Estate planning strategies are at the core of everything we do as The Peters Group. For this reason, we maintain a watchful eye on a client’s tax consequences – not only at “tax time” – but throughout the year. This ongoing focus can help uncover and correct tax inefficiencies quickly.
Given John-Michael’s high level of tax awareness – and Adam’s previous experience as an estate-planning attorney – we have a natural affinity for identifying, optimizing and maintaining tax efficiencies for clients, on an ongoing basis.
As we begin working with a client, one of our initial tasks is examining their portfolio and working diligently to fully understand the taxation of individual holdings. Once we fully appreciate a client’s long-term goals – for retirement, wealth transfer, business succession, and/or charitable giving – we exercise “tax-diligence” in crafting a customized portfolio and making other recommendations, with a defined purpose that will anchor our discipline over time.
In addition to our individual skillsets, we have significant experience working collaboratively with CPAs and tax attorneys – directing their implementation of the strategies we’ve formulated. In coordination with clients and their other trusted professionals, we find that aligning financial, tax minimization, and legal strategies can bring about countless benefits – that can span generations.
At The Peters Group, we believe that superior wealth management begins with a thorough evaluation of a client's existing wealth structure, tax situation, and long-term financial needs.
As a planning focused advisory team founded by John-Michael Peters more than ten years ago, we have helped generations of clients define their meanings of wealth and preserve family legacies. While there are many aspects to estate planning strategies, we strive to simplify what can be complex and emotional decisions. Our team is equipped to provide a streamlined, positive experience – to relieve you of managing your assets and, especially, to give you the confidence that comes from the tax-efficient preservation and transfer of wealth.
We can help coordinate legal issues around all sorts of financial situations. In co-creating the architecture of a client's estate strategy, we explain why choices are being made and who will be responsible for choices made down the road. Then, we work in concert with a client's attorney or CPA – someone we consider as the conduit and responsible for implementation.
The recent addition of Adam Wood to our team has added significantly to our knowledge base and capabilities. Having spent ten years as an estate-planning attorney, Adam has formulated customized strategies for hundreds of clients and their families. Adam is admitted to practice law in New York State and while he does not practice law at Merrill nor does he provide legal advice, he uses his experience and knowledge to build a planning framework for each client – accounting for tax minimization considerations and other factors as they can affect the longevity and stability of a family's wealth.
Our long-held belief is that planning is a process, not an event, and certainly not a document. Recognizing that clients can make vastly improved decisions in an environment they understand, we educate and encourage their values-based decisions. Everything we do is based on a client's values, which change far less often than their goals. The quality and longevity of our client relationships remind us of the roles we play and the trust we've earned.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
