Dad buys stock at $250K.

This isn’t an accident. There’s a reason wealthy families think differently about ownership. They don’t just ask: “What assets do I own?” They ask: “How should those assets be structured?” Imagine an investment grows from $250K → $12M. Selling it could create a significant capital-gains tax bill. But there are other strategies to consider. A properly structured trust may own the asset while you or your family have beneficial interests. And instead of immediately selling an appreciated asset, the owner may be able to borrow against it, depending on the structure and lender. Why does that matter? A bona fide loan generally isn’t treated as ordinary income. No sale = potentially no immediate capital-gains realization. Meanwhile, the asset may continue appreciating. And there’s another important estate-planning concept: Step-up in basis. For assets that qualify, the tax basis can be adjusted to fair market value at death, potentially reducing the capital gain recognized by heirs if they sell soon afterward. So wealthy families aren’t just thinking about: “How much can I make?” They’re thinking about: “How do I preserve, protect, and transfer what I build?” Trusts can be powerful estate-planning tools when properly designed. Don’t just build wealth. Build a structure around it. Note: Trust rules, basis adjustments, and tax treatment vary by trust type and individual circumstances, so this should be framed as education—not personal tax or legal advice.