Wisdom for Your
Financial Journey

Written by Ryan Anderson, Private Wealth Advisor, and Blake Mankin, Financial Planner, in Blue Trust's Houston, Texas office Blue Trust specializes in helping clients understand strategic approaches for giving generously to the ministries and charities they're passionate about. Many donors are familiar with how to donate liquid assets like cash; however, they can also give through noncash options such as equity or stock shares in companies.

Women are wielding greater financial power today than at any point in history. In fact, it's estimated that women: Now control 51% or $22 trillion of American personal wealth. Will manage $30 trillion of intergenerational wealth by 2030. Control 80% of household buying decisions. While nine out of 10 women report that they are actively taking steps to achieve financial independence, only 14% say that they feel confident talking about saving and investing.

Written by Russ Crosson, EVP and Chief Mission Officer As we enjoy the lazy days of summer, children expend their energy on camps, vacations, visiting family, hanging out with friends, and enjoying freedom from homework. In this blog, I would like to give you, as parents and grandparents, something to think about as we wrap up the summer.

Have you considered how you will influence the lives of your children, grandchildren, and beyond? Many of us have life stories and lessons we want to pass down to our descendants, but how do we leave a legacy that can survive future generations? When sharing your values and hard-won wisdom with your descendants, there is a lot they can learn from the successes you have achieved in life and the struggles you have faced.

Third quarter 2023 presented a complex economic landscape marked by banking sector turmoil, U.S. debt ceiling negotiations, and growing investor focus on artificial intelligence as a market driver. Despite recession concerns and persistent inflation, markets advanced, though uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve policy, regional banking stability, and global economic growth remained elevated.

Bank failures have put stress on the markets this year, but another area that has the potential to frustrate the economy is the $20 trillion commercial real estate (CRE) market. Commercial real estate is a broad term that encompasses various types of properties used for business purposes, such as offices, retail shops, industrial and logistics warehouses, multifamily housing facilities, and hospitality establishments.

Kingdom-minded business owners can preserve their company's legacy during an external transition by intentionally planning the sale process. Blue Trust advisors guide owners through preparing for sale, finding the right buyer who shares their values, and maintaining the company's mission and culture throughout the transaction.

An internal business transition plan helps family members or key leaders preserve a company's legacy while maintaining its core purposes and values. This white paper outlines essential elements for successful ownership transfer, including developing corporate governance and wisdom, establishing leadership continuity, and implementing stewardship practices.

Strategic and financial consulting enhances corporate value by combining advisor expertise with eight principled tenets focused on legacy building, stewardship, leadership, and capital allocation. Blue Trust's consulting services help corporations develop strong governance structures, execute sound business strategies, and navigate financial complexities to achieve sustainable growth.

Blue Trust's business consulting team helps corporate leaders evaluate their company's fiscal health and governance position through a collaborative approach that examines eight essential aspects: governance structure, financial prosperity, strategic vision, financial controls, enterprise value, leadership development, succession readiness, and corporate culture.

Most of us are familiar with the verse in John 13:34, where we are commanded to love one another. Loving our families and those close to us may be easy, but what does it truly mean or look like to demonstrate love, care, and concern for others?

This spring newsletter explores how individuals can build a comprehensive life balance sheet that extends beyond financial assets to include social and spiritual capital.