A Certified Retirement Financial Advisor, Darcy Bergen serves as a managing partner and president of Bergen Financial Group, an Arizona practice known for creating financial strategies for seniors and retirees. Leveraging his knowledge and expertise, Darcy Bergen offers financial advice to clients, especially in retirement planning, risk management, social security planning, wealth transfer strategies, wills and trusts, and estate planning.

Estate planning is making prior arrangements, through the assistance of an attorney knowledgeable in estate law, to determine how a person’s assets or “estate” will be preserved, managed, and distributed in the event of that person’s death. Estate planning also includes the settlement of estate tax, which happens before bequests are made to the heirs. The basis of the estate tax is the value of the decedent’s estate. Here’s how the estate is valued.

First, the estate's value is computed as of a specific date. The date can either be one of two options: the date of the decedent’s death or the alternate valuation date, which is six months after the decedent’s death. If the latter is chosen, all assets sold or distributed within the six months after the decedent’s death are valued as of the date the assets were sold or distributed.

Second, a list containing all assets that the decedent owned, including those they have an interest in, is prepared. This list may include cash, bank accounts, real properties, vehicles, furniture, jewelry, investments, insurance, and anything else that has value.

Third, actual valuation is made. If the decedent owned an asset in its entirety, the entire value of that asset is included in the estate. If the decedent owned an asset jointly with their spouse, only 50 percent of the value of that asset is added to the estate.

Fourth, all claims against the estate are deducted, including all regular bills that have accrued, outstanding mortgages, tax obligations, and charitable gifts.

​Based in Phoenix, Arizona, experienced investment advisor representative Darcy Bergen has led Bergen Financial Group as president since 2003. Beyond his work in areas such as risk management and Social Security planning, Darcy Bergen engages in philanthropic activities as treasurer of the Bergen’s Mission charity.

The Bergen’s Mission charity was established by John and Eloise Bergen, a Canadian couple who fell victim to a serious assault while serving as missionaries in Kenya. In 2008, the pair were attacked during a home invasion that left both in critical condition, far from medical support, in the middle of the night. Their injuries ranged from multiple skull fractures to numerous machete wounds.

The book “Forgiveness in the Face of Terror” tells the story of the Bergen’s remarkable journey to safety, healing, and ultimately forgiveness, all in their own words. Today, the missionaries speak at churches and gatherings throughout North America, with an emphasis on the spiritual evolution that took place over the course of the experience, as well as the unlikely joy the two found through the healing process.

To learn more about the remarkable story of John and Eloise, or to support the Bergen’s mission, please visit www.bergensmission.com.

Investment advisory and financial planning services offered through Simplicity Wealth, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Sub-advisory services are provided by Advisory Alpha, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting and Education services offered through Bergen Financial Group. Bergen Financial Group is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Advisory Alpha.

Leveraging more than two decades of experience in the finance industry, Darcy Bergen advises the public on how to make sound financial decisions through his educational workshops. Darcy Bergen specializes in strategies that maximize income while reducing tax burdens, including social security planning and collection strategies for individuals and couples.

Married couples and unmarried ex-spouses who were together for at least 10 years can qualify for Social Security spousal benefits. Spousal benefits are equivalent to half of the spouse’s benefit as of full retirement age.

After one partner turns 62, a qualifying ex-spouse can file for benefits. Currently, married couples must wait until one partner files for their own Social Security benefit before being eligible to receive spousal benefits.

While the recipient of the spousal benefit will have a lower total amount of Social Security paid out, filing for a spousal benefit doesn’t impact the amount of Social Security the retired spouse receives. However, waiting until 70 to collect Social Security can boost spousal death benefits by 32 percent.