Insights

The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady offered little guidance about future policy, increasing uncertainty for bond markets and borrowers. Long-term Treasury yields remain elevated, helping keep mortgage and other borrowing costs high. A $400,000 30-year mortgage at 6.69% costs substantially more each month than the same loan at 3.5%. Investors should avoid abrupt reactions and instead review bond sensitivity, liquidity, equity exposure, and debt affordability. D

In 2026, “Trump accounts” have emerged as a prominent topic in conversations about multi‑generational planning for high‑income households. These new child retirement savings vehicles feature a government seed contribution and are designed to encourage early, long‑term investing for minors, echoing broader policy interest in retirement security and wealth‑building. For financial advisors, the question is less “What are Trump accounts?” and more “Where do they fit among the com

New York has temporarily halted the construction of new large-scale data centers for up to one year, citing concerns over rising electricity demand and the potential cost of power grid upgrades being passed on to residents and businesses. The decision highlights the growing policy debate surrounding the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing infrastructure, with supporters emphasizing energy sustainability and critics warning about the potential impact on technology invest

“Capital preservation” is a phrase you often hear in retirement conversations, especially among investors age 65 and older. But what does it mean in practice, day to day, in the markets of 2026? From a financial advisor’s standpoint, capital preservation is a mix of tools and behaviors designed to help keep your nest egg intact while allowing it to support your lifestyle for many years. Continue reading...

It is hard to go a day without hearing about artificial intelligence. From AI-powered trading strategies to robo-advisors and automated financial planning tools, many companies now describe themselves as “AI companies.” The promise is clear: faster insights, lower costs, and data-driven decisions at scale. But as AI becomes more common in financial services, investors face an important question: where do humans still fit? The answer is simple, and more important than ever. Hu

The U.S. housing market is transitioning from the seller-driven conditions of recent years toward a more balanced environment, creating both opportunities and challenges for prospective buyers. While mortgage rates remain elevated and affordability pressures persist, slower home price appreciation and improving inventory levels may provide buyers with greater negotiating power. The article emphasizes that successful real estate decisions should be grounded in cash-flow analys

Longer life expectancy, uneven savings levels, and continued labor force participation among older workers are reshaping how employers think about retirement. More employees now view retirement as a transition rather than a single date. Many employers are responding with phased retirement options, delayed-retirement support, and more flexible savings and communication strategies. For financial advisors, this trend has major implications for both defined contribution and defin

This article explains how private credit and alternative investments differ from traditional stocks and bonds, focusing on their growing role in modern portfolios. It outlines the potential benefits, such as income generation and diversification, while emphasizing important trade-offs like limited liquidity, higher fees, and reduced transparency. The piece highlights the need for careful suitability analysis, especially for investors with longer time horizons and the ability

A surge in investor optimism helped propel equity markets higher to close the week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 1.8% (869 points) and both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advancing more than 1%—marking their third consecutive record highs. Over the past three weeks, the S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq have posted their strongest gains since 2020, as investors increasingly look beyond the disruptions tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Much of this mome

Air travel demand remains strong, but new challenges such as longer TSA wait times, higher jet fuel costs, and rising hotel prices have made trips more expensive and unpredictable. The article encourages travelers to approach spending strategically by creating an “Experience Fund” to plan and save intentionally for future travel. It also highlights flexible cost controls — such as traveling off-peak, using alternate airports, or staying outside city centers — to offset curren

Volatile markets, rising travel costs, and persistent inflation can make it feel as though real life must wait until things settle down. But life does not pause for headlines or market cycles. Careers move forward, families grow, health changes, and opportunities come and go whether or not the world feels calm. The real question is not whether uncertainty exists. It is how you choose to live in spite of it. Continue reading...

The article introduces the “Family Tax Office” mindset, which encourages families to view their finances as a coordinated, multigenerational strategy rather than a collection of separate accounts. It highlights how tools like 529 plans, custodial accounts, and newer options such as “Trump Accounts” can be used together to optimize tax efficiency and long-term wealth planning. The piece emphasizes assigning each account a specific role to avoid overlap and improve financial ou

Health savings accounts remain one of the most useful tools in the employer benefits toolkit, especially when medical costs are rising and workers need a way to prepare for bigger out-of-pocket expenses. For 2026, the HSA contribution limit increased to $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, and those higher limits make the HSA message especially timely in a year when households may be absorbing more health care cost pressure. Continue reading...

Money and mental health are closely linked. Market swings and constant headlines can create stress, even when your personal situation is stable. You cannot eliminate uncertainty. But you can build routines that reduce its impact. Continue reading...

For many urban and suburban professionals, the classic script—graduate, rent briefly, then buy a starter home—no longer matches reality. Even though mortgage rates have eased off their post‑pandemic peaks, they remain well above the ultralow levels of the 2010s, and housing shortages in many cities continue to push prices and rents higher. The result is that the timing, location, and affordability of homeownership have shifted, especially for Gen Xers in expensive metros and

Oil prices have jumped sharply as the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran raises the risk of a meaningful interruption in global oil supplies, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. For many investors, this will be a central topic in meetings over the coming days, and it is important to distinguish short‑term market noise from long‑term investment priorities. Continue reading...

Determining when a client must enroll in Medicare can be complicated. Depending on the client’s situation, they may be automatically enrolled or they may have to proactively enroll. If the client must follow the Initial Enrollment Period rules, there is the added complication of determining when coverage starts.To help make this analysis easier, we have created the “Will I Be Enrolled Automatically In Medicare” flowchart. It addresses some of the most common

Each year, we visit a doctor – not because we’re sick, but to make sure we’re not. Preventive care detects early issues and provides confidence that we’re on track. The same principle applies to your financial life. <br><br> An annual financial review is your fiscal physical: a chance to confirm your plan’s vitality, adjust course, and sleep better at night. Yet many people delay or skip it. Let’s explore why that’s a mistake – and how you can use your yearly financial checku

Many investors in their late 30s, 40s, and early 50s find themselves squeezed between competing responsibilities: saving for retirement, supporting children, and helping aging parents. This “sandwich generation” faces a unique set of financial and emotional challenges. Without a plan, the pressure can lead to reactive decisions that undermine long term security. With a structured approach and guidance, however, it is possible to strike a more sustainable balance. Continue rea

As you approach your year-end financial planning, we wanted to share a few key updates to keep top of mind. Our 2025 Year-End Tax Reminders report covers adjustments to standard deductions, new estate planning considerations, and changes to capital gains tax rates. Continue reading...