Safeguarding Your Assets with Living Trusts


Intro
In today's ever-evolving financial landscape, safeguarding one's assets is a priority for many individuals and families. The realm of asset protection can be complex, but one compelling avenue that has garnered attention is the use of living trusts. While often discussed in financial circles, the true nuances of living trusts and their impact on asset safeguarding can be somewhat elusive.
Living trusts, in their core essence, are legal entities that hold ownership of your assets during your lifetime and dictate how those assets are distributed upon your passing. This article aims to illuminate the intricacies of living trusts, providing a thorough examination of their advantages, potential drawbacks, and the various scenarios in which they shine. By the end of this exploration, readers should feel equipped to evaluate whether a living trust is aligned with their asset protection strategies.
Key Concepts
Definition of Living Trusts
A living trust, sometimes known as a revocable trust, is a way to manage your assets. Think of it as a container where you place your belongings—be it cash, property, or investments. Unlike a will, which only comes into play after you pass away, a living trust allows you to maintain control over your assets while you’re still kicking. You have the power to modify, add, or even revoke assets from it as life circumstances change.
Here’s the kicker: a living trust typically avoids probate, which is a lengthy court process that can be both costly and public. With a trust, upon your death, the distribution occurs without involving the court, streamlining things for your heirs. That’s a considerable advantage when you want to spare your loved ones any additional grief during an already tough time.
Importance of Asset Protection
Asset protection is not just about hiding your wealth; it’s about preserving it. In our litigious society, having a fortress around your hard-earned assets isn't just prudent—it may be necessary. Living trusts can act like a moat for your financial castle, helping to shield against various legal claims and creditors. They provide an avenue to keep your assets out of reach from unexpected lawsuits while also mitigating tax burdens.
Here are some essential benefits of using living trusts for asset protection:
- Probate Avoidance: Keeps your affairs private and expedites the distribution process.
- Flexibility: Changes can be made to the trust as your situation evolves.
- Creditor Protection: In some cases, a living trust can help protect assets from creditors, though this is often more applicable in specific situations or jurisdictions.
Understanding Living Trusts
When considering the complex landscape of estate planning, understanding living trusts is fundamental. Living trusts are not merely legal documents; they are powerful tools that can assist in preserving your assets and ensuring that your wishes are honored after you pass. Their value extends beyond the simple transfer of property to the impact they have on privacy, probate processes, and responsiveness to creditors.
Living trusts allow individuals to maintain a level of control over their assets during their lifetime while enabling a seamless transition to beneficiaries after death. This section aims to break down the critical aspects of living trusts, emphasizing their importance in an effective asset protection strategy.
Definition of a Living Trust
A living trust is a legal entity that holds ownership of an individual’s assets during their lifetime and delineates how those assets will be managed and distributed after their death. Essentially, it is like a container for your property, ensuring it can be easily passed down without the need for court interference. This setup provides significant advantages for asset protection, particularly when it comes to avoiding the time-consuming and often costly probate process.
Key Characteristics
Living trusts possess specific features that distinguish them from other estate planning instruments:
- Revocability: Most living trusts are revocable, meaning the individual creating the trust can alter or dissolve it anytime during their life.
- Management Flexibility: If the trust's creator becomes incapacitated, a chosen successor trustee can step in to manage the assets, ensuring continuity in oversight and care.
- Privacy: Unlike wills, which become public record, living trusts remain private, keeping asset distribution details away from prying eyes.
- Avoiding Probate: Upon the creator's death, assets in a living trust bypass probate, reducing courts' involvement and expediting the transfer process.
These traits combine to create a robust framework for asset protection, making living trusts an appealing choice for many.
Differences Between Living Trusts and Wills
While both living trusts and wills serve to specify what happens to assets upon death, they operate quite differently. Here’s a breakdown of their main distinctions:
- Probate: A will must go through probate, a legal process that can drag on for months or years, while a living trust bypasses this entirely.
- Effective Date: A will takes effect only after death, whereas a living trust is active during the creator's life.
- Control During Lifetime: With a living trust, the creator retains control over their assets even as they are technically owned by the trust, unlike a will, where control is lost after death.
