When should you gift assets during your lifetime versus wait to pass them on through an estate plan?

John Parise, founder of our partner adviser Copper Beech Financial Group and a wealth manager with more than 40 years’ experience, joins Alex Daley to unpack this big question facing affluent families…

Parise explains why families need to think beyond today’s balance sheet and project how their estates could grow – potentially pushing them into state or federal estate tax territory, increasing SECURE Act liabilities, and beyond.

For example, John shares case studies of entrepreneurs who reduced future tax liabilities by moving assets into trusts ahead of major value increases.

But this conversation isn’t just for the ultra‑wealthy. Parise also explores how families with $2–10 million in assets can use gifting for asset protection, education funding, and creating a family ‘estate bank’ – a trust structure that keeps money tax‑advantaged and accessible across generations.

And he compares widely used vehicles like 529 plans and IRAs with lesser‑known structures such as private placement life insurance, highlighting higher contribution limits, flexibility, tax efficiency, and the ability to create lasting intergenerational resources.

At its core, Parise argues that gifting is about more than reducing taxes – it’s about setting values, protecting assets, and teaching responsibility across generations. For families serious about long‑term planning, his ‘estate bank’ philosophy offers a compelling framework.

If this discussion sparks questions about your own planning, WorthNet can connect you with independent advisers – including John and his team – who focus on helping families think through the same issues.

John J. Parise

Founder & Managing Partner of Copper Beech Financial Group

Your Generational Wealth Partner

John J. Parise is a seasoned investment adviser who has helped families optimize their investments for taxes and developed cross-generational plans to preserve wealth for nearly 40 years. His firm, Copper Beech Financial Group (CRD #313156), is a proud member of the WorthNet partner adviser network. If you’d like to speak to John and his team about whether they can put some of these tools and techniques to use for you and your family, click here to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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Last Revised: October 3, 2025