Best Steve Wiggins Podcasts (2025)

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Qualified Small Business Stock After OBBBA: Key Updates and Opportunities 24:53

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15d ago24:53

24:53

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, hosts Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls are joined by Corporate Partners Scott McClure and Len Gray to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is expanding opportunities with qualified small business stock (QSBS). OBBBA brought about key updates to QSBS, including an increas…

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Navigating the Complexities of Private Foundations: Best Practices and Compliance Insights with Erin Nicholls and Sara Osinski 20:23

1M ago20:23

20:23

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, Partner Erin Nicholls and Associate Sara Osinski examine the complexities of managing private foundations. They focus on how the 5% minimum distribution requirement is calculated, including the role of administrative expenses. The conversation highlights the importance of federal com…

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50 Episodes: A Lookback and Celebration 26:08

2M ago26:08

26:08

Today marks a special milestone, our 50th episode! Since launching in 2023, we've had the privilege of engaging with thought leaders, innovators, and trusted advisors to explore the most pressing issues shaping families and their wealth. To celebrate, we’re taking a moment to reflect. In this episode, we’ll revisit some of the standout conversation…

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Speaker Showcase: Strategies for Navigating Disputes in Contested Matters with Steve Malech and Matt Smith 20:09

3M ago20:09

20:09

In the final episode of the Speaker Showcase, Partners Steve Malech and Matt Smith discuss the complexities of estate planning, particularly in the context of divorce and family disputes. They highlight the importance of clear definitions in legal documents, the potential for costly litigation, and the challenges posed by multi-jurisdictional asset…

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Speaker Showcase: Navigating the Business Life Cycle with Vanessa Maczko and Jack Sousa 20:15

3M ago20:15

20:15

In the second episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning Speaker Showcase, Private Client Services Partner Vanessa Maczko and Corporate Partner Jack Sousa discuss estate planning strategies, with a focus on business owners and succession planning for both family and non-family enterprises. The discussion highlights the importance of s…

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Speaker Showcase: Hot Topics in Estate Planning with Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls 17:59

4M ago17:59

17:59

In the inaugural episode of our Speaker Showcase, Partners Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls explore the evolving landscape of estate planning, with a special focus on strategies for middle and high-net-worth clients in Connecticut. The discussion addresses the potential sunset of the estate and gift tax exemptions in 2026, offering practical gifting…

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Unlocking Digital Asset Potential with Expert Jake Claver 26:18

5M ago26:18

26:18

Digital Assets may be poised to revolutionize the financial world and the velocity of moving money across the economy. On this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Erin Nicholls and Corporate partner R.J. Kornhaas welcome guest Jake Claver, Managing Director of Digital Ascension Group, a multifamily office serving high-net…

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Artful Estate Planning: Strategies for Collectors with Deborah Robinson 32:37

6M ago32:37

32:37

The disposition of unique assets like art collections requires proper planning. On this episode, Partner Michael Clear and Associate Kaitlyn Pacelli speak with Deborah Robinson, Partner at Art Market Advisors. Deborah emphasizes the importance of early conversations to streamline the process. She also dives into the implications of appraisals, sale…

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Wealth Wars: Navigating the Battlefields of Family Disputes with Partner Steve Malech 31:29

7M ago31:29

31:29

When families clash over control of substantial wealth, whether in connection with the testamentary wishes of a loved one or the management of assets in an estate or trust, hiring the right fiduciary and probate litigator can make all the difference. In this episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Wiggin and Dana Partner and Chair of the Fidu…

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Strategic Gifting: Reducing Taxes by Removing Assets 14:22

7M ago14:22

14:22

How can you reduce taxes by removing assets from your estate? In this episode, Partner Michael Clear answers this question, highlighting several gifting strategies to shift wealth out of a taxable estate. Michael touches on strategies like making annual exclusion gifts, direct payments for tuition and medical expenses, opening 529 accounts, and cre…

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Speaker Series: Family Office and Strategic Investments with Erin Nicholls, R.J. Kornhaas and Dimitri Tournas 12:44

9M ago12:44

12:44

In the final episode of our speaker series, Partners and Family Office Co-Chairs, Erin Nicholls, R.J. Kornhaas, and Dimitri Tournas delve into the unique capabilities and services offered to high net worth individuals and family offices, highlighting the firm’s expertise in real estate, corporate transactions, and personalized private client servic…

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The Role of Legal Counsel in Private Investments with R.J. Kornhaas 30:23

