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Simply Trust FAQs

Understand what really happens after someone passes away, how probate works in plain English, and the practical steps families can take to streamline the process.

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What Goes in Trusts? Here are 50 Things.

What Goes in Trusts? Here are 50 Things.

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Protecting Privacy in Estate Planning

Protecting Privacy in Estate Planning

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What Makes a Trust Legally Binding?

What Makes a Trust Legally Binding?

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The Role of Beneficiaries in Estate Planning and Management

The Role of Beneficiaries in Estate Planning and Management

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Why Revocable Trusts Become Irrevocable

Why Revocable Trusts Become Irrevocable

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A Living Trust Is a Revocable Trust Is a Living Revocable Trust

A Living Trust Is a Revocable Trust Is a Living Revocable Trust

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Non-Financial Assets in Trusts? Yes.

Non-Financial Assets in Trusts? Yes.

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What Is a Special Needs Trust?

What Is a Special Needs Trust?

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Are Pet Trusts a Thing?

Are Pet Trusts a Thing?

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What Does “Fund a Trust” Mean?

What Does “Fund a Trust” Mean?

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What Goes in Trusts? Here are 50 Things.
SimplyTrust

What Goes in Trusts? Here are 50 Things.

November 27, 2024

What goes in trusts? Almost anything, really, from your home to your grandmother’s tea set to your favorite wrench.

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.

1. Your Home

The classic starter. Putting your house in a trust helps you avoid probate and make things easier for your heirs.

2. Vacation Property

Because even your beach getaway deserves a little estate planning love.

3. Rental Properties

Got tenants? Keep things tidy by putting in your rental properties.

4. Bank Accounts

Savings, checking, CDs—you can park them all in. Just leave enough for your coffee habit.

5. Investment Accounts

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

6. Retirement Accounts (Sort Of)

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

7. Life Insurance Policies

Ensure that payout goes exactly where you want it to—no detours.

8. Cars

Yes, even your beloved vintage Mustang or trusty minivan can go in.

9. Boats

If you’re lucky enough to have one, keep it shipshape in a trust.

10. Art Collections

Picasso or paint-by-numbers, your art can go safely in.

11. Jewelry

Grandma’s pearls? Uncle Joe’s gold cufflinks? Trust-worthy.

12. Antiques

Your Victorian rocking chair can have a secure future, too.

13. Heirlooms

Pass down the family treasures without drama. Trusts to the rescue!

14. Business Interests

Got an LLC or shares in a company? Placing them in protects them.

15. Patents and Trademarks

Own the next big invention? Keep those royalties flowing where you want them.

16. Copyrights

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

17. Digital Assets

Yes, even digital assets like your blog, social media accounts, or NFT collection can go in.

18. Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin? Ethereum? Trusts can hold the keys to your digital goldmine.

19. Promissory Notes

Owed money? Trusts can hold these, making repayments smoother.

20. Mortgages

If someone owes you, a trust can hold that asset.

21. Loans to Family

Keep those IOUs in to avoid future awkwardness.

22. Precious Metals

Gold bars, silver coins, or platinum—trusts love a good shine.

23. Farm Equipment

Got a tractor? Put it in. Your John Deere will thank you.

24. Livestock

Your cows, sheep, or alpacas can also join the party.

25. Agricultural Land

Because farmland is worth protecting for future generations.

26. Mineral Rights

Oil, gas, or other resources? A trust can hold those royalties.

27. Airplane

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

28. Collectible Cars

Your pristine 1967 Camaro deserves a secure spot.

29. Wine Collections

Whether it’s for drinking or investing, wine’s a worthy asset.

30. Sports Memorabilia

Babe Ruth’s signed baseball or your childhood rookie card collection fits right in.

31. Firearms (in Some States)

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

32. Horses

Racehorses, show horses, or your daughter’s beloved pony—cover it all.

33. Timeshares

Avoid the paperwork headache by putting timeshares in.

34. Club Memberships

Golf, country club, or yacht club memberships can go in.

35. Wedding Rings

Sentimental and valuable, these deserve protection.

36. Collectible Stamps

Your prized philatelic treasures will stay safe.

37. Coins

Old pennies or rare gold coins? Trust-approved.

38. Furnishings

From IKEA to bespoke furniture, it’s trust material.

39. Books

First editions, signed copies, or family Bibles can all find a place.

40. Tools

Hand tools, power tools, or that one wrench you’ve had forever.

41. Music Instruments

Your Steinway piano or Fender guitar can live on in trust.

42. Medical Equipment

You can include wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other medical devices.

43. Airline Miles

Yes, you can assign these to a trust. Free flights forever!

44. Frequent Flyer Points

Similar to airline miles, these can also go in.

45. Gift Cards

If they’re valuable enough, even gift cards can hang out in a trust.

46. Holiday Decorations

Yes, even your prized antique Christmas ornaments.

47. Pets

This one is serious. Pet trusts ensure that your furry loved ones get the care you want them to.

48. Sentimental Items

Your scrapbook or photo albums or whatever else you want can go to the right person.

49. Cash

Sometimes the simplest option is also the best.

50. Anything Else of Value

If it matters to you and has worth, even if it’s just sentimental, it’s probably trust material.

What goes in trusts? What doesn’t (sort of)?

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).