OUR LATEST – TRUSTS

Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

January 2024 Investment Perspectives

We discuss the market in 2023 and look ahead to 2024, digital safety, and updated FDIC calculations for trust-owned bank accounts.
A stack of 100 dollar bills are covered by chains and a padlock

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

October 2023 Investment Perspectives

We discuss AI and its effects on the markets, TCO updates, deferred sales trusts, and how to avoid fireworks caused by your estate plan.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

July 2023 Investment Perspectives

We discuss AI and its effects on the markets, TCO updates, deferred sales trusts, and how to avoid fireworks caused by your estate plan.

When Fireworks Aren’t Fun

Taking proactive steps with your estate plan can diffuse tensions among beneficiaries.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

April 2023 Investment Perspectives

We discuss the bank failures of early 2023 and how they compare to 2008, as well as key aspects of Secure Act 2.0 and real estate trends.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

January 2023 Investment Perspectives

We discuss the economic outlook for 2023, whether cash is still trash, gifting to children & grandchildren, and why charitable giving doesn't have to be so stressful.

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
The words Roth IRA in metallic silver lying on a wooden table with hundred dollar bills lying to the top and right side

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

April 2022 Investment Perspectives

We discuss the Fed's response to inflation, updates to our Oklahoma City office, choosing a successor trustee and dealing with your "things."

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

January 2022 Investment Perspectives

We discuss inflation, the market and the economy of 2021 and 2022, the 1099-B form, the difference oil & gas professionals can make, and more.

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

October 2021 Investment Perspectives

Our experts discuss how long Big Tech can keep up its big gains, Oklahoma's new decanting statute and protecting yourself from cybercriminals.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

July 2021 Investment Perspectives

Our experts discuss whether inflation is here to stay and provide details on how Biden's tax plan could affect you and your assets.

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

April 2021 Investment Perspectives

Our experts explain how Bitcoin works, what you can do to capitalize on the real estate market, and how Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts can help remove assets from your taxable estate.

Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts

The Spousal Lifetime Access Trust may be the perfect tool to shift assets out of your taxable estate.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

January 2021 Investment Perspectives

Our experts reflect on the economic trends likely to impact investors in 2021, preventive financial care and estate planning lessons from Walden.
Preventive Care

The Importance of Preventive Financial Care

Its better to be safe than sorry. Make your estate planning a priority in 2021.
Investment Article

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?
Walden Pond

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.

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

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.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

October 2020 Investment Perspectives

A comprehensive overview of the stock market, the recipe for successful estate planning, saying farewell to Tom Wilkins, welcoming new professionals and more.
HAZARDS OF OTHER PEOPLES MONEY

Hazards of Other People’s Money

Six tips to avoid mistakes and litigation when serving as individual trustee.

To Infinity and Beyond – Dispatches From Route 66

It's an Apple-and-Tesla new world. Let's talk about paradigm shift.
Investment Management & Retirement Planning

Estate Planning for Children Moving Out

The essential estate planning documents to ensure your new adult is legally and financially prepared for adulthood.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance Board of Directors

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Stauffer will serve the organization during the 2020-2021 school year.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

Trust Company of Oklahoma Promotes Jim Arens to Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hopper to Chief Operating Officer

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Trust Company of Oklahoma Promotes Jim Arens to CEO, Michael Hopper to COO.
Granny Cam

Protecting Your Loved Ones

Oklahoma families now have the right to install monitoring cameras in assisted living residents' rooms. This could help avoid abuse and neglect, but also provide peace of mind during lockdowns. Read Lesa Creveling's article on Tulsa World.

The Price of Greatness – Dispatches From Route 66

Philip Mock reviews TV series about Michael Jordan.

Feeling More Secure After the SECURE Act

IRA and estate planning without the stretch provision.

Returning Stimulus Payments Made to Deceased Individuals

Have you received a stimulus payment made to your deceased spouse? Here is how to return it.

Adoption and Estate Planning

If you (or a family member) ever placed a child for adoption and don't want him to be an heir, you should revisit your estate planning documents.
Oil field at sunset

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?
Social Distancing

What Will Your “New Normal” Look Like?

