Tag: Wealth Management
Celebrity Estates: Jim Thorpe, Native Americans, and the Land Back Movement

Celebrity Estates: Jim Thorpe, Native Americans, and the Land Back Movement

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Jim Thorpe, revered as one of the greatest athletes in American history, exemplifies how personal wishes and legal rights can conflict posthumously. Thorpe’s estranged third wife, Patricia, moved his remains to a town in Pennsylvania, which now bears his name, in a bid to create a tourist attraction, a decision contested by his sons under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

David Lenok speaks with Alma Soongi Beck and Professor Jo Carillo about the multifaceted legal landscape surrounding estates involving Native Americans, focusing on Jim Thorpe’s controversial burial. They explore the nuanced issues of land rights, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and the increasing interest in land back movements.

David, Alma, and Jo discuss:

  • The legal battles surrounding Jim Thorpe’s burial controversy and what it symbolizes for Indigenous rights; 
  • The impact and significance of the land back movement on traditional land ownership; 
  • Common pitfalls encountered in estate planning involving Indigenous lands; 
  • Recent trends in charitable giving and how they support Indigenous communities;
  • How tax laws affect charitable giving to Indigenous organizations;

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Alma Soongi Beck:

Connect With Professor Jo Carillo:

About Our Guests:

Alma Soongi Beck is certified as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the State Board of Legal Specialization. Alma’s practice focuses on trusts, charitable planning, gift and estate tax planning, and post-death administration including trust administration and probate. She also offers consultations and seminars on the legal and tax implications of domestic partnership, marriage, and property co-ownership for same-sex and unmarried couples, as well as on the evolution of parentage and gender in estate planning. Alma also advises and presents Land Back to Indigenous Tribes for titleholders, Tribes, and Indigenous nonprofit organizations.

Jo Carrillo JD/JSD is a Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Indigenous Law Center (ILC) at UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). For over three decades, Carrillo has taught and written extensively in property and property-related subjects, including Federal Indian Law. Carrillo earned her BA from Stanford University, her JD from the University of New Mexico, and her JSD from Stanford Law School. She is a member of the Order of the Coif, the American Law Institute, and a former Trustee of the Law & Society Association; she was a Visiting Scholar at The Center for the Study of Law & Society at UC Berkeley Law, and a Visiting Professor at Stanford Law School. As Faculty Director of the UC Law Indigenous Law Center, in addition to other responsibilities, Carrillo facilitates a seminar series called Law & Seminars.
Celebrity Estates: John Amos and Warning Signs of Elder Abuse in Estate Planning

Celebrity Estates: John Amos and Warning Signs of Elder Abuse in Estate Planning

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

John Amos, an actor who starred in such television shows as Good Times, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The West Wing, is believed to have died from congestive heart failure, but his only daughter Shannon has doubts. She has accused her brother of elder abuse, including isolating Amos from others, impersonating him in communications and disregarding his medical needs.

Join David Lenok as he speaks with Neil Solarz, shareholder and director at Winestock Manion, about estate planning, wealth transfer and trust administration. With over 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to his clients, Neil sheds light on a topic often overlooked in financial advising—elder abuse and the complexities of end-of-life care. 

This episode highlights the delicate balance between respecting clients’ autonomy and protecting them from potential abuse, offering actionable insights for advisors and families alike.

Key takeaways:

  • Complexities of elder abuse and family disputes using the late actor John Amos’s estate controversies as a case study;
  • How geriatric psychiatrists and lawyers can offer valuable insights to support decisions;
  • Common warning signs of elder abuse;
  • The importance of proactively updating estate plans; 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Neil Solarz:

About Our Guest:

Neil Solarz counsels his clients on estate planning, wealth transfer and trust and probate administration. Applying over 30 years of experience and an empathetic, caring approach, Neil focuses on getting to know his clients, their families, business dealings and concerns. His clients appreciate this effort, as it helps Neil drive consensus among family members during the planning phases and reduces the emotional stress common to trust and probate administration.
Celebrity Estates: Shannen Doherty and The Importance of Timely Planning

Celebrity Estates: Shannen Doherty and The Importance of Timely Planning

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Shannen Doherty, a beloved actress, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, tragically caught too late for treatment. The day before her passing on July 13, 2024, she finalized her divorce from Kurt Iswarienko, ensuring her assets would be passed to her chosen beneficiaries.

In this episode, David Lenok and guest Shawn Goheen stress the importance of proactive estate planning. They discuss:

  • The critical timing of Shannen Doherty’s divorce, enabling her to secure her assets for her intended heirs;
  • Essential strategies for advisors to promote early, comprehensive estate planning;
  • The vital role of life insurance in safeguarding a well-rounded estate plan; 
  • Navigating complex family dynamics and business ownership in estate planning;
    And more.

