ACTEC Trust & Estate Talk

In our journey to personal flourishing, we explore powerful life lessons—like savoring the moment, practicing gratitude, letting go of grudges, prioritizing what matters, and even taking bold risks. Packed with stories, research, and timeless wisdom, this episode will inspire you to live more fully—one moment at a time. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover how top-tier client service and smart tools like Calendly, Zapier, and TextExpander can transform your law firm’s client experience. 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.

Explore how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs can significantly cut taxable income for those 70½ and older. Discover the rules and benefits of donating directly from IRAs, including ways to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Learn about the positive impacts on income levels, Medicare premiums, and the tax ramifications for heirs inheriting IRAs. It's a smart strategy for maximizing charitable donations while enhancing tax efficiency!

Expert tips for estate planning attorneys to avoid ethical pitfalls, featuring recent cases and examples of disciplinary actions and disqualifications. 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.

The IRS proposed changes to Circular 230—what does it mean for tax professionals? A tax expert explains what professionals need to understand. 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.