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At WestPac Wealth Partners, excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s part of who we are. We’re proud to share that ten of our advisors have been named to the 2025 Forbes lists, representing the highest level of achievement in our profession. These honors highlight not just success, but consistency, integrity, and impact. Each year, Forbes shines a spotlight on financial professionals who go above and beyond to serve their clients and communities. It’s a distinction earned through hard work, trust, and a deep commitment to helping others build lasting legacies — and we’re thrilled to see our advisors recognized once again on both the Best-in-State and America’s Top 100 Financial Security Professionals lists. These awards are a reflection of their dedication to delivering results, building meaningful relationships, and leading with integrity — all while helping clients create financial confidence for generations to come. At WestPac, we celebrate our advisors not just for what they achieve, but for how they achieve it: with intention, collaboration, and a deep-rooted belief in putting people first. To our 2025 Forbes winners — thank you for raising the bar, representing our firm with pride, and continuing to inspire what’s possible.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/congratulations-to-our-2025-forbes-winners
A big part of being a successful business owner is your ability to ask questions. This innate curiosity allows your business to thrive, adjust, and evolve. It's also a good way to begin planning for a successful future outside the business. Let's look at the four questions successful business owners ask themselves when planning for a successful future.

Four Good Questions to Ask Yourself
WestPac® Wealth Partners is honored to achieve the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification™ for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition is exclusively based on feedback from our dedicated associates, who overwhelmingly affirmed WestPac as an outstanding workplace. In fact, 100% of our team members reported high satisfaction, surpassing the national average of 57% for U.S. companies. At WestPac, our culture isn't just a priority—it's the foundation of our success. We firmly believe that cultivating a positive and supportive environment fosters exceptional performance and personal fulfillment. As CEO of WestPac, I am immensely proud of our talented and dedicated team. This accomplishment underscores their hard work, passion, and commitment. Together, we continue to nurture a workplace where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. To view our Certified Company Profile, visit: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7011613

WestPac® Wealth Partners is honored to achieve the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification™ for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition is exclusively based on feedback from our dedicated associates, who overwhelmingly affirmed WestPac as an outstanding workplace. In fact, 100% of our team members reported high satisfaction, surpassing the national average of 57% for U.S. companies. At WestPac, our culture isn't just a priority—it's the foundation of our success. We firmly believe that cultivating a positive and supportive environment fosters exceptional performance and personal fulfillment. As CEO of WestPac, I am immensely proud of our talented and dedicated team. This accomplishment underscores their hard work, passion, and commitment. Together, we continue to nurture a workplace where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. To view our Certified Company Profile, visit: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7011613
We are proud to announce that WestPac® Wealth Partners has been named one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces for 2025—a recognition that reflects the outstanding culture, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our entire team. Each year, Inc. Magazine evaluates thousands of companies across the nation that continually invest in their workplace cultures, offering best-in-class benefits that make employees actually want to work. This honor highlights companies—whether in-person or remote—that go above and beyond to support their associates and nurture a thriving, positive workplace culture. At WestPac, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we’re deeply committed to creating an environment where every associate is empowered with the resources, tools, and support to reach their highest potential. This recognition is a testament to that commitment—and to the incredible individuals who bring our culture to life every day. Being recognized as an Inc. Best Workplace is more than an accolade—it’s a reflection of our team’s shared values, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/westpac-wealth-partners-named-an-inc-best-workplace-for-2025
You might be surprised by the documents recommended for estate planning and a smooth generational wealth transfer. Preserving a lasting legacy for your family requires thoughtful planning. Without proper management, wealth transfers between generations can lead to family disputes and relational discord. Below are six crucial documents to help safeguard both your wealth and family harmony. 1. An Updated Estate Plan Many people lack an updated estate plan that reflects their current wishes. Studies show that up to 68% of Americans don't have an estate plan in place at all.[1] Even if an estate plan is in place, many fall short when it comes to addressing federal and state inheritance or estate taxes. Your estate plan should be reviewed and potentially updated at least every three years. Additionally, any significant changes in family circumstances—such as births, deaths, marriages, or divorces—should prompt an update. A relocation to another state may also require adjustments due to differing state laws that affect probate and taxes. A well-rounded estate plan should include a will, durable power of attorney, and living will/health care power of attorney. 2. Various Trusts (Where Applicable) Trusts are invaluable tools in estate planning, particularly for anyone that has children, owns a home or has over $100k in assets. With the potential expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2025, trusts may...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/6-essential-documents-to-help-preserve-your-family-legacy
The starting point for any plan is to define its goals. In Step One, owners answer three questions: How much cash do they need to exit in style? When do they want to exit? Whom do they want to succeed them? A case study illustrates why setting objectives, understanding how one objective affects another, creating a plan, and taking action to reach goals are critical components of a successful exit. The starting point for any type of plan is defining its goals. In the case of planning a business exit, this means knowing what it means to “exit your business in style.” Philosophers, business owners, and successful people from all walks of life understand the critical importance of establishing goals, creating plans to attain those goals, and persevering to see their plans through to completion. Having worked with owners to create successful Exit Plans, we know that it is critical for owners to ask several questions to establish three principal Exit Objectives before moving forward with their Exit Plan. - How much cash do they need when they exit to support the lifestyle they desire? (Do they want to be cashed out when they leave the business or are they willing to receive the purchase price over time?) - When do they want to leave the company? (How much longer are they willing to remain active in the company?) - To whom do they want to sell/transfer the company? (To a child? Key employee? Co-owner? An outside party that can pay top dollar?)

