In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) forming a limited liability company ("LLC") operable to issue LLC preferred securities; (b) forming a trust operable to issue trust preferred securities and to purchase LLC preferred securities from the LLC; and (c) issuing subordinated notes with at least a 30-year maturity to the LLC. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising: (a) forming a trust operable to issue trust preferred securities and to purchase LLC preferred securities; and (b) receiving over the computer network subordinated notes with a maturity of at least 30 years from a parent. In another aspect, the invention comprises a security that: (a) is tax deductible, and (b) receives equity credit above 50% from Moody's and S&P.