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This month, Jay sits down with Ani Hovanessian, Partner in the Private Client Group at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLC, for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of technical mastery and human connection in estate planning.

For high-income individuals who have already maxed out traditional tax-advantaged retirement accounts, VUL offers a potential next step. It combines permanent life insurance coverage with the opportunity for tax-deferred investment growth. More than just a death benefit, VUL provides a flexible, dynamic tool for wealth accumulation, risk management, and long-term financial planning.

One strategy gaining traction is the intergenerational split-dollar (IGSD) arrangement, a sophisticated life insurance funding mechanism that leverages valuation discounts and estate inclusion rules to transfer wealth with minimal tax friction.

In this month’s interview, Jay catches up with top tier producer Michael DeFillipo, CLU®, ChFC®.  The pair discuss how to best position life insurance with clients, Michael’s short-lived collegiate athletic career and where to find the best rabbit pie in the Philadelphia area.

Tools like IRC Section 1035 exchanges and term life insurance conversions can help policyholders modernize their coverage without incurring tax consequences or undergoing medical exams. These strategies allow individuals to enhance their protection, reduce costs, and better align their policies with current objectives.

GRATs and CLATs offer exceptional opportunities for tax-efficient wealth transfer. But when paired with life insurance, their potential for impact, both financial and philanthropic, grows exponentially.

Fairness and equality stand at the heart of decisions about whom to give to and what to distribute in estate plans.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States significantly impacted how closely held companies approach buy-sell agreements.

A Charitable Remainder Trust may help you avoid capital gains taxes and provide a significant income tax deduction.

For younger affluent clients, one essential tool to help secure a financial future that should not be overlooked is life insurance.

Check out the team from Life Insurance Strategies Group from their appearances on various industry podcasts.

Committing to trust terms that endure for generations can be daunting. A Trust Protector may be the answer.