Helping our clients through their most challenging times
Judy Ransom remembers the day with complete clarity. April 1, 2011. She was making dinner when she got the call that changed everything. Her husband, Gene Ransom, had passed out
while ice fishing and was rushed to the emergency room. A tumor was found and a cancer diagnosis was made. Surgery, chemotherapy and a surge of doctor visits followed, along with further complications that challenged Gene’s abilities, both mentally and physically.
For Judy, the emotional distress was compounded by a major shift in responsibilities. She and Gene were newly retired, living in their recently built dream home on the river in Black River Falls. Everything Gene had done previously — including managing the family’s finances — was now up to her.
“Throughout our lives, Gene ran the whole show,” says Judy, 78, who has been married to Gene, 81, for 55 years. “We both worked in education, raised two girls, and did our part. Managing the money, Gene was very good at that and I knew I wasn’t.”
Judy says she knew enough to save — Gene had convinced her of that. He was introduced to Trust Point during his last job at a local bank, where he met former CEO, Kent Handel. Trust Point served Gene’s 401(k) and by the time his health concerns began, that partnership had evolved into a family-like relationship. Judy knew right away who to call for help.
“I wasn’t interested in going to any other institution. I knew Trust Point could help me because they always had,” she says. “They would come out to our home to have discussions, they were always patient and personable.”
Trust Point helped Judy consolidate retirement accounts, get a clear picture of her and Gene’s assets, and make sure the estate was in order. Trust Point has taken a team approach to working with Judy and Gene, with several associates involved, most recently Jason Munz, CTFA, Vice President, Eau Claire.
“We wanted to get everything into one place and make sure it was all organized for Judy and that she felt confident making decisions,” Jason says. “They did all the right things on the front end. They were savers, they didn’t overspend, they had an estate plan in place. We had gotten to know them well enough and established enough trust that when Gene got sick, all Judy had to do was make one call and we knew what to do.”
In 2017, because of concerns about Gene’s mobility and property upkeep, Judy and Gene made the hard decision to sell the home they had built and move into something more accessible and manageable. Trust Point also helped ensure the transaction went smoothly.
When making those big decisions, Judy says, Trust Point provided assurance that she was doing the right thing, the right way.
“I was really in need of some decision making about the house that I closed on and another that we didn’t, and I was pretty frightened about that,” Judy says. “Kent said, ‘Judy, I’m coming to visit you.’ And he actually came and sat down at my kitchen table with me and he settled my mind.”
Gene says he’s been appreciative of the peace of mind the Trust Point team has provided. Stepping away from his role as the financial manager in the household is just one of many challenges he’s faced, but it’s one thing he says he doesn’t have to worry about.
“Financially, we are in a great position because of Trust Point,” Gene says. “Finances were the least of our worries because we knew Trust Point had it handled.”
Jason continues to meet with Judy and Gene whenever needed. He monitors their investments and risk tolerance, makes sure cash flow needs are met, keeps a close eye on estate tax laws, and helps to manage a trust the couple set up.
“We’re very fortunate to have Judy and Gene as clients,” Jason says. “They’re wonderful people and they make our job easy. To us, they are family, and when things get tough, we know that’s when we’re needed most. I think everyone at Trust Point takes that approach and when someone places that amount of trust in you, it’s humbling. It’s why we do what we do.”
Let us help you like we did for Judy and Gene. Reach out to our team if you’d like to start a conversation.
*This article was featured in the 2024 Trust Point Magazine. Interested in your own copy of this magazine edition, Guiding You Every Step of the Way? Request a copy.
