When it comes to protecting your family, few things are more important than securing your legacy. For military families and Veterans, that often means coordinating a lifetime of benefits, pensions, and savings with a clear estate plan that reflects your goals and your service.
At AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC (AWM&T), we help you take the next step from having assets to organizing, protecting, and transferring them so that what you’ve built continues to serve those you love. With expanded AWM&T trust services launching in 2026, here’s what you should know.
Understanding What a Trust Can Do for You
Many families assume that a will alone is enough to outline their wishes. But a will only goes into effect after death and typically must pass through probate, a time-consuming and potentially costly court process.
A trust, on the other hand, can help you:
♦Avoid probate, allowing assets to transfer smoothly to your heirs
♦Protect privacy by keeping your estate details out of the public record
♦Provide structure for minors, dependents, or special needs beneficiaries
♦Reduce administrative burdens on your executor or family members
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by reading our article, Types of Trusts: Which One Is Right for You? It breaks down the key differences between revocable, irrevocable, and special-purpose trusts to help determine which option aligns best with your family’s goals.
How Your Military Family Can Benefit from Trust and Estate Planning
Trust planning is just one part of a complete estate strategy. To truly protect your loved ones, you’ll also need to ensure your legal documents are current and aligned with your intentions. These include your:
♦Will
♦Living trust (if applicable)
♦Financial power of attorney
♦Healthcare directive
♦HIPAA authorization
If you’re missing any of these, our blog Five Key Estate Planning Documents You Need Now explains what each one does and how they work together to protect your family. Every decision you make now affects how your estate will be administered later. Explore Trust and Estate Planning Best Practices for Military Families to discover key considerations and how to coordinate your military benefits with civilian financial assets.
How AWM&T Can Serve Your Trust Needs
We can now serve as trustee for trusts that include a broader range of holdings, such as:
♦Real estate (both beneficiary-occupied and investment properties)
♦Oil, gas, and mineral rights
♦Closely held or family-owned businesses
♦Other non-marketable or unique assets
With this new capability, you’ll have the confidence of working with a trusted fiduciary partner who provides:
♦Vigilant oversight. Your unique assets are professionally tracked, valued, and reported with precision and transparency.
♦Fiduciary protection and due diligence. Unique assets require rigorous oversight. Every decision is made in your best interest and in full compliance with fiduciary standards.
♦One relationship, complete visibility. Integrated systems allow for consolidated reporting across traditional and unique assets for grantors and beneficiaries. Your investment and trust assets are managed in one place, simplifying your financial life.
♦Access to professional networks. Benefit from established relationships with appraisers, property managers, legal counsel, and tax advisors that streamline asset management and reduce costs.
♦Conflict-free decision making. Corporate trustees act impartially, avoiding family disputes and ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of all beneficiaries.
Your Next Step: Start the Conversation
If you’ve explored trust services with us in the past, or you’re entertaining the idea for the first time, there’s never been a better time to connect. Whether you’re looking to simplify complex holdings, integrate your estate plan, or ensure your assets are managed with the care and precision they deserve, AWM&T is ready to help.
Schedule a conversation or call 910-307-3500 today to speak with one of our fiduciary professionals and learn how our expanded trust services for 2026 can help protect your assets, your family, and your peace of mind.
About Us
Founded in 2012, AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC (AWM&T) was created to meet the distinct financial needs of military families. We proudly deliver experienced, trustworthy financial planning, investment management, and trust administration services – all designed to promote lasting security and independence.
We are proud to share the mission, vision, and values of Armed Forces Mutual, our parent company. We consistently build on the Association’s rich history and tradition to provide our Members with a source of compassion, trust, and protection. At AWM&T, we are committed to serving as your trusted fiduciary, always putting your best interests first. Through Armed Forces Mutual's legacy and our financial guidance, we provide personalized wealth management solutions to military families across generations.
© 2025 AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC. Information provided by AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC is not intended to be tax or legal advice. Nothing contained in this communication should be interpreted as such. We encourage you to seek guidance from your tax or legal advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not FDIC or SIPC insured, are not deposits, nor are they insured by, issued by, or guaranteed by obligations of any government agency or any bank, and they involve risk including possible loss of principal. No information provided herein is intended as personal investment advice or financial recommendation and should not be interpreted as such. The information provided reflects the general views of AAFMAA Wealth Management and Trust LLC but may not reflect client recommendations, investment strategies, or performance. Current and future financial environments may not reflect those illustrated here. Views of AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC may change based on new information or considerations.
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