Resources:

Connect With David Lenok:

Connect With Shawn Goheen:

About Our Guest:

Shawn Goheen is the heart and soul behind Goheen Insurance. Since the early ’90s, he has been more than just a financial advisor; he has been a trusted confidant to high-net-worth individuals. His journey has led him to build strong connections with over 15 specialty lenders and insurance carriers and relationships with 20+ banks, giving him a rare edge in navigating the often complex financial world with ease and transparency.

But Shawn’s work goes beyond just crunching numbers. He gets to the heart of what each client needs, understanding that everyone’s financial journey is unique. He’s also known as the “Advisor to Advisors,” a role where he shares his insights with other professionals, helping them uncover new opportunities and grow their practices.
Celebrity Estates: Simon Cowell and Disinheritance in Estate Planning

Celebrity Estates: Simon Cowell and Disinheritance in Estate Planning

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Simon Cowell, reality star and record producer, has an estimated net value worth of $600 million. How much of that will be left for his son? According to him, nothing.

Listen in as host David Lenok is joined by Thomas Kopelman, head of community at Estate Planning platform wealth.com and co-founder of All Street Wealth. Together, they discuss how Simon plans to handle his $600 million estate and the broader implications of disinheriting heirs. 

Cast your vote toward Simon’s decision as David and Thomas highlight:

  • The rationale behind Simon’s motives for his estate plans
  • “Affluenza”- a supposed psychological condition affecting wealthy individuals
  • Opinions on ‘disinheritance,’ the act of not passing wealth down to future generations
  • Estate planning decisions are personal, reflecting what is important to the individual
  • The importance of supporting children while alive rather than solely through posthumous financial gifts
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Thomas Kopelman:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guest:

Thomas is a financial planner, the co-founder of AllStreet Wealth, as well as a blogger, podcaster, content creator, Top 23 Millennial Advisor (Business Insider), and a Top Young Advisor to Watch in 2023 (FA Mag)

After graduating from Butler University, Thomas spent his entire career in the financial services industry as a financial planner. Thomas is passionate about helping millennials cut through the noise and figure out how to use their resources to accomplish what they truly want in life. 
Celebrity Estates: The National Football League and Lessons on Family Dynamics and Governance

Celebrity Estates: The National Football League and Lessons on Family Dynamics and Governance

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

A close-knit network of family businesses, the NFL earns around $200 billion annually. On top of traditional family business within their individual branches, the NFL navigates those same financial planning connections between extended family members as well.

Join David Lenok and his guest Alvina Lo, chief wealth strategist at Wilmington Trust, as they delve into the complexities of the NFL as a family business, discussing succession planning, liquidity concerns, trust ownership, and potential private equity involvement. 

David and Alvina discuss:

  • What are the common challenges encountered with liquidity and succession planning in family-owned businesses
  • How do NFL families navigate governance and control issues within their organizations
  • What effects does trust ownership have on estate planning challenges within the NFL
  • What are the potential consequences of permitting private equity involvement in the NFL
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Alvina Lo:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guest:

Alvina Lo leads a national team of multidisciplinary experts who collectively offer objective and holistic advice to clients, with a specific focus on their wealth, family, and business concerns. The scope of advice encompasses family office services, financial planning, trusts and estates planning, tax planning, business succession planning, philanthropy, and wealth education for the next generation. Alvina and her team prioritize planning, and through their actionable advice, they guide clients from strategy through implementation.
68. Conrad Hilton and Advising First Generation Wealth Creators

68. Conrad Hilton and Advising First Generation Wealth Creators

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Conrad Hilton got his start in hospitality at his family’s general store in the New Mexico Territory. Years later, he established the largest hotel chain in the world, Hilton Hotels. After his death, Conrad left much of his estate to the Conrad Hilton Foundation — until his son decided to contest the will.

In this episode, David Lenok is joined by David Bokman, Managing Director and Head of Family Office Resource at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and Andrea Levine-Sanft, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Wealth and Estate Planning Strategy, in discussing first generation wealth management in comparison to inherited wealth.

David and Andrea discusses:

  • What makes financial planning for first generation wealth creators unique;
  • How generational wealth is passed down;
  • The major problems in creating a financial plan for first generational wealth;
  • The importance of communication between financial professionals;
  • And more.

Connect with Andrea Levine-Sanft:

Connect With David Bokman:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guests:

David Bokman is a Managing Director and the Head of Family Office Resources for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Family Office Resources provides ultra high net worth clients a virtual family office experience, with world-class, comprehensive services including family governance and wealth education, philanthropy, estate planning, trust services, single family office advisory and lifestyle advisory.

