Understanding Planning

Every money question leads to another. Start with yours.

Plain-English guides and free tools on retirement, estate planning, long-term care and business succession, written for Southern California families. Follow any question as far as it goes.

Common starting points: Probate Will or trust Am I saving enough? Paying for care

Choose a topic to see where it leads

Questions to start with

    Connected topics

    Guides and tools

      Common planning questions

      Each one opens the exact part of a guide or tool that answers it.

        Free tools

        Rough numbers in a few minutes. Nothing you type leaves the page, and there's no sign-up.

        Retirement Savings Check

        See if your savings are on track, how long they could last, and what would close a gap.

        Check your savings

        Estate Tax Exposure Check

        See whether federal estate tax could apply to your family under the 2026 rules.

        Check your estate

        New here? Three ways in

        1. 1

          Run a quick number

          Start with a free calculator to see roughly where you stand.

          See the tools
        2. 2

          Read the guide that fits

          Each guide covers one question or life event, with official sources.

          Browse the library
        3. 3

          Talk it through

          Book a short, no-pressure conversation with Kevin about the questions that matter most to you.

          Book a time

        The library

        Everything on the site, plus what's coming next. Filter by topic or type.

          Words worth knowing

          Planning has its own vocabulary. Here's what the most common terms mean.

          The Planning Case File

          A new video series. Each episode follows one hypothetical family through a real planning problem, from the hidden risk to the trade-offs of each option.

          1. The business owner who planned for the wrong disaster
          2. The couple who waited to plan for care
          3. Siblings who inherit Mom's house

          Coming soon. All families are hypothetical.

          About this site

          Is this financial advice?

          No. Everything here is general education. Your situation is unique, so talk with qualified tax, legal and financial professionals before acting.

          Do I have to sign up to use the tools?

          No. The calculators and guides are free and open to everyone, with no sign-up.

          Who is behind Understanding Planning?

          Kevin Krause, a Southern California planning professional who works with families and business owners on retirement, long-term care, estate and business succession questions.

          For advisors, CPAs and attorneys

          When a client's needs go beyond your core practice, Kevin can help with the planning pieces while you keep the relationship.

          • Estate and wealth transfer cases
          • Business succession and buy-sell planning
          • Long-term care and disability planning
          • Executive benefits for business owners

          Professional materials are shared privately

          Case studies and training for professionals aren't posted on this public site. Reach out and we'll set up a call.

          Phone: 818.221.7717

          Book a time with Kevin