Hatred From the Grave

Bitter feelings, enmity, and family infighting is not the gift that you want to bequeath to your heirs and loved ones. Upon the passing of a parent, emotions run strong. Not only are the children bereaved, they may also be angry that their parents had the nerve to...

Planned Versus Unplanned Giving

If you’re donating something, make sure the recipient actually wants it. I had a close friend, now since passed, who happened to be extremely philanthropic. One day she shared with me that she was thinking of bequeathing three works of fine art to a museum—a...

To Store or Not to Store?

What makes one person cling to material things, while another is content with the memories of a life well-lived? A tale of one woman who couldn’t let go, and one who moved on with grace. Once I worked with two clients who, on par, were as alike as could be. I’ll call...