How to Make Trust Funds Work For You?

If you’re considering leaving a large inheritance to your children, you should set up a trust fund. This is a good idea if you’re looking for a tax-free way to make sure that the money is invested wisely. There are many ways to do this. Here are some examples. 

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True 

In 2013, the Marion Community Foundation established the Henry A. True Trust Fund as a donor advised fund to carry on the philanthropic traditions of its namesake. A longtime supporter of the Marion community, True left behind a legacy of generous donations, charitable giving, and community service. 

Explicit 

Transparency and accountability are important issues in trust fund making. The World Bank says it’s working to reform the trust fund making process and ensure that agreements are transparent, streamlined, and improve cost recovery. However, there are serious transparency gaps. 

Inexact 

There is an exact way to create a trust fund. The trust document specifies what will be transferred to whom, and it must be signed in the presence of a notary or attorney. The assets transferred into the trust should then be deposited into an account in the name of the trust. The trustees will oversee the fund and make sure that the assets are managed according to the purpose of the trust. Trustees also have the discretion to decide when the assets will be distributed. This could be a lump sum distribution on a certain date, or a series of regular payments. 

Unreliable 

A trust fund allows you to pass on assets to loved ones in the event of your death or disability. A trust also allows you to avoid paying estate taxes on the money. However, the taxes on a trust fund are often higher than on non-trust assets. Also, the beneficiaries of the trust fund may not be able to maintain themselves after receiving the money. 

Unprofitable 

Investments in an unprofitable trust fund are not inherently dangerous. Rather, they must be suitable for the purposes for which the trust is established and for the beneficiaries. Investments in junior lien loans, limited partnerships, and derivatives are generally permissible, and fiduciaries are encouraged to use more discretion in their overall portfolio management. However, outright risk taking and speculation are not sanctioned. 

Costly 

If you have ever been in a situation where you had to pay taxes on your gift to a loved one, you’ve probably heard of a Costly Trust Fund. This is the type of trust that gives you the opportunity to donate to charity without having to pay tax on the money. But trust funds can come with a number of strings attached, and the costs of establishing one can be prohibitive for many people. 

Effective 

Creating a trust fund is not a simple task. It involves several legal steps and costs, and some people are uncomfortable with the added expense. There are a number of benefits of setting up a trust, and you should weigh these against the costs before you make the decision. 

Misleading 

The SEC recently proposed two changes that would make it harder for funds to make misleading environmental, social, and governance claims. These changes will also increase the amount of information a fund must provide to investors. The proposals are open to public comment. These changes are in response to growing concerns about greenwashing.