July 19, 2005

By John Dietz
Senior Advisor

Anyone who is involved in any kind of business has standard core beliefs. These core beliefs are the morals, ethics and disciplines that are true to them no matter what the situation is. We at Trustmakers have morals, ethics and disciplines in addition to the rules that the law permits us to work in. One of our biggest disciplines that we stand by is to educate you on never trusting anyone with the control of your hard earned assets. This idea is the subject for today, and it is the core of information that we strive to deliver to you.

If you have been a long time reader, or if you have just started with us, this idea of not trusting anyone—including your closest, most beloved family and friends—with your assets is crucial to developing an unbreakable asset protection program. History has proven that there will be people who are motivated by jealously and greed over other people whom they perceive to be wealthier than them. The sad part is that some of these motivated malefactors prevail and win! Some of the greatest literature and theater ever written was based upon dramatic stories of backstabbing and thievery (a great example is the works of William Shakespeare.) The point is that these malefactors still exist today and may consider you a good target.

Lately I have been inundated with calls about different programs on the internet that are using the sales pitch that asset protection can be done by handing your wealth over to some third party foundation or multi-member corporation. These programs and their promoters look and sound great at first glance, but just make sure that it passes “the smell test.” (Where it always loses me is when the person says, “Just give me your money.”) I’m convinced that these programs are the modern day versions of the Trojan horse: diversion tactics to get a foothold. It’s as if you are at a magic show and the only thing disappearing is your wealth. What usually happens next is that the IRS makes a ruling that whatever has been done does not pass muster. I’ve talked to many people who have had this happen to them.

It comes down to this: whatever your plans are, don’t trust anyone with your hard earned money. A properly designated asset protection plan never forces you to be vulnerable to anybody. There is one exception, however, and that is when you actually come under attack. This is known as being in a Red Alert Status. When this occurs, then you may have to abrogate some or all control of your assets. The trick is that this expert tactic can be done without ever exposing you to any risk of theft! (This will be the subject of an upcoming newsletter about Kinetic Asset Protection.)

Whoever coined the phrase “think globally and act locally” was correct. The fact is that most of the time your money will remain in the U.S. with you in control of the funds, not in the hands of someone else. This means business as usual, unless you have to go into a Red Alert Status.

Until next time,

John

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