Category: High Net-Worth

Estate Planning Made Simple: Where to Start and Why It Matters (Ep. 4)

Estate Planning Made Simple: Where to Start and Why It Matters (Ep. 4)

What happens when families avoid the estate planning conversation? 

In this candid and insight-packed episode, host Sam Diarbakerly sits down with estate planning attorney Crosby Elliott to uncover the often-overlooked truth: the greatest gift you can give your loved ones is clarity.

Together, they walk through the emotional, legal, and financial consequences of not having key documents like trusts, healthcare proxies, or powers of attorney in place. From avoiding probate court chaos to navigating guardianship for minor children, Crosby makes a complex topic feel human and manageable, with a touch of humor, too.

Here’s what you can expect from this release:

  • A breakdown of why revocable trusts are often preferable to wills
  • Real-world stories of what can go wrong without a plan
  • Guidance on choosing the right healthcare proxy and guardian
  • A checklist of critical documents to get in place now
  • And more!

Connect with Sam Diarbakerly: 

Connect with Crosby Elliott:

About Our Guest: 

Attorney Crosby Elliott is a partner at the firm and assists individuals and families in all aspects of estate planning and trust and estate administration. Crosby’s experience in both planning and administration allow him to expertly advise clients through their many stages of life. Crosby prides himself on building relationships with clients to help simplify what can often be an overwhelming experience.

Crosby’s practice focuses on how best to minimize or avoid Massachusetts or federal estate taxes, avoid probate, shield assets from the cost of long-term care, and protect assets for beneficiaries. Crosby accomplishes these goals by employing sophisticated and comprehensive estate planning techniques, including the use of revocable trusts and various irrevocable trusts. Crosby also prepares federal gift tax returns.

A significant portion of Crosby’s practice also involves counseling clients through the administration of a loved one’s trust or estate. In doing so, Crosby regularly prepares and files both Massachusetts and federal estate tax returns, petitions with the probate court, and assists in dispute resolution between parties. Crosby also hosts presentations at businesses, organizations, and clubs on the importance of estate planning.

Outside of the office, Crosby enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his dog. During the non-winter months, Crosby spends his free time either in Kennebunkport, Maine, hiking along the Appalachian Trail, or just generally enjoying the outdoors.

Unlocking Private Markets with Phil Huber of Cliffwater (Ep. 3)

Unlocking Private Markets with Phil Huber of Cliffwater (Ep. 3)

Everyone has a private markets fund, what goes into selecting the best managers??

Phil Huber, Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, joins the G360 Wealth Podcast to break down how private equity and credit can become practical investments for more than just the ultra-wealthy. 

He explains how interval funds are changing access, structure, and expectations for investors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the next evolution of portfolio building.

Key Points:

  • How interval funds reduce the barriers to entry for investors with lower net worth by using accredited investor standards instead of qualified purchaser thresholds [00:02:40]
  • The size, structure, and risk profile of the $1.7 trillion direct lending market, and how it offers floating-rate, senior-secured loans with low interest rate exposure [00:08:11]
  • Why private equity-backed firms prefer direct lending—valuing speed, flexibility, and privacy over traditional bank lending—and how this justifies a yield premium [00:13:00]
  • How Cliffwater’s Direct Lending Index has shown consistent historical returns around 9.5%, with a 300–400 basis point premium over high-yield bonds [00:15:07]
  • The operational simplicity, lower minimums, daily NAV updates, and 1099 tax reporting advantages of interval funds over traditional private equity funds [00:25:12]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rex Berger: 

Connect with Phil Huber: 

About Our Guest: 

Phil is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions for Cliffwater, based in their Chicago office. In this role, Phil leverages his prior experience as a wealth management CIO to produce and curate investment research, advise on product strategy and positioning for the firm’s growing platform, and help establish and strengthen relationships with the nation’s leading wealth management firms.

Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Phil has been featured in a number of notable media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, InvestmentNews, CityWire RIA Magazine, and Bloomberg TV. From 2018-2020, he was named one of Investopedia’s Top Financial Advisors. Phil was also named CIO of the Year by RIA Intel in 2023.

Phil and his wife Christie live in the north suburbs of Chicago where they enjoy staying active and spending time with their two young children, Hannah and Owen. He is also a lifelong, die-hard professional wrestling fan.

