You’re a parent. Of course you want your children to thrive, to be as happy and successful as they can be. Along with parental love and practical advice, you may want to transfer some of your wealth to your children. To transfer wealth in the most protective and tax-efficient way possible, consider using a trust.

The structure of your trust should reflect both your own and your children’s financial, professional and personal goals. But different generations have different perspectives. For example, surveys show that younger Americans tend to have a keener sensitivity to wealth inequality than their parents and grandparents. In other words, multigenerational understanding and dialogue are crucial to prudent trust and estate planning. To set up the most effective trust structure and strategy, you’ll want to understand the worldview of your children’s generation, whether Millennials (born 1981–1996) or Gen Z (born 1997–2012), and your own children’s passions and goals.

Consider these when setting up trusts for your children: 1.Passion for philanthropy 2.Entrepreneurial spirit 3Later-in-life marriage

 

Philanthropic passion

Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to donate to charity than any other generation.1 The pandemic seems to have intensified that commitment. According to one recent survey, 60% of Millennials voiced an increased interest in philanthropy due to COVID-19.2 Sometimes the focus is domestic, while at other times Millennials pursue international giving objectives.

How can a trust support your children’s philanthropic goals?

Many times, trust documents are written to distribute funds to beneficiaries according to the ascertainable standard (to help pay for their health, education, maintenance and support). However, this standard provision wouldn’t allow your children to withdraw trust funds to support their philanthropic endeavors. An alternative structure, including a charitable beneficiary alongside your children, can give a trustee the power to distribute trust assets to charity.

Instead of trying to finesse the language of a trust agreement, you may establish and fund either a private foundation or donor-advised fund account. One important benefit: Children can sit on the board of the foundation and influence its donation strategy. A private foundation or donor-advised fund account can exist in perpetuity, and help you to instill and inspire philanthropic values for many generations.

Entrepreneurial spirit

Americans have long been known for an entrepreneurial spirit, but it may be especially pronounced among Millennials. One survey found that 66% of Millennials aspire to start their own businesses, and 61% of them feel they would have more job security by owning their own companies.3

Here are a few ways you might help your children make that dream come true:

  • Boost your children’s business engagement and sense of entrepreneurship by setting up a trust. For example, you might transfer your privately held business assets to your children in the trust. How might that spark an entrepreneurial spirit? Just knowing a trust is there might give your children the peace of mind to try something entrepreneurial, taking on the risks of starting a business that others would find daunting. But it is critical to choose the right trustee to provide guidance and expertise.
  • Put seed money for your children’s businesses in a trust. Doing so would provide a resource to fund your children’s entrepreneurial ideas, while providing guardrails and oversight to protect the principal of the trust. Ensure that you work closely with an estate planning lawyer as well as a responsible and knowledgeable trustee so the terms of that trust’s distribution or loans from the trust work well for the children’s goals. Specifically, a trust can be set up to allow the trustee to support reasonable entrepreneurial initiatives, if your children choose to pursue them.

Later-in-life marriage

As many aspiring grandparents know, children of Baby Boomers are getting married later in life. In fact, Pew Research found that Millennials are getting married on average four years later in life than their counterparts in 1987.4

Marrying later means that many members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations may have accrued a substantial pool of assets by the time they do tie the knot. That may strengthen the argument for a pre-nuptial agreement.

If you do not want to broach this sensitive subject with your children, there are other ways to ensure that the wealth you intend for your children cannot be claimed by a potential ex-spouse:

  • Establish a separate property trust for your children. This would help distinguish marital property from separate property in the trust (essentially property acquired before marriage or through inheritance or a gift). The assets in the trust will most likely never be considered marital property.
  • Consider creating a dynasty trust. Such a trust would help transfer your assets from generation to generation without incurring transfer taxes, while providing asset protection in perpetuity. The terms of the trust may or may not include spouses of the family members or the option for a beneficiary to appoint trust assets to a spouse.

You want your wealth to best support your children’s ambitions and aspirations—and your trust should be structured accordingly. When establishing any type of trust structure, we recommend you involve the next generation early on—together, you’re building a family legacy.

Your J.P. Morgan team can work closely with you and your attorney to help you make sure your trust works well for you and your children, and that it is well positioned to meet the challenges of the future. We administer nearly 20,000 trusts globally, handling virtually every type of family, situation and asset type.5

Speak to your J.P. Morgan team to learn more about trusts and other next-generation wealth strategies.

References

1.  WNPR, Millennials and Charitable Giving: A New Approach to Philanthropy, December 2019.
2.  UBS, UBS Investor Watch: Wealthy investors see lasting life changes after COVID-19, July 2020.
3.  Inc., Are Millennials the New Entrepreneurs?, November 2018.
4.  Pew Research, As Millennials Near 40, They’re Approaching Family Life Differently Than Previous Generations, May 2020.
5.  As of December 2020.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This material is for informational purposes only, and may inform you of certain products and services offered by J.P. Morgan’s wealth management businesses, part of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“JPM”). Products and services described, as well as associated fees, charges and interest rates, are subject to change in accordance with the applicable account agreements and may differ among geographic locations. Not all products and services are offered at all locations. If you are a person with a disability and need additional support accessing this material, please contact your J.P. Morgan team or email us at accessibility.support@jpmorgan.com for assistance. Please read all Important Information.

GENERAL RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS. Any views, strategies or products discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to risks. Investors may get back less than they invested, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Nothing in this material should be relied upon in isolation for the purpose of making an investment decision. You are urged to consider carefully whether the services, products, asset classes (e.g. equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities, etc.) or strategies discussed are suitable to your needs. You must also consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with an investment service, product or strategy prior to making an investment decision. For this and more complete information, including discussion of your goals/situation, contact your J.P. Morgan team.