Selecting Your Exit Goals
4 Strategies to Lower RMDs The government is eager for the tax revenue locked in traditional retirement accounts, and with SECURE Act 2.0, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) now begin at age 73 (and age 75 in 2033). Reducing RMDs requires a thoughtful tax strategy, especially for large accounts. Here are four ways to decrease RMDs and taxes: Smart Distribution Planning: Utilize Lower Tax Brackets Many retirees are in lower tax brackets (10%-24%) and miss the chance to reduce future taxes by drawing down from traditional accounts early. Instead of following general rules, consider strategically withdrawing funds while tax rates are low, before potential tax increases or the widow's penalty push you into a higher bracket. Leverage Serial Roth Conversions Using lower tax brackets for Roth conversions can reduce future tax liabilities. Unlike a simple approach of maxing out a tax bracket, thoughtful, year-by-year Roth conversions may allow you to mitigate taxes over your lifetime by matching today's lower rates against future projections. Utilize Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) QCDs allow direct IRA donations to charity, reducing your taxable income and lowering your future RMDs. These donations, up to $100,000 per person, are not counted as taxable income and can help reduce taxes on Social Security, Medicare surcharges, and other income-based benefits. Consider Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/4-strategies-to-lower-rmds
WestPac® Wealth Partners is proud to announce its recognition as one of Hawaii's Best Medium-Size Workplaces by Pacific Business News. This prestigious honor is based on employee feedback and highlights companies that go above and beyond to create a work environment that encourages growth, positivity, and a meaningful sense of purpose. At WestPac Wealth Partners, one of our core beliefs is that the key to success lies in the strength of our team. Through a culture rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and dedication to the firm's mission, WestPac has cultivated a workplace where associates feel empowered, supported, and excited about their work. This recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to creating a work environment that not only prioritizes professional development but also focuses on personal fulfillment and Life-Work Integration™. "Our team comes to work every day with the mindset of wanting to make a positive impact in their clients lives and because they enjoy the people they work with, and they take pride in helping people make smart financial decisions," says Nash Subotic, CEO of WestPac Wealth Partners. This sentiment reflects the heart of WestPac’s culture, where associates are encouraged to thrive and empower clients to achieve their financial dreams.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/westpac-wealth-partners-ranked-2-for-hawaiis-best-workplaces-in-2025
At WestPac Wealth Partners, we believe that true financial wellness isn’tjust about growth— it's about protection. As we recognize Disability Insurance Awareness Month, we invite individuals, families, and business owners to think beyond traditional strategies and toward long-term financial durability. Disability insurance often goes underappreciated—until it’s urgently needed. Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset, and protecting that income should be a central pillar of your financial strategy. At WestPac, we don’t view disability insurance as a checkbox item; we see it as a critical, strategic tool that supports everything from your day-to-day needs to your long-term goals. A Smarter, Integrated Approach to Risk Rather than isolate income protection as an afterthought, we incorporate it into the broader architecture of your financial life. Through our data-informed and client-tailored approach, we evaluate not just if you need coverage, but how much, what kind, and how it aligns with your goals in areas like wealth accumulation, retirement strategies, and tax efficiency.

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/planning-for-the-unexpected-reimagining-income-protection-during-di-awaren
WestPac has been honored with the 2024 Guardian President’s Award, the highest recognition Guardian bestows upon its agencies. This marks the first time in the firm's history that it has received this prestigious award, a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence in financial services. The Guardian President’s Award is awarded to the agency that demonstrates the best overall performance across key areas, including production, recruiting, agent development, training, and persistency. Designed to foster competition and drive industry-leading performance, this award represents the pinnacle of achievement within Guardian’s network. “This award is a defining moment for WestPac Wealth Partners,” said Nash Subotic, CEO. “It validates the culture we have built—one that prioritizes growth, collaboration, and delivering the highest level of service to our clients. Achieving the President’s Award for the first time in our history proves that when you invest in people, provide the right resources, and foster a winning mindset, extraordinary results follow.” Winning the President’s Award reflects WestPac’s ongoing dedication to professional development, client service, and innovative financial strategies. This recognition reinforces the firm’s commitment to empowering individuals, families, and businesses to achieve financial confidence and long-term success...

https://www.westpacwealth.com/blog/westpac-wins-the-2024-guardian-presidents-award-a-historic-milestone