May/June 2007 Issue Posted

The following articles from the May/June 2007 issue of the Wealth Strategies Journal are available for download:

Family Incentive Trusts: Dynamic New Approach Employing Trust Distributions to Communicate
Family Values and to Promote Productivity and Performance in Beneficiaries by James E. McNair, Gregory J. Rupert, and Cynthia L. Gausvik

Abstract: Many parents and grandparents, particularly those with significant wealth, dread the possibility that their children and grandchildren might become trust fund babies. Ironically, one solution many such parents and grandparents have turned to are incentive trusts, which are specifically tailored to promote the grantor’s values and goals, and require that the beneficiaries adhere to the performance standards the grantor establishes to be entitled to distributions from the trust.

Using the Power of Currency to Add Return by Mary Ann Best

Abstract: The currency market is a distinct arena that affords significant return opportunities. In the author’s experience, the highly sophisticated technical research that currency management demands is worth the effort. Done well, currency management can contribute significant gains. In this increasingly global investment environment, rigorous and disciplined currency management is crucial.

Community Property Planning Techniques for Professionals in Non-Community Property States by David W. Reinecke

Abstract: Retaining and planning for community property interests of clients who migrate to common law states will normally result in considerable advantages for the estate. Recognizing the community property issue is the critical first step to effective planning in this regard. Employing sophisticated estate planning techniques for community property interests requires detailed knowledge of the particular state’s regime and experience in planning within it.

Editors’ Note: Because of the length of this article, it is broken into the following sections:

I. "Summary & Introduction

II. Community and Marital Property Laws: The Basics

III. The Effect of Migration From a Community Property State to a Common Law State on a Married Couple's Ownership Interests

IV. Advantages of Recognizing and Preserving Imported Community Property

V. Estate Planning Techniques for Imported Community Property

VI. Ethical Issues in the Representation of Migrant Clients from Community Property States

VII. Conclusion, Appendix A, and Appendix B

Planning Your Finances During All Stages of Life by Newell W. Anderson, Jr.

Abstract: Building a financial plan tailored to the client’s current situation is essential, but it’s equally important to factor in the future. As clients grow older, they will likely have different concerns regarding their finances, which is why it is important to address each stage of life differently.

Posted by Lewis J. Saret, General Editor, Wealth Strategies Journal.