

Wealth Actually
Frazer Rice
Covering the issues that affect business, entrepreneurship, wealth, trusteeship and culture.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2024 • 30min
EMPOWERED ENTITLEMENT
 "Empowered Entitlement" with Christian Broyhill 

Jul 31, 2024 • 35min
FAMILY OFFICE RECRUITING
 "Family Office" recruiting is one of the most difficult subsets of wealth management. 
Loaded with mystery and allure, many wealthy families want to "have" a family office. It's a different story when the family has to determine the ROI of the project, lay out the costs and, ultimately, staff one. This is actual work.
Family offices are expensive and require deep strategic thought and long term purpose  and budgeting by the family.
As we will learn here, family offices call for the identification, acquisition, and support of talent that is not readily available.  This new talent can also be risky.  
A new structure with new people subjects large amounts of personal wealth to the domain of outsiders and public risk. Failure is often embarrassing (and expensive).
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IBc5iTzMNHHSoQqp8Ufhe?si=PUFi51DIR361WrnlEoJyRQ
I went to a source with a unique viewpoint.
BRIAN C. ADAMS is a Principal at Mack International, a leading executivesearch, and human capital consulting firm that serves the familyoffice/wealth management markets. 
Along with his background in family office, Brian has co-founded two real estate private equity firms, Excelsior Capital and Priam Properties, and has assembled a portfolio of over $600 million in real estate assets.
Brian's Background and Unique Path into Family Office Recruiting
The Nuts and Bolts
SUCCESSION PLANNING AND NEXT GENERATION DEVELOPMENT
TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND ACQUISITION/ STRATEGIES FOR RETAINING KEY TALENT
COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION
PACKAGES AND HOLISTIC COMPENSATION APPROACHES
GLOBAL TRENDS THAT IMPACT THE FUTURE OF FAMILY ENTERPRISES
How "fully formed" is the vision for the office by the time they begin actually recruiting? 
Is this coming from the lawyer?  
The tax professional? 
The banker? 
Or from family office consultants?
What is the ROI on a family office?  
Should it be a profit center?  
A "break-even" cost of doing business? 
A loss-leading accomodation?
Is the family driving the search or a consultant? 
Do they often hire a CEO and they run the lower level searches?  
How do you get a family to think about a family office's linkage with (or separation from) a family business?  
Should it be funded out of liquidity or operating cash?
Complications with Family Office Recruiting
What happens if the job mandate doesn't feel right? How much are you dealing with the family and how much is it the consultant? Are the structures already built?
Eddie Marshall's 3 x 3 rule "problem" for Family Offices: 3 years / Over 3M and you still don't know what you have? LEARN MORE HERE
What are the real costs? 
Do families understand the expense? 
Who is developing the budget?
Threading a needle-
Identifying the talent and skills
Cultural Fit 
Compensation terms - Salary vs Upside 
The accounting spine VS "the guy to analyze deals" VS a large, full service situation 
What happens if the fit is bad after 6 months?
Searches for new (de novo) family offices 
Turnover due to retirement  vs, turnover due to cultural problems
Searches for executives vs. technicians
Do searches for positions ever include family members to engender competition
Private or Public Company Board experience - is a lack of it a red flag?
Technology building and security experience
Any major best practices (or worst) for families exploring which functions to internalize and which to outsource?
Family offices and the trends toward outsourcing and MFO's
How does one deal with "scope creep"?
What if the family gets sick of the expense?  
Do you look for other families to use services and share in the expense?
https://youtu.be/O3qFi0YhuFI?si=nu5iQJ_Hnuno0zjX
How To Find Brian Adams
BRIAN ADAMS LINKEDIN
BRIAN ADAMS MACK INTERNATIONAL
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ 