The Purpose of Asset Protection
In the realm of finance and investment, ensuring the safety of your assets is crucial. The purpose of asset protection is to shield personal wealth from potential threats such as lawsuits, creditor claims, and tax liabilities. In essence, it serves as a bulwark against unforeseen financial pitfalls that could jeopardize one's hard-earned assets. Understanding this purpose is not merely academic; it informs strategic choices that influence one's financial future.
Defining Asset Protection
Asset protection can be defined as the strategies and legal measures implemented to safeguard an individual's assets from potential claims by creditors and legal adversaries. It encompasses various practices aimed at minimizing risk and exposure. This could involve structuring ownership of assets through trusts, business entities, or legal strategies that can create a barrier against invasive claims. In many ways, it’s about playing a good defense in the financial game of life, where the unexpected can lurk around the corner.
Common Risks to Assets
When talking about asset protection, it’s essential to recognize the landscape of risks. Assets can be vulnerable to:
- Lawsuits: Individuals and businesses can face legal actions for various reasons, and settlements or judgments can significantly impact asset value.
- Bankruptcies: In the unfortunate event of a business or personal bankruptcy, creditors look to reclaim funds, which can decrease personal wealth.
- Divorce Proceedings: Splitting assets can lead to losing a substantial part of one's wealth in legal battles.
- Estate Taxes: Upon passing, assets may also face hefty taxation, which can diminish what is passed on to heirs.
- Creditors: Unpaid debts can lead to aggressive collection actions, including garnishments and liens against assets.
Being aware of these potential threats enables proactive planning, rather than reactive scrambling when faced with adversity.
The Importance of Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is the backbone of effective asset protection. It ensures that assets are not only secure but also positioned to withstand various challenges over time. Keeping in mind that randomness often dictates financial destinies, having a well-thought-out plan can make a significant difference. Here are a few elements of strategic planning to consider:


- Identify Vulnerabilities: Understanding what assets are at risk can guide where protective measures should be focused.
- Evaluate Financial Structures: Consider the most beneficial legal structures to protect your assets from personal liability.
- Utilize Trusts: Living trusts, as mentioned earlier, can provide a solid framework for asset protection while maintaining control over assets during one's lifetime.
- Consult Professionals: Engaging with financial advisors or attorneys can ensure that your strategies are comprehensive and compliant with current laws.
Having a proactive approach will not only fortify your assets against potential risks but can also create long-term benefits for wealth preservation. Asset protection isn't just about shielding what's yours; it's about enhancing your overall financial strategy with foresight and preparation.
How Living Trusts Protect Assets
Living trusts play a crucial role in the realm of asset protection. By establishing a living trust, individuals can effectively manage their finances while simultaneously safeguarding their assets from various risks. This strategy focuses on providing both structure and security to one’s estate. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how these trusts contribute to asset protection in distinct ways.
Avoiding Probate
One of the main advantages of establishing a living trust is the ability to avoid probate altogether. For those unfamiliar, probate can be a drawn-out and expensive court process that happens after someone passes away. When assets are held in a living trust, they pass directly to the beneficiaries without the need for court intervention. This means that:
- Time is saved: Beneficiaries receive their share without delays.
- Costs are reduced: Avoiding legal fees associated with the probate process can lead to significant savings.
In essence, by sidestepping probate, a living trust ensures that your loved ones avoid unnecessary complications during an already difficult time.
Privacy Benefits
Living trusts offer a notable degree of privacy that traditional wills simply can't match. When a will goes through probate, it becomes a matter of public record. This means anyone can access details about your assets and how they are distributed. In contrast, a living trust remains private, shielding your estate from public scrutiny.
Imagine this scenario: If you have a significant estate, keeping the details private is not just a comfort but also a necessity for many individuals concerned about personal security or family disputes. Some benefits to consider include:
- Reduced exposure to unwanted attention and potential legal challenges.
- Maintaining dignity and respect for the decedent's legacy without airing personal affairs to the public.
Shielding from Creditors
Another critical aspect of living trusts is their ability to provide a layer of protection against creditors. While it's essential to understand that a living trust does not make assets entirely exempt from creditors, it can provide strategic advantages. For instance, if set up correctly, certain assets held in an irrevocable trust can be shielded from claims by creditors.
- This means that should you face lawsuits or claims, the assets in your irrevocable living trust might be less prone to seizure.
