2025 Q4 Chesser Report

Paula R. Chesser, CSA
Senior Vice President & Senior Investment Consultant

Hi There!

Did you know winter in Ohio can be defined in two ways: Astronomical and Meteorological? The Astronomical winter season begins on the winter solstice, the day with the fewest hours of daylight, which falls on December 21st. The Meteorological Winter, on the other hand, follows the annual temperature cycle, dividing the year into a consistent three month period.

Just as winter can be viewed through different lenses, so can Wealth Planning. For high-net-worth families, success means balancing the big-picture strategy, preserving and growing generational wealth, with tactical adjustments that respond to market conditions and tax opportunities. Both perspectives matter, and together they create a Plan that's resilient, adaptable, and aligned with your personal and legacy goals.

As we approach year-end, consider advanced strategies such as tax-loss harvesting, charitable gifting and maximizing contributions to tax-advantage accounts. For those with significant assets, this may also be an ideal time to review estate plans, trust structures and year-end liquidity needs. These proactive steps help optimize your wealth strategy and position you for a strong start in the new year.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your year-end wealth review. Let's ensure your portfolio, tax strategy, and estate plans are aligned for success in 2026. Contact us today to set up a personalized consultation. 😊

Warm Regards,

Paula

PS - Baird's Cash Sweep Program provides the opportunity to earn income on available cash balances held in Baird Accounts. For more information give me a jingle - 330.664.5516 - for further discussion.

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Ask Paula

Dear Paula,

My spouse and I have been discussing the importance of getting our affairs in order, and estate planning keeps coming up, especially for married couples. We understand that documents like a will, power of attorney, and health care power of attorney are essential, but we’re not entirely sure why they matter so much or how to begin the process.

Could you help us understand the significance of these documents? Also, where should we start, who should we speak with, what kind of costs might be involved, and are there other professionals we should include in the process?

Any guidance you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Cassidy

Hi Joe,

Estate Planning is one of the most critical steps in protecting your family, your assets and your wishes - yet it's often overlooked until it becomes urgent. Having the right documents in place ensure clarity, control, and peace of mind during life's unexpected moments. Together, these documents help avoid unnecessary delays, legal complications, and stress for loved ones during difficult times.

Will: Outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will manage your estate. Without one, state laws determine these decisions, which may not align with your wishes.
Power of Attorney (POA): Grants someone you trust the authority to make financial decisions if you’re unable to do so.
Health Care Power of Attorney: Ensures your spouse or designated person can make medical decisions on your behalf if needed.

Where to begin:

Define your Goals: consider what matters most - asset distribution, guardianship for children, charitable giving or minimizing taxes.
Engage Professionals: start a conversaton with your Wealth Advisor to guide you through the process and connect you with trusted professionals, such as an Estate Planning Attorney to draft legal documents and ensure compliance with state laws, as well as, a Tax Advisor to help optimize tax efficiency.
Fees vary based on complexity. A basic plan may start around $1500-$3000 while more advanced strategies can range higher.

Contact Team Paula today to schedule a personalized estate planning review and ensure your plan reflects your goals for the future at 330.664.5516.

Warm Regards,
Paula

Meet the Team

Paula R Chesser, CSA
Sr Vice President & Sr Investment Consultant
pchesser@rwbaird.com

330.664.5516

Mary Ellen Polosky

Client Assistant

mpolosky@rwbaird.com
330.664.5516

Team Paula’s successful wealth management practice assists Very High-Net-Worth Yacht Owners, Successful Business Owners, and Multi-Generational Families in navigating 5 key areas: 1) wealth preservation, 2) tax mitigation, 3) taking care of heirs, 4) protecting assets, and 5) analyzing charitable options. Professional licenses include Series 7, 66 and life & long-term care insurance.

Team Updates

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Team Paula Updates!

Team Paula had the pleasure of attending Baird ReUnion conferences this summer. The event gave us an opportunity to gather with top specialists across Baird, learning from the best and the brightest! By engaging in sessions on market trends, artificial intelligence, advanced planning strategies and innovative solutions, we've strengthened our ability and sharpened our expertise to serve you better.

In July, Team Paula navigated Decoy across Lake Erie, up the Detroit River and across Lake St Clair for a well-deserved vacation. Our adventure included stops at some truly charming yacht clubs along the way. Mary Ellen had the honor (and slight panic 😳) of serving as First Mate while Paula confidently took the helm as Captain. Mary Ellen made new friends, picked up some boating wisdom and collected memories she'll treasure forever. The weather? Absolutely perfect. The scenery? Straight out of a postcard.

It was an unforgettable experience and something completely new for Mary Ellen. And, really, that’s what life’s all about, getting out there, exploring, and trying new things. You never know what kind of adventure is waiting just around the bend! Captain Paula was so pleased with her new First Mate, she has already signed Mary Ellen up for future voyages to come!

We recently wrapped up our annual Team Paula Fall Event, and what a night it was! 🎉 This year’s theme was Casino Night in the beautiful Atrium at Baird Offices. Great Lakes Casino brought the fun with exciting games and incredibly knowledgeable dealers, seriously, they made us feel like we knew what we were doing! 😄

Warm Regards,

Team Paula