Search Results

This paper presents and analyses 5 different approaches to philanthropy: Checkbook philanthropy, Responsive funders, Venture philanthropy, Results-based philanthropy, Collaborative funders. Each approach can be "strategic" depending on your aims. The essence of strategy lies in understanding your unique advantages as a funder prior to taking actio...

A consumer guide that provides basic training for navigating the healthcare system. To get the best care, consumers must be active partners in their care. The enormous growth and complexity of the healthcare system is one of the key drivers. Patients can no longer rely on their health providers to know every surgical or pharmacological solution.

Many affluent families are willing to spend significant amounts on out of pocket medical expenditures but want to maintain good protection from catastrophic medical expenditures. All families today need to plan for adequate coverage, especially when serious illness is diagnosed or when individuals face transitions which affect their coverage like ...

While flawed thinking about risk can cause consumers to make decisions they like at the time, they may end up with poorer health prospects and more financial risk than if they had followed a model known as "expected utility maximization," according to Mark V. Pauly, Wharton professor of health care.

As a collector of fine art, you are more than just the owner of your valuable items – you're also the caretaker. Purchasing valuable articles coverage is one of the best ways to help protect your investment. However, there are several preventative and maintenance steps you should take to both properly care for and help prevent damage or loss to you...

A guide to minimizing the after-tax proceeds from the sale of a family business. According to the article, legal exit preparations involve a 3-step process: due diligence investigations (i.e., public searches, review of minute books and key contracts, etc.); identify any 'skeletons' and consider what options exist to remedy or neutralize them; fina...

A business-owning family can create a secure foundation for effective multi-generational ownership and control by transferring shares of a family business in trust during the controlling owner's lifetime, and through careful drafting of trust provisions, choice of governing law, selection of a capable trustee and implementation of effective family ...

Researchers tested the effectiveness of life insurance's investment characteristics in three estate scenarios under a Monte Carlo analysis involving three different investment portfolios. Their results show life insurance creates more wealth regardless of when death occurs for even the most liquid, well planned estate.

While the tax advantages of life insurance are important, pricing is also critical. Access to policies priced specifically for ultra-wealthy individuals can enhance planning effectiveness and deliver significant value over time.

The major rating agencies have published a number of reports highlighting the favorable trends for the life/annuity and health insurance industry. This paper provides a synopsis of recent reports from A.M Best, Standard & Poor's, Fitch and Moody's.

Given the evolution and complexity of the insurance industry, due diligence on carriers, products and advisors is more important than ever, especially for families of significant wealth. Examination of carriers must go beyond rating services; analysis of products must go beyond illustrations, and selection of an advisor must go beyond initial numbe...

A business transition plan should provide a good fit: for the business, for family members and for the owner. A transition road map also should provide clear instructions in the event of the owner's incapacitation or death – a sound reason to establish a plan sooner rather than later.

Family dynamics often play a critical role in the long-term success of family businesses, and women's relational and interpersonal skills tend to make them well-equipped to manage these issues. Effective leadership within the family business is, now more than ever, dependent on the inherent relational skills that a woman can bring to the busine...

For many entrepreneurs, the experience of selling their business may involve a loss of identity and purpose, despite the financial security that usually accompanies the sale. This paper addresses the personal challenges entrepreneurs face during the transition as well as issues created by a significant change in the nature of their wealth, from ill...

The financial risks associated with unplanned health care events need to be part of the financial planning process to guard against negative impacts to an investment portfolio or retirement income plan in the event of a catastrophe.