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Safety in the Digital Age: Tips to Protect Against Scams and Identity Theft

Empower yourself against digital risks with practical tips to safeguard yourself and loved ones in today’s interconnected financial landscape.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

Bitcoin Basics

Bitcoin has been described as ‘digital gold.’ But what exactly is it?

One For the History Books

With more free time in 2020, Nick dived into the U.S. history. Check out his favorite non-fiction books.

Which Type of Retirement Account is Best for You?

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.

Benefits of a Private Foundation

Setting up a Trust Fund for a Minor

More Confidence, Less Cash – Dispatches From Route 66

What will it take to get us back on the horse and reignite the U.S. economy?

A Leader’s Legacy – Saying Farewell to Tom Wilkins

Recently, Thomas W. Wilkins retired as CEO of Trust Company of Oklahoma after 30 years serving our clients. He will remain as Chairman of our Board of Directors and the values he has instilled in all of us are his strongest legacy.

Disconnected and Detached – Stock Market v. Economic Reality

A comprehensive overview of the stock market in 2020.

To Infinity and Beyond – Dispatches From Route 66

It’s an Apple-and-Tesla new world. Let’s talk about paradigm shift.

The Trend Is Your Friend

Investment management in the time of COVID-19, government interference, and low interest rates. Keep an eye on the trends.

The Price of Greatness – Dispatches From Route 66

Philip Mock reviews TV series about Michael Jordan.

Who Will Make Health Care Decisions When You Can’t?

Key documents to ensure your health care decisions will be followed.

The Winding Road to Recovery

2020: Reasons to stay optimistic about the economy while working towards the end of the pandemic.

Love, Give & Receive

Congress makes charitable giving even more attractive. Read more.

Government Funds Breakthrough Vaccine Research

Learn more about the federal agencies funding development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Collective Healing Process – Dispatches From Route 66

The current pandemic created tough challenges for our community. And much like the OKC Bombing 25 years ago, we are collectively supporting each other. Read more.

Subzero Oil Prices and the Storage Problem

U.S. crude sold at -$37.63 a barrel on Monday, a historic drop below zero. How did we get to this point in the oil and gas industry?

Don’t Touch Your Portfolio (Or Your Face!) – Dispatches From Route 66

Investment Dos and Don’ts During Recession.

Outlast The Storm

You can’t control the stock markets nor stop COVID-19. Managing investments in the midst of the pandemic.

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.

Buying or Renting? – Dispatches From Route 66

We are often asked about the trade-offs between buying and renting a home. In this article, Nick Gallus offers some general advice and observations to help you navigate this decision.

All Bets on the Underdog – Dispatches From Route 66

If you are considering taking a vacation in 2020, book it sooner rather than later. Learn more.

Phone Scam Alert

Do not fall for the Suspended Social Security Number scam.

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in the US – Dispatches From Route 66

If you are considering taking a vacation in 2020, book it sooner rather than later. Learn more.

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.

Doing the Limbo

Our Chief Investment Officer looks back at 2019. Stock returns were very strong, but the bond market forced investors to play the limbo game.

Final Edition – Bob’s Market Observations

For your sake, I have decided to wrap up with a single reminder I regularly direct at myself.

It’s Cyber Monday for Cyber Criminals, Too

While we are online looking for the best deals, cyber criminals are looking for opportunities to steal our sensitive information. Learn how to protect yourself.

Passing Down the Family History – Bob’s Market Observations

It’s not just transferring material wealth to our children and grandchildren that we should focus on, but our own personal histories. Read more.

BRI GHOSN: 2019 TAXOLOGIST OF THE YEAR

Financial Parenting: Teaching Your Kids Financial Responsibility – Bob’s Market Observations

The financial beliefs we pass down to our children can have a significant effect on their financial outcomes. Read more.

What A Waste – Bob’s Market Observations

Food waste is a serious environmental problem in the United States and other parts of the world. Fortunately, there are efforts along the chain from the farm to the consumer to help reduce waste.

Bob McCormick Hits the Open Road

Our colleague is taking an early retirement at the end of the year. Although we don’t normally announce retirements in this publication, it is important to note a few of Bob’s lasting impacts on us, his colleagues.

Where There’s a Will…

What do Aretha Franklin, President Abraham Lincoln and Prince have in common? Find out.

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.

The Risk Of Negative Interest Rates In The U.S. – Bob’s Market Observations

Understand the risk of negative interest rates in the U.S.

Philip Mock Earn CFA® Designation

TCO proudly announces that senior vice president Philip D. Mock earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Don’t Judge A Book (Or A Nursing Home) By Its Cover

Selecting an assisted living facility for a parent or grandparent is not an easy job. Understand a few key components to ensure quality care and happiness for your loved ones.

The Fiduciary Rule: What It Means For You

We have served our clients with a fiduciary duty since our founding in 1981.

Two Rules To Live By – Bob’s Market Observations

Life’s better when you follow those two simple principles.

Is Fiscal Discipline Extinct? – Bob’s Market Observations

Does anyone care about government spending and debt? And who will pay the bill?

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Are you, your family members and professional advisors rowing in the same direction when it comes to your estate plan?

Collecting Spousal Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are an important component to retirement planning. Here’s what you need to know about receiving Social Security on your spouse.

Staying on The Yellow Brick Road

Financial exploitation and elder abuse continue to rise. How can you protect yourself and your lifetime savings? Read Lesa’s article.

They Want To Take Away Your Burgers – Bob’s Market Observations

There’s been a growing buzz about cow’s flatulence contributing to global warming. What does that have to do with land usage and the economy? Read more.

Beyond Our Borders: Why You Should Be Investing in International Markets

It is important to invest in international stocks. Here’s why.

The Great Known Unknown

Two people very close to me passed away recently. My wife’s grandmother and Ed, a family friend. They reminded me of life’s greatest mystery.

DPOA: A Document With Super Powers

A Durable Power of Attorney is a super document. It allows a trusted representative to act in your place. Learn how a DPOA can help you.

Playing Hoops With the IRS

Are you a small business owner or investor? Please meet Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction.

Happy Birthday, Batman!

Batman, the first comic strip trust fund baby, turns 80 today. What lessons can we draw from the Dark Knight?

My Aunt’s Close Call – Bob’s Market Observations

Luckily, one day, Bob discovered that a beneficiary document his aunt signed could put her estate plan at risk of entering the troubled probate waters.

Jobs of the Future – Bob’s Market Observations

“Many jobs in the future aren’t even in existence today.” Are we unprepared for what’s coming? Read more.

“Drill, Baby, Drill”

The oil and gas market has been a rollercoaster. Oil barrels reached the $75 price range then dropped again. What does 2019 hold for the energy industry?

New Year’s Day Reflection- Bob’s Market Observations

We ended 2018 with high volatility, but McCormick is optimistic our investments will be better off soon. It’s not shaping up to be a straight line though.

Cracking The Medicare Code

What You Need To Know Before Signing Up for Medical Coverage.