Taking Stock of Big Tech
Big Tech has enjoyed big gains during the pandemic, but how long can its dominance last?
Investments articles
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.
Through Thick And Thin
2020 was without a doubt an interesting year. Despite all the challenges, the economy rebounded sharply. What does the future have in store for 2021?
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.
2021 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
Learn how much you can contribute in 2021 toward your retirement.
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.
It Takes a Team – The Recipe for Successful Estate Planning
Couples get better investment results when both spouses discuss their views with their financial professionals.
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.
Trust Company of Oklahoma Promotes Jim Arens to Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hopper to Chief Operating Officer
Tulsa World, July 26, 2020
James F. Arens II, CFA is Trust Company of Oklahoma’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Michael Hopper, CFP®, CTFA its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Thomas W. Wilkins is retiring as CEO after thirty years with the Tulsa-headquartered firm. Tom will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors.
James F. Arens, II
Jim joined Trust Company of Oklahoma (TCO) in 1997. For 12 years, he served as the company’s Chief Investment Officer and became President in 2019. Jim is also a member of TCO’s Board of Directors. He earned a Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Jim holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, is past president of the CFA Society of Oklahoma and is active in the CFA Institute.
Jim serves on Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum National Board, the Asbury United Methodist Church Administrative Council and as Chairman of the University of Tulsa Student Investment Fund Board. He also serves on the investment committees for Holland Hall and the University of Texas MBA Student Investment Fund. Additionally, he is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) in Tulsa.
“Jim has demonstrated dedication to our clients and to the company for over two decades. His experience as Chief Investment Officer at TCO, along with his management skills, are two of the many reasons why our company is in great hands,” stated Thomas W. Wilkins. “I can’t wait to see TCO continue to grow under Jim’s leadership,” he added.
Michael Hopper
Michael has been with TCO since 2013. He is an Executive Vice President, a member of the Board of Directors, and Manager of the Agency Division. Michael serves individuals, families and businesses with trust management, retirement planning and financial advice. Prior to joining TCO, he accumulated nearly 10 years of insurance and investment experience.
Michael has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. He is the current President of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum. Michael is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional and holds the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation.
About Trust Company of Oklahoma
Trust Company of Oklahoma is the oldest and largest independent trust company in the state, with locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Founded in 1981, the firm provides asset management and unbiased financial advice for individuals, families, and other organizations in Oklahoma and throughout the country. TCO currently manages approximately $4.5 billion in client assets.
Tulsa World: TCO Promotes Mock, Gallus, and Ghosn. Hires Priebe, Jimenez.
From Tulsa World
Tulsa, Okla., July 26th, 2020: Trust Company of Oklahoma (TCO), the oldest and largest independent trust company in the state, is proud to announce the promotions of Philip D. Mock to Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Nick Gallus to Director of Investment Research, and Bri Ghosn to Controller. In addition, TCO has hired John Priebe and Jackie Jimenez as Assistant Vice President and Compliance Officer, respectively.
PHILIP D. MOCK
As Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and member of the Board of Directors, Philip D. Mock, CFA, CPA, CFP® will manage TCO’s investment portfolio. He joined the company in 2016 as a portfolio manager. Since then, he has been helping clients achieve long-term goals by developing a tailored investment plan. Prior to that, he worked at Mariner Wealth Advisors, at BOK Financial and at PwC, LLP. Philip holds a master’s degree in Accounting and Bachelor’s in Accounting and Sociology – all from Oklahoma State University. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Philip is a member of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
NICK GALLUS
Director of Investment Research Nick Gallus, CFA joined TCO in 2014, where he serves as a portfolio manager in the Investment Management Division. In his new role, Nick will analyze, assemble and design investment strategies for TCO’s clients and assist with the implementation of their investment portfolios. Nick has more than a dozen years of experience in the investment management industry, spending the first half of his career as a securities analyst at several different firms. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Oklahoma. Nick also has experience as a credit analyst of high yield bonds and structured products. A native of Minnesota, Nick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance from the University of Minnesota in 2003 and his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013.
