
<p><span>When people think about estate planning, financial assets like bank accounts, investments, and retirement funds usually come to mind. But what about non-financial assets in trusts? Can (and should) they go in too? The short answer: Yes, you can put many non-financial assets into a trust, and doing so often makes sense for long-term estate planning.</span></p>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1738809953356"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are non-financial assets?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer"><span>Non-financial assets include anything of value that isn’t tied to a bank or investment account. These can range from tangible property to intellectual property</span> to sentimental items like family heirlooms and photo albums.</p> </div> </div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-examples"><span>Common Examples:</span></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Real Estate:</strong><span> Homes, vacation properties, and rental units.</span></li>



<li><strong>Vehicles:</strong><span> Cars, boats, motorcycles, and even airplanes.</span></li>



<li><strong>Collectibles:</strong><span> Artwork, antiques, rare books, and memorabilia.</span></li>



<li><strong>Sentimental Items:</strong><span> Family heirlooms, photo albums, and personal journals.</span></li>



<li><strong>Digital Assets:</strong><span> Online accounts, domain names, and social media profiles.</span></li>



<li><strong>Intellectual Property:</strong><span> Royalties, patents, and copyrights.</span></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-put-non-financial-assets-in-trusts"><span>Why Put Non-Financial Assets in Trusts?</span></h2>



<p><span>Placing non-financial assets in offers several benefits:</span></p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Bypass Probate:</strong><span> Trusts help avoid probate—a lengthy and often costly process—ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership to beneficiaries.</span></li>



<li><strong>Protecting Privacy:</strong><span> Unlike wills, which become public record, trusts remain private, keeping sensitive assets out of court proceedings.</span></li>



<li><strong>Providing Clear Instructions:</strong><span> A trust allows you to specify exactly how and when to distribute assets, preventing potential disputes.</span></li>



<li><strong>Ensuring Proper Management:</strong><span> Some assets, like rental properties or family heirlooms, may require ongoing care. A trust can name a responsible trustee to oversee them.</span></li>
</ol>



<p><span>Imagine a parent who owns a family cabin that has been passed down for generations. By placing it in a trust, they can ensure that the cabin remains in the family without going through probate. They can also set guidelines, such as who can use it and how the trustee handles maintenance expenses. Similarly, an artist might place their original works and intellectual property in a trust to ensure their royalties continue to benefit their loved ones.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-financial-assets-in-trusts-yup"><span>Non-Financial Assets in Trusts? Yup.</span></h2>



<p><span>Treasured heirlooms and artworks are just as important as financial assets when it comes to estate planning. Placing non-financial assets like <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2951/include-digital-assets-in-trusts/">digital assets in trusts</a> protects their value, simplifies their transfer, and honors your long-term wishes. </span></p>


Non-Financial Assets in Trusts? Yes.


<p><span>You’ve probably heard people talk about putting things “in trust,” but what does that even mean? Spoiler: It’s not just for billionaires trying to shelter their yachts. Trusts are surprisingly versatile and can hold way more than you’d think—from your house to your grandma’s vintage tea set (yes, really). So, what goes in trusts? Here’s a rundown of 50 things.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-your-home"><strong>1. Your Home</strong></h4>



<p><span>The classic starter. Putting your <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3346/putting-a-house-in-a-trust/">house in a trust</a> helps you avoid probate and make things easier for your heirs.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-vacation-property"><strong>2. Vacation Property</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because even your beach getaway deserves a little estate planning love.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-rental-properties"><strong>3. Rental Properties</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got tenants? Keep things tidy by putting in your rental properties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-bank-accounts"><strong>4. Bank Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Savings, checking, CDs—you can park them all in. Just leave enough for your coffee habit.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-investment-accounts"><strong>5. Investment Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Stocks and bonds feel right at home in a trust, whether they’re skyrocketing or…well…not.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-retirement-accounts-sort-of"><strong>6. Retirement Accounts (Sort Of)</strong></h4>



<p><span>While you can’t technically move retirement accounts in, you can name the trust as a beneficiary. Clever, right?</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-life-insurance-policies"><strong>7. Life Insurance Policies</strong></h4>



<p><span>Ensure that payout goes exactly where you want it to—no detours.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-cars"><strong>8. Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your beloved vintage Mustang or trusty minivan can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-boats"><strong>9. Boats</strong></h4>



<p><span>If you’re lucky enough to have one, keep it shipshape in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-art-collections"><strong>10. Art Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Picasso or paint-by-numbers, your art can go safely in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-jewelry"><strong>11. Jewelry</strong></h4>



<p><span>Grandma’s pearls? Uncle Joe’s gold cufflinks? Trust-worthy.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-antiques"><strong>12. Antiques</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Victorian rocking chair can have a secure future, too.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-heirlooms"><strong>13. Heirlooms</strong></h4>



<p><span>Pass down the family treasures without drama. Trusts to the rescue!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-business-interests"><strong>14. Business Interests</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got an LLC or shares in a company? Placing them in protects them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-patents-and-trademarks"><strong>15. Patents and Trademarks</strong></h4>