- Furthermore, assets not included in your personal name may not be easily accessible to creditors pursuing you for debt.
It's a strategic method that requires thoughtful planning, but it can serve as a safety net.
Tax Implications
Living trusts also carry certain tax implications that are noteworthy. The tax landscape can be tricky; however, understanding how a living trust interacts with overall tax obligations is vital. For example:
- A revocable living trust allows the individual to retain control over their assets while alive, thus the trust's income is typically taxed at the individual's rate. After death, however, the trust becomes irrevocable.
- An irrevocable living trust can lead to potential tax advantages, such as reducing the taxable estate upon the individual’s passing.
It's prudent to consult with a tax advisor or estate planner to navigate these waters. While a trust might offer immediate benefits, keeping in mind how it ties into your overall tax strategy can yield dividends in the long run.
In summary, understanding the specifics of how living trusts protect assets is paramount for anyone looking to secure their estate. By avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, shielding from creditors, and understanding tax implications, individuals can craft a robust strategy that fits their unique needs.
Types of Living Trusts
Living trusts come in various forms, each tailored to address specific needs around asset protection and estate planning. Understanding these types is crucial because they directly influence how individuals can manage their assets during their lifetime and say what happens after they are gone. Choosing the right type of living trust is akin to selecting the right tool for a job; it can make all the difference.
Revocable Living Trusts
Revocable living trusts are the most common type of living trust and, as the name suggests, they are highly flexible. The creator, or grantor, retains the right to change or dissolve the trust at any time during their life. This adaptability allows for adjustments in response to changing financial situations, family dynamics, or personal preferences.
One important aspect of revocable trusts is that they offer no asset protection against creditors. If a creditor comes knocking, assets within a revocable trust can still be accessed. However, they provide a significant advantage in avoiding probate. Since the assets owned by the trust do not become part of the deceased's estate, they can be distributed to beneficiaries more swiftly and privately.
Usually, revocable living trusts include provisions for the management of assets should the grantor become incapacitated. This practical feature helps ensure that there’s someone in charge who can make decisions without the need for a court-appointed guardian.
Irrevocable Living Trusts
In contrast to their revocable counterparts, irrevocable living trusts offer a different level of security. Once established, the grantor relinquishes control over the assets placed into the trust, making it much more difficult for creditors to reach those same assets. Unfortunately, this 'lock-in' feature means changes or dissolutions are thus typically off the table.
Moreover, irrevocable trusts can have significant tax advantages. By transferring assets into the trust, the grantor may reduce their taxable estate. This means that, upon death, there may be fewer taxes owed at the time of inheritance. For people whose assets surpass the estate tax exemption threshold, this is a game changer. Plus, some irrevocable trusts can shield assets from certain lawsuits, enhancing the protective bubble around these funds.
However, this type of living trust comes with its challenges too. The grantor may need to forego a significant amount of control over their assets, which can be difficult for some to accept.
Complex Trusts
Complex trusts, by design, cater to more intricate financial situations. They can be set up to meet specific goals like providing for a dependent with special needs, managing assets for minors, or ensuring that certain conditions must be met before distributions are made.
These trusts usually include a trustee who oversees operations and makes decisions about distributing funds according to the trust’s terms. The complexity of these trusts can come from the various provisions they may contain, such as rules around distributions, tax implications, or even conditions tied to the beneficiaries’ behavior or milestones.


Their benefits can be considerable. For instance, a complex trust may even allow the grantor to retain more control compared to an irrevocable trust, while still providing protection from creditors and other legal risks. This dual advantage can be particularly valuable in safeguarding wealth while managing distributions per the grantor’s wishes.
Potential Limitations of Living Trusts
Understanding the potential limitations of living trusts is crucial for anyone looking to safeguard their assets effectively. While living trusts are powerful tools in asset protection and estate planning, they are not without drawbacks. Recognizing these limitations can help individuals make informed decisions about whether a living trust aligns with their long-term goals.
Costs of Setting Up a Trust
Establishing a living trust comes with its own set of financial implications. Although they can save money in probate fees in the long run, the initial setup costs might raise some eyebrows. Professionals often recommend involving attorneys for this process, which can lead to fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the trust. Some might say this is quite a hefty price to pay just for a piece of paper.
