Blog

Asking for Help Is a Strength 10 Ways a Financial Professional Can Assist You

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Seeking the help of a financial advisor to assist in one's wealth planning leaves more time for them to focus on their primary specialty area, thus driving efficiency in managing results.

Financial Planning in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

In today’s fast-paced environment, careful financial planning is crucial when it comes to growing and preserving your wealth. The decisions you make today could have a lasting impact on your finances. Please use the checklist below to...

7 Tips for Near Retirees to Protect Their Financial Data

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Saturday, March 1, 2025

While protecting your financial data has always been important, it grows even more critical as you start retirement planning.

Caring For Your Family Members While Preparing For Retirement

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Saturday, February 1, 2025

The newest generation of upcoming retirees is facing a more unique and prominent dilemma than past generations have experienced: caring for family members at the same time they’re retirement planning.

Strategic Tax Insights for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Strategic tax planning is also integral to HNWI's wealth management because it allows them to manage their tax liability as they work toward their financial goals.

How Charitable Giving Can Bolster Your Estate Plan Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunsets

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Sunday, December 1, 2024

If charitable giving is a part of your estate planning or financial strategy, our financial advisor says consider the following reasons and possible benefits of giving before the TCJA sunsets.

There are often red flags you may notice that indicate your parents have reached a point where they need help with their financial security. Your parents might be resistant to this, believing they can still manage their financial planning.

Professor Jeremy Siegel

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

There haven’t been many times in our 20+ year career that we’ve had the opportunity to visit with one of the true leaders in our industry. Last week we spent over an hour with Professor Jeremy Siegel. His resume speaks for itself, but...

Fortifying Your Finances: Cybersecurity Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

This means that financial management needs to go beyond traditional security measures. You also need a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Our financial advisor states here are some risks for high-net-worth individuals and how to manage.

The Road to High-Net-Worth: Strategic 401(k) Moves to Amplify Your Wealth

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Sunday, September 1, 2024

On your journey toward a high-net-worth status, it's crucial to understand that retirement planning and intelligent decision-making are essential for wealth management.

Growth vs. Value Investing: Who are You Rooting for in This Duel of Strategies?

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Growth investing and value investing are similar yet different financial concepts that motivate investors depending on several factors. These motivations vary from person-to-person based on their personality and their financial planning.

Expanding on the initial 2024 Outlook, “A Turning Point,” this midyear update offers fresh insights into the economic and market landscape, along with their potential impact on investment portfolios.

KEY THEMES FOR THE SECOND HALF With the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn, in this week’s commentary we pull out key themes from the publication and add some context for our views given stocks...

With a Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, a Bank of Japan (BOJ) meeting, two very important inflation reports, and nearly $120 billion of new Treasury securities auctioned — last week was quite the week for markets.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent victory in the national elections was muted at best. While he secured a rare third term in the nation’s highest office, his decisive legislative supermajority failed to materialize.

To say May was an eventful month for the market is an understatement. Investors navigated around the latter half of first-quarter earnings, a breakout to record highs for the broader market, elevated volatility across fixed income and...

The first quarter earnings season is largely in the books, and it was excellent. In fact, S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) would have been up double digits in the quarter if not for a big loss Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) absorbed in an...

529 Plans Demystified: What Affluent Families Need to Know

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, May 24, 2024

As an affluent family, planning for your children's education is likely a top priority. You want to ensure that they have access to the best education possible without worrying about the high cost of tuition.

The post-pandemic economy is treating people very differently, creating a headache for central bankers. The extreme differences can often get traced back to living situations, as renters have a very different experience than homeowners.

How Interest Rates Can Make or Break Your Lifestyle

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Friday, May 17, 2024

Throughout the years, the market has experienced regular periods of volatility. Periodically, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMCC) reviews its monetary policy, which creates both worry and anticipation among consumers and businesses.

It continues to be a challenging environment for a lot of fixed income markets, especially higher quality markets. With the Federal Reserve (Fed) seemingly unlikely to lower interest rates until after the summer months (at the...

Assessing Your Retirement Preparedness in the Modern Age

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, May 10, 2024

Did you know, according to CNBC, more Americans are expected to turn 65 through 2027 than at any other time in history? This rapid population increase of older adults is often called the “Silver or Gray Tsunami."

