Panel Discussion on: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted July 4, 2025, introduces sweeping tax law changes that significantly alter how trusts must be administered. This session provides a practical, fiduciary-focused analysis of how OBBBA affects daily trustee operations, income tax planning, beneficiary management, and long-term trust design. Unlike general tax updates, this presentation is tailored specifically to professional trustees, fiduciaries, and advisors who administer complex trusts. Key areas include managing trust AGI under compressed brackets, coordinating beneficiary-level medical and senior deductions, navigating expanded funding of special needs trusts (SNTs), and evaluating when older trusts should be decanted or modernized. Real-world case studies are integrated throughout the session to illustrate the effects on elderly beneficiaries with rising medical needs, disabled beneficiaries relying on SSI/Medicaid, and trustees managing outdated trust structures. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive annual checklist, actionable distribution strategies, and clear documentation standards to minimize fiduciary risk. This session equips trustees with immediately applicable guidance to serve beneficiaries better and operate confidently under the new law.
D1 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Practical Impacts For Trustees & Fiduciaries
Speakers
Jeni Ahern
STARCARE
Jeni Tryon Ahern has been providing comprehensive financial counsel since 1998. After graduating from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) she began her investment career with Salomon Smith Barney. Early on, Jeni identified a gap in the traditional corporate approach and sought to improve her client’s balance sheets as well as create a unique, personalized experience. Believing that clients would be better served by a comprehensive financial plan rather than a narrow focus on investment planning she continued her education at UCI and Kaplan by enrolling in their two year CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ courses. She subsequently earned her CFP® certification, and has helped her clients pursue a higher level of financial independence.
Jeni places the highest value on each client’s individual financial and life goals. She guides clients to build portfolios aiming to maximize growth but also help their principal. Clients appreciate and respect her knowledge, steadfast approach in difficult times and willingness to go the extra mile to meet their needs. Throughout her career, she has expertly consulted on complex trust and high profile divorce settlements; managed large portfolios for high net worth clients, and provided guidance and direction for clients in transition. Her keen financial insight and tax efficient strategies strive to ensure that clients do not outlive their assets.
Jeni is widely recognized as an industry leader, who has been quoted in Bloomberg Markets and sought out by industry insiders for her views on the wealth management profession. Her impeccable credentials include General Securities Representative, Uniform Securities Agent, Investment Advisor Representative and General Securities Principal, all held through LPL Financial.
In addition to providing wealth management services to clients, Jeni has also earned the title of LPL Registered Principal. This designation qualifies her to lead, train, and mentor financial consultants. She currently has five consultants in her branch, including a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She supervises and oversees each advisor’s client accounts, trades and investments.
Brandon Fiely
STARCARE
Brandon joined STARCARE in February 2009, and for over 15 years, has supported the firm’s mission to help clients attain their personal goals and achieve financial peace of mind. A Southern California native, Brandon attended high school in Orange County where he was active in athletics, playing both basketball and volleyball. He stayed in the southland to attend California State University, Fullerton where he studied business, achieving both academic and personal success.
Brandon was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, the department’s Finance Association and the Scholarship Chair of his fraternity – and still managed a spot on the Dean’s List for six semesters. As a member of the STARCARE Team, he conducts regular client meetings, supports the firm’s overall client planning efforts including investment modeling and portfolio management. Working closely with Richard Hearn, the company’s founder, Brandon also is actively involved in working with the firm’s special needs clients, including attending court hearings and analyzing complex court care plans. Brandon has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, and brings a large knowledge base of financial markets, products and planning. Brandon holds both Series 7 and 66 securities registrations with LPL Financial and insurance licenses (CA Insurance License #0F53795).
In August 2017, Brandon completed the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) program, successfully passing all three levels of the CFA exam, and completing the required 48 months of professional work experience. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the premier global association for investment management professionals and stands for creating an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, he honed his analytical skills through rigorous coursework and study. As a CFA Institute member Brandon adheres to the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence.
Outside the office, Brandon enjoys movies, sports – especially basketball – and spending time with his wife and two young children