<p><span>Own the next big invention? Keep those royalties flowing where you want them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-copyrights"><strong>16. Copyrights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Music, books, or films you created? Your trust can hold the rights to your masterpieces…or your family beach videos.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-17-digital-assets"><strong>17. Digital Assets</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2951/include-digital-assets-in-trusts/">digital assets</a> like your blog, social media accounts, or NFT collection can go in</span>.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-18-cryptocurrency"><strong>18. Cryptocurrency</strong></h4>



<p><span>Bitcoin? Ethereum? Trusts can hold the keys to your digital goldmine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-19-promissory-notes"><strong>19. Promissory Notes</strong></h4>



<p><span>Owed money? Trusts can hold these, making repayments smoother.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-20-mortgages"><strong>20. Mortgages</strong></h4>



<p><span>If someone owes you, a trust can hold that asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-21-loans-to-family"><strong>21. Loans to Family</strong></h4>



<p><span>Keep those IOUs in to avoid future awkwardness.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-22-precious-metals"><strong>22. Precious Metals</strong></h4>



<p><span>Gold bars, silver coins, or platinum—trusts love a good shine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23-farm-equipment"><strong>23. Farm Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got a tractor? Put it in. Your John Deere will thank you.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-24-livestock"><strong>24. Livestock</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your cows, sheep, or alpacas can also join the party.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-25-agricultural-land"><strong>25. Agricultural Land</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because farmland is worth protecting for future generations.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-26-mineral-rights"><strong>26. Mineral Rights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Oil, gas, or other resources? A trust can hold those royalties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-27-airplane"><strong>27. Airplane</strong></h4>



<p><span>Private jet or hobby glider? (I mean, some people do own airplanes). You can keep them flying high.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-28-collectible-cars"><strong>28. Collectible Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your pristine 1967 Camaro deserves a secure spot.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-29-wine-collections"><strong>29. Wine Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Whether it’s for drinking or investing, wine’s a worthy asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-sports-memorabilia"><strong>30. Sports Memorabilia</strong></h4>



<p><span>Babe Ruth’s signed baseball or your childhood rookie card collection fits right in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-31-firearms-in-some-states"><strong>31. Firearms</strong> (in Some States)</h4>



<p><span>Firearm trusts are a thing—</span>in some states<span>. (Not all states allow for their inclusion in trusts because of the complexity of firearm licensing.</span>)</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-32-horses"><strong>32. Horses</strong></h4>



<p><span>Racehorses, show horses, or your daughter’s beloved pony—cover it all.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-33-timeshares"><strong>33. Timeshares</strong></h4>



<p><span>Avoid the paperwork headache by putting timeshares in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-34-club-memberships"><strong>34. Club Memberships</strong></h4>



<p><span>Golf, country club, or yacht club memberships can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-35-wedding-rings"><strong>35. Wedding Rings</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sentimental and valuable, these deserve protection.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-36-collectible-stamps"><strong>36. Collectible Stamps</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your prized philatelic treasures will stay safe.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-37-coins"><strong>37. Coins</strong></h4>



<p><span>Old pennies or rare gold coins? Trust-approved.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-38-furnishings"><strong>38. Furnishings</strong></h4>



<p><span>From IKEA to bespoke furniture, it’s trust material.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-39-books"><strong>39. Books</strong></h4>



<p><span>First editions, signed copies, or family Bibles can all find a place.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-40-tools"><strong>40. Tools</strong></h4>



<p><span>Hand tools, power tools, or that one wrench you’ve had forever.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-41-music-instruments"><strong>41. Music Instruments</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Steinway piano or Fender guitar can live on in trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-42-medical-equipment"><strong>42. Medical Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>You can include wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other medical devices.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-43-airline-miles"><strong>43. Airline Miles</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, you can assign these to a trust. Free flights forever!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-44-frequent-flyer-points"><strong>44. Frequent Flyer Points</strong></h4>



<p><span>Similar to airline miles, these can also go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-45-gift-cards"><strong>45. Gift Cards</strong></h4>



<p><span>If they’re valuable enough, even gift cards can hang out in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-46-holiday-decorations"><strong>46. Holiday Decorations</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your prized antique Christmas ornaments.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-47-pets"><strong>47. Pets</strong></h4>



<p><span>This one is serious. <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2706/are-pet-trusts-a-thing/">Pet trusts</a> ensure that your furry loved ones get the care you want them to.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-48-sentimental-items"><strong>48. Sentimental Items</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your scrapbook or photo albums or whatever else you want can go to the right person.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-49-cash"><strong>49. Cash</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sometimes the simplest option is also the best.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-50-anything-else-of-value"><strong>50. Anything Else of Value</strong></h4>



<p><span>If it matters to you and has worth, even if it’s just sentimental, it’s probably trust material.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-goes-in-trusts-what-doesn-t-sort-of"><strong>What goes in trusts? What doesn’t (sort of)?</strong></h2>



<p><span>Trusts are like a Swiss Army knife for estate planning—they can hold a surprisingly wide variety of items. Whether it’s your Tesla, your typewriter, or your tuxedo collection, trusts are flexible enough to handle it. So, what goes in trusts? Just about everything but the kitchen sink (and honestly, maybe that too).</span></p>


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