The Private Trustee

About Us

Frank and Maria bring to the table an exceptional combination of experience, talents and giftings to empower their client families now and for generations to come. Their extensive experience, combined with the highest reputation for competence and integrity, has earned them the broad support of colleagues and clients alike. Frank and Maria reside in New Braunfels, Texas. They have an adult daughter, Ellie, who lives and works in Dallas.

Frank has been a practitioner and champion of qualitative planning for over twenty years. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) since 2001, Frank currently serves families as a governance consultant and independent trustee. He works mainly as a confidant and advocate for families of affluence who prioritize family unity. A lifelong learner, Frank earned a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas and has been active in professional learning communities ever since. He is also a contributing author of the book -un-Prepared: Heirs at Risk published by Family Meridian. Frank is a sought-after speaker for estate planning law firms, financial advisories and professional communities like The Purposeful Planning Institute and The Heritage Institute.

Maria holds a BS in Business from Miami University of Ohio and worked as an Account Manager for several Fortune 500 companies. She specializes in educating and coaching female inheritors in financial literacy and life skills. Frank and Maria also have over 20 years’ experience as leaders in a 12-step program, volunteering as sponsors for recovering addicts.

Contact Me

Frank D. Mullins

512-517-4451

[email protected]

Member - Independent Trustee Alliance (ITA)

Improving Family Communication for Successful Wealth Transfer

Estate planning works to transfer the maximum amount of MONEY in the most tax-efficient manner to beneficiaries. It is far less common for those plans to PREPARE THE FAMILY to constructively receive the wealth. Often, families have unique and complex circumstances that require thoughtful answers to challenging questions like:

  • What are the non-financial outcomes we hope to see in our adult children’s lives as a result of their inheritance?
  • Our adult children have a history of instability, substance abuse and/or chronic mental illness; how can we leave our inheritance to them without hurting their futures?
  • When it comes to leaving an inheritance to our children, is fair, always equal?
  • When and how do we communicate our estate plan to our children?

The solution to helping families answer these questions is always the same: improving communication regarding inheritance.

What conversations are needed to complete your planning, but not occurring?

We believe that almost every family can communicate more effectively about inheritance. We are committed to improving this crucial and often neglected aspect of traditional estate planning by preparing your client’s family to receive their inheritances constructively. A successful wealth transition goes beyond the assets and includes the family’s emotional, intellectual, spiritual and charitable capital. What would it mean to you if your clients had clarity about the non-financial outcomes of their estate plan?

Our proven process is built upon true collaboration, and we utilize a vetted network of credentialed specialists as needed. By helping parents address and resolve existing conflicts between one another and their adult children, we increase the chances of a successful wealth transition.

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Client Reviews

Frank is the best investment I've made! I didn't know what I didn't know. Initially I didn't realize the importance of hiring a Special Trust Advisor. Looking back over the last six years, engaging Frank was one of the best decisions I've made in my roles of trustee and primary beneficiary. In addition to serving on my investment and distribution committees, he's also my liaison with the administrative trustee.

D. Harris

Frank and Maria were an indispensable help for my family as we transitioned into a new phase or our life. They skillfully helped us navigate both the financial challenges and the emotional hurdles that we had to face. In particular, they put together a family weekend that helped create a better understanding between all members as well as strengthened the relationships. We are truly in their debt.

B. Wilbers

Frank, I want to thank you for all you have done for my family and me. Your wisdom around guiding us to the right resources, people, and processes, etc. has been invaluable. Your caring spirit never left a doubt; you always had us as a priority to grow and meet life challenges, money issues, and stewardship in a lasting and meaningful way.

J. Vickery

Our work and preparation with Frank for many months in preparing the agenda and selecting our most impactful stories set the stage far a family gathering that produced unimagined blessing to all and the return of our son to the family. Thank you. Frank, for a gift we could not find or give ourselves. Through your coaching, support, and skilled pressure, we have our family back.

J. Cunningham

"Consigliere” is an Italian term of affection for someone like Frank. The definition has to do with being a wise advisor or counselor but, beyond that, a trusted confidant or friend who represents the family in its affairs. At the core of who Frank was and is for our family, the word “trusted” stands out above all else. Frank is a skilled professional who took extreme care in understanding the different dynamics that existed in our family and led us through a process so that we could get more clarity about who we are as a family and where we want to go in the future.

A. Ogden

Frank brings to the table a variety of skills and years of experience that are unique in one person and which are especially well-suited to this type of work.

K. Anderson

Through the use of multiple assessment tools, we were able to reaffirm the value of family unity as a priority. Along the way, we were given tools that helped us improve our communication skills and group exercises that raised our levels of empathy for one another. With Frank's guidance and experience, we transformed the way we work together, and share in the responsibility of "family business." I truly believe we would not be as healthy as we are without the caring assistance of Frank.

J. Terracina

At the core of what Frank was and is for our family, the word "trusted" stands out above all else. Frank is a skilled professional who took extreme care in understanding the different dynamics that existed in our family and led us through a process so that we could get more clarity about who we are as a family and where we want to go in the future.

J. Ogden

I've witnessed firsthand Frank's skill at listening well, discerning the key issues in the family relationship dynamics and skillfully direct decision makers to consider and adopt better approaches to developing family unity as they plan for the future. It's a great skill to get everyone on the same page. Frank will do just that.

A. Deetjen

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Let’s navigate your legacy journey with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Member of the Independent Trustee Alliance

The Independent Trustee Alliance is a professional association formed by trustees, fiduciaries and other family consultants who work independently or for family offices.

Learn More About ITA