Podcast
Heir Necessities
Hosted by Katherine Fox, CFP®, CAP® · EN
Heir Necessities with Katherine Fox is your insider's guide to the complex world of inheritance.
Join Katherine – a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, wealth manager, and inheritor who's been in your shoes – for bi-weekly, 15-minute episodes that demystify the inheritance process. Katherine breaks down everything from awkward family money talks to ethical investing.
She's your personal "old white man translator," turning stuffy financial jargon into advice you'll actually use. Whether you're dealing with a trust fund, a surprise windfall, or are anticipating an inheritance, Heir Necessities has straight talk and smart strategies to help you navigate your newfound wealth.
Tune in for insights and honest conversations to help you write your own financial story – because there's more to inheriting wealth than just the money.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The estate planning traps your attorney didn't tell you (+ how to fix them)
1w ago00:11:06Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-estate-planning-trapsMost rich families think signing their estate documents means the job is done.Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.This is just one of the most common estate planning mistakes wealthy families make. And your attorney isn’t going to warn you about ANY of them. In this episode, I’m telling you how to avoid the estate planning traps that are going to cost your heirs.We’re breaking down the pitfalls rich people constantly fall into, including:Overly complicated documents Unfunded trustsThe set-it-and-forget-it disasterSo you don’t make the same mistakes.Read on to learn how to make your estate plan foolproof.Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →PSA: Your Inheritance Isn't a Retirement Plan (Unless You Want to End Up Broke)
2w ago00:13:14Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-inheritor-retirement-planningI meet too many future inheritors who have been told they don’t need to save for retirement because they’re going to inherit millions.Here’s the truth: your future inheritance is not a “get out of savings free” card.People in wealthy families need to plan for retirement just like everyone else. The question is: how do you plan for a future inheritance that isn’t guaranteed?In this episode, I’m breaking down how to build a retirement strategy that works regardless of if, when, or how much you inherit.We’re covering the saving strategies future inheritors often overlook, including:Taking advantage of Roth accounts (even if you’re a high-income earner)Maximizing flexibility in a taxable brokerage accountAvoiding the tax traps that can reduce the value of inherited accounts The goal: a retirement plan where your inheritance is the cherry on top.Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →The 529 Trap Rich Families Need to Avoid
3w ago00:15:03Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-529-trapSaving for college when you're rich isn't the easy answer everyone thinks it is.It should be as simple as maxing out your 529, right? Wrong.What looks like a tax advantage could actually be limiting your kid’s future freedom.This episode will tell you everything you need to know to fund your 529 smarter, not harder.When you’re wealthy, it’s not about avoiding student debt. It’s about maximizing flexibility and taking advantage of strategies like:UTMA accountsEarmarked brokerage accounts Dynasty 529s (but be sure and think this one through)Check out this episode before putting another dollar into your 529.Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →The Gift Tax Rule Your Parents Don't Know (& how it could be costing you millions)
4w ago00:09:51Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/gift-tax-rulesConfused about how the annual gift limit works? You’re not alone.If you’re an inheritor (or the parent of a rich kid), you may have fallen victim to this common misconception about the annual gift tax rules. Which means you could be missing out on a MAJOR gifting opportunity.The good news? You can pass down millions without ever owing a dime to the IRS.In this week’s episode, I explain what the gift tax exemption actually is, how it works, and strategies to get more money to the next generation without giving anything to the IRSLearn what you need to know about:Gift tax returnsGift-splittingThe lifetime gift tax exemptionSo you’re never limited by this rule again.This is the episode your parents need to hear.Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →The Trust Fund Playbook: 5 Essential Questions
Apr 3000:14:09Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-trust-fund-playbookToday we’re revisiting one of the most-downloaded ever episodes of Heir Necessities.You just found out you’re a trust fund beneficiary. That’s great.But how are you supposed to know what that actually means?You need to know what questions to ask - and in this episode, I’m going to give you the five most crucial ones.Whether your trust is $1 million or $100 million, gaining a sense of confidence starts with understanding the rules of the game when it comes to:Distribution rightsTrustee relationshipsThe dreaded April tax billLet me give you the official trust fund playbook. Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →The Best Generational Wealth Hack I’ve Ever Seen (+ Step by Step Instructions)
