Tom Meaglia photo

Tom Meaglia, ChFC®, AEP®,

CLU®, CRPC®, MSFS

Chartered Financial Consultant

Investment Advisor Representative

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor

CA Insurance Lic. #0567507

 

Meaglia Financial Consulting

2105 Foothill Blvd., #B140, La Verne, CA 91750

 

Toll Free: 800-386-3700

Bus:         909-593-6105

Cell:         818-681-8600

Fax:         909-593-6120

 

Email: tom@meagliafinancialconsulting.com

Website: www.meagliafinancialconsulting.com

January/February 2026

The Importance of Estate Planning

Financial advisor, handshake and mature couple on sofa for estate planning, asset management or pension. Documents, life insurance and retirement fund with people at home for investment portfolio

Estate planning is a critical process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing, while minimizing taxes, legal complications, and family disputes. With rising financial complexities, estate planning is essential for individuals of all wealth levels.


Asset Distribution
Control Estate planning allows you to dictate how your assets—such as savings, property, or businesses—are distributed. A will or trust ensures your intentions are clear, preventing unintended beneficiaries or state laws from determining outcomes. For small business owners, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025 enhances Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusions, making succession planning vital to maximize tax benefits and ensure business continuity.


Minimize Taxes and Costs
Proper planning reduces estate taxes and probate costs. The OBBBA's increased SALT deduction cap ($40,000 through 2029) and permanent QBI deduction can be leveraged in trusts to lower tax burdens. Without a plan, estates may face higher taxes or lengthy probate, depleting assets. According to the Bankrate 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report, only 46% of Americans have three months' emergency savings, underscoring the need to protect wealth for heirs.


Protect Loved Ones
Estate planning safeguards dependents by designating guardians for minors or establishing trusts for their financial security. It also prevents family disputes by clearly outlining asset distribution, reducing emotional strain during grief. For those with complex family dynamics, trusts can provide privacy and avoid public probate battles.


Healthcare and End-of-Life Decisions
A comprehensive estate plan includes advance directives, like a living will or power of attorney, ensuring your medical and financial wishes are honored if you're incapacitated. According to the U.S. Department of Health, it's estimated that 56% of people over 65 will need long-term care, these documents are crucial for managing care costs, especially alongside long-term care insurance.


Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it's for anyone with assets or dependents. Starting early—ideally in your 40s or 50s— avoids rushed decisions and ensures flexibility. Consulting a financial advisor or attorney is key to tailoring a plan.


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Thomas Meaglia is an Investment Adviser Representative of Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC, dba, Fusion Capital Management, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.
Insurance and annuity products are not sold through Fusion Capital Management. Fusion does not endorse any annuity or insurance product, nor does it guarantee any insurance or annuity performance. Annuity and life insurance guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. If you withdraw money from or surrender your contract within a certain time after investing, the insurance company may assess a surrender charge. Withdrawals may be subject to tax penalties and income taxes. Persons selling annuities and other insurance products receive compensation for these transactions. These commissions are separate and distinct from Fusion's investment advisory fees.
Meaglia Financial Consulting and LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Marketing Solutions, LLC, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

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