Open Window's Insight Articles

Talking about money with family doesn't have to feel like a board meeting. Whether it's a weekend at the lake, a hike followed by lunch, or a family vacation with an hour or two set aside to talk, bringing generations together can create an opportunity to share plans and clarify responsibilities. Because the money isn't really the point. The people you care about and what you hope to make possible for them are. Here are nine unique ideas to connect on what matters most.

Our pets are family, but the law doesn’t always see them that way. Fortunately, a little planning can help ensure they’re cared for by the right people, in the right way, no matter what the future brings.

Could a new, tax-advantaged account become the foundation for your child's future retirement savings? New 530A accounts, scheduled to launch July 4, 2026, are designed to help families begin investing for children before they have earned income. Eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 may receive a $1,000 federal seed contribution, giving long-term compounding an early boost. While annual contributions are capped at $5,000 and some implementation questions remain, these accounts could offer a compelling new way to harness decades of tax-advantaged compounding.

Reliable transportation is a cornerstone of independence. Giving that up can be devastating, but is a reality, especially for older adults, veterans, and those with mobility challenges. In Washoe County, Nevada, a little-known program is helping residents stay connected, active, and self-sufficient through subsidized rides with Lyft or Uber. Our special thanks to Bob and Laurie for alerting us to this program! Here is how to apply.

Scams are getting smarter, using AI and social media to sound more personal and convincing. It can happen to anyone, even the smartest among us, because scams prey on trust, urgency, and fear. Here are some of the most common ones we’re seeing right now. By learning what to watch for, you can stay a step ahead and help keep your loved ones safe.

Talking about end-of-life care ranks right up there with cleaning out the garage or finally opening that mysterious Tupperware in the back of the fridge. Nobody wants to do it, but avoiding it only makes things harder later. Having "The Conversation" is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how to take action to talk about your wishes for care through life’s end.

The best financial gift you can give a child isn’t money, it’s knowledge. Simple conversations today can spark confident, capable investors tomorrow. Here are some practical ideas we use, and that you can start using today.

Open Window was founded 20 years ago today. Created by Joe Hollen, MD, CFP®, and led by his son, Eric Hollen, CFP®, join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary as a fee-only fiduciary—a stronghold for your family's financial journey.

We make a living in what we get, but we make a life in what we give. "It was scary to cut all of my hair off, but I felt like I was truly doing something meaningful for someone." If you're inspired by Lindsey's experience, please consider donating to Wigs for Kids through your Charitable Gift Fund or at www.wigsforkids.org/monetary-donation.

While the common house cat might not be your first pick when thinking of animals to model your financial planning and investment styles after, your favorite furry friend has several qualities that might be beneficial to your finances.

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and change. Here is an in-depth review of some of the tools and techniques we can use to reduce one of those certainties: your lifetime tax bill (or beyond, through a tax-efficient transfer to heirs).

If you've amassed a significant amount of wealth, you want to know it'll be a gift, not a curse, to future generations. Here's how to help your loved ones become responsible stewards of your wealth.

An estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can bequeath to your loved ones. If you’ve been putting off your estate planning, taking the initial steps can be daunting—but liberating. Here is how to get started today, one hurdle at a time.

The investment instructions below are essentially identical to certain instructions I’ve laid out in my will. It is what I believe is best for my family's investment assets after I am gone.

🏆 Meet Dr. Joseph Hollen ’74 (premedical), ’76 AAMD, Distinguished Alumni award winner from the School of Medicine 🏆

Thinking about moving closer to your adult children? These financial considerations can help you decide.

When receiving an inheritance, you’ll likely experience a flood of emotions. However, you have many options when it comes to being a good steward of your inheritance and you shouldn’t make these big decisions alone.

Raising a child will cost around $233,000. Is it better to make that financial commitment now or later?

Three tools you can use to protect your health and wealth care interests while you are alive: (1) the financial power of attorney, (2) the trusted contact, and (3) the healthcare advance directive (including a living will and healthcare power of attorney).

Joe was asked to describe how his experience as a 1976 UNR Med graduate differed from that of his daughter, Anna—aka Dr.(!) Anna Hollen, a member of the Class of 2019.