Testimonials from CRT Owners and their Advisors
CRT Owners
“I am a financial advisor and just competed the sale of the income interest in my personal CRT. It was a new concept to me and I was amazed at the excellent communication and education I received, and the efficient service and expediency of the transaction. I have been very impressed with the Sterling team and I feel fortunate to have found a unique new resource for my clients.”
- Marlo L. Stil
Rancho Mirage, CA
“Once I crunched the numbers, selling my CRT lead interest was an easy decision for me. Sterling found a buyer willing to pay more for my CRT interest than I could have gotten from keeping the CRT, and I am better off financially because of the transaction. Any person with a CRT should look hard at the sale option. Very satisfied client.”
- Josh T. Barnes
Charlevoix, MI
“Sterling provided a valuable service to me and my family by facilitating the successful liquidation of our CRT income interest. They were attentive, professional, easy to work with, and able to find a buyer within a tight timeframe, allowing us to close the transaction by year's end. We are extremely thankful to Sterling and would certainly recommend them to others considering them.”
- Winter K. Mead
San Francisco, CA
“I recently sold my CRT income interest through Sterling. The process was straightforward and I found Roger Silk and his staff to be courteous and responsive. I was very pleased financially with the outcome and would encourage other income beneficiaries to carefully consider this option.”
- Howard R. Champion
Bethesda, MD
“This is such a relief to have gotten control back of the funds we had invested in the CRT. We have plans that will much better suit and aid our retirement, and are kicking up our heels in glee! I want to thank you again for your knowledge and expertise, and your courtesy. You’re all great; you are truly professionals and a credit to the financial world and the world in general. Good job, thank you for everything. We’ll sing your praises whenever we get the chance!”
- Dean & Margo Hamilton
San Diego, CA
“My family’s long term financial objectives were no longer in sync with the continuance of our CRT. But inquiries into alternatives to keeping it proved fruitless. So when we received a mailing from Sterling offering us a remedy that had proven elusive, we viewed it with a weather eye. However, through conversations, emails, and the prompt receipt of all the resources we requested, Sterling satisfied our skepticism with fact and reassurance at every juncture. The process from introduction to the final wiring of our funds was concluded without a glitch in a couple weeks. A heartfelt thank you!
- Dr. Harvey Estren
Lindenhurst, NY
“After nearly 15 years of holding our CRT we determined that it was no longer as good a fit for our objectives as it once was. The Sterling team walked us through the process and provided us with the transparency we needed. Working with the people of Sterling was straightforward, with every step clearly laid out and executed. We were pleased with the financial results and their professionalism."
- Ray & Andrea Kingman
Monterey, CA
“We wanted to enjoy the maximum dollar result possible. Sterling’s was by far the best and easiest solution.”
- Donald J. Poinsette
Hilton Head Island, SC
"A mailing from Sterling caught my eye and I responded to learn about the sale of my CRT income stream. I got a prompt response. That was followed up with a conference call with Sterling and my financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. After some addition review, I decided to go forward with the sale. The mechanics on the transaction went very smoothly and much quicker that I expected. Thanks so much for the professional way in which you handled the entire transaction.”
- Larry J. Smith
Hot Springs Village, AR
“This is to certify that I am delighted with my experience with Sterling Foundation Management in connection with the sale of my interest in a Charitable Remainder Unitrust.
My wife and I set up a family CRT more than ten years ago. When I received an offer in the mail from Sterling to arrange for the sale of the Trust, I first did some internet research that convinced me that such transactions are indeed legitimate and can be mutually advantageous. I then contacted Sterling by email, and within a few days received a price quote for our interest in the Trust. Subsequent discussions and document exchanges resulted in my receiving a check in full for an agreed-upon value of our income interest within about one more month. All my interactions with Sterling representatives have been prompt and professional, and I certainly recommend Sterling to anyone who might like to consider liquidating an interest in a Charitable Remainder Trust.”
- Bert Raphael
Los Altos Hills, CA
"In all of my dealings with Sterling Foundation Management, I found their staff to be professional, straightforward and expeditious in the sale of the CRT income interest.”
