Viewpoints

Viewpoints is Beacon Hill Private Wealth’s library of articles on financial planning and long-term investing. We publish practical, research-informed guidance to help individuals and families think more clearly about long-term financial decisions.

Topics commonly covered include:

Retirement planning and distribution decisions
Tax planning and after-tax strategy
Estate planning and legacy considerations
Risk management and wealth protection
Charitable giving and philanthropic planning
Behavioral finance and decision-making
Investment management principles

Use the categories below to explore topics most relevant to your situation.

Want to discuss your situation?

Some readers find it helpful to explore how these planning concepts relate to their own circumstances. If that would be useful, you’re welcome to request a brief introductory conversation to discuss fit and approach.

Learn More

Living a Life Worthy of a Legacy at Any Age

November 26, 2019 Estate Planning

Best Practices When Paying Off Medical School Debt

November 17, 2019 Behavioral Finance

Medical school debt can have a profound impact on the life of any physician. We're sharing smart ways to pay off your medical school debt to make sure that it doesn't cost you any more than it needs to.

6 Signs Your Elderly Parents May Need Help With Their Finances

November 14, 2019 Financial Abuse Protecting Wealth

As our parents age, it’s natural to worry and wonder about their health. But looking early on for financial troubles as well could save you and your family from hassle and headaches later down the line.

How to Craft a More Fulfilling Vacation

November 7, 2019

With the back-to-school chaos behind us, the year’s end and the recurring planning topics that correspond with those boxes on the calendar—tax and retirement planning, and especially charitable giving—start coming into sharper focus. I love hearing the stories behind my clients’ charitable interests and causes, at this or any time of the year, and I’m always intrigued to learn more about how others map their values onto their lives. As we’ve begun to craft a theme of giving and volunteerism through our own family narrative, these discussions have led us to pursue an unorthodox approach to our most recent vacation.

The Foundational Aspects of Planning Your Legacy

November 6, 2019 Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Executives

November 3, 2019 Estate Planning

As an executive, it's important to ensure that the complexities of your finances are organized so that your legacy and estate are well taken care of in the long run.

What is FIRE Retirement and Should You Consider It?

November 1, 2019 Retirement Planning

If you have the discipline and cash flow to save more than half of your income each month to put toward an early retirement, FIRE might work for you.

7 Financial Tips to Avoid Leaving Money on the Table

October 31, 2019 Retirement Planning Tax Planning

The holiday season is approaching, and while our focus may soon turn to turkey, travel and the New Year, we need to make sure we don’t neglect our finances before the ball drops. Below are seven financial planning opportunities that every investor should consider before year-end.

The Most Important Insurance You May Not Have

October 30, 2019 Protecting Wealth Risk Management

The 1969 Woody Allen film, Take the Money and Run, is one of my personal favorites. The most memorable scene is when Allen is captured after escaping from prison and his punishment is solitary confinement with an insurance salesman. Not many people are interested in discussing their need for insurance. It’s certainly not an exciting topic (nor is investing for some). For many, discussing mortality and disability risks are unpleasant subjects. In addition, most people don’t like being “sold” something. There are so many different types of insurance (and from many different companies), that many are left wondering, “Do I really need this? Is it worth the expense? Am I wasting my money?”

How Private Equity Destroys Investors’ Wealth

October 29, 2019 Investment Management

Private equity investing has created enormous wealth for those fortunate to be the general partners of a fund. But for regular investors – the limited partners – recent studies show that when properly adjusted for risks, PE returns lag those of the less risky public markets. Moreover, there is little evidence that investors can identify, in advance, the very few PE funds that will outperform.