Jun 27, 2024 • 35min
PROPUBLICA
 PROPUBLICA has taken on the role abdicated by most mainstream news organizations. Its long form journalism, while controversial, takes on many special interests that escape public scrutiny. 
While I often don't agree with the slant that they take, ProPublica represents a new frontier for the fourth column. 
Traditional news outlets make less and less business sense. I wanted to find out more about how long form journalism is going to work going forward and how it will apply to financial regulation.
So I spoke to JUSTIN ELLIOTT, an Investigative Reporter at ProPublica. 
Justin has won the Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism, the Selden Ring Award for a series on the American Red Cross and, with the “Trump, Inc.” podcast team, a duPont-Columbia Award.
He co-wrote the story revealing tech mogul Peter Thiel’s multibillion-dollar Roth IRA which we talk about here.
Justin's Path to Reporting
The Role of  PROPUBLICA in Long Form Journalism
What are its origins?
What is its mandate?
How is it funded?
What is the Role of Journalism in (Re) Establishing Accountability in Society?
What is Congress' (and the other branches of government) role in fixing the issues that journalism uncovers?
Peter Thiel's  $5 Billion Roth
What happened?  (How did Thiel get assets into a Roth IRA with a $2K cap?)
How did this work?  (Funding a Roth IRA with low value Founders' shares)
The "Law", the Intent of the "Law" and the Variability around the "Law"?
Is this a valuation issue as much as a legal issue?
Is it wrong?
How should we correct a distortion like this?
What's next for Justin and ProPublica and how do we find him?
2024 Election Coverage
Justin at ProPublica
Justin at Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1YOe9GV0MY
https://youtu.be/Ao33oyZJuC8
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT
Buy "Wealth Actually" Paperback, Kindle and Audio 

8 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 27min
TECHNOLOGY AND ESTATE PLANNING
 David Barnard, Founder and CEO of Luminary, shares insights from his extensive background in private wealth management. He discusses the crucial integration of technology in estate planning, emphasizing its importance for modern advisors. Barnard highlights the challenges of managing complex estate concepts and the role of storytelling in effective communication. He unveils Luminary’s platform as a bridge for collaboration among advisors and clients, allowing for dynamic planning and clear visualizations that drive client engagement and decision-making. 

May 8, 2024 • 25min
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HEALTHCARE
 Artificial intelligence and healthcare have been intertwined for a long time. 
The public has finally noticed. 
With the emergence of OpenAI and other Large Language Model platforms, we are on the forefront of more huge changes in the business of health care.  
Healthcare and elder issues are the major concerns for most families planning for their futures. Artificial intelligence has permanently changed the method and pace of research, the role of privacy, the choice and delivery of treatment, and the way people interact with the healthcare community. 
To better understand these issues, I spoke with Chris Heye. who is working in the space.
Background
Dr CHRIS HEYE is the CEO and Founder of both Whealthcare Solutions, Inc. and Whealthcare Planning LLC. He is a proven entrepreneur with extensive experience starting and growing technology companies. After confronting dementia in his own family and witnessing elder financial abuse in friends, Chris decided that older adults needed more protection.
Chris and I take a look at this intersection. The advances are exciting. Having surveying the landscape, we marvel at the leaps forward to come and worry about the issues that they create.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsGlUlYQG84&t=7s
Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare
Against that backdrop, we take on these questions:
How is the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare changing medical research?
Is artificial intelligence shifting the methodology and processes of healthcare and is it for the better?
After sharing our experiences with dementia and loved ones, Chris and I wonder about the future of dementia management. Will the intersection assist patients with their day-to-day lives?
Is artificial intelligence widening the gap between retirement, late stage health and death? 
Knowing the pernicious effect of ageism, can the financial planning industry properly account for the length and expense of elder living?
What can we expect in the near future and what should we look out for?
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT
Further Wealth Actually updates HERE 