BRI GHOSN
Vice President and Controller Bri Ghosn, CPA, CFP®, CDFA® will have responsibility for all accounting-related activities. She joined TCO in 2018 after working at Mariner Wealth Advisors for five years. Before that, she was a tax analyst for individuals and small businesses at CCK Strategies, as well as a relationship associate in trust administration for Bank of Oklahoma. Bri has over a decade of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning. She is a CPA and holds both the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designations. She graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.
JOHN PRIEBE
John Priebe will provide TCO clients with investment management advice. John came to the firm from Mariner Wealth Advisors, where he worked as a Wealth Advisor. His duties there included analyzing risk, financial planning, and investment management for private clients and family offices. Prior to that, John spent 12 years working at Northern Trust in various roles across the country. John graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor’s in Small Business Management and from Lynn University with an MBA in Investment Management. John holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. He is a member of the CFA Society of Oklahoma, and a CFA Level II candidate.
JACKIE JIMENEZ
Jackie Jimenez has over a decade of experience in the accounting and auditing industry. She previously served as a Senior Auditor for firms in Texas as well as Tulsa (OK), with an emphasis in financial institutions and retirement plans. As a Senior Auditor, she has supervised staff members and collaborated with clients to ensure internal audits, agreed-upon-procedures, or year-end audits were appropriately completed. A native of Texas, Jackie earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a Master of Science, Accounting from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio (TX).
“Both John and Jackie add a lot of value to our group of professionals. With their experience working with individual and institutional clients, along with their strong knowledge of investment management and auditing, John and Jackie will help us serve clients with the highest level of expertise,” stated James F. Arens II, president and CEO of the Oklahoma asset management firm.
About Trust Company of Oklahoma
Founded in 1981, Trust Company of Oklahoma provides asset management and unbiased financial advice for individuals, families and organizations in Oklahoma and throughout the country. Trust Company of Oklahoma currently manages approximately $5 billion in client assets from their offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
The Price of Greatness – Dispatches From Route 66
Philip Mock reviews TV series about Michael Jordan.
The Winding Road to Recovery
2020: Reasons to stay optimistic about the economy while working towards the end of the pandemic.
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.
CARES Act Signed by President Trump Impacts Retirement Plans
Historic financial stimulus bill includes provisions that impact retirement plans and how businesses can support employees affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Outlast The Storm
You can’t control the stock markets nor stop COVID-19. Managing investments in the midst of the pandemic.
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.
Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You
In times of uncertainty with stock market and health concerns, it is easy to let fear paralyze us. Read Lesa Creveling’s article.
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.
How the SECURE Act Affects Your Retirement Plan
Learn how the SECURE Act provisions for 401(k) plans may affect your retirement plan and the retirement of your employees.
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.
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.
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.
Be a Responsible Property Owner: Properly Store Your Documents
While record-keeping can be a tedious task, it’s essential to being a responsible property owner.
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.
A Christmas Gift to Your Future Self
Make your end-of-year bonus increase your retirement readiness. Take a look at how much you can contribute in 2020 towards your retirement plan.
Understand Proposed IRA Changes Before Making Estate Planning Decisions
Changes may be on the horizon for legislation regarding Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Understanding and reviewing the proposed bills is prudent before making estate planning decisions.
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.
Chill Before Serving to Avoid Family Litigation
Litigation can be destructive to families, both financially and emotionally. Learn how families can avoid the courts to settle their differences.
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
What Does Your Family Look Like?
Family structures have become more complex over the last few decades. Most households are now the result of blended families with working moms, adopted kids, second marriages, and the list goes on. Your estate plan needs to be customized for your specific situation.
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.
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.
Alzheimer’s And Dementia Patients Are Easy Prey For Scammers
Avoid being a victim of financial exploitation.
Don’t Be A Silo
Individual trustees do not need to face all the challenges alone.
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
Trying Not To Be a Dodo
Changing Political Climate Threatens Fiscal Conservative Species
Is Fiscal Discipline Extinct? – Bob’s Market Observations
Does anyone care about government spending and debt? And who will pay the bill?
