Losing a spouse is one of life’s most challenging experiences—both emotionally and financially. When it happens, the surviving partner is left to navigate complex decisions while grieving at the same time. And without the right preparation, it can feel overwhelming.

Today, Keith Ellis is joined by SHP’s Laura Russo, a lead advisor at SHP Financial with years of estate and trust administration experience, to discuss the critical steps every couple should take to prepare for the inevitable. From ensuring both spouses are educated on financial matters to structuring an estate plan that avoids unnecessary stress, Keith and Laura provide invaluable insights that can help make a difficult transition manageable and reduce stress.

In this conversation, you’ll also hear some of the most common estate planning mistakes, the role of financial advisors and attorneys in estate settlements, and the importance of creating a plan and reviewing it periodically.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Understand why both spouses should be familiar with accounts, passwords, and investments.
• Why estate planning is an ongoing process that requires periodic reviews.
• Trusts and wills need to be funded to avoid unnecessary taxes, probate, and legal hurdles.
• How a trusted support system, including financial advisors and attorneys, is essential for a smooth transition.
• Why life insurance policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they still meet financial goals.
• How most families don’t realize that some estate attorneys draft documents but don’t handle settlements.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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When it comes to retirement planning, many people focus on investments, income strategies, and estate planning—but tax planning is one of the biggest factors that can impact your financial future. Without a proactive approach, taxes can take a bigger bite out of your retirement savings than you might expect.

In this episode, Derek Gregoire and Matthew Peck are joined by Peter Roache, a tax expert and longtime partner of SHP Financial. Peter shares important insights on how taxes affect retirement planning, the impact of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and how smart tax strategies—like Roth conversions and tax-loss harvesting—can help you keep more of your hard-earned wealth.

We’ll also discuss how tax laws are evolving, why planning around IRMAA is key, and how to minimize taxes for your heirs when passing down assets. If you’re nearing retirement or already retired, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you optimize your tax situation.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why tax planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of retirement.
• How RMDs can push retirees into higher tax brackets.
• Why Roth conversions can be a powerful tool to reduce long-term tax burdens.
• How IRMAA can increase your Medicare premiums and what you can do to avoid it.
• How inherited IRAs are taxed and why proper planning is essential for your beneficiaries.
• The benefits of tax-loss harvesting and how to use it to offset capital gains.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Estate planning isn’t just about protecting your wealth and passing it on to your beneficiaries—it’s about ensuring a seamless transition for your loved ones while minimizing taxes and legal complications. With tax laws constantly evolving and real estate values climbing, many families could face significant estate tax liabilities. And yet, most people often save their estate planning needs for another day.

In this episode, Derek Gregoire and Keith Ellis, Jr. are joined by Keith McManus, a seasoned estate planning attorney with nearly 30 years of experience helping families protect their assets. As the founder of McManus Estate Planning, Keith specializes in trusts, tax-efficient strategies, and probate avoidance. His firm has been a trusted resource for families and business owners looking to optimize their estate plans, and he has been a great partner for us for many years.

In our conversation, we’ll break down the most common estate planning mistakes, why Massachusetts residents need to be aware of the $2M estate tax threshold, and how to avoid probate headaches. You’ll also learn how small adjustments—like updating trusts, reviewing beneficiaries, and structuring assets properly can have a massive financial impact on your legacy.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why the Massachusetts’ estate tax could kick in sooner than you think.
• Estate plans are only effective if they’re up-to-date with current information.
• How poor planning can lead to probate, delays, and extra costs.
• How married couples can double exemptions with proper planning.
• Why real estate values may eventually push estates into taxable territory.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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