Generational Investments featuring CIO Steve Kolano (Ep. 2)

Generational Investments featuring CIO Steve Kolano (Ep. 2)

There’s a quiet revolution reshaping how investors build wealth—and it’s not about chasing headlines or hype.

Why are fewer companies going public, and what does that mean for you? What’s really happening under the surface in private credit and equity markets?

In this episode, Rex Berger, Private Wealth Advisor of Generation Capital Advisors, sits down with Steve Kolano, Chief Investment Officer at Integrated Partners, to break down the realities of public versus private investing, why simplification beats complexity, and how private markets are evolving. Together, they unpack what it takes to construct portfolios designed to last for generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why most alpha should come from tax and estate planning rather than trying to beat the market [00:10:14]
  • How their “core and explore” philosophy balances efficient index investing with selectively vetted alternatives [00:13:20]
  • The dramatic drop in publicly listed companies since 2000 and the resulting rise of private market opportunities [00:14:40]
  • How market conditions and rising interest rates are forcing private equity firms to focus on long-term operational value over quick exits [00:19:38]
  • The importance of manager selection and due diligence in navigating the private credit and equity space [00:22:00]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rex Berger: 

Connect with Steve Kolano: 

About Our Guest: 

Steve Kolano brings a deep passion for both financial markets and people to his role, ensuring that every investment strategy he oversees is custom-built to align with each client’s personal vision of success.

He understands that financial markets are complex, dynamic systems, constantly adapting and evolving. People are no different. Each investor carries unique beliefs, perspectives, and goals that shift over time.

Steve’s mission is rooted in understanding the individual first. What drives them? What informs their decision-making? What is their “why”? By uncovering these insights, Steve crafts investment portfolios that are not only tailored to the person but also integrated with their broader financial plans and strategies.

Throughout his career, Steve has come to embrace a critical truth: there is no magic bullet in investing. No secret formula. No one-size-fits-all portfolio.

What sets Steve apart is his process, beginning with a deep understanding of the client and then applying the art and science of investing in pursuit of their specific goals.

In the end, Steve believes the closest thing to a magic bullet in investing is a well-designed, disciplined plan—and the commitment to stick with it.

Democratizing the Family Office Approach: GCA’s Vision for Modern Advice (Ep. 1)

Democratizing the Family Office Approach: GCA’s Vision for Modern Advice (Ep. 1)

What’s the real secret to building and managing significant wealth?

Dive into the inaugural episode of the G360 Wealth Podcast with Sam Diarbakerly, Founder of Generation Capital Advisors, as we uncover what sets Generation Capital Advisors apart. Joined by Matt Ackerman, Chief Brand Officer at Integrate Partners, Sam shares his vision and the passion driving his team from being a modern, holistic wealth management firm to acting as an outsourced CFO for ultra-high-net-worth clients. 

Sam and Matt discuss: 

  • The five distinct pillars of wealth management that guide Generation Capital’s approach [00:01:02]
  • Innovative strategies for cross-generational wealth education and empowerment [00:06:56]
  • Using technology and personalized service to deliver a world-class client experience [00:13:57]
  • A proactive approach to financial education, breaking the “money silence” for future generations [00:21:02]
  • And more

Connect with Sam Diarbakerly: 

Connect With Matt Ackermann:

About Our Guest: 

Matt Ackerman supports Integrated Partners’ growth by creating content that enlightens, informs, and entertains. He’s passionate about shining a spotlight on the incredible advisors and thought leaders at Integrated, using blogs, podcasts, and multimedia to showcase their talent in meaningful ways.

Known for bringing creativity and energy to every role, Matt has always considered himself lucky to have “the fun job.” Throughout his career, he’s used storytelling to highlight the outstanding work of financial advisors across the country—sometimes coloring inside the lines, and other times boldly stepping outside them.

With more than 20 years of experience in wealth management media, Matt joined Integrated in 2020 after serving as director of multimedia at InvestmentNews, where he earned 15 ASPBE awards for digital content creation. His work included Practice Makeover, a reality series aimed at helping advisors revamp their businesses, and a documentary on impact investing that premiered at the United Nations in 2019. Prior to that, he held roles at Financial Planning, American Banker, and the New Jersey Law Journal, where he was named “Rookie of the Year” by the New Jersey Press Association in 1997.