

ACTEC Trust & Estate Talk
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel | ACTEC
ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk is a free weekly podcast series. The series offers wealth planning professionals' best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a national association of approximately 2,400 peer-elected lawyers and law professors from across the United States and abroad with expertise in estate planning, probate and trust administration.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
How the OBBBA Impacts Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)
Explore OB3 Act changes to QSBS rules, including the new $75M limit, $15M exclusion, and strategies to maximize tax savings for founders and investors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Sep 8, 2025 • 19min
Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Planning Strategies Post OBBBA
Discover how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes Qualified Opportunity Zones, estate planning rules, and tax strategies for investors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Estate & Gift Tax and Charitable Contributions Under the OBBBA
Beth Shapiro-Kaufman, an esteemed ACTEC Fellow from D.C., dives into the transformative One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its sweeping changes to estate and gift taxes. She reveals how the legislation increases tax exemptions and navigates the complex budget reconciliation process. The conversation also highlights new rules around charitable contributions and the impact of an excise tax on endowments, emphasizing the importance of adapting financial planning to these changes. It's a must-listen for anyone in the trust and estate profession!

Aug 26, 2025 • 32min
Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing: Part 4 of 4
Explore estate planning that goes beyond money—trusts, family well-being, and legacy strategies to help future generations flourish. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Aug 19, 2025 • 16min
Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing: Part 3 of 4
Join Steve Akers, an ACTEC Fellow and former president from Dallas, as he imparts wisdom from his Joseph Trachman Memorial Lecture. He emphasizes the importance of savoring moments, practicing gratitude, and embracing forgiveness through poignant stories and insights. Akers shares strategies for effective time management and personal flourishing, advocating for risk-taking and self-respect. The conversation highlights how authenticity influences relationships and legacy planning, encouraging listeners to craft meaningful legacies.

15 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 22min
Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing: Part 2 of 4
In this insightful discussion, Steve Akers, managing director and senior fiduciary counsel at Bessemer Trust, delves into how positive psychology enhances estate planning. He emphasizes the importance of counting up rather than down, shifting perspectives on happiness. Akers shares insights from key studies, including the PERMA framework, highlighting the vital role of social relationships in achieving fulfillment. He also addresses sleep's impact on brain health, underlining its relevance in fostering well-being and longevity.

Aug 5, 2025 • 7min
Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing: Overview
Explore how positive psychology and trust planning intersect in Steve Akers’ “Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing” Trachtman Lecture preview. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

May 27, 2025 • 19min
Family-Owned Business and Internal Revenue Code Chapter 14 | Pt 3 of 3
Explore Sections 2704(a) & (b) and their impact on family-limited partnerships, valuation, and estate planning under Chapter 14. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

May 20, 2025 • 21min
Family-Owned Business and Internal Revenue Code Chapter 14 | Pt 2 of 3
How do Sections 2701–2704 impact family wealth planning? Discover key traps, safe harbors, and IRS challenges in this expert ACTEC discussion. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

May 13, 2025 • 14min
Family-Owned Business and Internal Revenue Code Chapter 14 | Pt 1 of 3
Understand IRC Chapter 14 rules, Sections 2701–2704, and key estate planning strategies to avoid tax pitfalls in family wealth transfers. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.