21. Keeping It in the Family

21. Keeping It in the Family

Building a family business often takes decades, and transferring it to the next generation can involve careful planning, thoughtful conversations, and coordination with experienced professionals. In this episode, Michael Mongin joins Don Drury and Tom Moran to discuss key considerations families may want to evaluate when planning for the transition of a closely held business. The conversation explores topics such as annual business valuations, buy-sell agreements, and estate planning strategies, including GRATs and rolling GRAT approaches, as well as the potential trade-offs between estate tax and capital gains considerations. Listeners will gain insight into financial and structural elements that can play a role in succession planning. Beyond the technical aspects, Mike and Tom also discuss the interpersonal dynamics involved in family business transitions—such as navigating roles for family members who are active in the business versus those who are not, setting clear expectations, and the potential benefits of starting the planning process early. Whether you are beginning to think about succession or reviewing an existing plan, this episode provides a general overview of factors that may be worth discussing with your legal, tax, and financial advisors. Subscribe and follow along, we're just getting started! Resources: 13:54 - “Yeah, it's it's just about 75 to 80 percent fail to make it through the third generation.” https://hbr.org/2021/07/do-most-family-businesses-really-fail-by-the-third-generation [https://hbr.org/2021/07/do-most-family-businesses-really-fail-by-the-third-generation] 16:39 -  “And everything above that was being taxed at a rate of 55%, not the 40% rate today.” https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/whats-new-estate-and-gift-tax (Prior to the 2001 tax law changes, the top federal estate tax rate was 55%. Today, the top federal estate tax rate is 40%, a rate that has been in effect since 2013.) 16:46- “That has flipped and is now$13.99 million for this year,$15 million beginning in 2026.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/estate_tax [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/estate_tax] 18:45 -” I've basically had a number of clients in the last 15 years who have done some aggressive gifting for estate tax purposes because of the changes and expiration of uh the estate tax exemption, which was five million and then, you know, 10 million and now um and it was due to expire at the end of 25 and now is made permanent..” https://www.dglaw.com/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-estate-tax-updates/ [https://www.dglaw.com/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-estate-tax-updates/]  The content on this page and/or video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Specifically, the content is intended to provide education and tools for individuals looking to handle their retirement planning on their own. Should you need personalized investment advice, you should consult with a registered investment adviser. Any communications on this page with other individuals that are not associated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC are done voluntarily by users and are unsupervised and unaffiliated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC and Moran Wealth Management, LLC has no responsibility or liability over any discussions or advice that may be given. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser and can provide investment advice. If you are interested in Moran Wealth Management, LLC’s advisory services, you can contact us at 239-920-4440 or info@moranwm.com. For disclosures, visit: https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures [https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures] This communication may contain testimonials of Moran Wealth Management’s clients. These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of these customers. However, these experiences are personal to them and are not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences. Moran Wealth Management® makes no claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experiences. Your individual results will vary. The views and opinions contained in the testimonials belong solely to the individual client and do not reflect our views and opinions. Clients are not paid or otherwise compensated for their testimonials.

20. Strategic Giving: Aligning Philanthropy, Family, and Tax Planning

Charitable giving can serve multiple purposes beyond supporting causes that matter personally. When approached strategically, philanthropy may also play a role in broader financial, tax, and legacy planning conversations. In this episode, Don Drury and Tom Moran are joined by attorney and advisor Michael Mongin to discuss donor advised funds, private foundations, charitable remainder trusts, and qualified charitable distributions. The conversation explores how different charitable structures may fit different financial situations, from appreciated stock positions to retirement income planning. The discussion also examines how philanthropy can become a multigenerational value, including ways families may involve children and grandchildren in charitable decision making and stewardship over time. Throughout the episode, the team emphasizes that charitable planning is most effective when it begins with genuine philanthropic intent and is then aligned thoughtfully with broader financial goals. Subscribe and follow along, we're just getting started! The content on this page and/or video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Specifically, the content is intended to provide education and tools for individuals looking to handle their retirement planning on their own. Should you need personalized investment advice, you should consult with a registered investment adviser. Any communications on this page with other individuals that are not associated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC are done voluntarily by users and are unsupervised and unaffiliated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC and Moran Wealth Management, LLC has no responsibility or liability over any discussions or advice that may be given. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser and can provide investment advice. If you are interested in Moran Wealth Management, LLC’s advisory services, you can contact us at 239-920-4440 or info@moranwm.com. For disclosures, visit: https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures [https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures] This communication may contain testimonials of Moran Wealth Management’s clients. These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of these customers. However, these experiences are personal to them and are not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences. Moran Wealth Management® makes no claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experiences. Your individual results will vary. The views and opinions contained in the testimonials belong solely to the individual client and do not reflect our views and opinions. Clients are not paid or otherwise compensated for their testimonials.