“Sell in May and Go Away” is one of the most widely used maxims on Wall Street. There is no shortage of financial media coverage on this topic as the calendar turns to May. However, this phrase may be more rhyme than reason, as stocks tend

Avoid These 5 Things When Markets are Peaking

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Friday, May 3, 2024

As the saying goes, "what goes up must come down." In the world of investing, this adage holds true, especially during times when stock markets are reaching new peaks.

Last week was a pivotal one for markets, with the S&P 500 coming off a 3% weekly decline the week before. In terms of economic data, we got our first look at first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) as well as the March reading of the...

Making Your Money Work for You Through “Giving” Strategies

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, April 26, 2024

Part of the joy of making money and building wealth is not solely the aim to live a flexible life of convenience; it is also giving to those we love.

Volatility has come back into the market as the narrative shifted toward a higher-for-longer monetary policy backdrop. Signs of sticky inflation and a resilient economy, including a strong labor market, have underpinned the change in...

Old 401(k), New Tricks: 6 Tips for Rolling Over Your 401(k)

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Friday, April 19, 2024

The average American worker will change jobs more than once in their lifetime. While there are multiple options such as leaving your 401(k) in your former plan if allowed, cashing out the account balance, or transferring the 401(k).

As the first quarter earnings season kicked off on April 12, expectations for the energy sector were decidedly negative. That low bar has tempted analysts to forecast a series of positive surprises as recent data releases for both the U.S.

Thriving Through Financial Stress: Lessons for High-Net-Worth Families

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, April 12, 2024

April is Stress Awareness Month, and there's no better time to reflect on and address the stressors that may impact our lives. Financial stress is an interesting challenge for high-net-worth individuals and families.

First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with several big banks reporting this Friday, including sector bellwether JPMorgan Chase (JPM). This quarter will seem quite similar to the fourth in terms of growth and drivers, with...

Venture Philanthropy or Impact Investing: How it Works to Grow Your Giving

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Friday, April 5, 2024

While it may have gained increasing interest in recent times, especially as more investors look for ways to support causes that resonate with them, the idea of venture philanthropy is not new.

The initial public offering (IPO) market allows institutional investors to incorporate the macroeconomic landscape with individual corporate earnings data — and future earnings forecasts — to ascertain a share price that will hold up...

Is a 529 to Roth IRA Rollover Right for You? Here's What You Need to Know

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Saturday, March 30, 2024

If you have a 529 education savings plan, it can now be converted to a Roth IRA. Both plans are funded by after-tax money. Initially, the money put into a 529 plan had to be used toward education expenses.

The difference between strategic and tactical investment time horizons can be likened to the ebb and flow of tidal patterns in oceans. Strategic investing mirrors the steady rise and fall of the tides, focusing on long-term goals and...

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about central banks. And this week will be no different, with at least 15 central bank meetings planned, some more important than others, of course. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting will...

Bullion broke new ground last week after rallying to a record high. Growing investor confidence for a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut by this summer dragged down yields and the dollar, creating a tailwind for gold.

Fourth quarter earnings season is winding down with only about a dozen companies in the S&P 500 left to report. After a slow start mired by messy bank results early on, corporate America picked up the pace and ended up delivering...

Asset Allocation

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, March 1, 2024

Asset allocation is a common strategy that you can use to construct an investment portfolio. Asset allocation isn't about picking individual securities. Instead, you focus on broad categories of investments, mixing them together in the...

High-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: How Social Security Fits In

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, March 1, 2024

As high-net-worth (HNW) individuals approach their golden years, retirement planning often becomes a focal point of their financial strategies. One aspect of this planning that sometimes creates confusion or misinterpretation is the...

Digital Payments and Taxes: What You Need to Know Before You File

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Friday, March 1, 2024

In an unexpected turn of events, the IRS announced another delay in the implementation of the new reporting rule that would require third-party payment apps, for example, Zelle, PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, to report earned income over...

How to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Friday, March 1, 2024

Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense. All followers of political parties believe their party...

After a brief lull in 2023, buyback activity appears to be back this year. A resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation pressures, and expectations for an eventual shift to interest rate cuts have given corporate America confidence to...

As the Federal Reserve (Fed) continues with its Quantitative Tightening (QT) program, questions abound regarding the Treasury Department’s expanding funding needs. The QT program is designed to reduce the Fed’s balance...

When we wrote the annual outlook last November, the data was mixed. Some metrics hinted at emerging cracks in the economy while others suggested the growth trajectory in capital markets and the economy had legs. So, the variety of the...

