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 your rental properties in trust.
4. Bank Accounts
Savings, checking, CDs—you can park them all in trust (at the right time). 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 into a trust, 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 trust.
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 trust.
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 trust 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 trust.
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 trust 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 trust. 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 in trust.
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 (Complex)
Firearms have complex federal and state regulations for inheritance. Some states allow specialized gun trusts, while others have restrictions. Platforms like SimplyTrust exclude firearms due to these complexities—consult an attorney for firearm-specific planning.
32. Horses
Racehorses, show horses, or your daughter’s beloved pony—cover it all.
33. Timeshares
Avoid the paperwork headache by putting timeshares in trust.
34. Club Memberships
Golf, country club, or yacht club memberships can go in trust.
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 trust.
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.
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).