How Health Problems Become Wealth Problems
Effective retirement planning involves being healthy. Learn how to protect your wealth and your health after you retire.
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.
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.
ViewPoint – A Message from the Desk of Tom Wilkins
“Why should anyone hire Trust Company of Oklahoma to serve as corporate trustee and invest the assets if a family member can do it for free?” she asked me. Here’s what I responded.
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.
Ron Burke, CFP®, CTFA Joins Trust Company of Oklahoma
The oldest and largest independent trust company in the state is pleased to announce that Ron Burke joined the firm as a senior vice president in the Oklahoma City region.
2019 Taxes Cheat Sheet
Easily find out how much you owe the IRS on income taxes, long-term investment capital gains taxes, or trust taxes. A printable cheat sheet to keep on your desk.
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.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients Are Easy Prey For Scammers
Each day, Alzheimer’s or dementia patients are at a high risk of being financially exploited. Learn how to spot it and how to prevent it.
“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?
The Return of Volatility
It was a challenging year for investors. We wrapped up 2018 with a second 10% correction for the year. What’s driving investor anxiety and how does 2019 look like for the markets?
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.
How to Survive A Bear Market – Bob McCormick’s Market Observations
The recent market volatility got many investors in a panic. Again. What’s the best strategy to live through a bear market?
Market Observations – October 2018
I’ve recently crossed the Southwest towards California, and one of my favorite parts of the trip was driving by the trains transporting goods to and from the West coast, a statement of the power of rail road transportation and our economy. As for investments, September brought record highs for large-cap U.S. stocks. Read more.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Maximize your charitable gifts while saving on Medicare, income taxes and Social Security. Learn how making contributions directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be good for the nonprofit and for your pocket.
Tariffs And Raisins – Children Pick Up On The Darndest Things
The Trump administration recently imposed steep tariffs on several countries, including China. In retaliation, China imposed tariffs on American products. This isn’t the first time the U.S. grapples with competitive tariffs, though. Learn more about our country’s history of tariff conflicts and the current conflict’s impact on our economy.
Market Observations by Bob McCormick – September 2018
Market Observations by Bob McCormick – September 2018
Legendary singer and songwriter, Aretha Franklin died in August. Without a will. As a result, her assets are to be divided equally between her four sons per statute set by the state of Michigan. It is estimated her estate, including business interests and artistic work, is worth upwards of $80 million, so a really large estate tax also appears due. Proper estate planning would have possibly saved her family millions.
Ms. Franklin was also characterized as intensely private. How ironic then that her death without an estate plan makes her finances very public for the whole world to see. Plus, if there is litigation due to the absence of planning, the settlement could drag on for years and cost a lot of money.
Dying intestate (without a will) may be fine for some people.* Yet, the need for an estate plan usually gets stronger as we age, marry, have children, become blended families and grow our wealth. I am not going to delve into the affliction PRD-itis** (Procrastination, Rationalization, Denial), but why is it so hard for some of us to do the important planning when it comes the time?
Here are a few of the more common reasons we have heard over the years that cause inaction:
- My assets are held in joint tenancy with my spouse and in accounts with specified beneficiary designations. This may work out for some couples, at least for the spouse who dies first, and if both spouses are competent.
- My spouse and I cannot agree on a plan. This is a big hurdle so it’s definitely time to get real-world guidance from an estate planning professional so that you can try to find common ground.
- I am not sure who to leave my estate to. Remember, if you don’t decide, the state has already decided for you. Make sure you are fine with its formulas.
- I am having difficulty how best to address the need to treat one or more children differently. It is a fact of life that not all kids are ready for wealth at the same time or same age. Professionals can help design estate plans to handle all sorts of family needs and dynamics.
- I don’t want to incur big attorney fees. This may be a case of penny wise, pound foolish. You should be able to get the legal services you need at a fair price. Some estates need complex (read expensive) planning while many others do not.
