Lara Sass & Associates, PLLC

12/23/2025

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about perspective - taking a moment to look back at how far you’ve come before moving forward.

This was taken of me this year after a via ferrata (Italian for “Iron Path”) climb in the Dolomites with my EO forum, one of those rare pauses that makes the effort worthwhile.

Grateful for everyone in my life - family, personal and professional. Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season and a strong start to the year ahead!

09/21/2025

Happy birthday to my Dary, roomie, bestie, confidante, super fun, stylish, adorable flower child 🌼 I love you so so so so! Incredibly proud of you. (Sorry this is a day late from Spain) ❤️❤️❤️ Can’t wait for many more adventures together and to celebrate with you! 🥰

08/09/2025

Dyllie pickle, happy birthday, my girl! Best time always with you! Thank you for making me a mama. So proud of the incredibly beautiful, smart, thoughtful, insightful, kind, caring, super fun human you are. I love you beyond beyond ❤️

08/06/2025

Happy birthday to my baby, roomie, empty nester partner, travel buddy, sweetest child on the entire planet! I love you more than words can possibly say! I am so proud of the incredible human being that you are. Have the most incredible day and best 18th year possible! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

05/11/2025

Feeling like the luckiest mom in the world because of these three! You inspire me every day with your heart, beauty and brilliance. ❤️

To all the badass moms out there—nurturing, leading, protecting, and showing up with grit and grace—you make the world go round. Happy Mother’s Day! 💘

05/11/2025

Congratulations, my girl! So proud of you always. Love you the most 🧡

02/15/2025

02/12/2025

How the Wealthy Transfer Their Fortunes: Key Takeaways from NY Mag

A recent New York Magazine article explores how affluent families pass down wealth—and the creative (and sometimes controversial) strategies they use to do it. Some of the key methods include:

💰 Trusts & Estates – A go-to tool for protecting assets, avoiding probate, and minimizing estate taxes.

🏡 Real Estate Gifting – Parents purchasing homes for their children, often at favorable terms.

🎓 Education Loopholes – Paying tuition directly to schools, which bypasses gift tax limits.

📉 Low-Interest Loans – Lending money to heirs at rates far below market value.

While these strategies help preserve generational wealth, they also raise important legal and ethical questions. As the largest wealth transfer in history unfolds, families are looking for ways to pass down assets without unnecessary tax burdens or legal pitfalls.

Let’s talk….

01/24/2025

Baby going to Michigan! 💙💛

01/08/2025

New Year, New Estate Planning Opportunities! 

As 2025 begins, it’s time to reflect on how changes in estate planning laws may impact your legacy:

* The federal estate tax exemption has been increased, as of January 1, to $13.99 million per individual, but it’s scheduled to significantly drop to approximately $7 million in 2026. If your estate exceeds the lower threshold, your heirs could face significantly higher estate taxes. Now is the time to consider strategies like gifting or trusts to minimize future tax liabilities.

* In New York, the state estate tax exemption amount is $7.16 million for 2025. Estates exceeding this limit may trigger a “cliff effect,” subjecting the entire estate to tax, not just the portion over the threshold. So here is a pro tip: Ensure that your estate plan addresses this cliff effect to avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Key Actions for 2025:

1. Schedule a review of your estate plan.
2. Explore tax-saving options like lifetime gifts or irrevocable trusts.
3. Confirm your estate documents are up-to-date with your objectives.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your financial legacy. Contact us at [email protected] to begin your planning!

11/08/2024

Such fun speaking today with Jennie Sowers at Corient about the estate tax sunset for Trusted Advisors - Trusted Women NYC! 🗽

10/22/2024

EO Committed Forum Retreat ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️