Keep What You've Built

Wyoming Trust Attorney

This is Keep What You've Built, the show where we go in-depth on the wealth preservation strategies nobody talks about publicly. Every week, I sit down with my dad, attorney Mark Pierce, to break down complex asset protection strategies in plain English.We also speak with experts from the world of banking, law, and wealth management to deliver you the insider knowledge typically reserved for the top .01%.If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or high earning professional who wants to keep and grow what you’ve built, we are recording this show for you.Presented by WyomingTrustAttorney.com

Episodes

  1. Nov 3 ·  Video

    How to Set Up an Asset Protection Trust

    Thinking about an asset protection trust but not sure where to start? Attorney Mark Pierce walks host Maggie Pierce through setting up an asset protection trust from start to finish. Ready to start planning? Click here to book a meeting with Mark. You'll learn: Who should consider an asset protection trust, including doctors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs and business ownersThe $500K investing rule of thumb for when a trust makes senseWhat the first consultation and questionnaire look like, and how drafting, e-signing and notarization workHow the maintenance contract keeps your trust and LLCs defensible in courtHow distributions work in an irrevocable trust, and how you keep control through the investment committeeHow a Wyoming private family trust company worksHow to fund the trust, and why local counsel handles deedsWhy waiting until you're sued is too late, and how fraudulent transfer rules affect timing Book a consultation at Wyoming Trust Attorney dot com (link below). Timestamps 0:00 Who needs an asset protection trust5:09 What the consultation looks like8:05 Drafting and the client portal10:26 Trust maintenance12:05 Distributions and control17:00 Funding the trust19:38 Why people procrastinatePresented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  2. Oct 27 ·  Video

    How To Form Your LLC Correctly

    Book a consultation with our firm: https://calendly.com/d/cvvy-kzq-jtv/discovery-call-trust-consultation This episode focuses on the fundamentals of forming an LLC, why business owners choose Wyoming, and the common mistakes that can create expensive cleanup later. Mark Pierce explains the difference between LLCs and corporations, how tax treatment works, and why the right structure and professional advice matter more than trying to handle everything yourself. Mark Pierce and Maggie Pierce also discuss holding companies, real estate structuring, trusts, and keeping entities in good standing year after year. Key topics What an LLC is, how limited liability works, and what a charging order means The difference between LLCs, C Corps, and S Corps—and how these relate to tax classifications Why LLCs offer more flexibility than corporations Why business owners consider Wyoming for LLC formation Why the state where property or business operations are located still matters How holding companies can help separate businesses and assets How pass-through, S Corp, and C Corp tax treatment differ Trust planning, beneficiary allocations, and year-end timing Why bookkeeping, filings, and coordination with advisors matter Common mistakes: DIY formation, missed filings, incorrect tax elections, and forming in the wrong state Mentioned in this episode: Book a consultation with business structuring attorney Jonathan Feniak: https://www.feniak.com/consultations LLC Attorney YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LLCAttorneyOfficial ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  3. Oct 23 ·  Video

    Swiss Bank Accounts for Americans: What FATCA Killed and What Survived

    Book a consultation with our team: https://calendly.com/d/cvvy-kzq-jtv/discovery-call-trust-consultation Have questions or want to get in touch with Michael? Send us a message at hello@wyomingtrustattorney.com Swiss banking is not about secrecy anymore - it is about protecting wealth, reducing concentration risk, and building a smarter estate plan before volatility hits. Michael Donev breaks down why American entrepreneurs and business owners are using Switzerland for jurisdictional diversification, currency protection, and long-term capital preservation. Michael, a private banking advisor with BFI Infinity in Zurich and an attorney admitted in several U.S. states, explains the real threshold for being a candidate, why Swiss private banking is a fit for people with roughly $1 million in liquid assets or around $4-5 million in total net worth, and how FATCA changed the entire offshore banking landscape. He also clears up one of the biggest misconceptions: legal Swiss banking is transparent, reportable, and built for compliance - not hiding money. You'll discover why Swiss private banking can complement a Wyoming trust instead of replacing it, how jurisdictional diversification works in practice, and why keeping all your assets in one country, one currency, and one banking system can be a major risk. Michael and Mark also unpack the real differences between Swiss and U.S. banking, including reporting requirements, audit concerns, PFIC pitfalls, and what it actually takes to set up and maintain an account. We break down the four big benefits of Swiss banking - diversification, asset protection, institutional stability, and currency access - along with the practical realities: onboarding takes about four to six weeks, fees are transparent, and the experience is designed around long-term relationships rather than call-center frustration. If you are an entrepreneur, a business owner, or anyone thinking seriously about legacy and wealth preservation, this episode shows why Swiss banking deserves a place in the conversation. Essential listening if you want to understand how sophisticated families think about wealth structure, compliance, and protection in a changing global environment. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  4. Oct 14 ·  Video

