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4400 Post Oak Parkway, Houston, TX 77027

713-296-8005
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Wealth Management with Estate Planning in Houston, TX

Make Meaning with your money

You can’t take it with you, and that means you need to have a plan for what will happen to your hard-earned wealth when you no longer need it. Planning, not just for your lifetime, but for the end of your life, is a profound act of love and care. As your Financial Advisor in Houston, I understand that estate planning isn't just about legal documents but creating a comprehensive strategy to align your wealth with your most deeply held values.

Connecting Your Financial Plan to Your Estate Plan

Wealth and financial goals don't exist in isolation from your estate plan. When a person fails to plan, it can leave their loved ones with a difficult task that must be carried out amidst deep grief. Worse yet, a person’s wishes may not be carried out and someone they care for may be unintentionally disinherited.

When we work together, I help you thoughtfully structure your accounts and insurance coverage so your estate plan, financial plan, financial accounts, and insurance policies work seamlessly together. This coordination protects the wealth you've worked so hard to build and provides clarity for your family when they need it most.

The Foundation: Thoughtful Account Structure


Beneficiary Designations That Match Your Wishes


Your retirement accounts and life insurance policies all require beneficiary designations. These seemingly simple forms carry enormous weight and the force of law. They tell Baird exactly who should receive your assets when you're no longer here. I will guide you through making these designations, review them regularly, and update them as needed so they consistently reflect your wishes and family circumstances.



Transfer on Death Agreements



This powerful tool allows your non-retirement accounts to pass directly to your chosen beneficiaries without going through probate. I can help you understand when using this tool makes sense for your situation and how it fits into your broader estate planning strategy.


Strategic Account Titling



How you title your accounts—whether individually, jointly, or in trust—directly impacts how they are distributed after your passing. I work with you to title accounts in ways that support your goals while considering tax implications and how your estate plan is written.

Essential Estate Planning Components

Estate planning involves several key documents that work together to protect you and your loved ones:

  • Beneficiary Designations – These designations dictate who will receive the proceeds of your retirement accounts and life insurance on your death
  • Transfer on Death Agreements – These agreements dictate who will receive your non-retirement accounts on your death
  • Wills - Legal documents that specify how your assets should be distributed and may name guardians for minor children. Your will may also include a Trust provision to protect assets after your death.
  • Trusts - Financial structures that hold and manage assets according to your instructions, sometimes avoiding probate. A Trust may exist in your lifetime or be created after your death.
  • Financial Power of Attorney - Designates someone you trust to handle your financial affairs if you become unable to make decisions yourself
  • Health Care Power of Attorney – Designates someone you trust to handle your healthcare if you become unable to make decisions yourself
  • Advanced Directive - Communicates your healthcare preferences and treatment wishes to medical professionals 
  • Living Will - Specifically outlines your desires regarding life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of serious injury

These deeply personal documents intersect with your financial planning in important ways. I help you understand these connections and coordinate with your estate planning attorney to create a unified plan.

Estate planning isn't about pessimism—it's about love in action. When you take these steps, you're giving your family the gift of clarity during their most vulnerable moments.

Specialized Support When You Need It


Because estate planning involves complex legal considerations, I work closely with Baird's estate planning experts and your attorney. This collaboration means you receive specialized care coordinated by someone who knows your finances, has taken time to build a clear understanding of you, and your values. Together, we create strategies that are not only legally sound but tax-efficient, helping preserve more of your wealth for the people and causes you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my estate planning documents? 

I recommend reviewing your beneficiary designations every two years and estate planning documents every five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, or significant changes in your financial situation.

Do I need a will if I have beneficiary designations on all my accounts? 

Yes, a will covers assets that don't have beneficiary designations and addresses important matters like guardianship for minor children, funeral arrangements, and disposition of family heirlooms. It works alongside your other estate planning tools as a roadmap for settling your estate.

What happens if my financial accounts and estate planning documents conflict? 

Beneficiary designations on financial accounts supersede instructions in wills, which is why regular reviews and coordination between your financial and estate plans is critical.