How to Have Conversations
About Estate Planning
Tara Mattessich, shareholder at Larkin Hoffman, shares her tips and tricks for discussing philanthropy with clients.
As a lawyer who specializes in estate planning, Tara Mattessich knows just how important it is for advisors to have conversations with their clients about philanthropy.
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Gift Planner Lisa Barton recently sat down with Tara, attorney and shareholder at Larkin Hoffman, to find out some of the ways she works with her clients around planned giving.
In their conversation, Tara and Lisa discussed several tips for incorporating your clients' philanthropy into your practice.
Watch the video for Tara’s following tips:
Identify where your client is with their estate plan. (0:35 sec)
Ensure your clients communicate what documents they have, as well as where the documents can be found upon death. (0:51 sec)
Incorporate discussions about philanthropy into all of your meetings. (1:18 min)
Suggest utilizing beneficiary designations. (2:04 min)
There is no right or wrong way to have conversations about philanthropy with your clients. (3:16 min)
Having the conversation is the first step. (3:26 min)
Consider the benefits of working with a community foundation. (3:53 min)
Have your clients consider the flexibility and benefits of a donor advised fund. (4:59 min)
How We Support Conversations about Philanthropic Planning
Tara is a member of our Cornerstone Council, an advisory group which provides a forum for professional advisors to learn more about the Foundation, while helping us learn how to better serve advisors and their clients’ philanthropic planning.
To learn how the Foundation has helped support other advisors with their clients, read more of our advisor spotlights.
More Stories
Chanda Smith Baker: Leading with Legacy and Vision at Minnesota’s Largest Community Foundation
The Foundation’s new President and CEO shares her journey, her commitment to community, and her hopes for building bridges across Minnesota’s philanthropic landscape.
Read the Q&A
Five Tips to Prepare Your Clients for End-of-year Giving
We’re here to help you and your client meet your year-end goals.
See the tips
Empowering Women Through Financial Coaching
Joan Gilles of Financial Planning Partners is helping women strengthen their financial approach and amplify their impact.
Read the Q&A
Donating Stock to Support Your Favorite Charities
Did you know that donating stock can grow your charitable impact and support your favorite nonprofit organizations?
See How
Exploring Your Clients’ Giving Options: A Donor Advised Fund Versus a Private Foundation
Compare the benefits and responsibilities of two popular charitable giving vehicles your clients may be considering for their charitable giving.
Compare the two
Gifts of Real Estate by Transfer on Death Deed
Learn how your clients can transfer ownership via Transfer on Death Deed.
See how
Three Benefits of Donating Real Estate
Charitable contributions of real estate are a great way to give back to causes you care about. Here are three benefits to giving real estate.
Learn More
The Gift of Cryptocurrency
Make cryptocurrency part of your or your clients' charitable giving plan.
See how