Andrea Levine-Sanft is Managing Director and Co-Head of the Wealth and Estate Planning Strategy.  Andrea was formerly an Estate Planning Strategist in Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Division. Andrea advised Morgan Stanley’s ultra high net worth clients and their advisors on complex gift, estate and income tax planning matters.
67. Russia And Ukraine: The Benefits Of Alternative Citizenship

67. Russia And Ukraine: The Benefits Of Alternative Citizenship

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

The war between Russia and Ukraine is upsetting what many thought to be a well-established world order. The ripples of the conflict are being felt thousands of miles away, as the global economy struggles to recalibrate on the fly. The return of war to Europe reinforces the need for clients to have a backup plan in place to protect their families and their assets. Exploring alternative citizenship is a powerful, and often underexplored tool in this regard.

In this episode, David Lenok is joined by David Lesperance, of Lesperance and Associates, in discussing the international impact of the land war between Russia and Ukraine, along with the legality of citizenships for individuals looking to gain additional or renounce existing ones in order to insulate themselves, their families and their assets from potential danger.

David discusses:

  • How conflict between Russia and Ukraine impacts the entire world;
  • What having a ‘back-up’ plan in place looks like;
  • The differences between types of citizenship;
  • The law surrounding citizenships;
  • Strategies surrounding citizenships and tax planning;
  • And more

Connect With David Lesperance:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guest:

David Lesperance is one of the world’s leading international tax and immigration advisors.

A published author in the field, David’s personal interest in these areas of law grew from his experience working as Canadian immigration and customs officer while studying law. Since being called to the bar in 1990, he has established his expertise with major law firms, his own law firm and as a private consultant. David has successfully advised scores of high and ultra high net-worth individuals and their families, many of whom continue to seek his counsel today. In addition he has provided pro bono advice to many governments on how to improve their Citizenship by Investment, Residence by Investment or “Golden Visa” type programs to better meet the needs of his global clients. David is supported by a team of professionals, some of whom have worked with him since the early 1990s.
66. Michael Nesmith, The Monkees and The Legality Of Holographic Wills

66. Michael Nesmith, The Monkees and The Legality Of Holographic Wills

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Michael Nesmith, songwriter, actor, producer, novelist and member of the popular group The Monkees passed away in December 2021. His will stated he wished to donate his entire estate to his mother’s foundation—however, there was one complication to the legality of the document. Nesmith’s will was hand written.

In this episode, David Lenok is joined by Megan Gorman, founding partner of Chequers Financial Management, to discuss holographic wills and the legalities surrounding handwritten documents.

David and Megan discuss:

  • Why handwritten wills can become problematic or complicated in the legal process;
  • What is often left out of holographic wills; 
  • The role of estate planning for your beneficiaries;
  • And more

Connect With Megan Gorman:

Connect With David Lenok:

 
65. David Bowie: The Financial Side Of A Music Catalog

65. David Bowie: The Financial Side Of A Music Catalog

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Named the Greatest Rock Star Ever after his death, David Bowie is a singer, songwriter and actor who left his mark on the world along with a $100 million dollar estate at the time of his death. 

Recently, his music catalog sold for a reported $250 million, higher than his initial estate value.

In this episode, David Lenok is joined by Stacie Jacobson, director of the wealth strategies group at AllianceBernstein, diving into the complexity of a music catalog as an asset for both the seller and buyer, along with details of the planning required before and after the transaction. 

Stacie discusses:

  • The difference between a musician’s catalog and their other traditional assets;
  • The impact of interest rate environments on unique investments;
  • Why music catalogs are traditionally sold as one unit over individual songs; and
  • How artists plan for selling their music catalog after they are gone.

Connect With Stacie Jacobson:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guest:

Stacie works with athletes and entertainers on a variety of investment planning issues including multi generational wealth transfer, pre-transaction planning, charitable giving, retirement planning and asset allocation.

 
64. Pat Bowlen: Creating An Estate Plan Before Being Forced Out

64. Pat Bowlen: Creating An Estate Plan Before Being Forced Out

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS | More

Pat Bowlen was an American lawyer and partial owner of the Denver Broncos, along with his two brothers and sister. He served as the Broncos CEO until July 2014, when he stepped down due to progressive effects of Alzheimer’s disease, and passed away in 2019. His estate plan was unique due to the family trust in place, with the three trustees taking over in 2014 with the sole purpose of determining the next owner of the team.

In this episode, David Lenok is joined by Dan Griffith, senior vice president and director of wealth strategy at Huntington Private Bank, to review the estate planning of Pat Bowlen and how the trust came into effect. He reveals why business owners are forced out more often than retire and how to choose the best advisors to address your estate planning needs.

Dan discusses:

  • Why choosing a new owner for the Broncos caused issues among Pat’s descendants
  • How choosing trustees before you are incapable benefits your estate plan
  • The importance of choosing trustworthy and good advisors for an estate plan
  • Why it is difficult to simply retire as a business owner

Connect With Dan Griffith:

Connect With David Lenok:

About Our Guest:

Dan Griffith is an experienced attorney with a passion for helping families and business owners find solutions to their planning challenges.