Executive Summary: Q4 Bridges

Q4 Bridges is focused on the "75+ Club", successful businesspeople, investors, and professionals.

These clients are in the fourth quarter ("Q4") of life. They have accumulated family assets well above most. One of the common aims for this group is creating a legacy and passing family values and valuables to their progeny. Giving charitably and gifting to family, friends, and allies are typically key topics.

While every family has interpersonal and financial challenges, we focus on senior citizens with substantial wealth. We refer to this class as the first generation (G1). Often, the second generation (G2) may be "retired." They may or may not have the success of their parents. The third generation (G3), the grandchildren, may be adults or still children.

  • Founder Michael ("Mike" or "Mick")

    Mike began his career as a union groceryman in 1973 and transitioned to tax work in 1979. He graduated cum laude from UC Berkeley Business School in 1980, with a focus on Accounting and Applied Economics.

    He started at Arthur Andersen & Co., San Francisco, becoming a senior tax accountant by 1981, working with corporate and individual clients, including Levi Strauss expatriates. Mike later joined the Family Tax Planning team, handling industries like manufacturing, shipping, agriculture, and film.

    In 1982, he moved to Marin County as corporate tax manager for a PC software company. In 1983, he joined a startup developing a software suite, a precursor to Microsoft Office. During this time, he explored personal growth programs such as Tony Robbins' "Walked the Coals" and Marshall Thurber's entrepreneur course.

    Mike earned his CPA license (California #37398) and, although currently inactive, he was a past member of the California CPA Society and AICPA. From 1985 to 1995, he ran his own practice focusing on family business accounting and financial planning. He also earned a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 1994.

Our Services

  • Future Legacy

    Future Legacy we help individuals and families plan for a lasting impact that extends beyond their lifetimes. Whether it’s preserving wealth, passing down values, or supporting charitable causes, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of legacy planning.

    Our focus is on creating strategies that ensure your personal, financial, and philanthropic goals are met, providing future generations with a strong foundation for success. With a personalized approach, we help you craft a legacy that reflects your values and makes a meaningful difference for years to come.

  • Elder Care

    Elder Care focuses on providing compassionate support and resources for aging individuals and their families, without offering living accommodations. We understand the unique challenges that come with aging, from managing healthcare needs to ensuring financial security and emotional well-being.

    Our services are designed to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life while offering peace of mind to their loved ones. Whether it's planning for long-term care, offering financial advice, or navigating medical and legal decisions, we provide personalized solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.

  • Q4: Family-Career

    Q4: Family-Career As individuals enter the later stages of life, balancing family and career becomes a key focus. Q4: Family-Career is dedicated to helping individuals navigate this important phase, where personal and professional priorities often shift.

    Whether you’re planning for retirement, transitioning leadership roles within your business, or focusing on leaving a legacy for your family, we provide personalized strategies to align your career goals with your family’s long-term well-being. From succession planning to family wealth management, we help ensure that your professional and personal aspirations are in harmony, paving the way for a fulfilling and balanced future.

  • Wealth Estate

    Wealth Estate focuses on helping individuals and families preserve and manage their wealth for future generations. Our comprehensive estate planning services ensure that your financial legacy is protected, allowing you to pass on assets in a structured and tax-efficient manner.

    We provide personalized strategies to help you manage your estate, from drafting wills and trusts to planning for charitable giving and asset distribution. Our goal is to simplify the complexities of estate management, so you can feel confident that your wealth will benefit your loved ones and reflect your values.

    At Wealth Estate, we are committed to providing expert guidance that helps secure your financial future and create a lasting legacy.

  • Pay Forward. Give Back.

    Pay Forward. Give Back. At the heart of building a meaningful legacy is the desire to give back and make a difference. Pay Forward. Give Back is about empowering individuals to contribute to causes that matter most to them, creating positive change for future generations.

    Whether through charitable donations, community involvement, or supporting future leaders, we provide guidance on how to make impactful contributions that align with your values. By paying it forward, you not only give back to your community but also inspire others to continue the cycle of generosity.

    We believe in the power of giving and are committed to helping you create a lasting impact that goes beyond wealth, enriching lives and fostering a culture of compassion and support.

  • Tax Centric

    Tax Centric focuses on maximizing tax efficiency through thoughtful planning and expert guidance. We help individuals and businesses navigate complex tax regulations, ensuring that they stay compliant while optimizing their financial outcomes.

    Our services include personalized tax strategies for income, investments, and estate planning, all designed to minimize your tax burden and enhance your financial well-being. Whether you’re managing personal wealth or running a business, we provide the tools and expertise to make informed, tax-savvy decisions.

  • Risk & Security

    Risk & Security From 1988 to 1994, Michael was a Registered Representative in California, affiliated with The Equitable (now AXA) and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He specializes in risk and security strategies, focusing on both tax-related and non-tax related services. His tax-related expertise includes reviewing contracts, analyzing payment options, assessing performance, and understanding tax impacts. Non-tax services emphasize risk management, personal security, cyber security, and ransomware protection.

    Michael distinguishes himself by not brokering multiple insurance companies or representing a single one, and he does not receive commissions on new business. His services exclude selling Long-Term Care (LTC), life insurance, disability insurance, medical insurance, and related investments, as well as strategies tied to underlying insurance contracts.

    Throughout his career, he has held licenses as a Life & Disability Agent, Variable Contracts Agent, and Series 6 Securities license, with experience in Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance contracts, variable annuities, professional disability insurance, group medical insurance, IRAs, 401(k)s, and mutual funds.

  • Family Values vs. Valuables: The distinction between family values and valuables is essential in shaping our legacy. Family values represent the beliefs and principles that guide our actions and foster strong relationships, while valuables refer to material possessions, such as wealth and property.

    Although valuables provide financial security, they often lack the emotional significance of family values. Balancing both is crucial for a holistic legacy. By prioritizing values, families can ensure their wealth supports the ideals that truly matter, promoting a legacy rooted in love, respect, and shared experiences.

Let’s Connect!

At Q4 Bridges, we serve the "75+ Club," a community of successful businesspeople, investors, and professionals in the fourth quarter of life. Our clients aim to create lasting legacies that pass down family values and valuables to future generations. We understand that charitable giving and gifting to loved ones are key priorities for this group. While focusing on seniors with significant wealth, we recognize the unique challenges faced by first-generation (G1) families, as well as their second-generation (G2) and third-generation (G3) members. Our mission is to help clients navigate these dynamics to foster meaningful connections and a legacy that reflects their values.