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New Tax Law: Some Contributions Go Further
Starting January 1, 2026, many aspects of the new tax legislation (commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA) goes into effect that could reshape how you support the causes you care about. These changes include preserved incentives for charitable...
The Heart of Trust Services: Building Relationships and Guiding Clients Through Life’s Challenges
In the world of trust services, the role of a trust officer goes far beyond managing assets and administering trusts. At its core, it’s all about building meaningful relationships, understanding family dynamics, and being a steady presence during life’s most...
Give Now or Give Later?
The Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) The TCJA of 2017 made significant changes to the federal estate and gift tax system. One of the most notable changes was increasing the lifetime exemption from $5.6 million to $11.18 million per individual, adjusted for...
The Dynamic Nature of Your Finances
“…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy (1789) Let’s add a third item to Franklin’s short list of certainties—change. The evidence is all around us. Each week, we watch couples...
Navigating Family Financial Discussions: Understanding the Challenges
Two realities are undeniable: 1|Money makes certain situations weird. 2|Family dynamics are often tricky. Given these facts, we shouldn’t be surprised when families struggle to have good conversations about money. When money creates tension in families. Example #1:...
Discretionary Distribution Standards
Trust instruments often include discretionary distribution standards that guide trustees in making decisions about distributing funds to beneficiaries. These standards can range from basic support and maintenance to more complex considerations like funding a new...
Peace of Mind: Proactive Estate Planning in Uncertain Times
In these volatile times, the idea of financial peace of mind can seem far-fetched. Especially when… An incident 8,000 miles away roils the markets and causes your portfolio’s value to plunge 15%. A sudden health crisis has you wondering Why didn’t I… A family drama...
Estate Planning Where to Start … and Finish
BY: Richard Crowder, CTFA Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor | (601) 790-1618 Originally published in NorthsideSun Magazine August 2024 When is the last time you made a holistic review of your estate plan? How old is your Last Will and Testament and when is the...
Oklahoma Overhauls Trust Laws: Key Updates and Implications
Originally published in Journal Record August 23 , 2024 Oklahoma is undergoing significant changes in its trust laws with the introduction of the Oklahoma Trust Reform Act of 2024. This legislation, passed on May 31, 2024, and set to take effect on November 1, 2024,...
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Sunset Provision
Sunsets are good when you are with loved ones on the beach but bad when it is your last sunset. Beginning in 2026, the IRS will sunset the limits for many tax brackets and exemption amounts. Here are a few items of note: • Tax brackets will draw back – this means...