In this episode, we explore the unique financial considerations executives face throughout their careers — especially as they prepare for retirement. From negotiating compensation packages to managing concentrated stock positions and navigating major transitions, the path can be complex.

Guests Christian Klaas, CPA, and Matt Hochstetler, estate planning attorney, share their deep experience working with high-level executives and explain how planning early — and revisiting your plan often—can help preserve wealth, reduce tax exposure, and align financial decisions with long-term goals. Whether you're in the C-suite or advising someone who is, this episode offers actionable insights to help turn executive complexity into clarity.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• (04:12) Negotiating Compensation in Executive Roles
• (10:50) Managing Concentrated Stock and Deferred Income
• (14:40) Structuring Financial Plans to Reflect Your Goals
• (18:02) What to Do When Retirement is on the Horizon
• (24:40) Finding Purpose After the C-Suite

Want to continue the conversation?

• More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising Families
• More on Matthew Hochstetler
• More on Christian Klaas
• Reach out to your Northern Trust advisor

Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our focus to one of the most difficult transitions families face: the loss of a loved one. We’ll share practical steps to help ease the process—and stories that remind us what truly matters in times of grief.

© 2025 Northern Trust Corporation. Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Member FDIC. This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal, investment, accounting or tax advice and is for informational purposes only. Readers, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel. All information discussed herein is current only as of the date appearing in this material and is subject to change at any time without notice. The information contained herein, including any information regarding specific investment products or strategies, is provided for informational and/or illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation with respect to any investment transaction, product or strategy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy, completeness and interpretation cannot be guaranteed. This information does not constitute and should not be understood as a recommendation with respect to the rollover, transfer or distribution of assets from an existing retirement plan or IRA account of any kind, including, without limitation, whether, in what amount, in what form, and to what destination such a rollover, transfer, or distribution should be made. The views and opinions expressed by the interview subjects in this publication are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Northern Trust Corporation or its affiliates. Northern Trust takes no position with respect to such views and opinions in distributing this publication.

In this episode, we explore the emotional and financial complexities of divorce and remarriage with guest Steph Wagner, National Director of Women & Wealth at Northern Trust. Drawing from both her personal journey and years of experience advising clients, Steph offers powerful insights on how to prepare for divorce, navigate transitions with clarity and rebuild a confident financial future.

We discuss the most common mistakes families make, the importance of financial empowerment (especially for those who haven’t traditionally managed the finances) and how to approach remarriage with clear communication and thoughtful planning. Whether you’re entering a new chapter, supporting a loved one or rethinking your estate plan, this episode provides the tools to move forward with confidence.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• [05:57] Preparing for Divorce and Getting Organized
• [10:28] Navigating Emotional and Financial Uncertainty
• [16:25] Estate Planning After Divorce
• [21:42] Prenups, Postnups, and Protecting Future Wealth
• [28:28] Advice for Executives and the Next Chapter

Want to continue the conversation?

• More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising Families
• More on Steph Wagner
• Reach out to your Northern Trust advisor

Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our attention to wealth planning for executives—including how to evaluate new or expanding roles, navigate transitions, plan for retirement and manage the ongoing financial decisions that come with executive leadership.

In this episode, explore what it means to manage wealth effectively across generations. Whether you’re creating a new estate plan or rethinking an existing structure, wealth management is about more than tax strategy—it’s about aligning your financial assets with your personal values, goals and relationships.

Our guests bring a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Jack Terrill is an estate attorney who has spent decades helping families navigate complex legal structures and succession planning. Kate Gardner, a next-gen inheritor and leader of Magnify, shares how she’s approached her own wealth journey with purpose, stewardship and a commitment to personal growth. Together, they offer a 360-degree view of managing wealth in a way that empowers families today—and strengthens their legacy for tomorrow.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• [07:50] Goal setting and aligning wealth with your values
• [12:32] Understanding estate planning essentials
• [18:17] Choosing the Right Trustees
• [22:35] Structuring Gifts for Responsibility
• [28:04] Family office structure options

Want to continue the conversation?

• More on Northern Trust’s Secrets of Enterprising Families
• More on Jack Terrill
• More on Kate Gardner
• Reach out to your Northern Trust advisor

Remember to subscribe to Secrets of Enterprising Families to stay connected as we dive deeper into the strategies that empower families to manage wealth across generations. Don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll turn our attention to wealth planning for executives—including how to evaluate new or expanding roles, navigate transitions, and manage the ongoing financial decisions that come with executive leadership.