Legacy Planning, Inheritance Strategies & Navigating Market Volatility with Confidence

Legacy Planning, Inheritance Strategies & Navigating Market Volatility with Confidence

In Episode 2 of The Long View on Money, Chief Financial Planning Officer Tim Hilterman, CFP® and President & Chief Investment Officer John-Mark Young, CFP® take a deeper look at one of the most important—and often overlooked—areas of financial planning: legacy. As the “Great Wealth Transfer” continues to unfold, with an estimated $84 trillion expected to pass from one generation to the next over the coming decades, many families are facing a critical question: what are we really passing on? While most conversations around inheritance focus on tax efficiency and asset distribution, Tim and John-Mark challenge listeners to think beyond the numbers and consider the deeper purpose of wealth. Through a biblical lens, this episode explores what Scripture teaches about stewardship, responsibility, and the meaning of a true inheritance. Proverbs reminds us that a good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children—but what does that really mean? Is it simply about financial assets, or does it point to something greater—like faith, wisdom, and character? The discussion highlights how wealth, when viewed as something we steward rather than own, can be used to impact not only future generations but also the world around us. Tim and John-Mark also walk through practical strategies to help families build a thoughtful, intentional legacy plan. They break down foundational estate planning tools like wills and trusts, explain the importance of keeping beneficiary designations up to date, and discuss how revocable living trusts can help families avoid probate and simplify the transfer of assets. The conversation also covers advanced planning opportunities, including annual gifting strategies, 529 education plans for multi-generational impact, and the role life insurance can play in creating liquidity and equalizing inheritances. But effective legacy planning isn’t just about legal documents or tax strategies—it’s about communication. One of the most common (and costly) mistakes families make is failing to clearly communicate their intentions, values, and vision with the next generation. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparing heirs, not just assets, and introduces the idea of a “letter of instruction” or ethical will to help pass down the “why” behind your wealth. In addition to legacy planning, the episode shifts to a timely market check-in, focusing on volatility and investor behavior. With recent market fluctuations driven by factors like geopolitical uncertainty, interest rate expectations, and shifting investor sentiment, many investors are feeling uneasy. Tim and John-Mark explain why volatility often feels worse than it actually is, touching on behavioral finance concepts like loss aversion and recency bias. They also unpack the most common mistakes investors make during periods of uncertainty—such as reacting emotionally, trying to time the market, or letting headlines dictate long-term decisions. Instead, they offer a disciplined framework for navigating volatility: focusing on your financial plan rather than your portfolio, staying diversified, rebalancing when appropriate, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Importantly, the conversation brings faith into the discussion of market uncertainty. How does trusting in something greater than the market change the way we respond to short-term fear? What does it look like to approach investing with patience, discipline, and perspective rooted in faith rather than emotion? Whether you’re thinking about how to structure your estate, preparing the next generation, or simply trying to make sense of today’s market environment, this episode provides both practical guidance and meaningful perspective. If you’re an investor, business owner, retiree, or someone who wants to think more clearly about money, legacy, and life—this episode will help you take the long view.

Biblical Stewardship, Faith-Based Financial Planning & Market Insights with Tim Hilterman & John-Mark Young

Welcome to the very first episode of The Long View on Money from Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers. In this inaugural conversation, Tim Hilterman, Chief Financial Planning Officer, and John-Mark Young, President and Chief Investment Officer, share the heart behind Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers—a firm built on faith, biblical stewardship, and a commitment to helping clients take a longer, wiser view of money. Together, Tim and John-Mark discuss how Scripture shapes their approach to financial planning, why stewardship is about more than accumulation, and how generosity, discipline, and purpose play central roles in wise financial decision-making. They also reflect on lessons from recent market events, how Christians can navigate financial uncertainty with confidence, and what investors should focus on in the year ahead. You’ll hear practical insights on strategies such as Roth conversions and asset location, along with real-world planning perspectives and the most common mistakes investors make during volatile times. Through authentic conversation and case-based examples, this episode blends biblical truth with actionable financial wisdom. Whether you’re an investor, business owner, retiree, or someone seeking greater clarity and purpose in your financial life, this podcast will help you align your financial decisions with timeless principles—not temporary headlines. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What biblical stewardship means and how it applies to your financial life • How faith provides clarity during inflation, market volatility, and uncertainty • Why generosity is essential to long-term financial purpose • Key financial planning strategies used in today’s environment • The biggest mistakes investors make—and how to avoid them • How taking the long view can transform your financial future Subscribe to The Long View on Money for ongoing conversations about faith, financial planning, markets, and stewardship—designed to help you invest and live with wisdom, conviction, and purpose.