Newsletter articles
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Michael Hopper – April 2024
As we move into 2024, we want to share several promotions and additions to the Trust Company of Oklahoma team.
Solve a Puzzle and Make Your Spring Cleaning More Effective
Empower yourself against digital risks with practical tips to safeguard yourself and loved ones in today’s interconnected financial landscape.
Corporate Transparency Act: New Law Requires Many Companies to Register Owner Information
We take a look at the new rules for FDIC insurance limits for bank deposits owned by trusts. The good news: It will be simpler to calculate.
Revisiting Artificial Intelligence
2023 was a turbulent year for investing, but many people’s minds is what 2024 looks like. We take a look at what the future may hold.
FDIC Insurance: Navigating New Rules for Trust-Owned Bank Deposits in 2024
We take a look at the new rules for FDIC insurance limits for bank deposits owned by trusts. The good news: It will be simpler to calculate.
A Welcome Return to Normalcy
2023 was a turbulent year for investing, but many people’s minds is what 2024 looks like. We take a look at what the future may hold.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Michael Hopper – January 2024
As we move into 2024, we want to share several promotions and additions to the Trust Company of Oklahoma team.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Michael Hopper – October 2023
Learn more about recent changes at Trust Company of Oklahoma.
Using Qualified Charitable Distributions to Support Charities
Exploring the Power of a Deferred Sales Trust for Financial Flexibility
Business Health and Employee Financial Wellness
Financial wellness programs are a win-win for employers and employees. We break down why it’s a smart move for businesses.
Rethinking Portfolio Diversification
S&P 500 Concentration and Tech Growth Have Changed the Landscape of Investing
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – July 2023
We greet 2023 with hopes of a more peaceful year globally. Share in our news of recent transitions within our company.
SPOTLIGHT – Positive Tomorrows
Learn how Positive Tomorrows helps central Oklahoma students and families facing homelessness succeed in the classroom and beyond.
When Fireworks Aren’t Fun
Taking proactive steps with your estate plan can diffuse tensions among beneficiaries.
Maximizing Profits and Tax Efficiency
Exploring the Power of a Deferred Sales Trust for Financial Flexibility
AI: The Next Revolution?
Examining the Impact and Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Markets and Beyond
Getting Banks Back on Track
Understanding Recent Bank Failures and How They Compare to 2008
Key Provisions of the SECURE Act 2.0
The new law expands savings opportunities and provides a new option for unused 529 plan balances.
Real Estate Trends Amid Pandemic Recovery
Supply is high in Oklahoma, but buyers face market fears, inflation, and high mortgage rates.
SPOTLIGHT – South Tulsa Community House
Learn how South Tulsa Community House helps individuals and families combat hunger and poverty, ultimately empowering clients to independence.
SPOTLIGHT – Sharing Tree
Learn how Sharing Tree is bringing dignity to the shopping experience for central Oklahoma individuals and families in need.
The Time for Gifting
Making gifts to family and charity doesn’t have to be a year-end chore.
Off to a Good Start
Three Ways to Gift Money to Children and Grandchildren
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – January 2023
We greet 2023 with hopes of a more peaceful year globally. Share in our news of recent transitions within our company.
Is Cash Still Trash?
With the Fed’s rate hikes and checking and savings yields low, it might pay to move your money from your bank.
An End to the Drama
As the curtain falls on a turbulent 2022, marked by inflation, fear, and confusion, what can we expect from 2023?
Roth IRA Conversions
This year marks the Roth IRA’s 25th anniversary. It’s a popular tool for many retirement savers. Before you convert your accounts into a Roth IRA, make sure it’s the right choice for you.
The Pitfalls of Self-Made Estate Plans
Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sheds light on why you should engage the experts before drafting your own estate plans.
Announcements – October 2022
Trust Company of Oklahoma is proud to announce the recent achievements of two employees.
SPOTLIGHT – Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma
Learn how Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma is providing services to all in need.
Finding a Cure for Inflation
With lingering high inflation, interest rates on the rise, and many Americans feeling the strain on their budgets, what will it take to get the economy back to normal?
SECURE Act 2.0
Congress is considering another bipartisan retirement bill called the Securing a Strong Retirement Act (SECURE Act 2.0). If it passes, here are two proposed changes that will primarily affect retirees and those approaching retirement.
The Fed’s War on Inflation
Is an economic “soft landing” possible with historically high inflation?
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – April 2022
Our Oklahoma City team is moving to an office – one that will is better serve our clients and our employees.
Finding Peace With Your Possessions
You love your things – but how do your heirs feel about them?
Is There a Pilot on Board?
Choosing your successor trustee is a lot like choosing a co-pilot – be careful who you choose to handle your assets after your death.
SPOTLIGHT – NewView Oklahoma
Learn how NewView Oklahoma has been helping empower those who are blind or have low vision since 1949.
SPOTLIGHT – Iron Gate
Learn how Iron Gate has been working to lessen hunger in Tulsa through its soup kitchen and grocery pantry.
Knowledge Is Power
Professional guidance can pay dividends when it comes to examining your oil and gas assets.
What Is ‘Normal’ Now?
We look at inflation, the market, and the economy in 2021 to see if 2022 will be an equally unusual year.
New Features for TCO Clients
TCO is pleased to share some exciting new features for our clients, which should help make filing your tax returns easier than ever.