- Gregory Fulginiti
Cape May Court House, NJ
"Many thanks for concluding the successful sale of our CRT income interest. Diane and I were both pleased and impressed with your handling of the sale procedure and, in particular, appreciated the way you clearly explained the process to us.”
- Ian Tait
Mill Valley, CA
"I received a letter from Sterling about my CRT...being a rather cynical attorney, I almost pitched it in the shred bin, but I was curious enough about the concept to make a phone to Sterling. I'm sure glad I made that call! After a preliminary discussions with Sterling, I ran it by my financial advisors and accountant, and they were on board with the sale as well, to the point that my financial advisors are going to be working with Sterling to offer this to other clients! The entire process was smooth, courteous, professional, and efficient. If you have a CRT, I highly recommend contacting Sterling!"
- Steve Schreiner
Gig Harbor, WA
“The process was quick, simple and without any aggravation whatsoever. My husband and I were expertly led through what could have been a lengthy and cumbersome process; instead, it was not difficult in the least. We are most appreciative of the efforts and time granted to us. Every question was answered, every detail was seen to in a more than timely manner, every email and phone call returned almost immediately. One can ask for no better from a company. You are, quite simply, the only company we will recommend. Thank you once again for making this process one that not only gave us financial insurance but also did so in a fair manner.”
- Ruth Cohen
Scottsdale, AZ
"I recently sold my CRT income interest through Sterling Foundation Management. All my queries were answered accurately and in a timely manner. Sterling found us a buyer for the amount we wanted and the paperwork was handled smoothly after that. We closed the deal within weeks, without any glitches. I will highly recommend Sterling."
- Naveen Chanana
Torrance, CA
"When my wife and I retired, we set up three CRTs. Over the years, our regular charitable contributions increased to the point where our annual donations were beyond original expectations. We wanted to continue giving at or above current levels but also wanted to pass the legacy of giving to our children. We were not sure how to accomplish this until we received a letter from Sterling Foundation Management that appeared to offer a viable solution. We have not been disappointed! Sterling assisted us in a positive and professional manner. We were able to find a buyer for our CRT income interests at an excellent price. We will use those proceeds to continue to expand our current giving levels. One day we will pass the remainder to our children so they too can further experience the joy of giving. Thank you Sterling!"
- Larry & Joyce Coffey
Prescott, AZ
"I recently sold my CRT income interest through Sterling Foundation Management. Consistent with the many testimonials received in due diligence, the process was straightforward and I found Sterling to be highly competent, helpful, courteous and responsive. They worked in conjunction with financial advisors on my CRT, helping to complete the transaction in the timeframe I desired. I was very pleased financially with the outcome and would encourage other income beneficiaries to consider the sale option through Sterling."
- Larry Duckworth
Suwanee, GA
"My parents established a CRT in 2002. The trust gave them a meaningful up-front tax deduction and several years of income – so it had worked well – but in recent years we grew increasingly frustrated with the limited options available to utilize the value of the CRT. We visited with several professionals, including our CPA firm and our estate attorney. No one had any solution other than staying on the same path. When we received a letter from Sterling about the sale option, we were intrigued, but hesitant. We were further intrigued when we saw the numbers, which clearly favored a sale. After review and sign off from our attorney and our CPA on both the transaction and the credibility of the Sterling, we moved ahead with the sale. We were pleased with the entire process. Sterling was easy to work with and the final numbers were as they had communicated from the very beginning. We wanted the best value possible from the CRT, and the sale got that for us. I give Sterling my full recommendation and highly encourage other CRT income beneficiaries to consider this option."
- Paul Cook
Heber City, UT
"I want to thank Sterling for the very professional and competent manner in which you handled my transaction. I would certainly work with you on future transactions and you are welcome to refer me to other potential sellers as a reference. Thank you again."
- Paul Rhines
Cedar Rapids, IA
"We were handled promptly in all respects. Those who know me better would attest that is a REAL compliment to Sterling. Can't sum in up better than by saying I wish I had more business to do with Stelring."
- Frank La Fetra
Cupertino, CA
"A quality organization. The people with whom I dealt from my first communication to the last were knowledgeable, caring, capable and professional. I recommend Sterling to anyone with a CRT...I will be forever grateful."
