Everyone has an estate plan — it’s either the one you create for yourself or the one the state provides for you. We’ll let you guess which one is better.
This document, which becomes active after you die, expresses your wishes for how to divide up your property and possessions and names the people you prefer to manage your financial affairs (the “executor”) and care for your children who are minors or have special needs (the “guardian”).
Think of this document as a permission slip that gives the person you name (the “agent”) the ability to conduct financial transactions, sign documents and make other legal decisions as if they were you. In most states, you can choose if your agent has this permission immediately after you sign or only once you are incapacitated. This document terminates at your death.
This document empowers the person you name to make decisions about your medical treatment, symptom management and end-of-life care. Depending on your home state, this document may go by a variety of different names, including a health care power of attorney or proxy. The document usually includes or is paired with a living will, which are your written instructions for health care providers about the type of life-prolonging medical care you want to receive if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
A trust is created by a contract or agreement and acts like a bucket of “stuff.” The trust agreement is the set of rules that the creator of the trust puts in place for the person who oversees the trust (the “trustee”). The rules include what powers the trustee has over the trust, as well as to whom and under what circumstances the trustee can give assets out of the trust.
After you create a trust, you can transfer your assets into the trust right away, before you die. There are many types of trusts that accomplish different goals. Unlike a will, a trust is active the day it is created, which means your successor trustee can also help you manage the stuff inside of your trust in case you are incapacitated.
Tammy is a Client Relationship Manager with Investor FAN and joined the company in 2023. She graduated from Washington State University in 1996 with a degree in Business Administration with Accounting and Finance concentrations. She worked in the accounting and finance industry for 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant and spanned several industries including public accounting, telecommunications, high tech, and financial professional services. Tammy passed the Series 65 securities exam in 2021.
Rod is the principal of Investor FAN and RIA Systems, which he runs on a daily basis. Prior to starting Investor FAN in 2011, he was the Vice President of Advisory Services at Pacific West Financial Consultants, Inc. from 2003 to 2012 where he served as Chief Compliance Officer and then VP of Advisory Services overseeing more than 200 Representatives and approximately $1.3 billion under management. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1991. Prior to working at Pacific West, he was at Merrill Lynch as a retail broker from 2000 to 2003.
Tyler is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Gradient Investments, where he focuses on portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment research across multiple asset classes. He provides market insight and portfolio strategy to support client investment decisions. Tyler is a CFA® charterholder and has been featured in media outlets including Schwab Network, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.
Keith joined Gradient Investments in 2018 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior roles include senior portfolio manager for a large institutional asset management firm, managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Keith is a CFA® charter holder, and has been featured in media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq and Reuters.
As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 35 years of industry experience, including prior roles managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charter holder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.
Originally from England, Emma brings a background in social work, where she developed a strong foundation in empathy, discretion, and thoughtful communication. Her people-first approach now guides the care and attention she brings to each client relationship.
At Retirement Risk Managers, Emma is dedicated to delivering a seamless and highly personalized experience for every client whether in person, over the phone or through video call. Everything from the customized scent of our office to the curated drink selection, Emma ensures the experience of our brand is everything it’s meant to be.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys attending live music and traveling. She especially looks forward to exploring more of the United States now that she calls it home, as well as spending time with her cats and husband.