    The Anonymous LLC Is a Myth - Here's What Privacy Actually Looks Like

    Book a consultation with our firm: https://calendly.com/d/cvvy-kzq-jtv/discovery-call-trust-consultation Privacy is not anonymity. This distinction can save you from bad advice, public exposure, and unnecessary risk. Mark Pierce explains how legitimate privacy works in the U.S. for LLCs, real estate, and trusts, and why anyone promising “complete anonymity” is overpromising.Maggie Pierce asks the practical questions: what becomes public when you form an LLC, how nominee services can keep your name off public filings, and how ownership can still be traced through deeds, banks, and state registries. They also discuss Wyoming LLCs, holding companies, trusts, and the balance between keeping assets private and staying within the law.This episode offers a clear-eyed look at privacy and asset protection for business owners, real estate investors, and families—without the hype or shortcuts. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  5. Sep 29 ·  Video

    Trusts 101: Legacy Planning and Domestic vs. Offshore, with Yonathan Amsalem

    Book a consultation with Mark: https://calendly.com/d/cvvy-kzq-jtv/discovery-call-trust-consultation Have questions or want to get in touch with Yoni? Send us a message at hello@wyomingtrustattorney.com Most business owners think legacy planning is about paperwork. It is really about control, continuity, and making sure a judge does not decide what happens to everything you built. Attorney Yonathan Amselem, who goes by Yoni, joins Maggie Pierce and Mark Pierce to break down how to protect a business, a family, and a future from probate, creditor claims, divorce, and the kinds of surprises that can tear an estate apart. Yoni runs Calvary International Law, where he helps clients build the legal architecture around holding companies, trusts, and cross-border structures. Mark brings decades of estate and trust planning perspective, including the practical realities of succession, control, and what happens when families wait too long to plan. You’ll discover: Why legacy planning starts with one simple question: who gets what, who is in charge, and whenHow small businesses can get dragged into probate and stall while everyone waits on the courtThe difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts, and why “irrevocable” does not always mean giving up controlWhen Wyoming makes sense for domestic planning, and when offshore jurisdictions like the Cook Islands, Cayman Islands, BVI, or Belize may—or may not—be appropriateWhy asset protection is often the byproduct of good legacy planning, not a separate afterthoughtMark and Yoni also tackle the fears people have about trusts, estate taxes, and losing control over their assets. They explain why many people are worrying about taxes they will never owe, while overlooking far more common risks like child liability, divorce, lawsuits, bad corporate documents, and family dynamics that can quietly destroy an estate. The big takeaway: the most dangerous plan is no plan. If your businesses, trusts, and operating agreements do not match what you think you own, you may already be exposed. And if you wait until there is a crisis, it may be too late to fix it cleanly. Essential listening for business owners, real estate investors, high-liability professionals, and anyone who wants to leave behind something real instead of a legal mess. If you have assets, a family, or a company to protect, this conversation shows you where to start. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  6. Sep 22 ·  Video

    Using AI to Create Your Estate Plan: What Could Go Wrong?

    Book a consultation with Mark: https://calendly.com/d/cvvy-kzq-jtv/discovery-call-trust-consultation Have questions? Send us a message at hello@wyomingtrustattorney.com AI can help you start the research, but it can also hand you a mediocre trust, a costly mistake, or a plan that falls apart when it matters most. Mark Pierce breaks down the red flags behind online trust scams, DIY estate planning disasters, and why a little legal nuance can make the difference between real asset protection and expensive fiction. You'll discover: The fatal flaws with AI-generated trust documentsHow to verify whether an attorney is actually licensed, located, and practicing where they say they areWhy sealed court records and local nuance make AI a weak substitute for real trust law experienceMark also explains where AI can be useful, including as a starting point for research or a way to quickly identify statutes and issues before checking the source law yourself. But, he draws a hard line between using AI as a tool and relying on it to produce legal documents or replace an experienced attorney who has actually litigated these issues in court. If you're considering a trust, researching asset protection, or wondering whether that online legal offer is the real thing, this episode is essential listening. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  7. Sep 15 ·  Video