- J. LaRayne Olson
St. Paul, MN
"For me, the decision to sell my income interest through Sterling was purely an economic one. I didn't need the money and was not displeased with how the trust had performed. But when I have the opportunity to sell something - in this case my CRT income interest - for more than it's worth to me to keep it, I do it. The capital gain tax treatment of the sale proceeds was also appealing, as was removing mortality risk (no longer do I have to outlive my table-driven life expectancy to achieve the anticipated value from the CRUT). The process itself was straightforward and Sterling easy to work with. Any CRT holder should consider this option."
- Hank O'Hara
San Jose, CA
"Working with Sterling Foundation Management was a pleasure. They were straightforward to deal with and were very efficient throughout the process."
- Lee DiCola
North Canton, OH
Professional Advisors
"Sterling arranged the sale of my client's income interest in a term CRT. The transaction was financially fulfilling to my client, as the sales price exceeded the values of other options they had with respect to the CRT. Both our firm and the client found the process straightforward and Sterling easy to work with. We won't hesitate to turn to Sterling again when the client facts fit."
- Benjamin T. White, Partner
Alston + Bird LLP
Atlanta, GA
"I worked closely with Sterling to complete the sale of a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) income interest for valued clients. My clients and I were very happy with the result, which saw my clients receive lump-sum payments at a desirable premium to net present value. The process was very straightforward and all my dealings with Sterling were open, honest and highly professional. I would not hesitate to work with Sterling again on future CRT transactions and would recommend them to any advisor wanting to secure a similar desirable outcome for their client."
- Karen Streisfeld-Leitner, Counsel
McLaughlin & Stern LLP
New York, NY
"All advisors ought to know that this potential for liquidity exists. It creates important flexibility for the client, which may have significant economic value. If you make a client aware and they don't want to do anything, no one is out. But if you don't tell them, and they might have benefited, they could be hurt and that could be an actionable omission. So it's clearly a case where it makes sense to inform all clients who have CRTs that they may be able to benefit from a sale of their lead interest."
- Alan P. Dye, Partner
Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, Washington, DC
Chairman, Washington Non-Profit Legal and Tax Conference
“Over the past 25 years, CFO4Life has worked with a wide array of different people with different situations. In that time, we have reviewed countless strategies with one goal in mind: to help people achieve financial independence and the peace of mind that comes with it. One of the most exciting strategies we’ve come across is Sterling Foundation Management’s liquidity option for CRTs. As is our usual practice, we carefully and thoroughly researched the area. We concluded that for a number of our clients, a sale of their CRT interest would offer them a significant benefit. We have worked with Sterling to complete sales for many of these clients, and continue to work with them where it makes sense for the client.
Today more than ever, clients need advisors who can help our clients achieve their financial goals. If you have clients who have CRTs, you need to know whether a sale of their CRT interest would help them.”
- Levi McMellian, CPA, Managing Director
CFO4Life/LPL Financial
Dallas, TX
“Sterling worked diligently with me and my client’s counsel to educate us on the CRT income interest sales transaction. In the end, they made the entire process simple and painless for my client, and were always responsive, thorough, and sensitive to our needs.
Because of my client’s advanced age, I was skeptical that Sterling could find a buyer willing to pay a premium in line with those typically garnered through their program. But Sterling spent the time necessary to locate a buyer willing to pay such a premium, enabling my client to benefit tremendously.
I am now working on another CRT transaction with Sterling and expect to them to deliver comparable value. I would highly recommend that any advisor with CRT clients leverage this unique and value-added service.”
- Mark D. Arlen, MBA, CFP
Lincoln Financial Advisors
Denver, CO
“Two of my long-term clients approached me about Sterling’s CRT Program. Given the concept was new to me, Sterling took the time necessary to educate me on the transaction, prior to even considering my clients’ CRTs. I immediately understood and appreciated the value in their program, and Sterling quickly comforted me from both a compliance and regulatory standpoint. I must say that for what seems on the surface to be a complicated transaction, Sterling has a knack for making it easy to understand for clients and their advisors. The transaction itself went very smoothly and provided significant value for both of my clients. I’m already looking for more ways to continue working with Sterling.”
