Imagine riding your bike down a hill, wind in your hair, when suddenly—thump, wobble, snap—one of your spokes gives out. That smooth ride? It’s over. Because without all the spokes in working order, the wheel doesn’t roll right.

Estate planning is no different.

So many people think a will is enough, or that talking to their accountant or their attorney just once will somehow cover everything. But in truth, estate planning isn’t a one-person job—it takes a team. And if you’re relying on only one “spoke” in the wheel, you’re risking a breakdown when it matters most.

I’ve been in this business long enough to see the consequences. I’ve watched families struggle because the estate plan didn’t account for taxes. I’ve seen inheritances drained by nursing home costs because no long-term care planning was done. I’ve watched grieving children get tangled in probate court because the “plan” was a free online template. It’s heartbreaking—and avoidable.

One Spoke Can’t Carry the Wheel

An estate plan isn’t just a set of documents—it’s a living, breathing strategy that evolves with you. Think about the spokes of a wheel. Each one supports the whole. If even one is missing or weak, you’re heading for a shaky ride.

Here’s how a proper estate planning team works together like the spokes in a solid, reliable wheel:

• The Attorney: Drafts the legal documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives—but their work must be coordinated with the rest of the team to avoid gaps or conflicts.
• The CPA: Tax laws are always changing. A CPA ensures your plan is tax-efficient both now and in the future, helping to preserve more of your wealth for your family.
• The Financial Advisor: Manages your investments and makes sure your asset titling aligns with your estate plan. They ensure your financial plan supports your goals and timeline.
• The Insurance Professional: Protects your family’s future with life, long-term care, and disability insurance. They also help structure policies inside or outside of trusts.
• The Elder Care/Nursing Home Expert: Plans for potential long-term care needs while protecting your home and savings. Their knowledge of Medicaid and related laws is essential.
• The Funeral Specialist: Helps document your end-of-life wishes, easing the burden on your loved ones during one of the hardest moments of their lives.

Each of these professionals brings a unique perspective, skill set, and responsibility. But they must work in harmony. That’s the key difference between a piecemeal plan and a comprehensive one.

Life Is Complicated—So Is Estate Planning

Let’s be honest: life doesn’t get simpler as we get older. We accumulate more assets, more responsibilities, and more people depending on us. Add in shifting tax codes, complex family dynamics, and evolving healthcare needs, and it’s clear that a DIY or single-expert plan simply isn’t enough.

That’s why I’ve built a team. We work together on your behalf, making sure every spoke is in place, every angle is considered, and every “what if” is addressed. We don’t just write documents—we design solutions. We don’t just sell products—we coordinate strategies.

And most importantly, we stay with you. Because a wheel in motion stays in motion, as long as it’s built right.

Don’t Leave Your Legacy on a Wobbly Wheel

Your legacy is too important to leave to chance—or to a single advisor. The best plans come from a collaborative effort, a circle of professionals working as one to protect what matters most to you.

So the next time you think about estate planning, think about your bicycle. Would you trust a ride down life’s biggest hill on a wheel with just one spoke?

Neither would I.

Let’s build your team, check every spoke, and make sure your legacy rolls forward smoothly… for generations to come.