For ultra-high-net-worth families, estate taxes aren’t a distant concern—they’re a present risk. Jessica Jung, CFP® and founder of Vast Wealth Advisors, emphasizes that without strategic planning, families may lose over $189 million on a $500 million estate due to federal estate taxes alone.
This isn’t a rare scenario—it’s the reality for those who delay or overlook estate structuring.
“You don’t need a crisis to lose control of your estate,” Jung says. “You just need a lack of planning.”
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The federal estate tax rate sits at 40%, with a lifetime exemption of $13.99 million per person in 2025. Anything above that threshold is fully taxable at the federal level.
In high-value estates, this can translate into hundreds of millions lost unnecessarily—funds that could have been preserved, redirected, or passed down.
“The math is simple. If you do nothing, the government gets a bigger piece.”
Why Most Families Wait Too Long
Jung frequently sees families postpone estate planning until a triggering event—such as a business sale, a sudden illness, or a death in the family. But by then, many of the most effective planning tools are no longer available.
“Estate planning isn’t something to save for later. It needs to evolve as your wealth does.”
Delays often stem from complexity, discomfort, or the assumption that there’s plenty of time. But tax law doesn’t wait—and neither does market growth. What seems like a minor delay today can become a permanent loss tomorrow.
Planning Creates Options
Sophisticated strategies—like GRATs, IDGTs, family partnerships, and charitable vehicles—are designed to reduce tax exposure and increase flexibility. But they only work when implemented in advance.
Jung emphasizes that estate planning is more than legal documents. It’s a framework that helps families navigate ownership, succession, liquidity, and intergenerational transfer with confidence.
“The point isn’t just to avoid tax. It’s to preserve optionality—so you’re not forced to make decisions under pressure.”
What to Do Now
For families with significant wealth, Jung recommends:
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Run the numbers — Model your estate tax exposure under current laws
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Review ownership structures — Ensure titling, trusts, and entities align with your goals
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Stress-test your estate plan — Evaluate liquidity needs, succession risk, and tax liabilities
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Coordinate your team — Legal, tax, and financial advisors should work together around a shared strategy
“Estate planning isn’t static. Your life changes. The laws change. Your plan needs to keep pace.”
Strategy First. Structure Always.
At Vast Wealth Advisors, Jessica Jung works with families across the U.S. to address complex wealth issues, including estate planning, business exit strategy, insurance structuring, and multi-generational planning.
Her focus is helping clients maintain control over the wealth they’ve built—and ensuring it continues to support their family and philanthropic priorities across generations.
“True wealth transfer is about more than numbers—it's about ensuring your values and assets reach the next generation intact.”
Purpose-Driven Planning
Jessica Jung and her team design integrated wealth strategies tailored to the needs of ultra-high-net-worth families. The approach goes beyond tax mitigation to include:
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Estate tax planning
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Family governance
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Business exit strategies
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Insurance structuring
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Multi-generational planning
Jung is also deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting organizations including Autism Speaks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Special Olympics.
“You worked hard to build it. Now it’s time to protect it—intentionally.”
Media Contact: media@vastwealthadvisors.com
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc, a broker-dealer member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Vast Wealth Advisors are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice. Fixed insurance services offered through independent insurance carriers.
Media Contact
Company Name: Jessica Jung Management
Contact Person: Jessica Jung
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Country: United States
Website: www.vastwealthadvisors.com