How will the COVID-19 social distancing affect your life going forward? Read.

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.
Social Distancing

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.

Why Have TCO Serve as Your Corporate Trustee

Although you may ask a relative or a friend to be your trustee, a corporate trustee can be a wiser choice. Learn more.

Guardianship Checklist

While confronting mortality can be difficult for any parent, it's beneficial to leave your nominated guardian with a guide for raising your children in the event of your absence or incapacity. Learn more.

Planning for Addict Beneficiaries

While the topic of substance abuse in families can be difficult, it's a growing epidemic that is important to take into account when estate planning.

Phone Scam Alert

Do not fall for the Suspended Social Security Number scam.

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.
eggs and coins

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.
2020

New Year’s Resolution: Revisit Your Estate Plan

Now that the holidays are officially behind us, many of you are revisiting that final vestige of the season: the resolution list.
tax folders

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.
thanksgiving dinner

Graduating From the Kids’ Table

While dividing attendees into two tables works well for a packed house during the holidays, don’t apply this philosophy to estate planning.
Granny Cams

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.
stocked refrigerator

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.
Bob McCormick

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.
Abraham Lincoln

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
playing football

How to Talk To Your Heirs About Your Estate Plan Without Ruining Your Relationship With Them

There can be big benefits to your family knowing your estate plan. But how to communicate to your heirs who gets what without spoiling the relationships with each of them?
empty picture frame

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

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.
TCO Fiduciary Rule

The Fiduciary Rule: What It Means For You

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

Alzheimer’s And Dementia Patients Are Easy Prey For Scammers

Avoid being a victim of financial exploitation.
silo

Don’t Be A Silo

Individual trustees do not need to face all the challenges alone.
will and trust

Honey, We Forgot The Car!

How to handle cars in estate planning
couple in canoe

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?
SPOUSAL SOCIAL SECURITY

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.
yellow brick road

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.
TCO Fiduciary Rule

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.
working on taxes

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?
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

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.

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?

It’s Not Too Late To Build A Fence When The Cows Are Out

Estate planning and asset protection are really nothing more than building and maintaining fences. A successful plan keeps the cows (assets) in and the wolves (creditors) out.

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.
older couple

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.

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.

Tax Reform: How It Affects You

Congress recently passed the largest piece of tax reform legislation in more than three decades. The bill affects most taxpayers. One area is the ability to deduct charitable contributions. Vice President Emily Crain broke it down to what you need to know.
Whittney Stauffer Joins Friends of Finance

Tulsa World: TCO Hires Bri Ghosn

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We are pleased to introduce Vice President Bri Ghosn, a financial advisor with over a decade of experience. At TCO, she will provide clients with trust administration, asset management, and retirement planning. Read more.
managing trust and estate planning

Let’s Get Personal

Ensuring future generations respect your values, intentions and hard-earned savings.
real estate lake side property

Overcoming The Emotion of Family Properties

Family legacy properties are extremely emotional assets. The feelings triggered by the thought of parting with the family farm, lake cabin or beach house can become the cause of tension among family members.
managing trust and estate planning

Establishing Trust, Step-By-Step

Creating a trust is a very important step in the estate planning process; but without funding the trust, there is no value to the trust document.
bull and bear stand off

That’s What Trusts Are For

Learn to Love the Pullbacks
bull and bear stand off

Hope Springs Eternal

Hope Springs Eternal
bull and bear stand off

Climbing The Wall Of Worry

Climbing The Wall Of Worry
bull and bear stand off

Learn to Love the Pullbacks

Learn to Love the Pullbacks
Bob McCormick's Market Observations

Taxes & Scams, Ham & Eggs

Tax season is unnerving enough without scammers preying on you. In this article, Bob shares the latest scam to be wary of.
bull and bear stand off

Making the Right Choice for What You Can’t Take With You

Will the Bull Stumble in 2014?

HEMS To Live By

Joanna Murphy reviews how important language and communication are when it comes to estate planning.
starting a living trust

It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

David Stanley offers some helpful questions that we should be asking our financial advisors.

