Passing on wealth isn’t just about transferring money. It’s about protecting your family, preserving your values, and creating an impact that lasts for generations.
At Eastman Wealth Strategies, we believe your legacy should give your loved ones confidence, not confusion, and harmony, not conflict.
That requires more than documents. It requires a thoughtful plan that combines protection, tax efficiency, and clarity. This is why we use the Rockefeller Method of legacy planning.
Take the Estate & Legacy Readiness Scorecard.
10 quick questions to see how secure your plan really is.
When most people think about estate planning, they picture legal documents or the division of assets.
But true legacy goes far deeper. It’s about ensuring your family is secure, your values are remembered, and the wealth you’ve built strengthens relationships rather than causing division.
Your estate plan should be more than a set of papers in a drawer. It should be a roadmap that reflects your purpose and makes life easier for the people you love.
Without thoughtful estate and legacy planning, families often face unnecessary stress and loss.
Heirs can be forced to sell assets just to cover taxes. Retirement accounts, like IRAs, can be drained quickly under the 10-year inheritance rule. Confusion over your wishes can lead to arguments that fracture family relationships.
These aren’t rare occurrences. They’re the default outcome of poor or incomplete planning.
The good news is, with the right structure called the Rockefeller Method, they can all be prevented.
Our approach goes beyond basic documents. We help families create coordinated strategies that protect assets, reduce taxes, and preserve harmony. That includes:
Protecting wealth from unnecessary taxation.
Setting clear expectations to avoid conflict.
Ensuring heirs have both resources and guidance to use them wisely.
Working with trusted CPAs and attorneys to integrate legal and financial tools.
The result is a plan that doesn’t just transfer money—it strengthens your family for generations.
One of the most powerful tools in our approach is the 7702 account, a specialized life insurance structure defined in the IRS tax code.
Unlike traditional retirement accounts, a properly designed 7702 account combines protection with tax efficiency and flexibility.
Key benefits include:
Tax-free transfer of wealth to beneficiaries.
Step-up in basis at death to help avoid capital gains.
Protection from creditors and lawsuits in many states.
Tax-free access during life for major expenses or opportunities.
Principal protection with uninterrupted compounding.
These features make 7702 accounts a cornerstone for families who want to preserve wealth and pass it on efficiently.
For families with complex needs, we often integrate 7702 accounts with trusts to provide even greater control and protection.
Depending on your goals, this might include:
Irrevocable Trusts: Maximum protection from creditors and lawsuits.
Grantor Trusts: Control and flexibility while maintaining tax advantages.
Family Legacy Trusts: Generation-skipping trusts to pass wealth and values to grandchildren and beyond.
The “Buy, Borrow, Die” Strategy: A proven approach that allows assets to grow tax-free, be accessed tax-free during life, and transfer tax-free at death.
Trusts not only preserve wealth, they provide clarity. They help prevent conflict and give heirs a framework for responsible stewardship.
For nearly 50 years, our founder Earl Eastman has guided families through the most important financial decisions of their lives. He personally uses the same strategies he recommends, and his approach is built on stewardship, not sales.
Families trust us because we:
Put education first, helping you see through myths and misinformation.
Work alongside trusted attorneys and CPAs to ensure every detail is covered.
Design plans that reflect both financial goals and family values.
Stay with you long term, reviewing and refining your plan as life and laws change.
This isn’t about pushing products. It’s about helping you preserve what matters most: your family, your wealth, and your legacy.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Start by seeing how ready your current plan really is with the Estate & Legacy Readiness Scorecard.
If you’d rather begin with a personal conversation, schedule a relaxed, 20-minute Discovery Call. Together we’ll explore how to build a legacy plan that reflects your values and secures your family’s future.
*Disclaimer: Financial Advisors do not provide specific tax/legal advice and this information should not be considered as such. You should always consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation. Separate from the financial plan and our role as a financial planner, we may recommend the purchase of specific investment or insurance products or account. These product recommendations are not part of the financial plan and you are under no obligation to follow them. Life insurance products contain fees, such as mortality and expense charges (which may increase over time), and may contain restrictions, such as surrender periods.