- “I can ignore it since I’m not going to die right away.” “It’s too depressing.” “I don’t like to think about it.” “I haven’t had time.” “I don’t care – I will be dead.” Ok, these are not valid reasons but cases of PRD-itis. Sometimes the person suffers from a severe case and just says “I’m not going to die.” This last one has a really poor track record.
The importance of wills and estate planning cannot be stressed enough.
I don’t know why Ms. Franklin didn’t have even a will, much less a trust to keep her estate transfer private. And she appears to have been a prime candidate for more comprehensive planning to reduce estate taxes and protect assets from illegitimate heirs and other “hanger-on’ers“. Maybe she struggled with some of the same issues many of us have. Yet, the right planning will not only put our own minds at ease but make our family’s life less stressful.***
*I am not an attorney so nothing I say should be confused with legal advice.
**I made this ailment up.
***Other parts of an estate plan often include a power of attorney and an advance health care directive. These are two big items that help your family handle matters when you are alive but are unable to act or decide on your own.
Robert A. McCormick, CFA, CAIA
Senior Executive Vice President & COO
(918) 744-0553
Bob.McCormick@TrustOk.com
Market Observations by Bob McCormick – August 2018
Market Observations by Bob McCormick – September 2018
It takes:
• 3 seconds for a cheetah to go from zero to sixty;
• Less than 1 second for an Indy 500 car to travel the length of a football field;
• Less than ½ second for a baseball to travel 60 feet, 6 inches from the pitcher’s mound to home plate at 100 mph.
I thought about the speed of things when I read that high heat and humidity in New Jersey last month was slowing down radio waves that were transmitting trade data between Nasdaq’s center in Carteret to the New York Stock Exchange’s facility in Mahwah. That’s about 27 miles as the crow flies. The 90-degree heat combined with 60 percent humidity caused the data to be delayed by about 8 microseconds.
A microsecond is one-millionth of a second. Sum up about 350,000 microseconds and you have the time it takes the average person to blink, so 8 of these is still pretty darn fast in my book.
What would the founders of the NYSE think of this as they signed the agreement under the shade of a buttonwood tree forming the exchange on May 17, 1792?
It is astounding this delay makes a difference for some investors. Not for us, mere mortals, but for computer-driven, high-frequency trading (HFT) firms the delay was noticeable – and newsworthy. Hundreds of millions of dollars were spent in 2010 on building just one fiber optics line from Chicago to New York in order to increase one-way speeds by about 3 milliseconds (3,000ths of a second) – over 300 times faster than it takes to blink. Since then, at least two competing microwave networks have been built to increase speeds by even a few more milliseconds between these two cities. Big bucks spent for minuscule, but profitable, time improvements.
Consider these speeds the next time you are sitting around in your pajamas day-trading on your laptop, trying to take advantage of the tiny little blips in stock prices that occur throughout the day. It’s not just some big powerful machine you are competing with. It is the near speed of light trading you are racing against. May the force, and very fast fingers, be with you.
Cheers,
Bob
Robert A. McCormick, CFA, CAIA
Senior Executive Vice President & COO
(918) 744-0553
Bob.McCormick@TrustOk.com
The Certainty of Taxes in Retirement
Many retirees mistakenly believe that once they retire they won’t have to pay taxes anymore. Your retirement success depends on planning carefully your income and taxes. Read article.
Market Observations – July 2018
Corporate earnings are growing at a double-digit rate, yet halfway through the year the S&P 500 posted a meager 2.6% return. Read Bob’s investment market commentary.
Catching Up with Your Retirement Savings
Most Americans don’t have enough saved for retirement. Is your nest eggs not where it should be? Are you not maxing out your 401(k) contributions? Don’t panic. There’s still time to catch up with a few strategies and enjoy financial peace of mind soon.
Decrypting the Bitcoin Bubble
The cryptocurrency’s meteoric rise in 2017 had the investment community in awe. Today, the Bitcoin phenomenon has turned into a bloodbath. Investors’ confidence is gone. Read an interview with Senior Vice President Michael Abboud about Bitcoin’s rise and fall.
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