10M ago30:23

30:23

On this episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear welcome corporate Partner R.J. Kornhaas to discuss the intricacies of investing in privately held businesses and business succession planning. They delve into essential considerations, such as the types of investments—including convertible notes and preferred stock—and emphasize the importance …

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Speaker Series: Hot Topics in International Estate Planning with Carolyn Reers 18:06

10M ago18:06

18:06

On the fifth episode of our speaker series, Partner Carolyn Reers explores the growing trend of high-net-worth individuals seeking residency or citizenship abroad for tax benefits and safety. She highlights popular destinations like Malta, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia for citizenship through investment, as well as Italy, Malta, Portugal, Swit…

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Speaker Series: The Corporate Transparency Act 8:08

11M ago8:08

8:08

On the fourth episode of our speaker series, Partners Erin Nicholls, R.J. Kornhaas and Dimitri Tournas dive into the key compliance requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its impact on small to medium-sized companies. They break down the new federal beneficial ownership registry, the filing requirements, and the challenges of iden…

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From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Winning Strategies with Thomas Archer 29:26

11M ago29:26

29:26

In this powerhouse episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear step up to the plate with Thomas Archer, a certified financial planner and owner of the Thomas J. Archer Companies, to discuss the nuances of estate planning and business succession for high net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and business owners. Archer, not one t…

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Counsel for the C-Suite: Management Representation in M&A with Christian Chandler and James Greifzu 30:45

12M ago30:45

30:45

In a typical M&A transaction, the interests of the executives and management team can significantly diverge from the other parties to the transaction making it essential to retain independent counsel, separate from the buyer and the seller. In this episode, Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear are joined by Partners Christian Chandler and James Greifzu,…

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Speaker Series: Divorce-Proofing Your Dynasty with Trusts 9:48

12M ago9:48

9:48

Navigating estate planning amidst divorce can be complex. On the third episode of our speaker series, Partner Matt Smith emphasizes the need for adaptable and forward-thinking strategies to protect assets across varying state laws. Highlighting cases where outdated estate plans clash with the modern realities of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, …

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Business Valuation Strategies with Evan Levine and Nainesh Shah of Complete Advisors 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

Timing is crucial for clients looking to gift before the potential sunset of the estate and gift tax exemption at the end of 2025.In today’s episode, Partner Erin Nicholls sits down with Evan Levine, Founder of Complete Advisors as well as his colleague, Nainesh Shah, lead analyst, who specializes in business valuations for trust and estate plannin…

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Speaker Series: Prenups – Protecting Your Assets Before Saying “I Do” 12:48

1y ago12:48

12:48

With our second episode in our speaker series, Partner Helen Heintz dives into the increasingly common practice of drafting prenuptial agreements. Highlighting the evolution of her clientele over nearly two decades, Helen outlines the shift towards safeguarding inherited wealth in first and second marriages—primarily driven by concerned parents wan…

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Navigating the Tax Landscape: Insights on Gifting 14:57

1y ago14:57

14:57

On this episode, Partner Vanessa Maczko details where we are now with taxes and gifting, and where we are going. She discusses what is not a taxable gift and how to use your estate and gift tax exemptions. Vanessa also delves into what it means when the high exemption rates are expected to sunset in 2026, and what can be done with little to no exem…

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Seal the Deal: The Art of Selling Companies with M&A Expert Jacob Koenig 26:12

1y ago26:12

26:12

Jacob Koenig, Managing Director and Partner of Woodbridge International, sits down with Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear to discuss his firm’s unique approach to selling companies, including their focus on marketing and their ability to reach an extensive network of well-vetted potential buyers. The conversation touches on current market co…

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The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Equity: Structuring for Success: Part 2 22:59

1y ago22:59

22:59

On this episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear continue their conversation with Wiggin and Dana Partner Jack Sousa, on entrepreneurship, equity, and entity structuring. They dive deep into the entrepreneur's guide to equity, employee stock options, and the strategic importance of early legal advice, with particularly valuable insights on…

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Launching “Future Focused: Private Wealth Insights” 4:36

1y ago4:36

4:36

In the latest podcast episode, host Michael Clear introduces the “Future Focused: Private Wealth Insights” blog, a platform designed to help optimize and protect your financial future. Explore domestic and international estate planning strategies, tax optimization, and more, with regularly updated content to keep you informed about the latest trend…

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The Entrepreneur's Guide to Equity: Structuring for Success 22:39