- Vincent E. Westerman, Founder
The Westerman Group
Cleveland, OH
“My client needed more cash than her CRT was providing, but a lump sum cash payment for her entire CRT interest was not the best outcome. A trusted friend and colleague referred me to Sterling. They understood my client’s unique situation and provided a custom solution which my client utilized to sell her CRT interest at an attractive premium to present value. Importantly, the solution Sterling came up with not only satisfied my client’s cash needs, but it also kept in place an income stream which she can reply on in the future, which was important to me, as her financial advisor. My client and her trustee were very pleased with the results, and so was I.”
- O.D. “Buzz” Christensen, Jr., CLU, ChFC
Lincoln Financial Advisors
Salisbury, MD
“We just completed our second CRT income interest sales transaction with Sterling. They were very responsive and highly communicative throughout the entire sale process. The expectations they set upfront regarding sale price were clear and ultimately achieved. Our client was very happy with the result. We will continue to utilize their CRT Program again when it becomes appropriate for a client.”
- James R. Feek, CEP, RFC, Managing Director
Conover Feek
Kirkland, WA
“A long-term client of our firm sold his transportation business 10 years ago and set up a NIMCRUT. He had deferred the income for the trust’s duration, but was concerned about market losses within the trust and what rising tax rates would do to his future income stream. The sale of his lead interest was one of five potential solutions which were analyzed. Our client’s CPA and our firm ran the numbers and, with Sterling’s help, presented the various options to our client. After a Holiday cruise, our client came back with his decision: he wanted the most money, which meant the sale of his CRT interest. Over the next few months, Sterling – along with our client’s tax, legal and financial advisors – facilitated the sale of our client’s lead interest. While the transaction was complex, with various moving parts, it was seamless from our client’s perspective. More importantly, it created significant value for him and his family. Just as the decision to create his CRT was sound and in his best economic interest, so was the sale of his lead interest in that same CRT a decade later.
Where the client facts fit, Sterling’s CRT program is a big value-add. All advisors with CRT clients would be remiss if they did not consider and offer this extremely attractive exit strategy.”
- Jim Dyer, Co-Founder
Wealth Preservation Institute
Chicago, IL
“I was very pleased with the service that Sterling provided for a CRT sale. They were very professional as well as very comprehensive in supplying the information and material we needed in order to make this transaction possible. My client is very happy with the outcome!”
- Tiffany A. O’Connell Gillis
O’Connell Gillis LLC
Needham, MA
“I recently helped a client sell his CRT interest through Sterling’s CRT Program. My client was concerned about market instability and this gave him the ability to re-gain control of a valuable income source. He was very pleased, and so was I.”
- Bruce C. Johnson
Bruce C. Johnson & Associates
Rockville, MD
“I recently worked with Sterling to sell the income interest in a client’s CRT. The firm was very knowledgeable, professional and efficient. Documents were prepared in a timely manner, calls were promptly returned, questions were answered. Every aspect was straightforward and transparent. The client was delighted by the amount received in the sale which he was then able to better allocate as part of a broader estate plan. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sterling to anyone who has clients wishing to sell their CRT income interest.”
- Scott Gunderson
Attorney at Law
Reno, NV
“Sterling has facilitated the sale of CRT interests for two of my clients over past couple years. In both cases my clients and I were very happy with the outcome. I'd recommend Sterling to anyone with a CRT who wishes to liquidate their interest, and in doing so, receive maximum financial value.”
- Marvin J. Rudnitsky, Managing Partner
Rudnitsky & Hackman LLP
Selinsgrove, PA
“I've been speaking with Sterling for years so was well aware of their service for facilitating the sale of CRT income interests. I just had my first opportunity to work with Sterling when a client sold their CRT income interest. The transaction was completed very efficiently and my client was happy. Sterling was obviously very experienced and I was able to see first-hand that Sterling is a top-notch firm.”
- Robert K. O'Dell, Co-Founder
Wheaton Wealth Partners
Wheaton, IL
“Thank you for doing such a good job for our client. From beginning to end you handled it in a very professional and expeditious manner. I was impressed.”
- David A. Heitzenroder, Founder
Rosewood Capital/Commonwealth Financial Network
Pittsburgh, PA