    Take Some Money Off the Table! Protecting Wealth Before You Need To

    Ready to start planning? Click here to book a meeting with Mark.  Use Code PODCAST100 for a complimentary consultation. Most entrepreneurs wait until a crisis hits to think about asset protection, and by then it’s already too late. Mark Pierce breaks down the two mistakes that can wipe out what you’ve built: failing to take money off the table and failing to protect it once you do. Maggie Pierce pushes into the practical side of that strategy, asking what “taking money off the table” actually looks like during boom times, what happens in a real downturn, and why cash becomes the ultimate advantage when everyone else is desperate. Mark shares hard-earned lessons from crashes like 1987 and 2008, including the deals, timing, and mindset that separate people who survive from people who get crushed. You’ll discover: Why upcycles are the exact time to de-risk, not double downHow asset protection trusts work, and why timing matters so muchThe difference between movable and immovable assetsWhen an LLC is enough, when a holding company helps, and when a Wyoming QST starts to make senseHow umbrella insurance fits into a broader protection planWhy doctors, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs face very different liability risksMark also walks through real-world examples, including malpractice exposure, wrongful death claims, family business succession, and the costly consequences of waiting until a lawsuit or divorce is already underway. He explains why proactive planning is treated differently under the law than last-minute scrambling, and how the right structure can protect both your assets and your peace of mind. If you own real estate, run a business, have meaningful equity, or expect your wealth to grow, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what should be protected now - before you need it. Essential listening if you want to build something valuable and keep it. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein. Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  8. Sep 15 ·  Video

    What 1,000 Bankruptcy Cases Taught Me About Protecting Wealth

    Ready to start your plan? Click here to book a meeting with Mark. How do business owners and families protect what they’ve built before a financial crisis puts it at risk? In this episode, Maggie Pierce sits down with attorney, CPA, and former bankruptcy trustee Mark Pierce to explore the real-world lessons he learned from administering more than a thousand bankruptcy cases. They discuss why traditional exemptions often fall short, how LLCs and asset protection trusts can help safeguard a family business, and why planning early matters most. Mark breaks down the role of Wyoming LLCs, the difference between tangible and intangible assets, the practical value of asset protection trusts, and the professionals families should have in their corner when building a long-term legacy plan. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or simply thinking more seriously about your family’s financial future, this conversation offers a candid look at protecting assets, preparing for downturns, and planning for the generations ahead. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.  Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

  9. Sep 15 ·  Video

    The Best Prenup Isn't a Prenup

    Ready to start planning? Click here to book a meeting with Mark. Divorce can wipe out decades of family wealth, and the usual prenup may not be enough. Mark Pierce reveals why a Wyoming asset protection trust can function as the stronger prenup, shielding appreciating assets, family businesses, and future growth from becoming marital property. Maggie Pierce sits down with Mark Pierce, founding attorney of Wyoming TrustAttorney.com, to break down the difference between a traditional prenuptial agreement and an asset protection trust. With over 40 years of experience as an attorney, CPA, and business owner, Mark explains why prenups can invite litigation when assets change value, and how trusts are designed to keep those assets outside the marital estate in the first place. You'll discover: Why a prenup can become vulnerable when a business or investment grows far beyond its original valuationHow a self-settled asset protection trust works in states like Wyoming, Alaska, Nevada, and DelawareWhy the trust structure can protect not just against divorce, but also against creditors and family liabilitiesHow business owners use LLCs underneath a trust to isolate risk and preserve working capitalWhy family succession planning matters long before a crisis forces the issueMark also shares real-world examples of what happens when a family business is exposed to divorce, lawsuits, or poor timing, including cases where substantial wealth was lost simply because the right structure was not in place early enough. He explains why high-risk professionals like doctors, dentists, and attorneys, along with family businesses grossing more than $500K a year, should think about this planning now rather than later. If you own a business, expect to build wealth, or want to keep family assets intact across generations, this conversation is essential listening. It’s a blunt, practical look at how to protect what you’ve built before life, law, or family conflict forces the issue. ---------- This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither listening to this podcast, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.  Presented by Wyoming Trust Attorney.  This podcast does not give legal advice. This podcast and any associated content is generalized, should not be considered applicable to your particular situation and does not provide advice concerning the particulars of your situation. Neither reading this site, nor speaking to our customer services personnel in any way obviates the qualified professional help we urge you to seek. It is of utmost importance you retain a professional before embarking upon any action discussed herein.

About

This is Keep What You've Built, the show where we go in-depth on the wealth preservation strategies nobody talks about publicly. Every week, I sit down with my dad, attorney Mark Pierce, to break down complex asset protection strategies in plain English.We also speak with experts from the world of banking, law, and wealth management to deliver you the insider knowledge typically reserved for the top .01%.If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or high earning professional who wants to keep and grow what you’ve built, we are recording this show for you.Presented by WyomingTrustAttorney.com