1y ago22:39

22:39

Discover the intersection between founding ventures and estate planning on today’s episode of Future Focused. Wiggin and Dana Partner Jack Sousa, a founder of wiggin(x) and co-chair of our Emerging Company and Venture Capital Group sits down with Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear and offers invaluable insights into the client experience on W…

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A Guide for Business Owners: Navigating the Complexities of Estate Planning 15:46

1y ago15:46

15:46

Business owners have their own set of challenges to address when considering estate planning strategies, including family concerns, personal concerns and operation of the business itself. On this episode, Partner Michael Clear supplies a roadmap of estate planning options for business owners that seek to address these challenges. He reviews the thr…

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The CTA is Here to Stay: Reporting Requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act 22:17

1+ y ago22:17

22:17

On this episode, Partners Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls review the requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) now in effect. They discuss what exemptions available to entities, who the beneficial owners are, when to file reports, and other insights into what is needed to comply with the CTA. Be sure to tune into this episode and re…

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Teaching the Value of the Dollar: Guest Tom Henske Makes Total Cents 29:23

1+ y ago29:23

29:23

Do your children think money grows on trees? Do they understand the value of a dollar? On this week’s episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Tom Henske, author of It Makes Total Cents, which gives parents tools to have an honest conversation with their kids about the value of money and the importance of starting the conversation at a young a…

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Lessons Learned with Larry Lipoff: Live From the 58th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning Conference 18:10

1+ y ago18:10

18:10

On this episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Larry Lipoff, CPA, TEP, CEBS, who is a Director in CohnReznick’s Trusts and Estates Practice, to discuss the key takeaways from the 58th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning Conference. They dive into topics such as the “Rockefeller Waterfall,” planning with fluctuating interest rates,…

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Life Insurance and Trust Planning: Insights from Special Guest Sarah Moore 10:10

1+ y ago10:10

10:10

Life insurance can be a valuable estate planning tool for generational wealth planning, creating liquidity and time diversification. On this week’s episode, Michael Clear and special guest Sarah Moore, Director of Advisor Relations at the Coyle Company, a firm that handles estate planning and business planning matters, discuss the importance of rev…

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A Closer Look at Conservatorships: What You Should Know 19:04

1+ y ago19:04

19:04

The role of a conservator is often misunderstood and recent headlines about celebrity conservatorships tend to paint conservatorships in a negative light. However, in this episode, Hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear, provide context to understanding the differences between conservatorship of the person and of the estate, voluntary and involuntar…

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Sun, Sand, and State Residency: Navigating Florida’s Domicile Rules 20:37

1+ y ago20:37

20:37

With so many people fleeing their northern home states and heading south for a sunnier lifestyle, it’s more important than ever to understand the process of changing domicile and residence. On this week’s episode, Partner Michael Clear travels to sunny Florida and chats with Florida-based Partner Veronica Bauer on the necessary “checklist” to decla…

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Estate Planning in 2024: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead 13:58

1+ y ago13:58

13:58

Ready to kick off the New Year and make good on all those estate planning resolutions? On this first episode of 2024, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight the estate planning opportunities resulting from changes in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax exemptions and discuss why 2024 is a good year to consider making big gifts befo…

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2023 Year in Review - Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning 13:06

1+ y ago13:06

13:06

As we wrap up 2023, let us take a look back at some of the important estate planning topics that were discussed throughout the year. Our Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear and their distinguished guests shared their expertise on a wide range of subjects, including Using Trusts for Your Beneficiaries, SLATs, Estate Planning and Digital Assets,…

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And Just Like That, 2023 is Over: Preparing for 2024 9:15

1+ y ago9:15

9:15

As 2023 draws to a close, we gear up for a busy holiday season and start planning for 2024 (#FutureFocused). On this week’s episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight a few things that clients and advisors should focus on as we near the end of the year, including putting the finishing touches on estate plans, making annual exclusio…

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Prenuptial Agreements: Safeguarding Your Family’s Financial Future 20:47

2y ago20:47

20:47

On this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear sit down with Partner Helen Heintz to discuss the intricacies of prenuptial agreements. From the nuances of defining separate and marital property to navigating potential pitfalls, they review the complexities and importance of prenups in pr…

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Purr-fectly Prepared: Estate Planning for Pets 14:13

2y ago14:13

14:13

For many, pets are part of their family like any other family member, sometimes more so. That said, who cares for your pets after your death, and what money can be set aside for their support? Questions like these are addressed on this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” where Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss…

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Home Sweet Loan: Helping Loved Ones Buy a Home 13:31