A positive January has historically been a bullish sign for stocks. Yale Hirsch, creator of the “Stock Trader’s Almanac”, first discovered this seasonal pattern back in 1972, which he called the January Barometer and...

Smart Savings: 5 Tax Breaks for College Students and Parents

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, February 1, 2024

With the cost of college expensive for many, receiving a tax break from the IRS for college-related expenses may be appealing. 529 Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) offer tax-advantaged withdrawals when used for...

Strategic Spending: Wise Habits for Long-Term Care For High-Net-Worth Individuals

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, February 1, 2024

As high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning during their working years, one critical aspect often goes overlooked—long-term care. In 2021, the median monthly cost of a private room in a nursing...

Making the Most of an Interest Rate Hike Pause: Financial Tips and Strategies

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, February 1, 2024

In times of market volatility, when inflation is increasing, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to help to cool the inflation spike. During this period, people are anxious and keep a tight grip on their wallets. In time, the...

A Taxpayer’s Guide to Exemptions, Deductions, and Credits

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Thursday, February 1, 2024

When filing your income taxes, each taxpayer is different. Some prefer reducing the taxes they owe and getting the most significant possible refund, while others work to keep the taxes they pay as low as legally required. The IRS...

With the S&P 500 having recently ascended to a fresh record high after such a strong 2023, it’s natural for investors to worry that valuations have become over-extended. On traditional valuation measures, valuations do appear...

Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could temporarily impact goods prices but not at the same magnitude as during the pandemic. Tight financial conditions, slowing economic growth, and a disinflationary trend all support the Federal...

In a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan denying a chance for at least 43 million eligible participants to eliminate up to $20,000 of their debt. Despite new actions...

If you're thinking about working in retirement, you must consider a few things before making your decision. As you get older, the question of when to collect Social Security retirement benefits and how your monthly payment may be...

Your financial professional can help leverage these changes to impact your tax liabilities It is crucial for individuals to engage in strategic tax planning with their financial professionals, particularly considering the changes to...

Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...

Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500. In a world where...

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions that include financial goals, writing them down and being visible is essential to your success. After you’ve written down what your financial resolutions for the New Year are, tell others...

Charitable giving is a great way to support your community, make an impact for others, or leave a legacy while saving on taxes. If you have the financial resources to give and find an organization you’re passionate about, now is...

Whether your child was just born or is heading toward high school graduation, a 529 savings plan may help you put aside funds to pay for college expenses without paying taxes (federal and some states) on any dividends and gains.1...

The average family spends an extra $1,000 or more during the holiday season. From gifts and travel to dinners, shows, and decorations, each purchase adds up.1 How might you take full advantage of holiday cheer while avoiding the...

Charitable Giving: How Small Business Owners Can Make a Big Impact

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Charitable giving is an excellent way for businesses to help others while taking advantage of additional tax breaks. Billions of dollars are given each year in the U.S. to a wide range of charities providing valuable community services.

8 Tips to Stay on Track with Holiday Budgeting

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting, it’s essential to set your budget now. You may likely find yourself spending extra on food, decorations, holiday travel, and more.

Tips for Your Year-End Financial Planning Review

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Monday, November 13, 2023

It’s easy to liken your annual financial planning review to what you already know really well: the annual employee performance review. Here is what you should do in order to make your annual financial planning review more efficient.

3 Steps to a High-Net Worth Retirement

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Monday, November 6, 2023

How does one maintain their wealth so that they might live the life they desire once they hit retirement age? A few simple steps may help make the process a little easier.

Donor Advised Funds: A Unique Way to Give

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Monday, October 30, 2023

If you’re in search of a way to reduce your tax bill and give back to the community, a donor advised fund may be worth considering.

Four Financial Planning Essentials to Ease Your Retirement Fears

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Monday, October 23, 2023

If you're ready to learn more about how you can begin planning, talk to a financial professional about these four financial planning essentials.

The Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How To Mitigate Them

Ryan Williamson, AIF®, CFP®, Principal

Monday, October 16, 2023

Here's a closer look at the six most common estate planning mistakes and how you can work towards sidestepping them.

A Financial Checklist for Life Changing Events

Paul Fousek, AAMS®, AIF®, Principal

Monday, October 9, 2023

Are you financially prepared for a life-changing event? This checklist is the first step to help you prepare for these events now or in the future.