All Eyes On The Fed

Jim Arens discusses what the new year might hold for both stocks and bonds and whether the strong stock returns of 2013 are likely to continue.
financial abuse in elders

Don’t Let Your Digital Assets Evaporate Into the Cloud

In this article, Melissa Taylor sheds light on a subject that has never crossed the minds of many, Digital Assets & Estate Planning.
Bob McCormick's Market Observations

Just How Safe Are Bonds?

In this article, Zac Reynolds shares his insights on the market and the safety of Bonds.

A Legacy of Wealth and Purpose

In Jamie O'Shields article, A Legacy of Wealth and Purpose, she provides helpful tips on how to make sure your family legacy is carried on... long after you are gone.

Tough Love

In his article, Tough Love, Bob McCormick shares his thoughts on how the possible change in Federal Reserve policy may affect interest rates and the stock market.
historical books

Why Establish a Trust?

In this article, Jean Kates shares her perspective, as a rancher's daughter, on why establishing a trust is so important.

Are Your Assets Protected?

In this article, Michael Hairston discusses a variety of asset protection options to consider in this uncertain world.

Can Stocks Stay “In The Zone”?

With a strong first quarter for stocks, Cameron Turner explains the reasons and offers his thoughts as to what the future might bring.
how to plan for retirement

Retire On Time

Don’t miss Paul Giehm’s timely article on four important principles.

Is Free Market Capitalism Fair?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

It’s All About Medicare

With the dawn of 2013, Jim Arens shares his thoughts on what the upcoming year may hold for the investment community and more importantly, for you.

Making Cents

In the December 2012 issue of Tulsa People

So You Think You’re Rational?

Cameron Turner's article poses three questions to help you determine if you are a rational investor.

How Do You Spell Taxmeggedon?

Joanna Murphy describes the impact of these changes as they relate to investments and estate planning.

Avoiding A Fall Off The Fiscal Cliff

With the presidential election only a month away, the “fiscal cliff” looming at the end of this year, and the potential for significant increases in taxes beginning next year, investors are focusing  on what might happen and what they should do about it.
how to plan for retirement

The Retirement Myth

Two popular yet contradictory mindsets in modern culture say that you should love what you do and that you should strive to stop doing it as early as possible.

The Sword of Damocles: Funding the Living Trust

Jamie O’Shields writes about unfunded living trusts and the dangers of staying in the hot seat.
financial abuse in elders

Preventing Exploitation of Elders

Jennifer May discusses a topic we all hope to never experience but need to be made aware of. Elder exploitation is no joke. Learn how to arm yourself and your loved ones.

IRAs: Why, When & How Often

Karen Ellis provides 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.
financial planning services

Yes, We Can!

David Stanley clears up a common misconception some individuals have when they hear the name “Trust Company of Oklahoma.”
historical books

Family Wealth Preservation Trust

Protecting your assets from creditors may not be the first thing you think about when you wake up but all too often, people do not think about it at all until it is too late. Fortunately, in Oklahoma we have an attractive asset protection vehicle called the Oklahoma Family Wealth Preservation Trust (FWPT) that can help Oklahoma residents and non-residents alike. Read Lesa Creveling’s insightful article (originally published June 2006) on the benefits of this asset protection trust, its tax treatment and how it works in relation to federal bankruptcy law.
managing trust and estate planning

The Road to Trustee Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

Joanna Murphy discusses the challenges individuals face when serving as a trustee or as an executor of an estate. Being a fiduciary carries a tremendous amount of responsibility ranging from detailed record keeping to bill paying, from tax returns to investments. But don’t despair - Joanna also shares how having a corporate trustee such as Trust Company of Oklahoma can help ease the burden when filling this role, especially for friends and family.

Prosperity with a Purpose

Is there a purpose for your prosperity? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish with your wealth?

Planning & Caring for Children with Special Needs

Parents of children with disabilities are often faced with the challenge of providing a level of care most families never experience.
how to plan for retirement

What About My Retirement?

When I retire, I plan to travel to exotic places, spoil the grandkids I hope to have someday and spend lots of time on the beach. I know these dreams won’t come true without some wise decisions on my part--many of which have to do with my retirement plan.
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