James Frank JD, LLM

Director of Financial and Wealth Transfer Planning

In my experience, a consultative approach to planning produces the best results. Successful individuals and families are well served by advisors with the listening skills and breadth of subject matter expertise to help coordinate the client’s tax, accounting, investment and other advisors. Explaining how different planning techniques work, compare and contrast enables clients to then make informed decisions. For some clients the focus is on wealth accumulation and protection of loved ones. How will my family fare if I die “too soon”. Are we saving enough for retirement and how long will our assets last? What real rates of return are the planning outcomes dependent upon? For others the focus is on the type of legacy they wish to leave their families. Where does charitable giving fit? How do we tax efficiently grow and ultimately pass wealth to future generations and protect it? What are the exit strategies for my business? What are the options for passing business interests to children, including the case where not all are involved in day to day operations? And for all clients the process begins with the planning already in place. Does it meet the current needs? Are updates or changes necessary? What strategies are worth pursuing? What are the implementation steps? Simply put, my role is to help organize and prioritize client objectives; educate the client with respect to their options; where relevant, forecast the outcomes; periodically revisit the plans and discuss possible adjustments, as warranted. I have over 35 years of experience in wealth accumulation and transfer planning, including closely held business succession. Typical clients include high net worth individuals and families, many with significant business and real estate interests. My experience covers the full spectrum of planning goals, from accumulation and management through the tax efficient draw down and distribution of wealth. This expertise includes the use of techniques for multigenerational planning, charitable giving and considerations for special needs children. I also have experience in the design and operation of qualified plans and executive benefit programs. Over the years, I’ve authored numerous articles and training programs for financial professionals regarding financial, investment and estate planning and regularly teach continuing education programs for lawyers and financial professionals. Prior to joining Karr Barth Associates in 1999, I was General Council of Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. and before that was with Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company, where I held various positions at the corporate level and in the field.