Apr 2300:11:49Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-generational-wealth-hackWealthy families need to know about this new hack that lets you transfer a HUGE amount of tax-free wealth to your kids. I’m not gatekeeping - full details and exactly how to execute this strategy yourself are all in this week’s episode of Heir Necessities. It starts with Trump Accounts (I know, I know) and ends with your 24-year-old having a Roth IRA worth $200,000+*Listen, watch, or read below for a full walkthrough of the savings strategy that is changing the game.From account opening and funding to understanding the Kiddie Tax rules and Roth conversions, I’m taking you through every step to set your kids up for future financial success. Listen here to learn why this strategy is so exciting, and why I’m implementing it for my kids this year.--------Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →How to Turn a Market Dip Into a Long-Term Win
Apr 1600:14:53Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/2026-q1-recapIf you’re a young inheritor, you might wonder what you’re supposed to do when the market is down. Your parents are freaking out - is it a bad thing that you don’t really care? Spoiler: absolutely not. In this episode, I explain why a market downturn can be a HUGE opportunity for younger inheritors, and how you can position yourself to take advantage of the dip. If you’ve ever wondered about:Tax loss harvesting Roth conversions Investing more when the market is downThis is the episode for you. Read on for the advice you need to take advantage of the next stock market correction that comes your way. Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →My Family Spent $100,000 in the Last 3 Months: Full Budget Breakdown
Apr 900:16:17Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/spending-recap-q12026Ever wonder what financial advisors actually spend their money on? This week I'm sharing a full Q1 2026 budget recap covering everything we spent in the first three months of the year. If you want to know how much we spend to pay down debt, educate our kids, maintain our home, eat, and satisfy our travel bug, this is the episode for you.Plus, you’ll learn how I track spending (but never keep a budget) as a future inheritor with a net worth over $5 million and family annual income of ~$400,000. I’m also sharing a full update on our basement renovation, including tips for inheritors who have never renovated a house (but want to in the future)! This episode is for everyone who thinks they spend too much, too little, or just wants to peek behind the curtain into my financial life.Because when I promise radical financial honesty, you’re going to get it. ---------Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →How Jointly Inheriting Real Estate Destroys Sibling Relationships (and What You Can Do About It)
Apr 200:12:33Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/jointly-inherited-real-estateInheriting property jointly with your sibling(s) sounds simple enough…until it isn’t. What happens if one of you wants to sell and the other doesn’t?What happens if you both want to keep the house, but can’t decide who gets to use it when?What if you both want to live in it? There are a million ways this can go wrong. And when it does, the results can be relationship-ending.But it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode, I break down the conversations you NEED to have while your parents are still alive.Because the best way to avoid this situation is to prevent it from ever happening.And if you’re already in the thick of a joint property ownership with siblings, I’ve got the advice you need - no matter which side of the issue you’re on. --------------Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →Your Rich Parents’ 3 Biggest Money Fears (+ How To Manage Them)
Mar 2600:17:02Tap to summarizeFULL EPISODE AND SHOW NOTES: www.sunnybranchwealth.com/blog/rich-parents-money-fearsAre you trying to talk to your parents about money, but keep saying EXACTLY the wrong thing? In this episode, I'm breaking down the three biggest fears that drive every financial decision wealthy parents make. Then, I’m translating what those fears mean for you as an inheritor. Once you understand what's going on in your parents’ heads, these conversations get a whole lot less painful.This is what I do best: translate "rich white man" into advice that inheritors can actually use. Find the full report on ultra-high net worth families at: https://www.kitces.com/blog/ultra-high-net-worth-family-concerns-25m-advisor-services-upmarket/----- Sunnybranch Wealth LLC (“Sunnybranch Wealth”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon, the State of California, the State of Washington, and in other jurisdictions where exempt. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site.
Transcribe →