- Legal Fees: Hiring an estate planning attorney usually guarantees a correctly structured trust, but costs can add up quickly.
- Trustee Fees: If a corporate trustee is selected, be prepared for management fees that often claw back at your assets, leading to cost concerns.
It is worth examining your particular situation to decide if the upfront costs outweigh the long-term benefits.
Lack of Protection from Certain Legal Issues
A common misconception is that living trusts offer blanket protection against all legal disputes. However, this isn’t quite true. Assets held in a living trust may still face creditors' claims or legal actions. For instance, if someone loses a lawsuit and has their assets in a living trust, those assets aren't necessarily shielded from being pursued. Some legal issues that living trusts cannot fend off include:
- Personal Injury Claims: These claims stick like glue; they can attach to assets regardless of how they are held.
- Tax Liabilities: If the IRS comes knocking, a living trust won’t shield you from tax-related issues.
- Divorce Proceedings: In many jurisdictions, assets in a living trust can be counted as marital property, thus being subject to division.
Ongoing Management Responsibilities
In the world of living trusts, the phrase "set it and forget it" doesn’t apply. Once a living trust has been established, the trustee has to manage the assets throughout its lifetime, which might sound easier said than done.
- Regular Maintenance: Trusts require periodic updates as personal circumstances change. Forgetting to make adjustments can lead to unintended consequences down the road, such as beneficiaries being incorrectly assigned.
- Record-Keeping: Detailed records must be kept to abide by laws and ensure that the trust operates smoothly.
- Tax Returns: Depending on the type of trust, trustees might need to file separate tax returns, adding another layer of responsibility.
Thus, the idea that living trusts are a hands-off approach to asset management can be misleading. They demand attention and diligence to fulfill their intended purpose.
In short, while living trusts can substantially support your asset protection strategy, they also come with specific challenges that shouldn’t be overlooked. Knowing these limitations will help individuals embark on their asset protection journey with open eyes.
Misconceptions About Living Trusts
When it comes to living trusts, misconceptions can lead to grave misunderstandings about their purpose and effectiveness in asset protection. Many individuals find themselves swayed by half-truths or incomplete information, often without a clear grasp of how these legal instruments operate in a wider estate planning strategy. It’s crucial to disentangle the fact from fiction, as this can enable better decision-making and lead to a more fortified approach to safeguarding one's assets.
Living Trusts as a Complete Solution
A prevalent belief is that living trusts act as a panacea for all wealth management woes. While it's true that they offer a substantial degree of protection and benefits, it's essential to recognize that they are not an all-in-one fix. Living trusts, particularly revocable ones, allow you to manage your assets easily during your lifetime and facilitate the transfer to beneficiaries upon your death without the hassles of probate. However, they do not shield assets from certain creditors or legal liabilities that may arise during your life.
In reality, living trusts are best utilized as part of a broader estate planning framework. They work well alongside wills, powers of attorney, and even health care directives. A trust alone might not be sufficient to address every scenario involving asset protection. Therefore, it’s important not to anchor all expectations on the concept that a living trust can solve every financial issue.
Misunderstanding of Control
Many prospective trust creators misconceive how much control they can maintain over their assets once they establish a living trust. Specifically, individuals worry that transferring assets to a trust means relinquishing all control over them. While it is true that placing an asset into a trust means it is no longer owned by you personally, you can still serve as the trustee of a revocable trust, keeping direct control over those assets as the trust's terms allow.
This misunderstanding can prevent individuals from pursuing a trust arrangement when it would benefit their asset protection measures. Instead, they hold onto assets in their name, missing out on the strategic advantages that a living trust can provide. The reality is that as the trustee, you can manage, buy, sell, or refinance the assets in the trust without losing ownership in the traditional sense. Understanding this control dynamic is vital, as it empowers individuals to have their cake and eat it too.
Assumptions About Tax Benefits
Assuming that living trusts provide sweeping tax benefits is another misconception that can lead to misguided actions. A common belief is that they automatically reduce estate taxes or provide tax shelters, but that is not the full story.
