Upcoming Estate Planning Workshops
Workshops are held in person at the Vivalon Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael.
When possible, workshops will be recorded and links will be sent to registrants.
Tax Strategies for Your Investment Real Estate
1031 Exchange & 721 UpREIT
Wednesday | June 17 | 4:00-6:00 pm
In this workshop, we’ll unpack how investors use 1031 Exchange and 721 UpREIT strategies to align taxes with long‑term wealth goals—whether that means continued control or greater diversification. We’ll cover:
- When a 1031 exchange makes the most sense
- When a 721 UpREIT may offer more flexibility and simplicity
- How each strategy impacts liquidity, diversification, and estate planning
If you’re thinking about selling investment property in the next few years, this education could change how you approach your exit.
To register, click here.
Presenters:
Charles Haynor, CFA
Reid Miles, CFP
The Care Conversation: What Marin Families Wish They’d Started Sooner, and What to Do Next
Wednesday | July 22 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Aging care in Marin is more complex, and more confusing, than most families expect. Skilled home health, in-home caregivers, care management, senior living, hospice: who does what, when do you call which, and how do you avoid getting it wrong?
Moderated by Dr. Joseph Habis, a trusted local primary care physician in MarinHealth, this conversation will walk through the real situations families face, from a hospital discharge to early memory changes to the point where more help is needed than one person can provide.
This is a guided discussion of how care actually works in the North Bay, what to expect at each stage, and how to make confident decisions before a difficult situation forces them.
You’ll leave with a clearer roadmap, practical next steps, and a better understanding of who to call first, what Medicare will and won’t cover, and how to avoid common missteps.
The panel will include local experts across home health, home care, care management, senior placement, and hospice, working together to help families understand the full picture.
To register, click here.
Panelists:
- Dr. Joseph Habis – Primary Care Physician, MarinHealth (Moderator)
- Eduard Gauptman – Director of Operations, Allegro Home Health
- Mark Paretchan – Owner, FirstLight Home Care
- Terri Abelar – CEO, Aging Solutions
- Lorena Garbarino – Hospice Specialist, Suncrest Hospice
- Jim Cassin – Senior Placement Advisor, Premier Placement
Make a Will Month: Smart Investing & Estate Planning: Building and Protecting Your Legacy
Wednesday | August 19 | 4:00-6:00 pm
Many Americans postpone estate planning, leaving critical decisions about their assets to the state. August is Make‑A‑Will Month, making it the perfect time to take a proactive step toward protecting your loved ones, securing your assets, and shaping your legacy with intention.
Financial planning and estate planning are most effective when they work together. A coordinated approach helps you grow and protect your wealth during your lifetime while ensuring it is transferred thoughtfully and efficiently in the event of death or incapacity.
In this informative workshop, you’ll gain insights into today’s market, where and how to invest now, and key principles of general investing and retirement planning. You’ll also learn how to align your financial strategy with your will and trust, so your resources support the people and causes you care about most.
Don’t leave your future to chance—invest wisely, plan with purpose, and take control of your legacy today.
Secure your future today!
To register, click here.
Matt Bruns
Matt founded his estate planning practice in 2013, helping individuals and families navigate wills, living trusts, and estate administration with empathy and care. He has a background in tax law and Bay Area real estate issues, and previously clerked for the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division in San Francisco. Matt lives in San Francisco.
Scott Poland
Scott is a financial advisor with more than 30 years of experience in banking, investments, insurance, and capital markets. Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors, he worked with Citibank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Mechanics Bank. Scott helps clients plan for long-term financial independence through personalized strategies focused on risk, retirement, healthcare costs, and wealth distribution. He holds both a BA and MBA from University of California, Berkeley.
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Past Workshops
May 20, 2026
Life Transitions: Navigating Major Life Changes Through Strategic Financial Planning
Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. During this informative workshop, we looked at the essentials of estate planning and tax strategy, so you can make thoughtful decisions that protect you and your loved ones.
Watch the recording here.
Access workshop presentation slides here.
April 22, 2026
Estate & Tax Planning 101
Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. During this informative workshop, we looked at the essentials of estate planning and tax strategy, so you can make thoughtful decisions that protect you and your loved ones.
Access workshop presentation slides:
March 26, 2026
From Will to Wisdom: Make the Right Estate Plan & Choose the Right Person to Carry It Out
Did you know that without a will (and trust if you need one), your estate can get tied up in probate court for up to two years and cost your heirs thousands of dollars?
Learn how an up-to-date will can
- Protect your loved ones
- Ensure your assets support the people, pets, and organizations you care about
- Build a lasting legacy for generations to come
Watch the recording here.
January 28, 2026
Reverse Mortgages & Taxes: Getting the Most From Both in 2026
Reverse Mortgages can offer financial solutions and turn your home equity into financial freedom. The workshop discussed how reverse mortgages work and the myths – also discussed were tax changes for 2026.
Watch the recording here.
October 15, 2025
A Panel Conversation on Wills, Trusts & Taxes: Planning Ahead to Protect What Matters Most
With Kerry Spence Estate Plans and Perotti and Carrade CPA’s
In an uncertain world, two things are guaranteed: death and taxes. While we can’t avoid them, we can plan for them – so you can protect your loved ones, reduce their burden, and ensure your wishes are honored.
Watch the recording here.
August 20, 2025
From Will to Wisdom: Make the Right Estate Plan & Choose the Right Person to Carry It Out
Did you know that without a will (and trust if you need one), your estate can get tied up in probate court for up to two years and cost your heirs thousands of dollars?
Watch the live recording here.
Access the workshop handout here.
July 16, 2025
Being Intentional with Your End-of-Life Planning: A Conversation on End-of-Life Planning
Led by Vivalon CEO Kaushik Roy, this live, interview-style event will feature Sarah Hill and Lorena Lupercio-Diaz, two leading experts sharing practical advice, real stories, and compassionate guidance on planning ahead, easing family stress, and ensuring your wishes are honored.
Watch the live recording here.
June 18, 2025
Wills, Trusts, Inherited IRAs & Maximizing your 401K
With Kerry Spence, Kerry Spence Estate Plans, Inc., and Boriss Bikosvili, CRPC®, Merrill Lynch
Watch the live recording here.
Access the workshop worksheets. 401 Rollover, Inherited IRA & Prop 13 vs. Prop 19
Access the PowerPoint here.
May 21, 2025
Taking Care of Business Before You Can’t
Learn the benefits of using a licensed home care agency, the risks of hiring privately, and how early planning can ease transitions as care needs evolve. Up next is RelyOnB founder, Barb Lyon, who will outline the practical steps to take to ensure your financial documents and key personal information is organized and accessible so that your wishes are honored and your well-being is protected.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the free Estate Planning Worksheets here.
April 16, 2025
Social Security and Financial Planning for Your Best Retirement
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® Matt Taddei and Meghan Hyland of San Rafael’s WestHill Financial Advisors® will address some of the rumors and misinformation surrounding Social Security and discuss strategies to help you understand and maximize your benefits, and answer your questions.
Watch the live recording here.
Access the PowerPoint presentation here and the workshop handout here.
