As we cross the threshold into the middle of 2026, the financial landscape continues to present a fascinating, interconnected puzzle. Managing capital in a dynamic economy requires us to look past the day-to-day noise of cable news and social media, and instead focus deeply on structural economic realities. The core
In an effort to help families build long-term financial security for children, Congress introduced a new type of savings vehicle through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Trump Accounts.
When people begin searching for a financial advisor, they often assume all firms operate the same way. In reality, the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) landscape tends to fall into three distinct “camps.” Each brings value, but each also has limitations that can impact the quality of advice clien
Part 4: Emotion — The Behavioral Side of Financial Decisions While markets and economic factors play a role in retirement outcomes, investor behavior can also be an important influence. Emotional responses to uncertainty, market movements, and financial stress may affect decision-making. Common Beha
On May 1st, we recognize National Investing Day! A newer observance founded by Charles Schwab to promote financial education, long-term investing, and greater access to the markets. The date isn’t random. It traces back to May 1, 1975 often called “May Day” on Wall Street, when commission rates were
Part 3: Volatility — Navigating Market Fluctuations Market volatility refers to the natural fluctuations in the value of investments over time. While it is a normal part of investing, it can present challenges - particularly during retirement. Understanding Volatility Financial markets do not move i
Part 2: Inflation — The Gradual Impact on Purchasing Power Inflation represents the general increase in prices over time. While it may not always feel immediate, its long-term effects can meaningfully impact retirement planning. How Inflation Affects Retirement Over time, even moderate inflation may
Part 1: Longevity — The Risk of Living Longer Than Expected For much of history, the primary concern was not living long enough. Today, many retirees face the opposite challenge: living longer than their financial resources were originally designed to support. This is commonly referred to as longevi
Every year on March 31st, World Backup Day serves as a simple but powerful reminder: protect your digital life. Photos, documents, passwords—everything that would be painful to lose. Most of us understand this instinctively. We’ve either experienced data loss ourselves or know someone who has. And o
The first three months of 2026 delivered a sudden and sobering wake-up call to global financial markets. High optimism for artificial intelligence and imminent interest rate cuts quickly collided with reality. Geopolitical tensions spiked energy prices, the AI boom faced physical infrastructure limi
Estate planning often extends beyond basic documents such as wills. With recent legislative changes—including provisions commonly referenced as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)”—federal estate tax exemptions are currently elevated (subject to future legislative change). As a result, m
The Section 351 ETF Exchange (often called an "ETF Conversion" or "Seeding") is a sophisticated tax strategy that allows investors to move large, appreciated stock positions into a diversified ETF without triggering immediate capital gains taxes. While it has been a staple for institutional investor