Brett Whitley - Sr. Partner & Sr. Private Wealth Advisor at Blue Trust

Brett Whitley - Sr. Partner & Sr. Private Wealth Advisor at Blue Trust Helping clients make better financial decisions, live generously, and leave a lasting legacy.

Most people think of values-aligned investing as choosing what to exclude from their portfolio. Fewer realize that owner...
07/17/2026

Most people think of values-aligned investing as choosing what to exclude from their portfolio. Fewer realize that ownership comes with a voice.

As shareholders, investors can participate in proxy voting and engage directly with company leadership on issues that matter to them. That might mean advocating for stronger safeguards for children in digital spaces, pushing for more transparent corporate governance, or encouraging companies to stay focused on their core business rather than drifting into polarizing positions.

This isn't theoretical. Through Blue Trust's corporate engagement partners, shareholders have influenced meaningful policy changes at major companies across industries. Not by divesting and walking away, but by staying at the table and using the influence that comes with ownership.

It's often the dimension of values-aligned investing that surprises people most. And for many of our clients, it's the one that resonates deepest.

At a certain level of wealth, every investment decision intersects with something else.Selling a concentrated position t...
07/14/2026

At a certain level of wealth, every investment decision intersects with something else.

Selling a concentrated position triggers tax consequences. Funding a family trust changes your liquidity picture. A shift in charitable giving creates planning opportunities that ripple through the rest of your financial life.

The challenge isn't any single one of those decisions. It's that most advisory relationships treat them as separate conversations. Investment here. Tax there. Estate somewhere else.

At Blue Trust, we coordinate those elements into one integrated picture. Because at this level of complexity, fragmentation is its own form of risk.

A portfolio isn't a plan until it's all connected.

When I ask clients what values-aligned investing means to them, almost everyone starts in the same place: "I don't want ...
07/10/2026

When I ask clients what values-aligned investing means to them, almost everyone starts in the same place: "I don't want to own companies that conflict with my beliefs."

That instinct is right. But it's only one dimension of what's possible.

Screening is where most people begin. Choosing what to exclude. It matters. But there's a second dimension that often gets overlooked: actively directing capital toward companies whose mission aligns with what you care about.

And then there's a third that surprises most people entirely. As a shareholder, you have a voice. Through proxy voting and corporate engagement, you can advocate for change from within the companies you own.

Not everyone uses all three. But most people don't know they have the choice.

The best financial conversations are rarely just financial.They're conversations about marriage. Family dynamics. Fear. ...
05/26/2026

The best financial conversations are rarely just financial.

They're conversations about marriage. Family dynamics. Fear. Responsibility. What a couple is hoping to leave behind, and what they're afraid of leaving behind.

Money has a way of surfacing what people care about most deeply — and what they're most uncertain about.

That's why trust matters so much in this work. Without it, the real conversations never start. With it, the spreadsheet becomes the easy part.

Since 2019, Blue Trust clients have given more than $2 billion to charity. I know what that number actually represents ...
05/20/2026

Since 2019, Blue Trust clients have given more than $2 billion to charity.

I know what that number actually represents — the late-night conversations about what really matters, the time and prayer poured into plans and decisions around stewarding wealth, and more. It's clients who wrestled with how much is enough and decided to give the rest away. It's generosity I've gotten to witness up close.

This is one of the most rewarding things I get to celebrate with my clients as they steward what God has put in their hands for His glory and purposes.

When people get organized, clear, and moving toward God’s vision for their future, they are freed up to be more generous.

Awesome milestone.

This year in Mexico! 🌎 . As a wealth advisor to families, one of the highlights and privileges I have every year is l...
02/22/2025

This year in Mexico! 🌎 .

As a wealth advisor to families, one of the highlights and privileges I have every year is leading family meetings for my clients.

My wife and I just returned from one I have been hosting annually with the next gen members of a multi-generational / multi-family client. This annual G3 Forum is made up of cousins (and their spouses) in the 3rd generation of their family ranging in ages 30-44 (a total of 15).

In addition to the work of the G3 throughout the year, these weekends are designed to continue the intentional journey of preparing them to steward the family’s wealth, and their heritage, values, and generosity. It was an incredible time of connection, growth, working on family (not just the business), and having some fun!

It’s always a fresh reminder of how valuable and necessary it is for families to have an intentional plan for communicating and training up the next generation. Big thanks to from Plenitude Partners for co-laboring to help make it a success!

I love the complexities of financial planning, tax, investments, estate, trust, charitable, and overall family CFO services that come with serving high net worth families. But this aspect of my role in facilitating family meetings with parents/kids, and working with the next generation of families to see them flourish is definitely one of the greatest joys.

Here are a couple key truths I have experienced with this over my career:

1) if there is only a plan for the wealth, and not for the family well-being, the well-being of the family will suffer. Your wealth and legacy are only as secure as your family is secure.

2) “to the extent there is wealth and no intentional communication around it, it is tantamount to withholding affection from your kids” - from our chief mission officer at BlueTrust .

There are a lot of fears and reasons families wait or don’t ever have these conversations.

You will either have these conversations around the table with your kids, or if not, then sadly around the coffin (without you).

Join the list of families choosing the table.

In a recent blog, our investment team explores rising unemployment and analyzes whether or not the economy is moderating...
08/08/2024

In a recent blog, our investment team explores rising unemployment and analyzes whether or not the economy is moderating or nearing a recession. Check it out here: https://yip.sh/5cd01ec2

Our approach to wealth management isn’t just about numbers; it’s about your purpose and mission in life (your “why”)! We...
08/02/2024

Our approach to wealth management isn’t just about numbers; it’s about your purpose and mission in life (your “why”)! We work with you to determine how much is enough so you can hold your resources with an open hand and leave a lasting legacy.

How do you teach children to be wise with money? Check out our latest blog to learn how you can use an allowance to teac...
08/01/2024

How do you teach children to be wise with money? Check out our latest blog to learn how you can use an allowance to teach kids the essentials of giving, saving, and spending wisely! https://yip.sh/cba7aebc

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