Trust Company of the South

The holiday season is here, bringing joy, reflection and a little bit of chaos. It's a time of giving and connection, but it's also a season full of paradoxes. How do we balance generosity with the pressures of time, resources and expectations? In our holiday letter, The Christmas Paradox, we take a closer look at these contrasts and how they mirror the complexities of the financial markets. It's a thoughtful look at how reflection and planning can help us enjoy the sleigh ride through both the holidays and the year ahead. Read our holiday letter here: https://lnkd.in/eam6tVbc From all of us at Trust Company, may your holidays be merry, bright and filled with meaning. #HolidaySeason #FinancialWisdom #TrustCompany

What does it take to create lasting change for those facing addiction and homelessness? In this episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce talk in-depth with Trina Fullard, CEO of Charlotte Rescue Mission. Trina shares how the mission provides hope and resources to over 300 individuals daily who are facing homelessness and addiction, offering recovery programs for men and women, including spaces for mothers with children. Learn how partnerships with other community organizations provide residents with essential tools—from financial literacy to wellness programs—helping them rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence. Listen to the inspiring conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e_CTSjJJ #trustcompany #charlotterescuemission #communityimpact

What happens after exonerees regain their freedom? In this bonus episode of Trust Company Talks, Christine Mumma of the NC Center on Actual Innocence joins Bill Noble and Burke Koonce to discuss the challenges exonerees face after wrongful convictions and how individualized reentry services can transform lives. The episode covers: - Lessons learned from their success stories and ongoing cases. - The Joseph Sledge House of Healing: a unique initiative providing community and support for exonerees. - Collaborations with businesses like Trust Company and Lowe's to help exonerees rebuild their lives. Hear how Chris and her team are making a difference: https://lnkd.in/eSX7YZAy #trustcompany #justice #innocenceproject

November was a rousing market encore. U.S. stocks delivered their strongest performance of the year, with the S&P 500 rising 5.9% and small-caps leading the way at 11%. Risk assets basked in investor optimism, as hopes for lighter regulation and lower taxes fueled enthusiasm across the board. Even Bitcoin is knockin’ on heaven’s door, approaching $100k. While the market is singing a high note, valuations remain steep, reminding us of the words of the great value investor Axl Rose: “Nothing lasts forever.” Maintaining a margin of safety is as important as ever. Read more in our latest Market Dashboard: https://lnkd.in/esUpGwsu #TrustCompany #investmentstrategy #marketinsights #financialplanning

Could an intrafamily loan be the solution to supporting your loved ones while achieving your financial planning goals? Intrafamily loans are more than just a way to help provide financial support—they can also be a smart estate planning tool. When structured properly, these loans offer flexibility and favorable terms, while transferring wealth across generations without exhausting the lender's estate tax exemption. In our latest article, Walker Douglas, JD, CFP®, associate wealth advisor and principal at Trust Co, explores the components of an intrafamily loan, including promissory notes, AFR compliance and reporting requirements. It also highlights how these loans can help with large purchases, like buying a home or starting a small business, while potentially reducing estate tax liabilities. Get the full details on using intrafamily loans as a financial planning tool: https://lnkd.in/e6mpMnyK #TrustCompany #estateplanning #familysupport

How do you support a community after a weather disaster? In the newest episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce speak with Benjamin Teague, vice president of strategic development at Biltmore Farms, to discuss the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following recent storms. Ben talks about the joint efforts to help local WNC businesses recover, rebuild critical infrastructure and support neighbors in need. The conversation highlights how strategic thinking and a strong sense of unity are helping the region rebuild and restore the heartbeat of the community. Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/egPkbHdG #trustcompany #recoveryefforts #westernnorthcarolina

Natural disasters test the strength of communities—but recovery efforts can pave the way for lasting progress. In this episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce chat with Benjamin Teague of Biltmore Farms. Ben shares lessons from his work in disaster recovery, including his role in helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Katrina and more recent storms in Western North Carolina. From helping small businesses, in areas like Biltmore Village and the River Arts District, get back on their feet to rebuilding infrastructure, this episode highlights the critical work happening to restore and strengthen these communities. Hear how strategic partnerships and planning are helping Western North Carolina recover: https://lnkd.in/egPkbHdG #trustcompany #communityresilience #economicdevelopment

We had the pleasure of hosting our fall women’s event, Cocktails, Gems, and Jewels, at Madre on November 7th! This gathering brought together clients and friends to understand jewelry as an asset class, with insights from DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers and a beautiful trunk show by Hyla Dewitt Jewelry. Our speakers shared why auctions continue to be a prime way to acquire or dissolve high-value collections, sparking great discussions. Thank you to everyone who made this event memorable—we look forward to more evenings like this that inspire and connect our community. #womeninwealth #smartinvesting #trustcompany

Markets are reacting strongly to the election results, and these initial movements are quite interesting. With Donald Trump’s re-election, equity markets have surged, reflecting confidence in expected tax cuts and a more relaxed regulatory environment. Small-cap stocks, in particular, are reaping the benefits of this outlook, as domestic policies could favor U.S.-centered companies. On the flip side, bond markets are showing some apprehension. The recent climb in Treasury yields shows a more cautious perspective, with questions around inflation and fiscal discipline. Our investment philosophy centers on fundamentals and long-term trends, and our latest Market Dashboard offers a deeper look into these contrasting market reactions for investors. Read here: https://lnkd.in/e6GUSyqH #investmentoutlook #financialplanning #TrustCompany

The expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2025 could mean substantial shifts for your estate plan. With changes on the horizon, including higher tax brackets and adjustments to key tax provisions, now’s the time to start preparing. In their latest commentary, Trust Company's Chris Sutherland, principal and wealth advisor and John Frechette, CPA, CFP®, wealth analyst, share their approach on positioning yourself for these upcoming changes. Whether considering income acceleration or taking advantage of certain deductions, planning today could make a difference tomorrow. Get ahead of what’s coming by reviewing your strategy now. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYKUi-jQ #estateplanning #taxplanning #TrustCompany