Today’s investors expect more from their retirement portfolios. They want more control, better personalization, and smarter strategies that fit their goals. Many are looking to their financial advisors, not only their plan sponsors, for guidance. In Schwab’s national 401(k) Participant Study, nearly three quarters of workers said they…
“You don’t look like your goals; you look like your habits.” I don’t know who said that first, but it stopped me cold when I heard it the first time. I think about it every year around this time when I see people trotting out their new year’s…
As the year draws to a close, many clients enter the traditional “giving season” with an eye on both their financial plans and their charitable goals. Year-end is a prime time for financial advisors to help clients review their philanthropic priorities and maximize available tax benefits before December…
Public market volatility and ongoing economic uncertainty make it challenging for advisors to build resilient, diversified portfolios. That’s why more financial professionals are turning to private markets to find new avenues to capture the drivers of long-term growth.
Many of you know I had the great fortune to grow up in San Diego during the ’70s and ’80s. For some people, those years were all about mega-malls, Walkmans, and neon leg warmers. But for me, it was always about the ocean. The endless horizon and the…
As more clients are expected to turn to bank trust departments and trust companies for deeper financial guidance, expectations are rising. Basic administration no longer meets their needs. They seek broader diversification, smarter tax strategies, and long-term support to manage family wealth. Clients want portfolios tailored to their…
The first half of 2025 is in the books. While it may not have played out exactly as we envisioned, equity markets are roughly where we expected them to be. The S&P 500 has returned about 6.2% so far this year.1
Taxes can be one of the biggest drags on long-term portfolio performance. And in today’s market, clients are more tuned in than ever to the impact taxes have on their bottom line.
In today’s evolving financial landscape, advisors need to do more than react to changes to stay ahead—you need to seize opportunities to enhance client outcomes. Tax optimization isn’t just a strategy; it’s a way to position yourself as the advisor clients rely on to protect and grow their…
Incorporating tax planning as a value-added service can set you apart as a financial advisor, helping you attract new clients and strengthen existing relationships. Taxes are one of the most significant factors impacting long-term investment outcomes, yet many clients don’t realize the value of proactive tax strategies. By offering…
As December 31 approaches, many people turn their thoughts to charitable giving. Whether the impetus is related to spending down an anticipated year-end bonus, maximizing tax incentives, honoring a loved one for the holidays, or part of an overall giving plan, this time of year can be one…
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of finance, staying ahead of the curve is paramount to financial advisor success. While it may be only anecdotally true, an old adage claims that “not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Generally, professional development can enhance critical thinking,…
Though faith-based investing isn’t a new concept, many investors aren’t aware that they can align their investments with their religious values. For investors, designing an investment strategy that aligns with the principles and teachings of their religion and promotes positive change presents an enticing opportunity.
No two recessions are alike, yet many repercussions for employers, investors, and financial advisors are similar:
Here we stand, hoping we are on the other side of the pandemic, looking at the wreckage. A harsh economy, high expenses, and a bear market. From every angle, it feels ominous. Making a major life change during a downturned market can be scary.