In truth, while irrevocable trusts can offer some tax benefits by taking assets out of your estate, revocable living trusts do not offer any direct tax benefits. The assets in a revocable trust are still subject to estate tax because the grantor retains control over them. Moreover, income generated from the assets inside a living trust must still be reported on the grantor's tax return, meaning they don’t actually create any tax exemptions.
However, living trusts can indirectly assist in tax planning by helping to structure your estate to minimize tax liabilities at the time of transfer to heirs. Proactively working with tax advisors to optimize your trust arrangements allows you to acknowledge more strategic ways to achieve favorable tax outcomes compared to assumptions alone.
“Recognizing what a living trust can and cannot do empowers individuals to leverage them effectively in their estate planning.”
In summary, the landscape surrounding living trusts is not black and white. Being educated on the intricacies helps mitigate misconceptions and enables individuals to make well-informed, strategic decisions concerning their estate planning and asset protection needs.
Integrating Living Trusts with Estate Planning
To navigate through the complexities of managing one’s estate, it’s essential to understand how living trusts serve not only as a stand-alone solution but as a critical component in a broader estate planning framework. Integrating living trusts with estate planning can bolster asset protection, offer peace of mind, and ensure a seamless transition of wealth from one generation to the next. Understanding this relationship can help individuals avoid costly mistakes and minimize potential disputes.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Strategy
Building a comprehensive estate planning strategy is like constructing a solid house; it needs a solid foundation. Living trusts are the pillars that support such a structure. Unlike a will, a living trust allows individuals to manage their assets during their lifetime and dictate their distribution posthumously without the need to go through probate.


When deciding to include a living trust in your estate plan, consider these key elements:
- Asset Inventory: Compile a thorough list of all assets, including properties, investments, and personal belongings. This clarity helps when determining what should go into the trust.
- Objectives: Establish what you want to achieve with your estate planning. Are you aiming for tax savings, protection from creditors, or simply a smooth transfer of assets?
- Trust Structure: Decide on the type of trust best suited for your situation—revocable or irrevocable. This choice affects control, liability, and tax implications, requiring thoughtful consideration.
"Estate planning without a living trust may lead to probate complications, not to mention potential added stress for loved ones during an already difficult time."
Successfully incorporating living trusts into your estate planning strategy can not only protect your assets but also secure your family’s financial future.
Coordination with Other Legal Instruments
Integrating living trusts is not just about having one tool in your estate planning toolbox; it’s about harmonizing multiple legal instruments to create a cohesive strategy. To achieve this, coordination among different legal tools must be prioritized, including:
- Wills: It’s common to have both a will and a living trust. The will can provide instructions for assets not included in the trust, ensuring every nook and cranny of one’s estate is covered.
- Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney allows someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Ensuring this is aligned with the provisions of your living trust is crucial for comprehensive management.
- Healthcare Directive: This document outlines medical preferences. Integrating this with your living trust ensures that your healthcare wishes are honored alongside your financial directives.
Each piece must fit and complement the others. If the documents are not in sync, it can lead to confusion, disputes, or unintended outcomes.
Working with Financial Advisors
Engaging a financial advisor with expertise in estate planning can be instrumental when integrating living trusts with other elements of your estate strategy. Advisors provide insights tailored to your finances, ensuring you make educated choices. Here are several reasons why a partnership is beneficial:
- Personalized Guidance: Financial advisors can help assess your unique financial landscape and recommend tailored strategies that align with both current needs and future goals.
- Regulatory Awareness: The estate planning landscape can shift with new laws and regulations. A qualified advisor will keep your plan updated according to current legal and tax codes, ensuring compliance and optimizing your options.
- Investment Strategies: Advisors can suggest ways to grow your assets held in the trust, ensuring that not only are they protected, but they also remain fruitful.
The blend of living trusts with expert advice not only enhances your estate plan but also provides reassurance that your assets are managed effectively.
By understanding and leveraging the integration of living trusts with comprehensive estate planning, individuals can foster an environment that preserves and protects wealth for future generations.
Assessing the Fit for Your Needs
When it comes to making choices about asset protection, deciding whether a living trust aligns with your individual circumstances is crucial. Every person's financial landscape is quite different, shaped by income, assets, liabilities, and personal goals. The best fit for one individual may not work for another. This section delves into specific elements that can help clarify whether establishing a living trust is the right path for you.
