Financial markets have delivered remarkable performance thus far in 2024, giving investors numerous reasons for optimism this holiday season. Despite facing challenges, including Federal Reserve policy shifts, election uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions, major...
As the year draws to a close, savvy investors are turning their attention to tax-efficient investment strategies. The impact of taxes on investment returns can be significant, often eroding a substantial portion of your hard-earned gains. Understanding and...
After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans have won control of the Senate. It’s clear that political outcomes can influence our daily lives and the direction of the country. However, regardless of which side of the...
In recent weeks, investors have witnessed an intriguing phenomenon: long-term interest rates have climbed despite the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, a key benchmark, has surged from 3.62% to as high as 4.38%. This...
In the heart of Champaign, Illinois, where the bustling university town meets the serene Midwestern landscape, John and Sarah Thompson found themselves at a crossroads. At 58 and 56 years old respectively, this pre-retiree couple had spent decades building their...
As the year draws to a close, many individuals and families turn their attention to charitable giving. This end-of-year focus on philanthropy isn’t just about embracing the holiday spirit; it’s a strategic approach that can make a significant impact on...
As the year draws to a close, many investors will find themselves considering beneficial planning strategies, especially those that may provide current or future tax benefits. One powerful tool that often comes into focus this time of year is a Roth conversion. At its...
As the year draws to a close, many individuals and families find themselves reflecting on their financial decisions and contemplating ways to make a meaningful impact. Year-end charitable giving presents a unique opportunity to do just that, allowing you to support...
As we begin the final quarter of the year, financial markets and the economy have defied the expectations of many investors. Rather than falling into recession, the economy has grown steadily, albeit at a slower pace, and inflation rates have fallen toward the Fed’s...
As the year draws to a close, savvy investors and taxpayers turn their attention to a crucial financial task: year-end tax planning. It may be even more top of mind this year with a presidential election approaching and the potential for tax policy changes in 2025...
Inheriting an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be both a blessing and a source of confusion. An inherited IRA is a retirement account that you receive as a beneficiary after the original owner’s death. While these accounts can provide significant...
When it comes to financial planning, one crucial aspect that’s often overlooked is the proper naming and updating of beneficiaries across various accounts and policies. This seemingly simple task can have far-reaching implications for your loved ones and the...
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions remain a focal point for markets. After months of speculation and anticipation, the Fed finally moved forward with their first rate cut of 0.50% last week while also forecasting additional cuts this year and into...
With less than two months until the presidential election, the policy platforms for President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are gradually forming. Through speeches and debates, each candidate is laying out what they stand for and how they would change...
Planning for long-term care is a critical aspect of financial planning that often goes overlooked as part of a comprehensive financial and retirement plan. As we age, the likelihood of needing assistance with daily activities increases, making it essential to have a...
In an era of economic uncertainty and shifting financial landscapes, securing one’s financial future has become more critical than ever. As individuals and families seek innovative ways to preserve and transfer wealth to future generations, wealth transfer life...
From Vice President Harris replacing President Biden in the presidential race to continued geopolitical conflicts, several recent events have added to market uncertainty. In mid-July, we saw the S&P 500 decline over 8%% from its all-time high, while the Nasdaq...
When it comes to managing your wealth and planning for the future, few tools are as powerful and versatile as trusts and estates. At their core, trusts are legal arrangements that allow a third party, known as a trustee, to hold and manage assets on behalf of...
As your children leave the nest, you’re entering a new chapter in life filled with both emotional and financial transitions. The house feels quieter, routines shift, and suddenly, you find yourself with more time and potentially more financial resources at your...
With the presidential election just two and a half months away, we wanted to follow up on our prior article from earlier this year about how presidential elections can impact investors (check it out by clicking here if you were unable to read it previously – How...