2y ago13:31

13:31

For many potential home buyers, purchasing a home can be daunting, especially in today’s housing market. It is often a huge financial burden, and many will need some assistance to close the deal. On this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss several available options to assist w…

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The Corporate Transparency Act: Navigating Reporting and Compliance 34:10

2y ago34:10

34:10

There has been a longstanding effort globally and a lot of pressure on the United States to implement some sort of registry on a federal level for ownership of small and mid-sized entities. On today’s episode of “Future Focused, Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear chat with Partner Carolyn Reers about the Corpor…

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From Cradle to College: Strategies for Funding Educational Expenses 24:53

2y ago24:53

24:53

Funding education at any level can be a large expense and may require a lot of advanced planning. In this episode of "Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning," hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss key strategies for funding educational expenses. They explore various options, including the direct payment of tuition, 529 educational fu…

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Trustee Troubles: A Beneficiary’s Guide to Trustee Removal 15:12

2y ago15:12

15:12

Trustees behaving badly? In this episode of "Future Focused," hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss trusts and mechanisms available for a trust beneficiary to remove a trustee. From understanding the roles of trustees and educating beneficiaries to exploring communication breakdowns, compromise options, and even judicial routes, Michael and…

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Private Foundations 101: Annual Administrative Requirements 16:22

2y ago16:22

16:22

In this episode of “Future Focused,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss the operation of family foundations as a wealth planning strategy. They highlight the trade-offs between donor advised funds and private foundations, focusing on the annual requirements of private foundations. They cover topics such as federal reporting, the 5% mi…

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The Estate Plan Audit: Addressing Changes in Assets, Relationships and Taxes 23:30

2y ago23:30

23:30

In an ever-evolving landscape, it's crucial to audit an estate plan and ensure it keeps pace with your life. On this episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear dive into the importance of revisiting your estate plan, examining the impact of changes in asset levels, evolving inter-personal relationships, relocating to a new state, and changes…

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Life After Leaving the Nest: Key Estate Planning Considerations for High School Grads 12:19

2y ago12:19

12:19

With summer swiftly approaching, many families will be celebrating high school graduations and making plans to send those children off to college. But many are not prepared for the reality that parents lose their ability to access health and financial information related to their children after those children become young adults. Parents, therefore…

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Location, Location, Location: Benefits of Jurisdiction Selection in Trust Planning 17:22

2+ y ago17:22

17:22

On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they dive into a discussion on jurisdiction selection in the context of advanced planning strategies. What does it mean to select a jurisdiction when establishing a trust, and what benefits are available when considering one jurisdiction over another? Erin and Michael address these q…

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Beyond the Documents: How to Include Family Members in an Estate Planning Conversation 31:13

2+ y ago31:13

31:13

On this episode, join Partners Dan Daniels and Michael Clear as they discuss the importance of educating the next generation on an estate planning matters. From the protection of assets in cases of divorce or litigation, to aligning a child’s assumptions with reality, you will gain insight on how best to structure a family meeting and facilitate a …

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Fixing my Irrevocable Trust: Decanting 31:50

2+ y ago31:50

31:50

On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they discuss mechanisms we have at our disposal to “fix” an irrevocable trust. The use of decanting, which is traditionally thought of as moving all the assets of one trust to a new trust, is one such mechanism. With the adoption of the Uniform Trust Code in the majority of US States…

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Key Considerations with Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax 16:48

2+ y ago16:48

16:48

On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they discuss key considerations when addressing Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax. With a particular focus on interesting planning opportunities and things to look out for when addressing GST tax. Erin and Michael emphasize the importance of thinking strategically about GST tax …

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Estate Planning for Digital Assets 19:17

2+ y ago19:17

19:17

On this episode, join Partners Michael Clear and Vanessa Maczko as they discuss estate planning considerations for digital assets, which often require special attention when compared to more traditional assets, like real property and marketable securities. For example, sentimental digital assets (such as social media accounts, email, photos on your…

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Legacy Assets in Estate Planning 17:42

2+ y ago17:42

17:42

In this episode, Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss strategies for preserving family legacy assets across generations. With a particular focus on the management and division of interests in real property, such as family compounds and homesteads, Erin and Michael discuss considerations related to carrying costs, ownership structures, bloodline …

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SLATs: are two too good to be true? 21:17

2+ y ago21:17

21:17

Discussing Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts and strategies for using them for each spouse.By Wiggin and Dana, LLP's Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear