Asset Protection Terms and Definitions

Asset Allocation
When you divide your money among various types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and short-term investments (also known as "instruments"), you are allocating your assets. The way in which your money is divided is called your asset allocation.

Diversification
Holding several investments that have different risks. The concept of "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." The chance that a single stock or other investment will lose money is offset by the chances of your other stocks and investments making money.

Portfolio
A collection of securities assembled for an investment goal.

Casualty Insurance
Casualty Insurance coverage is primarily for the legal liability of an individual or organization that results from negligent acts and omissions causing bodily injury and/or property damage to a third party. However, the term is broad and includes such property insurance as aviation insurance, boiler and machinery insurance, glass insurance and crime insurance.

Beneficiary
The person who receives the benefits or gifts from an estate, insurance policy, IRA, pension plan, or trust.

Living trust
A trust that is established while the grantor is still alive. Compare to testamentary trust.

Durable power of attorney
A power of attorney that remains valid when the principal becomes incapacitated.

Trustee
The person who receives legal title to the assets in the trust but is legally obligated to hold, manage, and invest the trust assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trustee's duties are set by the trust agreement and by law.

Totten trust
A savings account that allows the depositor to open the account as trustee for someone else (no real trust is set up). Account owners may use the funds as they see fit during their lifetime, and then upon their death the account balance is paid to the named beneficiary.

Marital Trusts
A marital trust is used to benefit the surviving spouse of the person who dies. There are many reasons for creating such a trust-- to provide asset protection for the surviving spouse, or to ensure that your children are the ultimate beneficiaries of your estate.