ok - I'm way out of my depth on this. Thank you for all of your replies and help. I have several meetings set up this week. I'm going to gather as much information as I can and post again with everything I have and hopefully some more specific questions.
Agreed in the short run - I'm not going to be touching anything for at least 6 months here.
in the long run with my napkin math and some helpful websites I have found that with their returns, that cost, and the distribution % to me that the value is going to diminish in the long run unless I do change something. I'd like to be able to leave this to my kids and I'm focused on the best way to achieve that
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Deep breath time.
Your grandmother set up the gift as a trust for a reason, presumably to your benefit.
The Trustees have rules and considerations that they must operate on. That costs some money to implement but it is per your grandmother's wishes. I think it is a mistake to go in thinking that fees are outrageous. Now is the time for understanding the trust system and helping them get to know you and your needs and desires.
As things move forward, it will be appropriate to discuss fees and investments with them but I would not go in thinking that their fees are high and returns are low without understanding the asset allocation chosen and why. Questions are better than positions at this point.
Another nice thing about a trust is that it reduces the number of requests for money that you will receive "yes I did receive some moeny from my grandmother but it is in a trust that is controlled by the trustee". I think that you will find over time that is a good thing.
After reading the wiki and adjusting to the change in your net worth, you might find exploring what this means to your life is worthy of more reflection. A 4% distribution should bring you $400k per year, depending on your current income, that might open lots of doors for life pathways.
You will also need to consider tax issues at some point.
Breathe, don't take in too much advice at once. Read the wiki, develop a positive relationship with the Trustees, experience the gift and what it might mean for your life.
Statistics: Posted by WhyNotUs — Tue Aug 27, 2024 6:17 pm