CONSERVE. PLAN. GROW.®
For Malcolm Butler, leadership in wealth management isn’t defined by headlines—it’s defined by stewardship. As President & CEO of The Fiduciary Group, Malcolm has spent decades helping families and business owners make decisions that hold up over time—especially when planning, investments, and family dynamics overlap.
Since 1980, Malcolm has provided wealth management expertise to multi-generational clients across the Southeast, with a focus on trust and estate administration as well as investment management.
A Path Rooted in Purpose
Malcolm’s career reflects both deep local roots and technical grounding. A Savannah native, he earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law—a foundation that continues to shape his work in trust and estate matters today.
He has also contributed to the broader profession over the years as a member of the Savannah Bar Association, Savannah Estate Planning Council, a former member of the Schwab Institutional Advisory Board, and a featured Wall Street Journal Experts contributor.
But what stands out most is the consistency of his work: staying close to clients, helping families navigate complexity, and maintaining the long-term mindset that has always been central to The Fiduciary Group.
Staying Grounded in a Long-Term Philosophy
In conversations with families, Malcolm’s guidance is steady and practical. It’s rarely about doing “more.” It’s about doing the right things in the right order—and making sure the plan is coordinated across the people and documents that matter most.
That planning-first mindset comes through clearly in his writing and Q&As. Whether the topic is charitable giving, aging parents, or estate planning, the message is the same: be intentional, document decisions properly, and keep the moving pieces aligned.
Planning Where It Matters Most
Many of the most important wealth decisions happen outside of market headlines—during transitions, as family responsibilities change, or when a plan needs to evolve. Malcolm’s recent insights reflect how TFG helps clients approach those moments with clarity.
Helping Families Support Aging Parents
When families begin supporting aging parents, Malcolm encourages them to start earlier than they think—before decisions become reactive.
In a recent Q&A, he shares a simple rule of thumb: begin the conversation when you notice a meaningful change—such as a new diagnosis, a move, a spouse’s passing, or early questions about managing finances and bills.
One line captures the tone of his approach: starting before a crisis gives everyone more options.
From there, he focuses on actionable steps—prioritizing legal documents and the planning structures that protect both generations. At a minimum, he notes, families should ensure they have an up-to-date will, durable financial power of attorney, and healthcare documents like an advance directive and healthcare power of attorney—along with HIPAA releases to ensure the right people can access medical information when needed.
If cognitive decline is a concern, Malcolm recommends adding safeguards—such as naming a trusted contact with the custodian, using automated bill pay, and establishing view-only access before granting full transaction authority.
And when families feel overwhelmed by the details, he suggests starting with a simple one- to two-page household summary—accounts, income sources, recurring expenses, insurance policies, and key professional contacts—so future decisions are grounded in the facts.
Estate Planning: Avoiding the Mistakes That Undermine a Plan
In estate planning, Malcolm emphasizes that even thoughtful plans can fall short when common pitfalls are overlooked.
In his article on estate planning mistakes, he reinforces the idea that a will is a baseline, but for some families, tools like trusts can add meaningful value—and it’s a mistake to assume a will alone is comprehensive.
He also highlights practical considerations that often get missed, like Transfer on Death provisions—helpful for passing certain assets efficiently, but potentially problematic if overused or misaligned with estate expenses and obligations.
Another key theme is neutrality and administration: in certain situations, designating a professional trustee can help reduce family friction and ensure the trust is administered consistently and in accordance with applicable laws.
And across all of it, Malcolm’s emphasis is clear: estate planning is not static. Major life events and changes in net worth are both reasons to revisit documents, and changes must be properly executed—not left to informal conversations or assumptions.
Aligning Philanthropy with the Broader Plan
Philanthropy is another area where Malcolm encourages intention over impulse—especially at year-end, when giving is top of mind and deadlines matter.
In his year-end charitable giving Q&A, Malcolm describes the final months of the year as “a natural checkpoint” for aligning giving with the causes you value and with the broader financial plan.
He outlines several tax-aware options beyond writing a check, including gifting appreciated securities, using Donor-Advised Funds, and—when appropriate—Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs to qualified charities.
He also emphasizes the practical side of follow-through: confirming transfer instructions and deadlines, keeping documentation in order, and coordinating with a tax professional.
His closing thought captures the planning mindset behind the topic: year-end giving is most effective when it’s thoughtful, documented, and integrated with the broader plan.
Values That Lead the Way
Malcolm’s commitment to service extends beyond the office. A longtime community leader, he has served in various roles supporting organizations including Telfair Museums, Rotary Club of Savannah, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Savannah Country Day School, and the Isle of Hope Historical Association, among others.
That civic involvement reflects a steady personal theme: responsibility, continuity, and investing time in the community he calls home.
Looking Ahead
Across Malcolm’s work—trust administration, estate planning guidance, supporting aging parents, and philanthropic planning—one principle stays consistent: help families make decisions that are clear, coordinated, and durable.
That’s fiduciary work at its best: not just managing complexity, but simplifying it—so clients can move forward with confidence.
Learn more about Malcolm’s role and experience:
Read Malcolm’s recent insights: charitable giving, aging parents, estate planning.