Apr 13, 2024 • 23min
DIRECTED TRUSTEES
 The transition of wealth between generations has put the spotlight squarely on fiduciary roles.  With the rapid changes in the financial services space, directed trustees and independent administrative trust companies have exploded in popularity.
The Evolving World of Directed Trustees
Most advisors, wealth management firms, and clients under-appreciate the responsibility and risks of proper trusteeship. 
They remember a culture and business model that existed decades ago. 
These days, individuals trustees usually can't handle the rigors of the job and law firms are leaving the space for liability reasons. 
Finally, in an environment where clients want more flexibility and control, the large bank-owned trust departments provide a cumbersome experience and high turnover, 
With this in mind, modern estate planning has unbundled traditional investment, administrative and distribution trustee roles. There is a huge appetite for jurisdictional planning and best-in-class providers.
With all of this change, it is confusing for the advisor to know who is responsible for what and how much it should cost.
The Problem for RIAs
RIA's do not have the resources to advise or service clients with this complexity. The administration and oversight of these structures is a distraction.
Building a trust company to solve this problem does not make business sense in a private equity-backed RIA aggregation environment.
Moreover, using conflicted trust providers is out of the question for fear of putting client relationships at risk. 
An increasingly popular option for RIAs and wealthy families is the use of directed trustees and the independent administrative trust company.
CHRISTOPHER HOLTBY is a co-founder of an independent trust company that works specifically with wealth advisors and directed trustees. 
Not only do we highlight the best practices for identifying and partnering with an administrative trustee, but we also discuss the typical workflow between an RIAs and directed trustees.
Chris' Background with Directed Trustees
How RIAs work with directed trustees and an independent trust company: 
1/ What are the basic requirements of independent trust company?
2/ Accordingly, which "value adds" should RIA firms should look for?
3/ Are there key attributes to spot when deciding to work/partner with an independent trust company?
4/ Lastly, should you be aware of any "Gotchas" in the space?
How Do We Stay in Touch with Chris?
WEALTH ADVISORS TRUST COMPANY
Video of the Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YyqlULg1GA
"Wealth Actually" is now on Video!
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT 

Mar 19, 2024 • 41min
RICHARD HAASS
 Dr. RICHARD HAASS takes us on a tour of The World's Hot Spots. We also discuss the U.S. in 2024 and the concept of citizen ship. 

Mar 10, 2024 • 37min
CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH
 Episode 151 - MARK HOUSE
Cryopreservation and wealth was once the purview of science fiction and Hollywood. Freezing one's self to be revived in the future is not just something out of Issac Asimov book or a Ridley Scott movie. The science, estate planning, and economics of this "call option on immortality" are here right now.  
There are legitimate and current issues with cryopreservation and wealth- fascinating ones at that! Science, estate planning, ethics, governance, economics and good old-fashioned drafting are in focus as I speak with Scottsdale-based attorney MARK HOUSE. 
We're going to get our arms around the misconceptions of the freezing process and what that means legally and practically. With that background, we'll dive into the structuring and drafting considerations to effectuate this amazing concept. Finally, we have some fun by guessing at what the world may look like with revived citizens hundreds of years from now.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
-How did Mark get into estate planning and how did he get into cryonics?
CRYONICS
-Let's define freezing "pre-death" vs "post-death."
-Behind the Science:  GREG FAHY'S WORK and BIO
-What is the legal and funding process?
ESTATE PLANNING AROUND CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH 
-Usually when people die (and the being's existence terminates), the assets transfer to beneficiaries. However, here something different happens.
-Is there a difference between being kept alive but in "suspended animation" and dying? 
-Does having various features including DNA maps serve as the basis for a new being?
DIRECTED TRUSTS
-Ownership in a trust should be able to provide the structure that allows the Grantor  to be resuscitated when the science catches up.
-Trusts have a Grantor, Trustee, Corpus (literally in this case) and beneficiaries.
-Trustees must administer, invest and distribute. 
-How does a directed trust allow the Grantor's intent to persist?
TRUST REQUIREMENTS
-Perpetuity and a Good Trust Protector Structure are vital.
-With that in place, trustees must have distribution flexibility and discretion around "beneficiary determination"
-Why is it important to have broad Trustee choice?
-If we're making guesses about the future, why is nimble decision-making process around "science determinations" important?
-When talking about investment flexibility, is endowing a future being a "prudent investment'? If so, how does a trustee sign off on that?
CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH ISSUES
-Who pays the freezer? How much does this cost? 
-Once we know that, how does the trust pay for it? 
-When should a person use life insurance? When employed, does the presumption of death change anything?
-What happens if you run out of funds?
-Does it make sense to (also) endow the future persons' lifestyle? If not, how will they function in the future?
-Should other the trust not include future beneficiaries to reduce a potential future conflict
-How do you staff this? (See here for an interview with Betsy Brown on Corporate Trustees designed to deal with tricky situations: https://frazerrice.com/ep-63-betsy-brown/)
-What if the individual or corporate trustees cease to exist? (Trust protector)
-Is there liability for the science committee if they unfreeze too soon?  Can other beneficiaries then be added? Should they be?
-Are private trust companies common in these situations?
BEST PRACTICES AROUND CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH
-What’s the best way to get started?
OUTRO - 
How do listeners find Mark House?
MARK HOUSE CONTACT INFORMATION
ARTICLE ON CRYONICS
TIM URBAN'S ARTICLE
OUR TRUST AND ESTATES PROFESSOR, JEFFERY PENNELL
Firms that do this
ALCOR- https://www.alcor.org/
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ 

