July 02, 2025
Supporting An Asian Family Through Sudden Loss
After the unexpected passing of her husband, Karen, a Chinese-speaking widow, faces the daunting task of managing her family’s finances. With two young adult children and limited experience handling investments or estate matters, she needs expert financial guidance delivered in her native language to fully understand her options.
What steps can Karen take to get help?
Our advisors would speak with her and her children in Mandarin to create a supportive environment during a difficult time. We would begin by reviewing the family’s complete financial picture, including existing investments, estate documents, and ongoing expenses. We would work closely with Karen’s estate attorneys and tax professionals, to assist in updating Wills and Trusts, clarifying beneficiary designations, and developing a tax strategy to minimize liabilities and stay compliant with U.S. tax regulations.
To address immediate needs, we would design a cash flow plan that covers daily living expenses and the children’s education costs, while also establishing a long-term investment strategy to provide for the family’s future. Throughout the process, we make sure that every recommendation and decision was explained in detail in Mandarin, in order for Karen to feel confident and informed.
Our goal is for the family to gain peace of mind and know their finances are secure. The children can become more engaged in family finances and ease the burden on Karen. Most importantly, Karen felt supported and understood by Focus Partners during a time of profound transition.
Disclosure: The above illustrations are not actual client experiences; rather, they are examples of some issues clients may face and why they may seek our services. The information provided does not purport to present a complete picture, but Focus Partners believes the information is representative of issues and needs fac¬ing some clients and why they may seek this service. The fictional scenario and examples described are hypothetical in nature and are provided to demonstrate various questions clients may encounter. The scenario is not intended to predict future outcomes. Nothing contained in this presentation may be relied upon as a guarantee, promise, assurance, or representation as to the future. This should not be construed as specific investment, tax, or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice from their wealth advisor or other advisors before undertaking actions in response to the matters discussed. No client or prospective should assume the above information serves as the receipt of, or substitute for, personalized individual advice. Please be advised that Focus Partners only shares video and content through our website or other official sources. Services and investment advice are only provided pursuant to an advisory agreement with the client. Services are offered through Focus Partners Wealth, LLC (“Focus Partners”), an SEC registered investment adviser with offices throughout the country. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training and does not imply that the SEC has endorsed or approved the qualifications of Focus Partners or its representatives. Prior to January 2025, Focus Partners was named The Colony Group, LLC. Focus Partners has been part of the Focus Financial Partners partnership since 2011.
