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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

July/August 2026

Legacy Planning Can Get Sticky

Man stepping in chewing gum on sidewalk. Concept of stickiness

Legacy planning often isn't discussed until it's almost too late. Here are six sticky pitfalls you might face and strategies to steer clear of them.


Lack of communication
Everyone has different expectations. You may assume family members are on the same page, but that's often not the case.


Avoiding it: Host family discussions about your plans. Even if it feels awkward, sharing your intentions with your family can clarify expectations and minimize future disputes.


Not having the right documents
Without the right legal documents in place, your wishes might not be honored. Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are all essential tools in your estate strategy.


Avoiding it: Consult with a knowledgeable professional to draft comprehensive documents tailored to your situation. Make sure you revisit them periodically—life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can all shift what you need.


Ignoring tax implications
Most people don't enjoy discussing taxes, but ignoring them can create problems. Estate taxes can take a hefty bite out of your legacy if you're not prepared.


Avoiding it: To ensure more of your assets go to your loved ones instead of the IRS, explore strategies with a tax advisor to minimize your tax burden.


Unclear beneficiary designations
Life insurance policies and retirement accounts often have beneficiary designations that supersede wills. If you haven't updated these designations, they might not reflect your current wishes, leading to unintended consequences.


Avoiding it: Regularly review and update your beneficiary designations, especially after major life changes.


Overlooking digital assets
Your online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and digital subscriptions all have value, and without a plan, they can get lost in cyberspace.


Avoiding it: Create a list of your online accounts and their associated passwords. Share this with a trusted individual, and consider addressing these assets in your estate documents for clarity.


Failing to seek professional help
Many people think they can handle legacy planning on their own. But the laws surrounding it can be complex. One wrong move may lead to significant issues later. <


b>Avoiding it: Don't underestimate the value of professional advisors. Work with yours to build a well-rounded plan that considers all aspects of your legacy.


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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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