Q. Do I need a trust?
A. One of the great advantages of creating a trust is that it allows you to reduce or eliminate estate taxes, which, for 2004, can be as high as 48%, and avoid the delays and costs of probate. If your net worth is above $1.5 million for individuals or $3.0 million for married couples, it would be wise to discuss estate planning options with an attorney or professional estate planner.
Q. What are Semper Trust’s qualifications?
A. At Semper Trust Company and its affiliated adviser, Stratton Management Company, experience is the common denominator among our professional personnel. Our portfolio management team has an average experience level of over 25 years. Our senior managers began their careers in the 1960s and have managed portfolios through periods of high inflation, energy shocks, credit crunches and both bull and bear markets. Our senior trust officers and client service representatives stand ready to assist trust company clients with all facets of trust administration.
While we place a great deal of value upon the wealth of knowledge gained only through a significant number of years in the investment industry, we also take very seriously the responsibility of developing new talent to augment and improve the Firm’s professional staff. We feel that this diversification of our management team with respect to both age and level of experience, enables us to look confidently toward the future while maintaining the knowledge of the past.
Q. What can Semper Trust do for me?
A. Semper Trust Company offers a complete line of both trust services and investment services. We offer timely, responsive and customized solutions to meet your needs, with utmost confidentiality. Each portfolio is individually structured and managed to fit your objectives:
- Client contact can be as little or often as you like and by whatever method is most convenient for you (i.e., phone, mail, e-mail, fax, or in person);
- For those who do not wish to receive proxy votes, quarterly reports, and other material from stock companies, we will arrange to vote the proxy and receive all other materials;
- Employee turnover is extremely low at Semper, so you will always know who you’re talking to when you call and we will personally know you and your needs as well
Q. What is the difference between a fee-based and a commission-based investment manager?
A. A commission-based manager obtains their profit from each trade executed in your account while a fee-based manager obtains profit based on a predetermined percentage of the account’s market value. While there are many reputable commission-based managers in the industry, some may be tempted to trade in your portfolio for their own well-being and not yours. Semper Trust is a fee-based company.
Q. How much will a trust cost?
A. Costs vary depending upon the type of trust you’re creating (the more complex the trust the higher the fee) and the attorney’s fee, which you choose. Considering the tax savings passed on to your heirs, the cost is minimal.
Q. What kind of communication will I have with Semper Trust?
A. Each client receives a quarterly account appraisal from their manager discussing the portfolio, investment changes, the current market conditions, and the economy. Your manager is also available by phone or through face-to-face meetings.
Q. Who will manage my account?
A. Each account is managed by one of our highly experienced investment managers. Trusteed accounts also include an experienced trust administrator as a primary contact.
Q. How will I know if you are meeting my goals?
A. Every client meets with their manager to discuss the portfolio and review their investment objectives. The frequency of these meetings is determined by you and can be in person or by teleconference.