in modern American history.

Wealth protection isn't just about building assets—it's about making sure they last. And one of the most common concerns we hear from clients is: "What happens to my money after I'm gone?"

"How do I set up a family foundation?" It's a question we hear from clients who want to make a lasting impact with their wealth.

Thinking about getting a living trust in New York? You're not alone. Many New Yorkers want to protect what they’ve built and make things easier for their loved ones.

When Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away in February at 95, he left behind an amazing film legacy—and, unfortunately, a real-life drama about his $80 million estate.

"What's an umbrella company?" This question pops up more and more in our client meetings these days. Maybe you've come across the term while researching asset protection strategies.

For quite some years, we've worked with American clients buying, holding, and selling real estate in Panama—especially in the hot spots of Panama City, Boquete, David, and more recently, Coronado.

For our business at least, Italy has been a popular place for Americans looking to settle in Europe. A wonderful laidback lifestyle that appeals to people wanting out of the rat race.

Perhaps the most aggressive tax strategy I’ve ever come across was the person who declared themselves a church in order to lower their tax bill. (Spoiler alert: The IRS did not agree.)

We recently put together a Wyoming LLC for a married couple who had just completed our Private Wealth planning service. They have been buying properties in a popular expat jurisdiction and are looking for a way to protect these assets from domestic claims.

We work with a lot of independent business owners and entrepreneurs across the spectrum. Many of their plans are very different from each other. But when it comes to "foundational" tax planning, a solo 401(k) retirement account often plays a part.

There are many tax opportunities for the ultra-wealthy. There are also some good options for people with smaller nest eggs. But what if you're in the middle -- you earn a good living or have at least $500,000 in savings and want to save on tax?

Over the years, I've heard some "great in theory, not in practice" planning ideas. Many are taken from a proven tool and warped into something that just doesn't work well anymore. Captive Insurance is one of those things.

Last week, one of our Private Wealth planning clients asked about a dynasty trust. She'd read that it let people pass their wealth onto their children, grandchildren and generations beyond tax-free. Virtually forever.