Resource Search

The art environment is diverse and constantly changing. Wealth planning with art offers many opportunities, but it is also quite nuanced. Acquiring, managing, valuing, and transferring art require thoughtful planning and the advice from trusted experts and advisors to realize the full value of individual works or a collection. For those who have an affinity for art, we explore the key considerations when it comes to incorporating art into your wealth planning and management—including the art relationship, the value of art, appraising art, transferring art, and selling art.

Hiring domestic staff such as nannies, personal assistants, and housekeepers can expose you to liability issues and danger from unscrupulous employees. It is important to understand your areas of vulnerability and take steps to protect your family and your finances. Whether you hire your own employees or the family office hires them, three often overlooked areas which can create liability for high-net-worth families are insurance coverage, background checks, and employment documentation.

When you’ve made the decision to protect a collection through insurance, you want to be sure that coverage amount measures up to the value of your items. Determining proper values can be tricky, as so many variables impact a piece’s worth. Given the ever-changing market, values are in constant flux. That’s why professional appraisals are critical, and it is important to make an informed decision when choosing an appraiser.

Works of art are at great risk of being damaged during handling and transportation. To reduce the likelihood of loss, it is important to adhere to a stringent set of guidelines for every transit. Arrangements will differ in each situation, but following the recommended steps—including selecting a fine art specialty shipping company and reviewing your insurance policy regarding any limits on transit coverage—are components of every good transit protocol.

Flying privately has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons, including convenience, security, and lifestyle, but there are several considerations in determining what usage and ownership structure is right for you. Like making a real estate investment, owning or leasing a plane poses many financial, tax, and regulatory issues, as well as the technical aspects of evaluating and operating a highly sophisticated, multimillion-dollar piece of equipment.

Most people prefer to age in place. If you have a beautiful and gracious home that you love, why leave it? Yet common features in many homes—steeps stairs, “classic” plumbing fixtures, even hardwood floors—can actually make life less comfortable, or sometimes even dangerous, as you get older. Fortunately, there are many attractive home décor options that are also age-friendly. If you’re remodeling a home, putting a little thought into your likely future needs and planning for them can save you the hassle, expense, and possibly a trip to the emergency room.

For all the risks that tend to step up as you age, there are also far more opportunities to live life the way you want to, and probably longer and in reasonable health. What will help smooth the transition through the stages of aging will be a proactive approach to managing potential roadblocks on the way. As you begin this journey, the more aware you are of the heightened risks and liabilities that emerge as you age, the better able you will be to enjoy this phase of your life to the fullest extent possible. Learn how to address those concerns so you, too, can enjoy aging in comfort.

A beautiful summer home on the beach or keeping a home of your grandparents for all family branches to gather, relax, and enjoy sounds ideal. What happens when your cousin comes with her five kids and three large dogs for a month? Or the taxes and maintenance are being split equally and you barely use the property? Or what if some family members leave the property in disarray? Unfortunately, sometimes a good idea intended to bring the family closer together can, if not managed properly, create more tension and conflict.

One of the best ways to help ensure the safety of your family and friends while aboard your boat is to identify common maintenance items before they become a problem. And if your boat is hauled out for winter storage, there are important recommendations to follow to help ensure that your boat will be ready for safe and reliable cruising again next year. It is also essential to consider a marine survey. Having a periodic inspection by a qualified, independent marine surveyor is a critical part of all boat ownership, and is particularly crucial for aging, gasoline-powered boats.

If your boat was in lay-up over the winter, you’ll need to take care of a few things before it’s ready to go, including conducting a complete safety and maintenance review. As a boat owner, you’re responsible for knowing the condition of your boat and its equipment. Knowing and implementing the important safety measures and other recommended tips will help ensure your vessel is ready for a successful launch and a safe and relaxing season.