Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes – Benjamin A. Trujillo, J.D, LL.M
Figuring out the future is never easy, but with the right team, the path can feel a lot clearer. Whether you’re planning to pass along a few million dollars or a substantially larger portfolio, preparing for your kids’ and grandkids’ inheritance takes insight and intention. And making sure Uncle Sam takes only what the law requires? That’s where estate planning really matters.
You really have to know the Internal Revenue Code, and to understand how it actually works in real life. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, I was asked how ultra-high-net-worth families transfer wealth efficiently. While every family situation is different, the common thread is simple: perspective and timing. The families who do this well focus on planning early and structuring things properly.
To many people, wealth transfer can look like smoke and mirrors. In reality, it’s preparation. Take the step-up in basis. Assets like stocks or a closely held business can grow quietly for decades. Under current law, when those assets are inherited, the tax basis is adjusted to fair market value at death, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate capital gains tax on prior appreciation. Nothing “disappears.” It’s simply the tax code operating as written.
Trusts work much the same way. They aren’t about hiding money; they’re about control and clarity. Trusts can help avoid probate, reduce delays, provide asset protection, and clearly define who receives what and when. When everything works smoothly, it’s because the planning was done well in advance.
Timing is often everything. Families who plan early may have opportunities to move assets when values are lower and funnel future growth so it occurs outside of their taxable estates. By the time estate taxes are calculated, much of the appreciation may already be positioned efficiently. It’s not a trick; it’s just thoughtful planning grounded in the law.
When we sit down with families, we start with questions. What does success look like for you? Is there a goal of buying a vacation home, supporting philanthropy, funding education, or creating long-term security for future generations? Our job is to align your wealth with your vision while growing and preserving as much of it as possible along the way.
If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently or thought about establishing a plan, let’s talk. A thoughtful conversation today can make a meaningful difference for the next generation.
It’s all part of the plan.
Contact me at btrujillo@monetagroup.com.
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