Financial Planning

In recent weeks, market volatility has surged, driven by uncertainty surrounding the growth picture and Washington's economic policy

We were in the camp that the new administration was using the threat of tariffs as an instrument to negotiate deals with other countries, especially with our largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico.

This week, and according to many, Federal Reserve (Fed) officials jumped onto the uncertainty bandwagon, along with consumers and businesses, waiting for more policy clarity from the Trump administration.

This week, and according to many, Federal Reserve (Fed) officials jumped onto the uncertainty bandwagon, along with consumers and businesses, waiting for more policy clarity from the Trump administration – and who could blame them with policies in daily flux?

Markets have been overwhelmed lately by the administration’s fast-paced and, many times, highly uncertain tariff measures.

Most of us associate 529 accounts with college savings. They’re flexible, allowing you to transfer assets to anyone, including yourself, for the express purpose of furthering the education of your beneficiary. But did you know that a 529 can be a powerful estate planning tool?

On March 4, 2025, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico and increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 20% from the previous 10% imposed earlier in the year.

We understand that in the business world the word ‘monetization’ of a service a company provides has become one of the most important words as, if successful, this monetization increases the valuation of that company’s stock price.

Today we are going to revisit that matrix updated through 2024. We will see what we got right and wrong, what further inferences we can now make and why I think it confirms my general shift in market strategy over the past few years.

Many independent firms and Registered Investment Advisors aspire to move upmarket, targeting wealthier clients who demand more sophisticated financial solutions.

Back in May of 2024, we wrote a weekly commentary called: “We Can’t Import Cheap Homes; But We Could Import Cheap EV Cars.” In that weekly we argued that since the U.S. auto industry, does not want to build small cars because it is not competitive, then we should open the lower-end EV automobile industry to imports from China.

Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.

VettaFi Senior Industry Analyst Kirsten Chang interviewed legendary advisor Jeff Concepcion for the latest installment of Road to Exchange.

Tariff concerns are not only affecting inflation expectations but also Americans’ consumption patterns.

For 2025 tax planning, our Bill Cass shares income tax planning strategies that can help manage current tax bills and prepare for future changes. Here are the highlights.

Tariffs seem to have become a staple of Americans’ dictionaries lately as the new administration uses this policy instrument to achieve objectives that are not directly tied to the reasons tariffs have been used in the past.

After this week’s FOMC decision to hold the fed funds rate unchanged, markets and analysts concluded that Federal Reserve members had changed their views on inflation.

In this article, we will demonstrate how the use of daily options within a covered call strategy has the potential to generate substantial income while also targeting the total return of equities.

Next week we will have the first Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting decision on interest rates of the year, where Federal Reserve (Fed) officials are expected to leave the federal funds rate unchanged.

State and federal agencies are providing immediate assistance and financial aid for essentials for wildfire victims in California. Our Bill Cass shares some financial strategies to secure emergency funds and plan finances.

We understand that the monetary policy playbook since the Bernanke Fed and the Great Financial Crisis has changed considerably.

The Social Security Fairness Act is expected to enhance benefits for many starting in 2024. Our Bill Cass explains the significance of the new law.

Use this guide to transform our 2024 Retirement Insights into action in 2025, focusing on areas of plan design, tax credits and participant engagement. Our Mike Dullaghan shares the highlights.

Engaging up front with four key workstreams may smooth the process of adding a solution.

The calendar page has turned, and that means we have the opportunity to get 2025 off to a good start.

The US labor market has remained relatively strong, but the trend over the last year or so has been one of normalization back to the pre-pandemic levels.

Rough times are coming, yes, but I think we have at least 12 good months before the worst gets here. Let’s look at some of the reasons why things should be okay and then look at some of the potential problems.

The most important issue regarding what lies ahead from an economic perspective is that the economy’s fundamentals remain solid with very few misalignments that could derail it, at least for now.

Enrollees in Medicare Advantage may end up paying steep costs for specialty care that doesn't meet their healthcare needs, advisors shared.

Since we are not going to publish Weekly Economics on December 27, 2024, we will take this opportunity to say farewell to 2024 and to all our readers, we want to wish you a very happy holiday season and a very prosperous New Year 2025!

Start the new year right by reviewing and revamping your financial plan.

As we approach next week’s Federal Reserve FOMC meeting ... it would be interesting to ask ourselves what we would do if we were members of the committee.

Newly released research from State Street Global Advisors breaks down why financial advisors are embracing model portfolios more this year.

“Should I hire a financial advisor?” people often ask Jon Fee. The answer is never “No.” But sometimes the answer is “Maybe.”

Whether you want to buy or rent, finding an affordable, comfortable home can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.

Assets in money market funds reached an all-time high of $7 trillion this past month. Now that rates are moving lower, money market yields may not be as attractive to many investors and assets may gradually leave money funds.

We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.

We compare investor risk-taking behaviors at the start of the bull market with those nearly 16 years later. We also analyze key market areas that can offer essential diversification to help manage overall portfolio risk.

Some retirees say they could have planned better for lifetime income—helpful insight for current participants.

It is important for savers to understand guaranteed and non-guaranteed options when looking at retirement solutions offered within a 401(k) plan. Our Mike Dullaghan shares the highlights and talks about the need for personalized strategies.