Evaluating Personal Situations
Evaluating your personal situation is the first step in the assessment process. It requires a candid look at your financial status, which includes:
- Income Sources: Consider what your monthly and annual income looks like. A stable income may provide a different perspective on long-term asset planning compared to fluctuating income.
- Types of Assets: What do you own? Real estate, stocks, or cash savings all contribute to your risk profile.
- Family and Dependents: Are there dependents relying on you? Their financial future can heavily influence your decisions.
- Debts and Liabilities: An honest assessment of what you owe can affect how you view the need for asset protection.
A thorough understanding of these factors can significantly illuminate whether the benefits of a living trust will outweigh the costs and complexities involved.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Next, undertaking a cost-benefit analysis is vital. This exercise helps in striking a balance between potential expenses and the financial security offered by a living trust. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
- Setup Costs: While some may think it's merely about document preparation, the fees for legal advice or structuring can add up. Be sure to assess the total costs involved in establishing the trust.
- Future Costs: Don’t forget to account for ongoing management or trustee fees.
- Protection Benefits: Analyze how much value a living trust could bring by avoiding probate and protecting your assets from creditors and lawsuits. This can be a significant factor in families prone to disputes or financial challenges.
Calculating the trade-off between upfront costs and long-term benefits helps ensure that you're making a well-informed decision.
Long-Term Considerations
Long-term considerations should complete your evaluation. A living trust is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its purpose must align with your long-term financial vision. Some factors to ponder include:
- Future Changes: Life is unpredictable. Changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can impact your estate planning needs. It's essential to consider how adaptable the living trust can be to such changes.
- Residency and Law Variances: Different states have different laws surrounding trusts. If you plan on relocating or have properties in multiple states, understanding local regulations is imperative.
- Lifetime Intentions: Finally, consider your overarching goals. Do you plan to leave a legacy, or are you looking for immediate asset protection? Knowing the difference clarifies the need for establishing a trust.
"A living trust can be a powerful tool, but whether it's right for you largely depends on your individual context." — Estate Planning Expert
Ending
In the realm of financial planning, asset protection is a critical consideration for individuals at all stages of life. The journey through this article has laid bare the many facets of living trusts, shining a light on their role as a protective barrier for your assets. A robust understanding of how these trusts function enables individuals to make informed decisions that can safeguard their wealth from various uncertainties.
Summarizing the Key Points
Living trusts offer a unique means of asset protection, distinct from traditional wills. Here are the pivotal points we've explored:
- Definition and Functionality: A living trust is a legal entity that holds assets on behalf of the trustor, allowing for their management during life and smooth transfer after death. Unlike wills, they bypass probate, thus ensuring quicker distribution while maintaining privacy.
- Types of Living Trusts: The distinction between revocable and irrevocable trusts plays a vital role in their ability to shield assets. Revocable trusts can be altered by the trustor, while irrevocable trusts often provide a stronger shield against creditors since the assets are relinquished to the trust.
- Benefits of Strategic Planning: A well-structured living trust can mitigate risks associated with probate and potential legal claims. Furthermore, they offer privacy benefits and potential tax implications that could enhance asset preservation strategies.
- Limitations and Misconceptions: It's crucial to grasp the limitations of living trusts, including ongoing management demands and lack of protection in certain legal contexts. Misunderstanding their capacity can lead to misplaced expectations about their role in estate planning.
Ultimately, the nuanced dynamics of living trusts make them an indispensable tool in estate planning and asset protection strategies. Understanding their benefits and limitations enables individuals to navigate the complexities of wealth preservation more effectively.
Final Thoughts on Asset Protection
As we wrap up this deep dive into living trusts, it's essential to grasp that asset protection is not merely about creating structures like trusts. It involves a holistic approach that incorporates sound financial strategies, regular evaluations of one’s circumstances, and proactive measures against potential threats.
Living trusts exemplify one of several strategies to safeguard wealth. By familiarizing oneself with how they work, along with their strengths and weaknesses, individuals empower themselves in safeguarding their assets. In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared is crucial. Protecting what you've earned not only nurtures your peace of mind but also fosters security for future generations.
In your quest for asset protection, engage with experts, educate yourself on new developments, and stay vigilant. Building a solid financial foundation through living trusts might just be one of the best decisions you can make.