Wealth
Learn the latest on private banking and investing, tax strategies, estate planning, family offices, philanthropy, and special services to stay ahead of the curve.
Essentials for Growing and Keeping Wealth
Frequently Asked Questions
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Trust beneficiaries typically do pay taxes on distributions from a trust’s income, but they are not subject to taxes on returned principal from the trust’s assets. When money is distributed from a trust, the trust issues a K-1 form, which breaks down the distribution, or how much of the distributed money came from principal versus interest. The K-1 is the form that lets the beneficiary know the tax liability from the trust's distributions. At the same time, the trust issues Form 141, in which the trust deducts from its own taxable income any interest it distributes to beneficiaries.Learn More Do Trust Beneficiaries Pay Taxes?
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A trust is a separate legal entity a person sets up to manage their assets. Trusts are set up during a person's lifetime to assure that assets are used in a way that the person setting up the trust deems appropriate. The two basic types of trusts are a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust. The owner of a revocable trust may change its terms at any time. They can remove beneficiaries, designate new ones, and modify stipulations on how assets within the trust are managed. The terms of an irrevocable trust, in contrast, are set in stone the minute the agreement is signed.Learn More Revocable Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust
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POAs are most commonly established when someone is elderly or if they face a serious, more long-term health crisis. However, this isn’t the only time a POA is established. They might also be created when a military family member is deploying overseas so that another person can act on their behalf should they become incapacitated. Alternatively, expatriate workers and families need to set a POA for their affairs in America while doing their work overseas. Younger people who travel a great deal might set up a POA so that someone can handle their affairs in their absence, especially if they have no spouse to do so.Learn More Power of Attorney: When You Need One
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Trusts and wills are both designed to transfers an estate to an heir or heirs, but the way they function is different. A will is a legal document that spells out how you want your affairs handled and assets distributed after you die. A trust is a fiduciary arrangement whereby a grantor (also called a trustor) gives a trustee the right to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a specific purpose or person. Trusts can have a limited term, the duration of the grantor’s or another person’s lifetime, and can hold assets and distribute them after the grantor’s or other person’s death.Learn More The Difference Between Wills and Trusts
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Your net worth is calculated by totaling up your assets and subtracting any liabilities (debt). To increase your net worth, you can either increase your assets, or reduce your liabilities. To increase your assets, you can own a home or increase the equity in your home, owning another piece of real estate to use as rental property for extra income, increasing your investments, and even owning art or collectible items.Learn More Assets that Increase Net Worth
Key Terms
- High-Net-Worth IndividualA high-net-worth individual is somebody with, in general, at least $1 million in liquid financial assets, including cash and cash equivalents. These assets do not include things like personal assets and property such as primary residences, collectibles, and consumer durables. HNWIs are in high demand by private wealth managers because it takes more work to maintain and preserve those assets.
- TrustA trust is a fiduciary relationship in which one party gives another party the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party, the beneficiary. Trusts are established to provide legal protection for the trustor’s assets, to make sure those assets are distributed according to the wishes of the trustor, and to save time, reduce paperwork, and, in some cases, avoid or reduce inheritance or estate taxes.
- Irrevocable TrustThe term irrevocable trust refers to a type of trust where its terms cannot be modified, amended, or terminated without the permission of the grantor's beneficiary or beneficiaries. Irrevocable trusts are generally set up to minimize estate taxes, access government benefits, and protect assets.
- Wealth ManagementWealth management is an investment advisory service that combines other financial services to address the needs of affluent clients. To meet the complex needs of a client, a broad range of services—such as investment advice, estate planning, accounting, retirement, and tax services—may be provided. While fee structures vary across comprehensive wealth management services, typically, fees are based on a client’s assets under management (AUM).
- EndowmentAn endowment is a donation of money or property to a nonprofit organization, which uses the resulting investment income for a specific purpose. Endowments are typically organized as a trust, private foundation, or public charity. Many endowments are administered by educational institutions, such as colleges and universities. Most endowments are designed to keep the principal amount intact while using the investment income for charitable efforts.
- Estate TaxThe estate tax is a financial levy on an estate based on the current value of its assets. Federal estate taxes are levied on assets in excess of $11.7 million for 2021 and $12.06 million for 2022. Currently, 13 states have estate taxes, too. Estates valued at less than $1,000,000 are not taxed in any state jurisdiction.
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