Understanding Your 1099 Form
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between covered and noncovered sales on your TCO 1099-B form? We break down the differences.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – January 2022
We’re thankful for our families, friends, community, clients and colleagues. Plus, we have promotion announcements.
Taking Stock of Big Tech
Big Tech has enjoyed big gains during the pandemic, but how long can its dominance last?
Defending Yourself Against Keyboard Criminals
Cyberscams and cyberattacks can happen quickly. Use these tips to help keep your identity out of the hands of criminals.
Decanting Statute Will Rewrite Oklahoma’s Trust Playbook
Much like how a game in 1912 forever changed the game of football, a new Oklahoma statute will change the way trustees can act on behalf of beneficiaries.
SPOTLIGHT – Sunbeam Family Services
Learn how Sunbeam Family Services serves vulnerable children, families and seniors throughout central Oklahoma.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – October 2021
We pride ourselves on helping take care of our clients, but did you know we can help take care of your employees as well?
SPOTLIGHT – TSHA
TSHA has been providing resources, advocacy and language accessibility to Oklahomans who are deaf or hard of hearing since 1953.
Unraveling Biden’s Tax Plan
President Joe Biden’s revenue proposal could affect income, capital gains and estate tax rates. Find out what changes could be coming.
Fleeting or Forever?
It’s the word dominating headlines and on most people’s minds. Is inflation here to stay, or will it ease as the pandemic restrictions end?
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens – July 2021
TCO is proud to celebrate 40 years of helping to protect our clients’ assets, grow their wealth and advise them for life.
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts
The Spousal Lifetime Access Trust may be the perfect tool to shift assets out of your taxable estate.
SPOTLIGHT – Parent Child Center of Tulsa
Learn more about PCCT, working hard to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.
The Home-Buying Boom
Suggestions on how to make the most of the booming real estate market.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens
The pandemic may have changed many things but one aspect of our business has not.
Bitcoin Basics
Bitcoin has been described as ‘digital gold.’ But what exactly is it?
SPOTLIGHT – Oklahoma Lawyers for Children
Learn more about OLFC, working tirelessly to provide legal representation for abused and neglected children in foster care.
The Importance of Preventive Financial Care
Its better to be safe than sorry. Make your estate planning a priority in 2021.
Walden, Donuts and Estate Planning
Lessons on estate planning from Thoreau’s masterpiece.
One Hundred Years Later – Dispatches From Route 66
Are you suffering from Presidential Election Fatigue? Let’s take a look at the 1920 U.S. Election for some healthy historical perspective.
SPOTLIGHT – Clarehouse
Learn more about Clarehouse, a community home for dying individuals that has served Northeastern Oklahoma for 17 years.
ViewPoint – A Letter From the Desk of Jim Arens
It is my pleasure to share with you some great news about our professional team.
To Infinity and Beyond – Dispatches From Route 66
It’s an Apple-and-Tesla new world. Let’s talk about paradigm shift.
The Price of Greatness – Dispatches From Route 66
Philip Mock reviews TV series about Michael Jordan.
SPOTLIGHT – Ronald McDonald House of Charities Tulsa
In 2019, the Ronald McDonald House of Tulsa provides lodging and support for families coming to Tulsa to seek health care for their sick children. Learn more.
ViewPoint – Our Professional Team
Dealing with a worldwide pandemic, the TCO way. Read more.
ViewPoint – Our Offices Are Open
Our offices are open and our professionals continue to serve you. Read more.
The End of the Stretch IRA
The SECURE Act eliminated a popular feature, the “Stretch IRA.” Learn how this will impact your estate planning and charitable contributions.
Tax Day Delayed To July 15
As COVID-19 grips the nation, the IRS delayed the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes. Read more.
Our Response To COVID-19
Our offices are open and our services continue uninterrupted. Read more.
SPOTLIGHT – Homeless Alliance
In 2019, the Homeless Alliance helped 754 people work their way out of homelessness. Learn more about this dedicated nonprofit organization.
Phone Scam Alert
Do not fall for the Suspended Social Security Number scam.
SPOTLIGHT – Assistance League Tulsa
An all-volunteer nonprofit that provides students with a full school wardrobe and the confidence they need to succeed in class.
A Beneficial New Year’s Resolution
Some resolutions are hard to accomplish. This one is easy – but very important, especially with the passage of the SECURE Act.
ViewPoint – Congratulate Our Professional Team
Let’s raise a glass to the new year! We have two new officers and several professionals have been promoted.
SECURE Act Significantly Impacts Your Retirement Planning
If you have an IRA heading into 2020, here’s what you need to know about the new tax law and how it may impact your retirement and estate planning.
ViewPoint – Great News About Our Professional Team
Summer was busy at TCO with some great achievements by our professional team and two new officers joining our firm.
Upside Down
Making Sense of the Recent Yield Curve
IRA: Why, When & How Often?
Here we share some important guidance on when to withdraw funds from your IRA. While withdrawal may seem like an easy task, you may find yourself paying more in taxes than necessary.
Spotlight – Resonance
Resonance is a center for women, helping improve lives and rebuild families.
ViewPoint – Why Clients Do Business With Us
I have many reason to be proud of who we are and the services we offer
The New Tax Law & the Economics of Divorce
Understand the new tax law before untying the knot
Honey, We Forgot The Car!
How to handle cars in estate planning