Law and Financial Order

In the second part of LAFO’s End of Life Planning episode, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP®, and attorney Erin Duques are joined by Dr. Joseph Sacco, Chief Medical Officer at Connecticut Hospice, to discuss the essentials of end-of-life planning.They explain the importance of naming a healthcare representative—someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to communicate. The conversation also addresses what to consider if family members disagree about who should take on this role, and why having a clearly designated person ensures your wishes are respected during critical medical situations.The episode also covers key planning documents, including a living will and the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). These tools help outline your specific preferences for care, from nutrition and hydration to advanced interventions like respiratory support, ensuring your medical treatment aligns with your values and goals.

In the latest episode of Law and Financial Order, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP®, and attorney Erin Duques, discuss end of life planning with Chief Medical Officer at Connecticut Hospice, Dr. Joseph Sacco, MD, ABFM, ACQ-HPM. They break down what families need to know about hospice, palliative care, and the financial realities that come with both.Understanding Hospice: What It Is—and What It Isn’tHospice care begins when a physician determines that a patient likely has six months or less to live. At that point, the focus shifts away from curative treatment and toward comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Dr. Sacco explains the difference between palliative and hospice care and why patients may benefit from them. Listen to learn more and stay tuned for episode 2! 

In the “Houston, We Have a Minor Problem” episode of Law and Financial Order, financial advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques discuss the importance of planning ahead for your children’s future. They explain why it’s essential to choose not only who would care for your children, but also who would manage their finances if something happened to you.The episode covers helpful planning tools such as trusts, Roth IRAs, 529 education savings plans, and UTMA custodial accounts, which allow adults to manage investments on behalf of a minor until they reach adulthood.As always, every family’s situation is different, so it’s important to speak with your financial and legal professionals to determine the best approach for your family.

In the “New Year, Fresh Start – Taxes” episode of Law and Financial Order, financial advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques share practical, plain-English tax tips for the new year, joined by special guest James Warner, CFP®, CEO and Lead Wealth Advisor at Warner Wealth and owner of Warner Allred Tax Solutions. The discussion focuses on actionable strategies that can help individuals and families optimize their tax situation, reduce liabilities, and plan effectively for both short- and long-term financial goals. By breaking down complex rules into understandable advice, the hosts make it easier for listeners to see where they might be leaving money on the table—and what steps they can take to fix that.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax situation with a qualified tax advisor. A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. A Roth IRA conversion—sometimes called a backdoor Roth strategy—is a way to contribute to a Roth IRA when income exceeds standard limits. The converted amount is treated as taxable income and may affect your tax bracket. Federal, state, and local taxes may apply. If you’re required to take a minimum distribution in the year of conversion, it must be completed before converting. To qualify for tax-free withdrawals, you must generally be age 59½ and hold the converted funds in the Roth IRA for at least five years. Each conversion has its own five-year period, and early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Income limits still apply for future direct Roth IRA contributions. A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

In this episode, Robyn and Erin discuss how to make your home renovation less dramatic, at least for your wallet! Robyn details what a home equity line of credit is (HELOC) and how it may give you the flexibility to complete your project while also offering some extra financial padding in case your project costs more than originally expected. They also discuss what you should steer clear of when rehabbing your home. If you've got a home project on the horizon, you'll want to listen to this! 

In this episode of Law and Financial Order, Warner Wealth advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques sit down with special guest Colleen Masse from Czepiga, Daly, Pope and Perri who specializes in special needs planning and fiduciary services. Colleen helps to break down the world of special needs trusts (funded by the person with a disability) and supplemental needs trusts (funded by others)--- what they are, why they matter, and how they protect essential benefits like Medicaid and SSI.She explains the real-life impact of strict asset limits, shares how trustees can manage spending (yes, even with a debit card!), and dives into smart ways families can fund these trusts through life insurance, IRAs, and long-term planning.If you are caring for a loved one with special needs and want to hear about all of your and their options, this episode is for you. 

In this episode of Law and Financial Order, Robyn Wolcott and Erin Duques are joined by Warner Wealth's Director of Marketing, Shannon Cushing to discuss how to save more money!  This insightful conversation covers everything from saving for retirement, to budgeting for travel sports, and getting life insurance. The women discuss strategies that have worked for them, and Robyn offers advice to her friends on looking at the whole picture and making informed decisions based on your own unique financial situation. So grab your coffee, (or your calculator), and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe question that daily latte habit. 