Mar 5, 2024 • 37min
SHOULD I EXPATRIATE?
 Episode 150 DAVID LESPERANCE AND MELVIN WARSHAW
In this 150th Episode, we revisit the topic of citizenship and expatriation and try to answer the question, "Should I expatriate?." 
Establishing a life outside the friendly confines of the United States is a popular wealth conversation.. In the last few years, fueled by local dissatisfaction, political polarization, wealth divide animosity and positive "working abroad" experiences, "Expatriation" is now a big word in the cocktail party circuit. It's a word that shouldn't be taken lightly. Done correctly, it is a multi-year decision and planning process with significant consequences.  
Long-time friend of the podcast, DAVID LESPERANCE and fellow cross-border tax expert, MELVIN WARSHAW, share their expertise on the three levels of "detachment" from the USA. They will set out the administrative and tax consequences of moving up the ladder of recission from the United States.
(David's previous interview here EP-76 Citizenship Diversification) 
What factors have caused a dramatic increase in Wealthy Families seeking second citizenships and residence as "Fire Insurance"? 
Tax the Rich proposals, 
Rising racism and anti-semitism, 
political polarization, 
mass shootings etc.
What are the tax consequences of being a United States citizen?
How does one obtain a second residence? What factors to consider?
How does one obtain a second citizenship? What factors to consider?
What are the types of "Fire Escape Plans"? (i.e. Go Bag option, American Living Abroad, Expatriation) 
What are the Tax consequences of leaving the United States vs a full "Expatriation"?
What are possible factors that may cause one to trigger their Fire Escape Plan? (SCOTUS decision in Moore, Election mayhem, natural disasters, election results etc.)
What is the impact on the US of Wealthy Americans triggering Fire Escape Plans?
Should I Expatriate?
Contact
David Lesperance on Linkedin 
Melvin Warshaw on Linkedin
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ 

Feb 20, 2024 • 21min
FLORIDA AND CALIFORNIA PROPERTY INSURANCE
 Episode 148: Aon's Latanya Simmons
Aon's LaTanya Simmons on Florida and California Property Insurance
The challenging Florida and California property insurance environment is a huge topic of conversation.  Anyone looking to insure a property knows that this has become tricky business in the last five years. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires and mold have are major problems for successful families' homes.  These and other conditions have driven up premiums if you can find insurance at all.  Add into the mix the complexity around the liability and the long term viability of the insurers. It becomes obvious that you need an expert to help navigate these risks.
LATANYA SIMMONS is an Atlanta native and 2nd generation risk management professional. As the National Sports Practice Director and Private Risk Advisor with AON Private Risk Management, LaTanya provides expert personal property and casualty insurance advice and advocacy for successful individuals. executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers and family offices nationwide count among the people that she serves.
We discuss the Florida and California phenomenon and what she sees as the future of the property and casualty insurance market in the high net worth space.
The Florida and California Property Insurance Challenge
Tell us what is going on in the Florida and California property insurance markets? What is the impact on customers? 
Are Florida and California (and New York) just the beginning for the risk markets? 
What strategies should those and others contemplating moves or purchases in other states consider beforehand?
How has the insurance market changed over the last 5 years (and specifically in the last 2)?  Where do you see it going?
Will states like Texas, Colorado and Georgia feel this?
Where do you identify the biggest insurance risks for highly successful individuals?
How often should insurance policies and programs be reviewed, including the health of their insurer?
Many clients are high profile due to their or their family’s success and involvement in the community.  This puts them in the spotlight often – in the news, on social media, front page of their company website. 
What risks do higher profile people need to be thinking about?
What other guidance you can share for successful individuals and families when it comes to managing the risk around their homes, autos, collections, and other property?
Contact LaTanya
LaTanya Simmons LINKEDIN
AON
Other "Wealth Actually" insurance discussions:
https://frazerrice.com/ep-106-ahmet-bidav/
For More . . . 
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/
The new audio version is out now! 


