ACTEC Trust & Estate Talk

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!

Steve Akers, a prominent trust and estate lawyer from Dallas and ACTEC Fellow, dives into innovative estate planning strategies that prioritize family well-being over mere financial legacies. He emphasizes the importance of aligning estate plans with clients' hopes and dreams, outlining how trusts can support housing, healthcare, and education. Akers introduces concepts like the Family Advancement Sustainability Trust and discusses the new Delaware statute on beneficiary well-being trusts. He also draws inspiration from the Savannah Bananas on creating a fan-first culture to enhance client service.

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.

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!