In this episode, we have a VERY special guest. Our very own CEO and Lead Wealth Advisor, James Warner! James, Robyn, and Erin discuss what to look for in an advisor, how to ask the right questions, and why it's okay not to know all the technical terms. They suggest that it's important to connect with an advisor who listens, explains clearly, and puts your best interests first. Finding the perfect "fit" in both personality and communication style is super important and, finally, weighing out the value of designations like Certified Financial Planner, CFP® (like James) and what that means as you plan for your financial future. Another key factor in choosing your financial advisor is the importance of collaboration between your financial, tax, and legal professionals. Robyn, James, and Erin encourage you not to stress, you don't have to go it alone. The right team will help you make confident, informed decisions and keep your legal lives in good order for years to come. Enjoy this latest episode! 

Don't be scared of the A word! And by 'A word,' we are talking about annuities! In this episode, Robyn and Erin break down the pros and cons of annuities. Robyn explains that she's had many clients come in very uncertain about annuities and questioning why they even bought an annuity in the first place. However, with professional guidance, these contracts are transformed from confusing paperwork into peace of mind--sometimes even providing much-needed financial security for loved ones facing long-term care or difficult health issues. Robyn offers a great analogy. Life insurance protects your loved ones if you die too soon; an annuity, on the other hand, is there to protect you if you live a long time. It’s a tool designed to guarantee you won’t outlive your money, providing a steady stream of income in retirement. Listen in as Robyn and Erin go through all the important things you need to know when considering an annuity. 

In this episode of "Law and Financial Order," financial advisor Robyn Wolcott and attorney Erin Duques discuss the use of trusts in estate planning. They explore how trusts can be used to protect your assets from potential divorce or creditor issues that your children may face, as well as the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts and how each can be used for different purposes.The episode also covers the importance of properly "funding" your trust by retitling your assets in the name of the trust, and the need to regularly review and update your estate plan as your life circumstances and the legal landscape change over time.Throughout the discussion, Robyn and Erin emphasize the importance of working with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure that your plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Are you saving money for your children's college fund, or are your extra dollars going towards their makeup and skincare routines? Robyn and Erin unpack what can be a daunting task: the process of saving for college. How can you make sure you and your child(ren) are ready? Learn all about how educational funding comes in thirds, and get your child(ren) ready for adulthood. Robyn and Erin discuss which questions to answer to ensure you have the proper legal and financial plans in place so you're ready for anything. It's emotionally hard to think about your kids leaving the nest, but don't make it financially difficult, too. *Erin Duques is not affiliated with Warner Wealth or LPL Financial.**Robyn Wolcott, Warner Wealth and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services.  This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation

How do you protect your money from being taken by the state? It starts with planning ahead. In this episode, Robyn and Erin break down how to prepare for long-term care before you need it. From in-home support with daily tasks to moving into a care facility, they'll walk you through what to consider, what to avoid, and how to stay in control of your finances and your future. Don't wait until it's too late---tune in and get ahead of the game.

How much do I need to retire? Retirement isn't an age, it's a number. It's not about turning 65--it's about knowing how much you'll need to live the life you want. In this episode of Law and Financial Order, Robyn and Erin discuss how to chart a course to your ideal retirement by breaking down how to calculate your retirement number and what to do if you're not quite there yet. Whether you're ahead of schedule or still hoisting the sails, this episode will help you steer your plan toward the retirement lifestyle you want.

When it comes to retirement, your home can be both your greatest asset and your biggest question mark. In this episode, Robyn and Erin tackle one of the most common (and emotionally charged) topics in financial planning: Should you pay off your mortgage before you retire? They weigh the pros and the cons of ditching that low-interest loan vs. investing those extra dollars in the market. How does this decision impact your overall retirement picture, including property taxes and long-term liquidity? Robyn and Erin also address the increasingly popular (and potentially risky) idea of putting your house in your kids' names. Is it a smart estate planning strategy, or one that won't work for you? If you've ever wondered how your home fits into your financial future, this episode will help you.... well, get your house in order! 

Would you leave your estate to your cat? Legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld did just that, leaving a major chunk of his wealth to his beloved furry friend, Choupette. But then what happens to that money when the pet outlives any other beneficiaries? Or worse, when they don't? In this episode, Robyn and Erin delve into the emotional decisions behind picking the right beneficiary. Who gets what? What trumps what? And how exactly do your assets pass from person to person--or pet--to the next? If you haven't thought through who you really want to inherit your legacy, this episode will help you ask the right questions---before someone else decides for you. 

Think you need a moat and a drawbridge to start estate planning? Think again. In this episode of Law and Financial Order, financial advisor Robyn Wolcott asks Erin Duques to explain why EVERY castle---whether it's a beachfront condo, a family farmhouse, or a one-bedroom walk-up---deserves a plan fit for royalty. Erin talks through some of the details to make sure none of us make a "royal" mistake when it comes to estate planning.