Estate planning isn’t just legal—it’s strategic, personal, and often misunderstood.

Natalie Smith, attorney at Sussman Shank LLP, specializes in advanced estate, trust, and tax planning for families, business owners, and advisors. With an LLM and deep experience at the intersection of tax law and real-world decision-making, she helps clients align wealth, values, and long-term intent.

In this episode, Natalie breaks down what “advanced” estate planning actually means, where high net worth families and business owners make costly mistakes, and how early coordination with advisors can dramatically improve outcomes. The conversation highlights practical strategies around trusts, gifting, tax mitigation, and family dynamics—while emphasizing that clarity, communication, and timing are what truly drive effective planning.

Key Takeaways:

● Know your assets: A complete, organized asset list is critical to ensure your estate plan actually works as intended.

● Titling matters: Even the best trust structure fails if assets aren’t properly aligned and funded.

● Plan before liquidity events: Early coordination helps avoid major tax consequences during sales or exits.

● Family dynamics drive strategy: Effective planning must account for relationships, roles, and communication.

● Start earlier than you think: Estate planning is most effective when treated as an ongoing, proactive process.

Connect with Natalie:

Website: https://www.sussmanshank.com/people/natalie-e-smith-ll-m/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieelizabethsmith/

With Your Guest Host Seth Krussman:

Seth Krussman is a seasoned financial advisor and partner at Brayshaw Financial Group, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and wealth management. A Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Osaic Wealth, Inc., Seth specializes in tax-efficient investment strategies, executive compensation, and succession planning for high-net-worth clients. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, he is also the nationally recognized co-host of the radio show Money On Tap and an active community leader, husband, and father.

Connect with Seth:

Website: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/

Podcast: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3Dinvesting/

X: https://x.com/BFG_LLC/