Post-September 11 financial planning - Economics

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Jan, 2003 by Joe Rob

Trusts are often overlooked by some advisors who are more accustomed to "mainstream" financial planning. Still, trusts can be incredibly creative options in the hands of advisors who have access to them and have enough interest in the well-being of their clients to take the time to learn how to use them appropriately. Finding an advisor who has trust experience can be an important advantage.

We have all heard how the Chinese symbols for crisis and opportunity are the same. The current confused environment offers challenges and opportunities of historic proportions. The Pearlmans were forced by circumstances beyond their control into a situation with unimaginable consequences. By taking careful inventory and keeping as many options open as possible, they were able to create opportunity from crisis. By applying these same principles, and taking advantage of the wide variety of financial planning options available to us, we can do likewise.

Joe Rob is chief executive officer of the Sentinel Companies, a full-service trust company headquartered in Montpelier, Vt.