Mercer Advisors
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Asset Protection

Financial Planning Guide

The Inheritance and Sudden Wealth Playbook: First 90 Days + 12 Months

When you inherit a significant amount of wealth, the decisions you make in the first year can define outcomes for decades. Here’s your step-by-step playbook.

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.

Investment Management Article

Portfolio Diversification: How To Build a More Resilient Investment Strategy

Learn how a coordinated strategy may help manage risk and support your long-term goals.

Couple talking about finances.
Retirement Article

The DINK Financial Advantage: Building Wealth Together

Dual income, no kids (DINK) couples have a rare financial window. From backdoor Roth IRAs to early retirement, discover strategies to help protect and grow your wealth.

Estate Planning Article

Maryland Estate and Inheritance Tax

Maryland is the only state levying both an estate tax and inheritance tax. Understand thresholds, exemptions, and strategies to protect your estate.

Estate Planning Article

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Key Considerations

From qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts to beneficiary designations, discover how a comprehensive estate plan can honor every relationship in your blended family.

Team having a discussion in a meeting
Tax Planning Article

Taxes and Wealth Management: Better Together With a Unified Team

Our integrated tax and wealth management teams work together year-round, delivering coordinated planning that helps reduce surprises and tax liability.

Insurance Solutions Article

One Team, One Plan, One Vision: Integrated Insurance Planning

Discover how integrated insurance planning coordinated across your investments, taxes, and estate plan can help protect and preserve your wealth.

Estate Planning Article

Estate Planning Strategies for Your Financial Future 

Learn how estate planning integrates with tax, investment management, and financial planning to help protect your wealth, minimize taxes, and transfer assets efficiently. 

Work & Business Article

Strategic Exit Planning for Business Owners

Explore comprehensive exit planning strategies for business owners. Learn how to coordinate valuation, tax optimization, and succession planning to help support a smoother transition.

What Clients Ask Article

Why One Team Can Simplify Your Financial Life

Mercer Advisors brings wealth planning, investment management, taxes, estate, and retirement under one coordinated team for integrated and aligned financial outcomes.

Estate Planning Article

Minnesota Estate Planning: Strategies for Your Legacy

Minnesota residents face a $3 million estate tax with no spousal portability. Discover trust strategies, lifetime gifting, and tools designed to preserve your legacy.

Professions Article

United Airlines Pilot Retirement: Key Decisions To Consider

Explore key financial decisions for United Airlines pilots to make three to five years before retirement: PRAP strategy, pension elections, and Medicare planning.

FAQs
Financial Planning FAQ

What should I do immediately after receiving a large inheritance?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Do I have to pay taxes on money I inherit?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is the step-up in basis, and why does it matter?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What are the rules for an inherited IRA?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Should I invest my inheritance all at once or gradually?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

How do I update my estate plan after receiving an inheritance?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is sudden wealth syndrome, and how do I avoid it?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

Do I need a financial advisor to manage an inheritance?

See the answer

Further Learning

Retirement Article

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Your 2026 Medicare Options

Understand your 2026 Medicare choices, and compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage on cost, coverage, networks, and enrollment to make an informed decision.

Retirement Article

Connecting the Dots on Your Retirement Plan

Learn how a structured three-part approach to retirement income planning can help you protect the wealth you’ve built and achieve financial independence.

Retirement Article

How SECURE 2.0 Is Reshaping Your Retirement Savings Options

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 introduced significant updates to retirement savings rules — automatic enrollment, emergency savings accounts, and enhanced catch-up contribution limits — that can meaningfully change how you plan for the future.

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.

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.

Explore Our Solutions

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
Trustee Services

Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?

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