Succession planning for family businesses is often delayed because of the personal and qualitative challenges it presents. Glenn Kurlander of Morgan Stanley emphasizes the need for a long-term, strategic approach that addresses family dynamics. "No single formula applies to every family, but one constant remains: waiting for a triggering event is almost always too late," Kurlander writes.

Some charities avoid life insurance, but ignoring donated policies can mean missing real value. This Trust & Estates article shares strategies for determining when to keep, surrender, or sell donated policies to preserve legacies and guide donors toward more impactful giving.

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson noted downside risks to the labor market while emphasizing the need to "proceed slowly" as the central bank adjusts interest-rate policy. Separately, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller cited concerns about the job market and indicated support for another rate cut.

Major stock indexes fell on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average sliding more than 550 points as investors look ahead to a key earnings report from Nvidia later in the week.

Estate planning is particularly complex for blended families, but starting conversations early and documenting intentions can prevent disputes. Estate planning attorney Harry Margolis discusses the role of a proactive approach, using prenuptial agreements and potentially taking steps to provide for children from a prior marriage.

Estate planning errors such as incorrect spelling of names, unfunded trusts, outdated beneficiary designations and a lack of communication can lead to significant issues, writes Daniel Michaelsen of EncorEstate Plans. "It doesn't matter how carefully you've drafted distribution provisions if the client's individual retirement account still names their ex-husband from 15 years ago as the primary beneficiary," Michaelsen writes.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced changes to the process by which companies can seek to exclude votes on shareholder resolutions, potentially making it more difficult for investors to force votes on certain topics.

The standard Medicare Part B premium is set to increase to $202.90 per month next year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These premiums are typically deducted directly from Social Security, potentially affecting the amount that beneficiaries get on a monthly basis.

Join Forum 400's Let's Chat today at 11:00 a.m. ET for a discussion on real-world succession challenges and using acquisitions to grow your practice. To attend, please email forum400@finseca.org to register or request more information about membership.