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The term “passion investments” has gained currency within the wealth management arena to describe high-end collectibles and other luxury possessions that hold emotional as well as financial value for their owners. When considering that this new asset class has generated noticeable returns, it’s no surprise that owners want to protect their high-val...

Extreme winter weather has been a major issue throughout much of the U.S. in recent years and can result in high insurance claims accounting for millions in losses—the majority of which were due to ice dams and frozen pipes. An analysis of the winter-weather loss claims yielded four common factors and valuable insights that can help you be more pro...

Water damage has consistently ranked as the costliest cause of loss year over year. The largest of these losses have all occurred while no one was home. Whether you’re planning to be away for a short vacation or leaving for the season, there are nine steps you can take to help reduce the chances that you will suffer a water loss.

Whether your collection of paintings are decorative pieces or appreciative investments (or both), they can hold a tremendous amount of meaning and value. As to the decision regarding how and where to display your fine works of art, it’s important to identify and consider the many factors that could lead to a loss. All paintings—including oils, acry...

A chimney fire can be a significant event, in both monetary damages and trauma. The risk is heightened by the fact that chimney fires often begin out of sight, meaning they may not be noticed in time to prevent the flames from spreading to the home or causing serious structural damage. Luckily, a few simple measures can help reduce the damage from ...

The United States is home to tens of thousands of family foundations that have and continue to make positive contributions to society. It’s also not uncommon for the foundations’ boards of directors to play a leading role. Reflecting on the philanthropic journey and the family engagement and ties at the heart of it, here are seven profiles that pre...

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 yo...

When you’ve made the decision to protect a collection through insurance, you want to be sure that coverage amounts measure 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, ...

While it is impossible to predict every catastrophe, thorough pre-event preparation and post-event response planning can help reduce the likelihood of loss and limit the severity of damage that can’t be avoided. This reference guide and sample planning forms based on decades of experience will help you proactively keep art and other valuables ...

When it comes to buying a new home, there can be many unknowns. However, uncovering the issues and hidden risks earlier in the process can help you make a more informed buying decision. As part of your lifestyle and property management best practices, there are four important questions—including matters of insurance and geographical risks—that shou...

During this two-part webinar presentation on private foundation succession planning, insights and planning tools are outlined and discussed to help the next generation of decision making. While there are different approaches to succession planning, knowing the donor intention is essential. Other planning elements and considerations include a missio...

Art collections are unique and very personal assets. Planning to build and maintain a collection, and ensuring its future, requires balancing special rules applied to collectibles and the personal and financial realities of individuals or families. When collectors, their families, and their trusted advisors engage in purposeful planning for art col...

There are many improvements that can be made to a home to help prevent costly and dangerous losses in the future. Many of the recommendations included in this guide cost a sliver of what they will protect, and for those implemented during construction, it often requires a much smaller investment than it would to retrofit a home later.

While insurance may not be top of mind as you go through life’s changes and challenges, it is a critical tool to help keep your family and assets safe. By minding your insurance gaps and working with a knowledgeable agent and reputable carrier in identifying your unique risks, you can assure your family has the protection it nee...

Land investments are a living, breathing entity that need attending to. Whether your primary focus is on conservation, wildlife habitat, agriculture enterprises, or a quaint getaway, the land will need to be managed. Here are the top five reasons why hiring a land management company is a worthwhile investment.