When markets suddenly lurch lower, the flicker of red on a screen is more than a financial read-out. It is an emotional siren. Prospect theory, the landmark work of Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, explains the first half of that reaction. We anchor every outcome to...
General Topics
National Financial Freedom Day: Strengthen Your Path to Financial Independence
As we celebrate National Financial Freedom Day on July 1, we at American Trust Wealth invite you to pause and reflect. This is a moment to consider not only the concept of financial independence but also your personal progress toward achieving it. At its core,...
Who Tells Your Story? A Legacy Beyond Wealth
At the end of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton, the final song asks a question that lingers long after the curtain falls: “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” After two and a half hours chronicling ambition, revolution, sacrifice, and achievement, the...
Why High-Income Families Should Still Complete the FAFSA
It’s a common misconception that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is only relevant for families with financial need. In reality, completing the FAFSA can benefit all families — including those with significant income or assets. Here are a few...
Planning with Clarity: 8 Practical Steps to Prepare Your Family for What’s Next
Introduction: Clarity Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated No matter how much wealth you’ve built, one of the most valuable things you can leave your loved ones is clarity. Yet, conversations about what happens after you’re gone are often the most avoided...
Why Financial Planning for Families Starts with Early Investing and Guidance
Building long-term financial security begins with one key habit: starting early. Whether you’re setting up regular investments or seeking trusted financial advice, the sooner you start, the greater the impact. While these strategies benefit your own future, they...
Market Volatility – Like Spring Weather, Unpredictable but Not Unexpected
As we are in the middle of spring, we’re reminded that weather during this season can often be wildly unpredictable. Beautiful sunny days can give way to sudden cold snaps or violent thunderstorms overnight, frequently with blue skies returning the very next day. It...
Spring Cleaning and Document Retention
Springtime is usually a busy season and one of my favorite times of the year. The cold, short days of winter finally give way to more sunshine, longer days and a lovely “spring green” that beckons the call of lawnmowers. For some, this time of year means spring...
Safe at Home: Avoiding Costly Errors When Markets Get Wild
As the Major League Baseball season takes swing—with ballparks buzzing, gloves snapping, and the unmistakable scent of pine tar in the spring air—it’s a fresh reminder of just how much America’s pastime can teach us about discipline, strategy, and timing. Baseball,...
Technology as a Tool to Enhance Fiduciary Relationships
Abby, “Technology is evolving rapidly and I’m concerned it might replace the personal relationship I have with my Advisor. How can advancements in technology improve fiduciary relationships without taking away the human connection?” It’s natural to feel concerned...










