As we are entering into a new year with digital assets showing strong signs of growth as an asset class, it’s important to have a plan for managing wealth after digital asset appreciation. Here are some strategies to help on the other side of price appreciation.

First step: Consult an attorney, CPA and wealth advisor. After you have your team in place, you’ll be able to inform those closest to you. Sequence matters for safeguarding your wealth.

Building yourself a strong personal committee is a great idea. It includes:

1. A board of advisers for objective guidance

2. A family board to manage familial interests

3. A professional team for day-to-day operations This structure balances strategy and relationships.

Supporting family financially? Experts recommend gifts over loans to avoid relationship strain. Document gifts with IRS Form 709 and use the $13.6M lifetime gift tax exemption strategically. Clear boundaries = lasting relationships.

What about family asking for business investments? Set a formal process:

• Require detailed business plans

• Run all proposals through your financial committee This ensures decisions are based on merit, not emotion.

Holding over $20M in digital assets? Advanced trust structures are a must.

• Asset Protection Trust

• Internal LLC for credit

• External LLC for operations

• C-Corp for management

• Dual living trusts for spousal security Tax efficiency + protection = peace of mind.

Wyoming stands out for digital asset protection. Why?

• Strong privacy laws

• Attorney-client privilege

• No state taxes

• Low maintenance costs It’s a go-to state for digital asset holders.

Timing is everything. Set up protective structures before your assets appreciate. Bonus tip: Consider a tax year ending Sept. 30 instead of Dec. 31 for added flexibility. Give yourself enough lead time to get accounts and entities in place.

Your wealth team should include:

• Estate attorney: Trusts & succession

• Tax attorney: Optimization strategies

• CPA: Tax management

• Wealth advisor: Investment guidance

• Trust administrators: Daily operations

Each expert plays a critical role.

As Markets shift and personal needs change, it’s essential to stay flexible. Collaborate with professionals who can adjust your plan accordingly. Long-term success depends on being proactive and adaptable.

Biggest takeaway: Take action early. Building these structures before prices rise significantly isn’t just a good idea – it’s crucial. The sooner you start, the better you’ll be prepared when things get intense.

For true success with digital asset wealth, you need a personalized approach. Always consult legal and tax professionals to tailor strategies to your situation. If you need help finding these resources, feel free to send me an email.