Technically, an estate's accumulation phase extends right up to the moment of death, when the value of all property owned by (or in the control of) the decedent is added up. From a planning perspective, though, the accumulation phase winds down some time before the end, giving the property owner time to conserve assets in preparation for their ultimate distribution.

Each phase presents advisers an opportunity to provide products and services tailored to that phase. Planning opportunities during this stage include:

• Wealth Accumulation
• Purchasing life insurance to fund any of numerous estate planning needs or wishes.
• Expanding the financial analysis process to include other planning needs (e.g., college planning and retirement planning).
• Working with the client's estate planning team to position assets and take legal steps necessary to maximize asset preservation for the benefit of heirs and charitable interests.