Trust Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
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Must I have a trust to use your investment services?   back to top
You’re not required to create a trust. If you prefer, you can put us to work on a less formal basis. All it takes is a simple agency agreement, designating us to act as your investment agent. However, many of our clients choose trust arrangements because of the unique advantages they offer.



What are the advantages of a trust?   back to top
With a trust you can not only draw on our broad investment capabilities but also arrange to have us perform any number of special services, now or in the future. These personalized services could range from making payments of estimated taxes while you’re traveling abroad to providing full personal financial management in the event you suffer an incapacitating illness. Also, you can name one or more beneficiaries to receive the assets of your trust at your death. These distributions avoid probate. Or, you can have your trust continue beyond your lifetime, serving as a source of continuing income and support for your spouse, a child or others whom you designate.



How do I go about setting up a trust?   back to top
First, you will need a trust agreement with written instructions drawn up by your attorney.  Once this agreement is signed by you (as grantor of the trust) and accepted by BankFinancial (as trustee), we will then collect your assets and deposit them into the trust account. Trusts of this type are often called living trusts to distinguish them from testamentary trusts (those established under the terms of a will). Living trusts created for the purpose of personal asset management are also known as revocable trusts. That’s because the person who creates the trust reserves the right to cancel or revoke it.



If I create a trust, can I keep control?   back to top
Yes. Usually our trust clients keep control in three ways: First, the trust agreement specifies, as the grantor of the trust, you have the right to make withdrawals (or additions) at any time. Second, the grantor reserves the right to revoke the trust. Third, the grantor reserves the right to give us updated instructions by amending the trust agreement.



Can I make the investment decisions?   back to top
Yes, if that is your preference. However, the majority of our clients look to us for objective, unbiased portfolio expert advice. BankFinancial offers a full discretion investment account, as well as self-directed custodial services.



Is trust service expensive?   back to top
Our fees are very competitive with those charged by brokers and other fee based investment advisory firms. Because we act in a fiduciary capacity, we are completely fee based. Therefore, we are fully focused on growing your investment portfolio.



How big must a trust fund be?   back to top
If you think of millions of dollars when you hear the word “trust,” you’re the victim of a widespread misconception. BankFinancial has developed ways to handle even small trusts under $100,000 efficiently. In any case, we don’t think in terms of fixed minimums. Instead we ask ourselves, “Is a trust the best way to meet this person’s estate plan?”  To find out whether a trust would be right for you, we can schedule an exploratory talk with a Trust Advisors.



How much of a return will I get on my money?   back to top
That depends on your goals and your investment objectives. The S&P 500 a diversified portfolio of 500 stocks has produced over the last 50 years a return (dividends plus growth in principal value) of approximately 10%.  Bonds have produced somewhat lower returns overall, but they sometimes offer a higher level of current income than stocks.* As a trustee, our goal is to provide consistent long-term returns. We emphasize the right asset allocation based on your investment goals and take into account your risk tolerance.



Who should be the trustee of my trust?   back to top
Look for experience first. Look for someone—or a financial organization, such as BankFinancial. You’ll want such experience to provide financial security for you and your family. Your trustee should have financial strength as well as professional investment capabilities. The trustee should participate in the financial markets every day, and trusteeship must be treated as a full-time job. That describes us perfectly.



How can I find out more about trusts?   back to top
That’s easy. Our trust and investment pros will be glad to assemble further information for you, analyze your investment requirements, review your investment portfolio and answer your questions.



Other Questions?
You may use the search tool (opens in a new Window) for information on specific products or services. Or you may call our Customer Service Center at 1.800.894.6900 option 6.


*Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Not FDIC insured / May lose value / Not financial institution guaranteed / Not a bank deposit / Not insured by any federal government agency.