Mercer Advisors
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Guides

In-depth financial planning guides go beyond the basics to give you the context, frameworks, and step-by-step clarity you need for the moments that matter most — from a sudden inheritance or divorce to navigating an IPO or passing wealth to the next generation. At Mercer Advisors, our guides are designed to be practical, plain-language resources that can help you take confident action, whether you’re navigating a major life event or building a long-term financial strategy from scratch. Browse our guide library below to find resources tailored to your situation. 

Women & Wealth Guide

Retirement Planning for Single Women: A Complete Guide

A practical guide to retirement planning for single women — covering Social Security, long-term care, estate planning, and an age-specific checklist.

Estate Planning Guide

The Family Guide to Estate Planning: Helping To Protect What You’ve Built Across Generations

Explore wills, trusts, beneficiary traps, POAs, estate tax changes, inherited IRAs, gifting, and family conversations in one comprehensive planning guide.

Tax Planning Guide

Tax Filing Is Not the Same As Tax Planning

You may think you’re managing your taxes effectively when you file each spring, but are you sure? Learn the difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning.

Retirement Guide

The Complete Retirement Income Guide: How to Make  Your Money Last

Explore a comprehensive guide on retirement income planning, including Social Security strategies, withdrawal sequencing, and sequence-of-returns risk.

Father and Son Taking a Walk
Family & Health Guide

When Your Child Turns 18: A Financial and Legal Planning Guide for Families

A comprehensive checklist covering legal documents, account transfers, budgeting strategies, and the life skills that prepare your young adult — and your family — for what comes next.

Estate Planning Guide

Estate Planning Resource Center

This resource will answer questions about the process, estate planning terms, and what we do at each stage.

Rider on Horse Jumping
Financial Planning Guide

Investing in Horses: Risks, Returns, and How to Integrate Equine Assets Into Your Wealth Plan

A practical guide to investing in horses, including risks, costs, liquidity, and how equine assets fit into a long-term wealth plan.

Tax Planning Guide

A Guide To Long-Term Planning for Long-Short Portfolios

A practical guide to long-short investing, explaining how portfolios evolve, manage taxes, reduce risk, and plan smart options after diversification.

Family & Health Guide

A Guide for Widows and Widowers: Your Financial Care Package

A care package to help empower you to embrace your future, while honoring your loved one’s legacy.

Financial Planning Guide

Divorced, Not Derailed: Your Roadmap to Economic Freedom™

Learn how a financial advisor can advocate for your financial future and relieve the burden of stress related to your divorce.

Investment Management Guide

Post-IPO Lockup Playbook: Sell Smart, Minimize Taxes, Protect Your Gains

Your IPO lockup expiration is just the beginning. With a multi-year strategy and expert advice you can turn uncertainty into lasting value.

Family & Health Guide

Suddenly Inheriting Wealth In Early Adulthood or Midlife

This guide aims to help you navigate the complexities of sudden wealth inheritance by addressing common concerns and providing a decision-making framework.

Family & Health Guide

What To Do When a Parent Passes: A Practical Financial Guide

A practical guide to the financial, legal, and administrative steps families face after a parent’s death, organized to reduce stress and prevent missed details.

Further Learning

Listen
Investment Management Podcast

Episode 39 – Financial Planning Is a Prerequisite to Successful Investing

Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer, breaks down why financial planning should be the essential first step to building, sustaining, and transferring wealth.

Listen
Investment Management Podcast

Episode 525 – Investment Philosophy vs. Strategy

Discover how your core beliefs shape investment decisions. John Walker and Jason O’Meara break down philosophy vs. strategy for long-term success.

Women & Wealth Article

Beyond Business Growth: Wealth Planning for Women Founders

Many women founders face a three-way financial pull. Learn how to help protect personal wealth, optimize taxes, and plan your business exit — all at once.

Estate Planning Article

Illinois Estate Tax: What High-Net-Worth Families Need To Know

Illinois’ $4 million estate tax exemption, far below the $15 million federal threshold, can expose high-net-worth families to unexpected state tax bills without proactive planning.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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