19. Cybercrime Is a $10.5 Trillion Industry: How to Protect Yourself and Your Wealth with Mark Hurley

Cybercrime has quietly become one of the largest and most sophisticated global industries, now surpassing the scale of illegal drug trafficking. In this episode, Tom Moran and Don Drury are joined by Mark Hurley, CEO and Founder of Digital Privacy Protection, to break down the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and what it means for individuals and families. The conversation explores why high net worth individuals are increasingly targeted, how artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing than ever, and the surprising ways personal data is exposed through everyday devices and apps. They also discuss real world examples of financial loss, emerging threats like voice cloning and title fraud, and the concept of basic cyber hygiene, simple but critical steps that can dramatically reduce risk. From password strategies to understanding where vulnerabilities exist, this episode provides a practical framework for protecting your finances, identity, and digital life. Subscribe and follow along, we're just getting started! References: 5:09 - “...cybercrime is a $10.5 trillion business.” https://techbullion.com/cybercrime-damages-at-10-5-trillion-why-the-world-is-spending-record-amounts-on-cyber-defence/ [https://techbullion.com/cybercrime-damages-at-10-5-trillion-why-the-world-is-spending-record-amounts-on-cyber-defence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Mark Hurley of Digital Privacy Protection appeared as an independent guest. Moran Wealth Management receives no compensation or referral fees from Mr. Hurley or Digital Privacy Protection. His views are his own and do not represent Moran Wealth Management, which has not independently verified his claims or statements. The content on this page and/or video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Specifically, the content is intended to provide education and tools for individuals looking to handle their retirement planning on their own. Should you need personalized investment advice, you should consult with a registered investment adviser. Any communications on this page with other individuals that are not associated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC are done voluntarily by users and are unsupervised and unaffiliated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC and Moran Wealth Management, LLC has no responsibility or liability over any discussions or advice that may be given. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser and can provide investment advice. If you are interested in Moran Wealth Management, LLC’s advisory services, you can contact us at 239-920-4440 or info@moranwm.com. For disclosures, visit: https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures [https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures] This communication may contain testimonials of Moran Wealth Management’s clients. These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of these customers. However, these experiences are personal to them and are not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences. Moran Wealth Management® makes no claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experiences. Your individual results will vary. The views and opinions contained in the testimonials belong solely to the individual client and do not reflect our views and opinions. Clients are not paid or otherwise compensated for their testimonials.

18. An Economist's View of Q1 2026 and What Comes Next with Dr. John Silvia

With the first quarter of 2026 in the books, investors and consumers alike are searching for clarity amid a complex economic backdrop: tariffs, an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the ever-present question of what the Fed will do next. In this episode, Tom Moran and Don Drury are joined by Dr. John Silvia, former Managing Director and Chief Economist at Wells Fargo and founder of Dynamic Economic Strategy. The conversation covers the current state of consumer spending, corporate earnings expectations, and the quiet productivity boom reshaping the U.S. economy. Dr. Silvia also addresses the distributional impact of rising oil prices across global markets, why the U.S. is better positioned than Europe and Asia, and what investors should be watching as the year unfolds. From Fed policy to the 10-year treasury to the case for a commodity supercycle, this episode delivers a grounded, data-driven outlook for the rest of 2026. Subscribe and follow along, we're just getting started! The content on this page and/or video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Specifically, the content is intended to provide education and tools for individuals looking to handle their retirement planning on their own. Should you need personalized investment advice, you should consult with a registered investment adviser. Any communications on this page with other individuals that are not associated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC are done voluntarily by users and are unsupervised and unaffiliated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC and Moran Wealth Management, LLC has no responsibility or liability over any discussions or advice that may be given. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser and can provide investment advice. If you are interested in Moran Wealth Management, LLC’s advisory services, you can contact us at 239-920-4440 or info@moranwm.com [info@moranwm.com]. This content may include forward-looking statements, projections, or opinions that are based on current assumptions and market conditions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially. Any references to market performance, investment strategies, or asset classes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Any views expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Moran Wealth Management, LLC. For disclosures, visit: https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures [https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures] This communication may contain testimonials of Moran Wealth Management’s clients. These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of these customers. However, these experiences are personal to them and are not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences. Moran Wealth Management® makes no claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experiences. Your individual results will vary. The views and opinions contained in the testimonials belong solely to the individual client and do not reflect our views and opinions. Clients are not paid or otherwise compensated for their testimonials.

17. Iran and the U.S: Understanding Asymmetrical Conflict Dynamics with Hossein Motamedi

With rising tensions between the United States and Iran, recent developments have drawn increased attention to potential geopolitical and economic implications.  While the situation remains fluid, it has prompted discussion around possible impacts on global energy markets, international alliances, and broader financial conditions. In this episode, Tom Moran and Don Drury are joined by Professor Hossein Motamedi, an expert in international relations and a native of Iran.  The discussion explores historical context, Iran’s strategic approach to conflict, and how asymmetric dynamics can influence outcomes when nations face unequal capabilities. The conversation also outlines several potential scenarios related to recent U.S. policy actions, along with considerations for global oil and natural gas supply, the role of the U.S. dollar in international trade, and possible effects on markets and geopolitical relationships. This episode is intended to provide context and perspective on a complex and evolving situation. It is not intended as investment advice or a prediction of future events. Geopolitical developments are inherently uncertain and may impact markets in unpredictable ways.  Subscribe and follow along, we're just getting started! The content on this page and/or video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Specifically, the content is intended to provide education and tools for individuals looking to handle their retirement planning on their own. Should you need personalized investment advice, you should consult with a registered investment adviser. Any communications on this page with other individuals that are not associated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC are done voluntarily by users and are unsupervised and unaffiliated with Moran Wealth Management, LLC and Moran Wealth Management, LLC has no responsibility or liability over any discussions or advice that may be given. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser and can provide investment advice. If you are interested in Moran Wealth Management, LLC’s advisory services, you can contact us at 239-920-4440 or info@moranwm.com. For disclosures, visit: https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures [https://www.moranwm.com/disclosures] This communication may contain testimonials of Moran Wealth Management’s clients. These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of these customers. However, these experiences are personal to them and are not necessarily representative of all clients’ experiences. Moran Wealth Management® makes no claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experiences. Your individual results will vary. The views and opinions contained in the testimonials belong solely to the individual client and do not reflect our views and opinions. Clients are not paid or otherwise compensated for their testimonials.