NON-RELIANCE. Certain information contained in this material is believed to be reliable; however, JPM does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability or completeness, or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. No representation or warranty should be made with regard to any computations, graphs, tables, diagrams or commentary in this material, which are provided for illustration/reference purposes only. The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed in this material constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. JPM assumes no duty to update any information in this material in the event that such information changes. Views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein may differ from those expressed by other areas of JPM, views expressed for other purposes or in other contexts, and this material should not be regarded as a research report. Any projected results and risks are based solely on hypothetical examples cited, and actual results and risks will vary depending on specific circumstances. Forward-looking statements should not be considered as guarantees or predictions of future events.

Nothing in this document shall be construed as giving rise to any duty of care owed to, or advisory relationship with, you or any third party. Nothing in this document shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by J.P. Morgan and/or its officers or employees, irrespective of whether or not such communication was given at your request. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transactions.

In the United States, bank deposit accounts and related services, such as checking, savings and bank lending, are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates (collectively “JPMCB”) offer investment products, which may include bank-managed investment accounts and custody, as part of its trust and fiduciary services. Other investment products and services, such as brokerage and advisory accounts, are offered through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), a member of FINRA and SIPC. Annuities are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. JPMCB, JPMS and CIA are affiliated companies under the common control of JPM. Products not available in all states.

In Luxembourg, this material is issued by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. (JPMBL), with registered office at European Bank and Business Centre, 6 route de Treves,
L-2633, Senningerberg, Luxembourg. R.C.S Luxembourg B10.958. Authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized as a credit institution in accordance with the Law of 5th April 1993. In the United Kingdom, this material is issued by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., London Branch, registered office at 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5JP. Authorised and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. Deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website. In Spain, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Sucursal en España, with registered office at Paseo de la Castellana, 31, 28046 Madrid, Spain. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Sucursal en España is registered under number 1516 within the administrative registry of  the Bank of Spain and supervised by the Spanish Securities Market Commission (CNMV). In Germany, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Frankfurt Branch, registered office at Taunustor 1 (TaunusTurm), 60310 Frankfurt, Germany, jointly supervised by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and the European Central Bank (ECB), and in certain areas also supervised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin). In Italy, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Milan Branch, registered office at Via Cordusio 3, 20123 Milano, Italy and regulated by Bank of Italy and the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB). In the Netherlands, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch, with registered office at World Trade Centre, Tower B, Strawinskylaan 1135, 1077 XX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch is authorized and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF in Luxembourg; J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch is also authorized and supervised by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in the Netherlands. Registered with the Kamer van Koophandel as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under registration number 71651845. In Denmark, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, Copenhagen Br, filial af J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. with registered office at Kalvebod Brygge 39-41, 1560 København V, Denmark. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, Copenhagen Br, filial af J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized  and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, Copenhagen Br, filial af J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is also subject to the supervision of Finanstilsynet (Danish FSA) and registered with Finanstilsynet as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under code 29009. In Sweden, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Stockholm Bankfilial, with registered office at Hamngatan 15, Stockholm, 11147, Sweden. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Stockholm Bankfilial is authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Stockholm Bankfilial is also subject to the supervision of Finansinspektionen (Swedish FSA). Registered with Finansinspektionen as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. In France, this material is distributed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMCB”), Paris branch, which is regulated by the French banking authorities Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution and Autorité des Marchés Financiers. In Switzerland, material is distributed by J.P. Morgan (Suisse) SA, with registered address at rue de la Confédération, 8, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland, which is authorised and supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), with registered address at Laupenstrasse 27, 3003, Bern, Switzerland, as a bank and a securities dealer in Switzerland.  Please consult the following link to obtain information regarding J.P. Morgan’s EMEA data protection policy: https://www.jpmorgan.com/privacy.

In Hong Kong, this material is distributed by JPMCB, Hong Kong branch. JPMCB, Hong Kong branch is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, we will cease to use your personal data for our marketing purposes without charge if you so request. In Singapore, this material is distributed by JPMCB, Singapore branch. JPMCB, Singapore branch is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Dealing and advisory services and discretionary investment management services are provided to you by JPMCB, Hong Kong/Singapore branch (as notified to you). Banking and custody services are provided to you by JPMCB Singapore Branch. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong, Singapore or any other jurisdictions. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to this document. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice. For materials which constitute product advertisement under the Securities and Futures Act and the Financial Advisers Act, this advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States, and as a body corporate, its shareholder’s liability is limited.

With respect to countries in Latin America, the distribution of this material may be restricted in certain jurisdictions. We may offer and/or sell to you securities or other financial instruments which may not be registered under, and are not the subject of a public offering under, the securities or other financial regulatory laws of your home country. Such securities or instruments are offered and/or sold to you on a private basis only. Any communication by us to you regarding such securities or instruments, including without limitation the delivery of a prospectus, term sheet or other offering document, is not intended by us as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or instruments in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful. Furthermore, such securities or instruments may be subject to certain regulatory and/or contractual restrictions on subsequent transfer by you, and you are solely responsible for ascertaining and complying with such restrictions. To the extent this content makes reference to a fund, the Fund may not be publicly offered in any Latin American country, without previous registration of such fund´s securities in compliance with the laws of the corresponding jurisdiction. Public offering of any security, including the shares of the Fund, without previous registration at Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission–CVM is completely prohibited. Some products or services contained in the materials might not be currently provided by the Brazilian and Mexican platforms.

This material is intended for your personal use and should not be circulated to or used by any other person, or duplicated for non-personal use, without our permission. If you have any questions or no longer wish to receive these communications, please contact your J.P. Morgan team.