Navigator

Don't Toss That Envelope! Uncovering Estate Assets During Tax Season By Melinda Gustasfon Gervasi January 30, 2026 For most, late January means the unwelcome arrival of tax forms. But if you are currently serving as a Personal Representative (a.k.a Executor) and navigating the probate process for a loved one, this week is actually one of the most important windows of the year. I often tell my clients that the U.S. Mail is the best "private investigator" an estate can have. Even in our digital age, financial institutions are required to mail out tax documents like 1099s (miscellaneous income) and 1098s (mortgage interest) by January 31st. For a family member trying to piece together a decedent's financial life, these envelopes are more than just tax records—they are a roadmap. It is not uncommon for a decedent to have held assets that their family knew nothing about. A 1099-INT might reveal a forgotten savings account at an out-of-state bank; a 1099-DIV might be the on...

Middle-Class Philanthropy: Honoring Legacies, Building Futures  By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi January 16, 2026 Mid-January our nation pauses to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At this time we are often reminded of his powerful question:  "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'" It is a question that challenges us all to look beyond our own immediate circumstances and consider our impact on the wider community. His questions leads us to the concept of philanthropy. For many, the word "philanthropy" conjures images of billionaires and grand foundations. We think of monumental donations and famous names. But what if I told you that true philanthropy is not just for the ultra-wealthy? What if every single one of us has the power to leave a meaningful legacy that uplifts communities and furthers causes we deeply believe in?  That is precisely the message of my book, Middle Class Philanthropist: How...

Charting a Course Past Procrastination: From "Homework" to Peace of Mind By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi January 9, 2026 There are constants in life.  I am not sure who gets more inquiries this time of year, the gym on the lower level of my office building, or my estate planning office.  Many people resolve “this is they year I create (or update) my estate plan”.  All too often, however, after we sketch out the steps involved over the phone, I hear a familiar refrain: "Well, I guess I have some homework to do." Lecture Hall - University of Wisconsin - Madison campus There is usually a chuckle in their voice, but I hear the mental weight of the "To-Do" list settling in. I understand the feeling. Collecting account numbers, tracking down titles, and making life-altering decisions about guardians and executors feels like a daunting project. Sadly, for many, this "homework" becomes a roadblock. Days turn into months, and the plan—the very thing intended...

From Overwhelmed to Organized: A 2026 Monthly Action Plan for Your Estate Plan By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi January 2, 2026 There is an old African proverb that reminds us: 'The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.' For many of my clients, estate planning feels like that elephant—massive, immovable, and frankly, a bit overwhelming. But you don't have to protect your entire legacy in a single afternoon; you just need a steady appetite for progress. In this post, we’ve broken down the 'elephant' into twelve manageable monthly bites to help you complete your plan by the end of 2026. Image by M. Gustafson Gervasi, 2026 January: The Discovery Phase Start the year by gathering any existing estate documents and taking a "lay of the land." Identify what is currently in place and, more importantly, what is missing or outdated to set a clear baseline for the months ahead. February: Choosing Your Advocates Identify the people you trust to make decision...