We recently had a discussion with a client about their loved family members, their dogs. They are married with no children and love their pets as much as they would as children. They have also served as foster parents to several dogs over the years. Part of their estate plan was to provide their pets with consistent care and security beyond their lives. Just like a lamp is a piece of personal property, pets are considered personal property under state law. You can’t leave property to property. So how can you ensure that your pet is taken care of if you are disabled or die?

The lessons you learned early form your “Money Imprint”; your hardwired operating system that determines if you stumble or strut in your money life. Ask yourself these questions to understand how your beginnings shape your future.

With retirement comes freedom and flexibility. But many people reaching retirement have a lot of questions and misgivings about the good times ahead. That’s why, while we take a financial assessment for a client’s retirement, I initiate discussion about their life plan moving forward. Here are some emotional challenges people don’t always consider.