Estate planning requires more than just drawing up a will. It is a process that examines the options available to you to protect your property, investments and business as well as your wishes regarding healthcare treatment if something were to happen to you or your loved ones. Planning your financial legacy is a very personal but very important step to take. That’s why we take a friendly, professional and thorough approach as we walk you through the process. Three members of our firm belong to the Estate Planning Council of Colorado Springs.

At Stockman Kast Ryan + Co., we examine three key areas when developing a customized estate plan that will best meet your needs and maximize asset transfers to your beneficiaries: first, we evaluate your current assets from an objective third-party perspective; second, we determine the best way to ensure that you are in control of your assets if something were to happen; and finally, we identify ways to minimize your estate tax liabilities. The value of estates we serve fall between $1 million and $50 million.

Estate Planning services include:

• Planning and consulting engagements
• Preparation of federal and state estate tax returns
• Preparation of federal and state income tax returns for estates and trusts
• Consultation with other professionals as a team to meet the client’s estate and trust needs

Meet Eric Ryan, CPA
Experience: Eric has over 28 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, with significant experience serving a variety of real estate, manufacturing and small business clients. He also provides estate planning services to high net worth individuals.

Education: B.B.A., University of Notre Dame; Masters of Business Taxation, University of Southern California.

Professional and Civic Activities: Eric is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Estate Planning Council of Colorado Springs. He is the treasurer of the Foundation for Colorado Springs’ Future and a past officer for the Pikes Peak Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Economic Development Corporation of Colorado Springs, the Winter Night Club, the Notre Dame Club of Southern Colorado, the Housing and Building Association of Metropolitan Colorado Springs and the Better Business Bureau. He is also a past honorarium instructor of taxation at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

"We make estate planning manageable for our clients by identifying your needs and providing solutions." – Eric Ryan

Meet Keith Stockman, CPA
Experience: Keith has over 33 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, including five years of experience as the chief financial officer of an international not-for-profit organization. His primary areas of expertise include start-up and small- to medium-sized businesses, farming and ranching, and individuals. He provides services in tax planning, estate planning and business planning to many of the firm’s clients.

Education: B.S, Fort Hays State University; M.S., Fort Hays State University.

Professional and Civic Activities: He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA). Keith completed the AICPA certification program for Personal Financial Specialists. He served as the treasurer of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and as a director of the Colorado College Business and Community Alliance. He is vice president and past president of the Colorado Springs Sertoma Club and past chairman of the board. Keith is a member and past Master of Ramah (Masonic) Lodge and a former member and past chairman of the CSCPA’s Management of an Accounting Practice Committee. He is currently a director of the Carl George Bjorkman Charitable Foundation.