The Great Bank Panic of '23

The great bank collapse of ‘23 has generated an avalanche of analysis, forecasts, and finger-pointing, but very little on how we should react and what we should do about it. Here’s a quick recap of the financial factors that led to the bank fall (and how I worked to protect my clients from that fall), how to avoid self-sabotage during times of financial crisis, and action steps to consider to help solidify your financial portfolio.

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Secure 2.0 Act (2023): Financial Planning & Wealth Strategies

Our financial wealth strategy team covers the many new tax law changes and financial planning opportunities in the recent 2023 Secure 2.0 tax bill. Learn more about these changes, as well as how we will evaluate individual financial planning opportunities around this Secure 2.0 bill over the course of the year.

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Bend, not Break: 2022 Q4 Client Letter

As expected during a broad bear market, portfolio strategies everywhere bent under the strain, but of critical importance, our portfolios and financial plans did not break! Learn about the wealth strategies we used to protect financial portfolios in a bear market.

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Employer Retirement Plans: Exploring In-Service Distributions

Employer retirement plans with in-service distributions can be complex. You may find that an in-service/non-hardship distribution and rollover could provide access to more investment options, risk management strategies, and diversification approaches. Plus, you may gain access to a wider variety of guaranteed retirement income options. Learn more about how to approach your retirement plan and the options available to you.

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Understanding the Behavioral Advantage and Trade-Offs of Bucket Portfolios

Bucket portfolios are aimed at providing spending resources during investors’ decumulation periods, usually in retirement. However, an even bigger advantage to bucket portfolios is their potential to be quite effective in helping investors avoid panicked selling during market downturns.

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Pension Plans: Choosing a Lump-sum Distribution

There are numerous factors to consider before choosing a pension plan lump-sum distribution. Learn more about the benefits and risks to lump-sum distributions, and the many factors you should consider before choosing a lump-sum distribution.

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Road to Retirement: Endowment Spending Policy & Dividend Income

In my years of working directly with clients and in teaching retirement planning to financial professionals, I’ve studied retirement income planning methodologies extensively. Thornburg Investment Management has researched an approach on how to develop an “Endowment Spending Policy” in retirement, and in this webinar, I talk with Andrew Rice, Director of Advisor Solutions at Thornburg, about their findings on how to structure your assets for a successful retirement.

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Money Matters: 2023 Financial Outlook & Stock Market Predictions

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott discusses why investors should not rely on so-called “expert” financial forecasts from anyone. He explains some financial strategies for long-term financial planning to help individuals achieve their financial goals without depending on what might happen in the market.

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Top Year-End Tax-Planning Strategies

Mark Gasner CPA, CFP®, joined our internal wealth strategy team for a fast-paced roundtable covering some of our favorite tax-planning strategies. We discussed a variety of tax moves, which may be available to enhance your financial plan and minimize “tax drag” on your assets, as well as investment-related tax strategies, filing tips, effective gifting to family and charities, and tactics for business owners and executives.

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Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Tax Advantages

Scott Oeth, CFP® and Steve Storkan, CFP®, Executive Director of The Employee Ownership Expansion Network discuss how Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOP") can allow for a tax-advantaged transfer of ownership from a business founder to the employees. This is a valuable conversation of a niche topic that is most applicable to business owners considering exit strategies.

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Dangers of Concentrated Stock Positions

Not every concentrated position needs to be sold off, but, in most cases, it is important to recognize the value of a well-rounded approach. Plus, one of the biggest concerns investors have about concentrated stock is taxes. Selling isn’t your only option. Learn more about the dangers of a concentrated stock position, and strategies to consider to help maximize your financial situation.

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Market Volatility: Keep Playing Until the Whistle Blows!

While market volatility (“seeing your team down”) is uncomfortable, historically, market downturns have been temporary. Scott talks about how markets may look bad at times, but the victories have been decisive, and the comebacks often quite dramatic, so don’t pack up and leave the game early—you’re going to want to stay to see the end!

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Tax-Advantaged Charitable Giving Strategies

Scott and Prof. Russell James, J.D., PhD, CFP®, one of the nation’s leading experts on charitable giving and philanthropy (as well as an entertaining presenter) discuss top tax-advantaged ways to help your favorite causes.

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Relocation Planning: State Tax Issues to Consider When Moving to a New State

Relocating isn't just for retirees anymore. In this webinar, a group of advanced planning experts from across the tax, legal, and wealth management spectrum join me to discuss key relocation tax planning and financial strategies and considerations.

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Hard Landing, Safe Arrival: Inflation, Interest Rates, & Recession

When the Fed announces turbulence in the form of raising interest rates to curb inflation, it is not time to panic. Tighten your seatbelt, breathe deeply, and try to remember that with good planning and patient investor behavior, you will safely arrive at your destination. In the meantime, here are a few points every prudent investors should consider.

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College Planning Strategies: Making a Smart Higher Education Purchase Decision

Whether you’re knee-deep in the college planning process or just starting to think about it, this valuable webinar with Cozy Wittman from College Inside Track provides insight into evaluating the investment return between different colleges, as well as tips for negotiating college costs and building a scholarship package designed specifically for your future college student.

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