Blum's Blog
The Blum Firm’s Approach to Saving Taxes
I often describe The Blum Firm as taking a “head & heart” approach to tax and estate planning. Most of my weekly blog posts veer more to the heart side, focusing
Annette’s Legacy Letter: A Priceless Inheritance
I recently posted a Legacy Letter I wrote to my new granddaughter, Mia. My message to Mia was about the family heritage she inherits and will pass down to future
Family Matters: Farewell, Dear Linda
It’s been a traumatic week for my family. My wife Laurie has three sisters. The oldest, Linda, collapsed while walking into work, completely out-of-the-blue. A blood clot traveled from her
Let Me Hear an “Amen” and a “Bingo!”
Each week, my 11-year-old granddaughter Stella Savetsky takes to Instagram to post “Stella’s Torah Corner,” teaching thousands her interpretation of that week’s Torah portion. I filled in for her once
Cinderella Estate Planning: What You Need to Do Before the Clock Strikes Midnight on 12/31/2025
As an estate planning lawyer, one of the favorite hats I wear is to be a teacher. From the early days of my career over 45 years ago, I discovered
Every New Baby Is a Miracle
Last week’s post with my Legacy Letter to my new granddaughter Mia stirred up a moving response. Thanks to all for sharing in my joy. As an estate planner, I
A Message to Mia, My New Granddaughter
I’ve been writing this weekly blog for 2 ½ years, and the best feedback I get comes when I share personal stories from my heart. That’s what I’m doing today,
More on Buffett: Dr. Ruth’s Gift That Keeps on Giving
As I reported last week, I missed being part of the Omaha crowd at this year’s Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. But there was a very important guest of honor in
Wisdom from Warren: You Can’t Wind the Clock Back
My son Adam’s wife is expecting a baby any day now, so we made the decision to stay close to home and miss this year’s Berkshire-Hathaway annual meeting. In past
Learn How to Be a Better Leader: Talmage Boston’s “How the Best Did It”
Heroes provide an important guiding light to help us live a fulfilling life and build a meaningful legacy. They inspire us and stretch us to be better. I am blessed
As Campus Protests Rage, Our Kids Face Tough Decisions
To say I am greatly disturbed by the protests on college campuses is an understatement. I grew up in the Vietnam era, so I understand the urge for students to
Fair vs. Equal: Be Ultra-Careful with Unequal Inheritances
One of the thorniest issues in estate planning is the age-old question of fair vs. equal. Should you always split an inheritance equally among your kids, or are there situations