Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed during your life and after you pass, so your wealth supports the people and causes you care about. At TSG Wealth Management, we help you build and coordinate that plan, working alongside your estate planning attorney and tax advisor to put the right tools in place.
Estate Planning Strategies
Helping Your Legacy Continue for Generations
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning matters because, without a plan, state law and the courts decide how your assets are distributed, often through a costly and time-consuming probate process. A clear estate plan lets you control how your wealth passes to your heirs, name guardians for minor children, plan for potential estate taxes, and protect the legacy you have spent a lifetime building.
Wills and Trusts: The Foundation of an Estate Plan
Most estate plans start with two tools: a will and a trust. A will directs how your property should be distributed and lets you name an executor and guardians for your children, while a trust is a legal entity that holds and directs your assets with added benefits such as property management and probate avoidance. You can explore both further on our estate planning tools page.
The trusts TSG can help you consider
TSG can help you evaluate which trust structures fit your goals and coordinate with your attorney to put them in place. Common options include:
- Living trusts
- Credit shelter trusts
- Corporate trustee arrangements
Trust services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.1
Planning for your heirs
A strong estate plan spells out exactly how and when your heirs receive what you leave them. TSG helps you think through how your estate transfers so your intentions are clear and your family is supported. Key pieces include:
- Beneficiary planning
- Annual giving
- Transfer on death
- Estate transfer
Charitable giving and your legacy
If giving back is part of your legacy, estate planning gives you tax-aware ways to do it. TSG can help you weigh approaches so your generosity is structured efficiently, including:
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Bequests
How estate planning connects to your investments and taxes
Your estate plan should not sit apart from the rest of your wealth strategy. TSG coordinates your estate plan with your investment and retirement planning and tax management strategies so decisions about estate taxes, valuation, and asset transfer work together. We work alongside your existing CPA or tax advisor, and for clients who want tax work handled more directly, TSG also offers dedicated tax management services through TSG Tax Management. TSG and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network do not provide legal or tax advice, so your estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney licensed in your state.2
The trusts TSG can help you consider
TSG can help you evaluate which trust structures fit your goals and coordinate with your attorney to put them in place. Common options include:
- Living trusts
- Credit shelter trusts
- Corporate trustee arrangements
Trust services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TSG prepare my will or trust documents?
No. TSG and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network do not provide legal advice or draft legal documents. We help you identify the right strategies and tools, then work alongside your estate planning attorney, who prepares and executes the documents.
What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
A revocable trust can be changed or canceled during your lifetime, giving you flexibility, while an irrevocable trust generally cannot be altered once established but may offer added benefits such as creditor protection or estate tax efficiency. Which one fits depends on your goals, and your attorney can advise on the legal specifics.
How can estate planning help with estate taxes?
Estate planning can use tools such as trusts, lifetime gifting, and charitable strategies to help reduce the taxable value of your estate. TSG works alongside your existing CPA or tax advisor on these strategies, and also offers dedicated tax management services through TSG Tax Management.2
What is a Charitable Remainder Trust?
A Charitable Remainder Trust is an arrangement that provides income to you or your beneficiaries for a set period, after which the remaining assets pass to a charity you choose. It can be a tax-aware way to support a cause while generating income during your lifetime.
What happens if I pass away without a will?
If you pass away without a will, your assets are distributed according to your state’s intestacy laws rather than your wishes, typically through the probate court, which can be costly and time-consuming. A will and supporting estate plan let you keep that control.
When is the right time to start estate planning?
The right time is now. Estate planning is not only for later in life; major events such as marriage, children, a business, or significant assets are all good reasons to put a plan in place. Starting early means your wishes are documented and your family is protected no matter what.
Can TSG work with my attorney and CPA on my estate plan?
Yes. TSG regularly coordinates with clients’ estate planning attorneys, accountants, and tax professionals so your plan is consistent across legal, tax, and investment decisions. We also offer dedicated tax management services through TSG Tax Management if you would like that handled more directly.
Start your estate plan.
Contact TSG Wealth Management or call 562.414.0900 to begin your estate planning process or request an estate plan strategy review.
1 Wealth & Investment Management (WIM) offers financial products and services through bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Bank products and services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Wells Fargo Trust is a part of WIM and offers services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.
2 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and TSG Wealth Management do not provide legal or tax advice. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state.
Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.