Podcast
The Practical Planner
Hosted by wealth.com · EN
Let's reimagine estate planning together. We'll explore ways for advisors to better serve existing clients and grow your business. Unlike other shows that skim the surface of easily Googled topics, hosts Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes provide takeaways that advisors can use to meet your clients wherever they are in the estate planning process. What’s the difference between a will and a trust? What is an estate plan, and why do you need one? What are the biggest estate planning mistakes? The Practical Planner details everything advisors need for effective estate planning. We cover everything from the basics (defining terms like beneficiary, trustee, and family trust, breaking down estate tax 101) to the more complex (such as compliance for advisors, best practices with crypto, and charitable strategies). The Practical Planner is a production of wealth.com. Wealth.com is the #1 Estate Planning Solution built for advisors. Our mission is to modernize estate planning through innovative technology. Thomas Kopelman is the Head of Community at wealth.com, and was named as a Top 100 Advisor by Investopedia in 2022 and 2023, 2023 Young Advisor to Watch, and Top 23 Millennial Financial Advisor by Business Insider. Anne Rhodes is the Chief Legal Officer at wealth.com. Prior to her current role, she was an estate planning attorney first at McDermott Will & Emery (New York), then at Perkins Coie (San Francisco).
66episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Deep Dive into Jump's Annual Research Report
6d ago00:42:38Summary readyLiam Hanlon of Jump joins Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes for a data-driven look at what AI is really revealing about advisor–client conversations. Drawing on Jump's research across thousands of advisor meetings, they explore how note-takers have evolved from simple time-savers into a coaching tool — surfacing talk-time ratios, client sentiment trends, question quality, and which planning topics advisors raise versus their clients. From the "core four" planning conversations to why estate planning so often surfaces only after a loss, the discussion reframes AI as a command center that makes advisors more human, not less. Whether you're evaluating note-taking tools or sharpening your own client conversations, this episode shows how to turn meeting data into a genuine edge.
SummaryEstate Planning for Widows and Widowers
3w ago00:27:03Summary readyThomas Kopelman, Anne Rhodes, and Lisa Weigel explore the critical role financial advisors play when a client loses a spouse. They break the advisor-widow relationship into three phases—preparation while both spouses are alive, the frenetic first year of estate administration, and long-term re-engagement—and discuss what advisors need to get right at each stage. From navigating marital trust structures and updating beneficiary designations to managing tax elections, filing deadlines, and step-up in basis opportunities, this episode covers the practical and emotional complexities of guiding clients through one of life's most difficult transitions.
SummaryWealth.com Most Common Questions: How Thomas Uses the Platform
Jun 1000:24:51Summary readyIn this episode, Anne Rhodes flips the script and interviews co-host Thomas Kopelman about how he actually uses Wealth.com in his financial planning practice. Thomas walks through his end-to-end process—from using Esther to review and summarize existing estate plans, to guiding clients through document completion, mobile notarization, and trust funding. They also discuss how advisors can stay on the right side of unauthorized practice of law, which clients are the best fit for the platform, and how the attorney network and visualizer tools add value. This episode is a practical look at how technology can streamline estate planning without replacing the attorney relationship.
SummaryTips for New Parents
May 2600:24:50Summary readyThomas Kopelman is joined by Lisa Weigel, Senior Counsel and Strategic Growth Director at Wealth.com, to explore the essential estate planning steps new parents need to take. They break down how to designate guardians in a will, structure trusts for minor children, and build in flexibility through mechanisms like trust protectors. The conversation also dives into funding strategies—from 529 plans and Roth IRAs to gifting trusts and qualified education gifts—helping parents and grandparents find the right savings vehicles for their family's goals. Whether your clients just had their first child or are revisiting their plan as their family grows, this episode offers a practical roadmap for getting it right.
SummaryEstate Planning for Clients Going Through a Divorce
May 1200:35:06Summary readyLisa Weigel, Senior Counsel and Strategic Growth Director at Wealth.com, joins Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes to tackle the complexities of estate planning when clients go through a divorce. From the ethical dilemmas advisors and attorneys face when a couple splits to the real risks of irrevocable trusts like SLATs, they explore how divorce impacts every layer of a client's financial and estate plan. The conversation also covers equitable asset division, the critical importance of updating beneficiary designations, and how prenup provisions within trusts can protect beneficiaries from future divorce. Whether you're navigating a client's divorce or helping them plan proactively, this episode offers practical guidance for advisors at every stage.
SummaryEverything You Need to Know About Irrevocable Trusts
Apr 2200:28:16Summary readyJoin hosts Thomas Kopelman and Anne Rhodes as they dive into the complexities of financial planning with a fresh perspective. They tackle the often misunderstood topic of irrevocable trusts, revealing how these seemingly rigid structures can be more flexible than you think. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting your financial journey, this season promises insights and strategies to empower your planning decisions. Don't miss out on the knowledge and expertise that Thomas and Anne bring to the table. Tune in and elevate your financial acumen!
SummaryThe Top Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan
Apr 700:15:50Summary readyIn this episode of the Practical Planner Podcast, Thomas Koppelman and Anne Rhodes discuss the critical aspects of estate planning, focusing on when and why individuals should update their estate plans. They explore various triggers for updates, including changes in family dynamics, the maturity of beneficiaries, and the importance of trust structures. The conversation emphasizes the need for regular reviews of estate plans to ensure they remain effective and aligned with the individual's current circumstances.
SummaryNavigating Louisiana's Estate Planning Landscape
Mar 1900:30:24Summary readyIn this episode, Anne Rhodes is joined by Addie Prewitt, and Alaina Lacter unpack the complexities of estate planning in Louisiana—from its unique legal terminology to key concepts like forced heirship, community property, and usufruct. They also address common misconceptions and explain why a comprehensive estate plan—especially including powers of attorney—is essential. Whether you're planning for your own estate or advising clients, this conversation sheds light on how Louisiana law shapes the planning process.
SummaryCreating Liquidity at Death
Jan 2100:23:29Summary readyIn this episode of the Practical Planner Podcast, host Thomas Kopelman, along with Anne Rhodes and guest Rachel Hartman, delve into the critical topic of liquidity in estate planning. They discuss the importance of liquidity for high-net-worth individuals, especially in the context of estate taxes and the implications of death. The conversation covers various strategies for creating liquidity, including the role of life insurance, tax implications after death, and the necessity of proper estate planning to avoid complications for beneficiaries. The episode emphasizes the need for advisors to guide clients in ensuring their estate plans are robust and capable of addressing liquidity needs effectively.
SummaryCapital Gains vs Estate Tax Planning
Jan 700:24:09Summary readyIn this episode, Thomas Koppelman and Rachel Hartman delve into the complexities of capital gains tax and estate tax planning. They discuss the differences between the two, the importance of state-specific tax implications, and various strategies for managing high appreciating assets. The conversation highlights the significance of timing in tax decisions, the tools available for tax planning, and the benefits of gifting and charitable donations to maximize tax efficiency.
Summary