Blog

Social Security is a vital component of retirement income for many. This government program provides monthly benefits and is funded primarily through payroll taxes. Understanding Social Security benefits and taxation is essential to...

As a young person, you imagine you have all the time in the world to save for retirement. You live in the present with the future a mere blip out on the horizon. But time has a way of flying by, and you realize that maybe you are not...

Benefits of Early Tax Planning With a Financial Professional

Scott O’Mara, CFP^®, CPWA^®

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Discover why early tax planning with a financial advisor can help maximize deductions, manage investments, and potentially reduce your tax burden. Learn actionable strategies for 2026.

For young professional women, financial independence isn’t just a milestone—it’s a foundation for long-term security and empowerment. Yet, despite growing economic influence, women still face unique challenges: the gender pay gap,...

High‑net‑worth individuals face complex tax, investment, and estate considerations. Proactive, coordinated planning across accounts, trusts, and philanthropy can manage taxes and preserve wealth for future generations. Below are practical s

The financial landscape is undergoing a historic transformation. Over the next two decades, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands in what experts call the Great Wealth Transfer. And here’s the headline: women will inherit most...

10 Practical Tips to Make Your Money Work for You

Brandon Conaty, CAIA

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....

Smart Investment Strategies for Wealthy Retirees

Bradley Day

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

When you retire, you need your money to work for you. After years of saving and investing, you want to know: "How do I make my money last?" Wealthy retirees are already at a great starting point. But even with a strong financial base,...

When and How to Discuss Inheritance with Your Children

Scott O’Mara, CFP^®, CPWA^®

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

At what age should you start discussing inheritance with your children? Estate planning and inheritance, while complex topics, should be an ongoing discussion with your family. Even in their late teens, twenties, and thirties, children...

Get the Most Out of Your Retirement Planning and Tax Strategies

Bruce Pienton

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Managing retirement strategies and creating goals can help you stay focused and consistent in your financial efforts. It creates a sense of achievement while you make progress toward the pursuit of a fulfilling retirement and financial...

Don’t Let Fate Force Your Hand: Choosing Beneficiaries and Distributing Assets

Bruce Pienton

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Choosing and regularly reviewing your beneficiaries and asset distribution plan is critical for ensuring everything goes according to your wishes. This includes structuring your plan around cost-effective measures such as tax benefits...

The Forgotten Assets That Could Complicate Your Estate Plan

Bruce Pienton

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

There are many factors to consider when creating a comprehensive estate plan. Forgetting or leaving out certain assets could potentially create time-consuming delays, financial complications, and family disputes. In some cases, dormant...

Turning Fortune into Financial Freedom: A Beneficiary’s Guide to Handling an Inheritance

Bruce Pienton

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Inheriting generational wealth comes with many emotions, from sadness to confusion to perhaps even joy or relief. An inheritance can take various forms, such as cash, properties, stocks, bonds, property, or other assets. The person...

How a Financial Professional Can Help Preserve Your Family Legacy

Bruce Pienton

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Passing down an inheritance can be a life-changing event and navigating the transfer of a significant amount of money and assets can pose certain challenges. Historically, inheritances don’t last. This is so common, it is described as...

Live Abundantly: What Legacy Means to You

Bruce Pienton

Monday, December 15, 2025

We often ask clients a simple but powerful question: What does legacy mean to you? For some, it’s about passing down financial security. For others, it’s about values, stories, and the impact they leave behind. But no matter how you...

Transitioning from a Family Caregiver to Long-Term Care: What You Need to Know

Bruce Pienton

Monday, December 8, 2025

For many families, having a family member act as the caregiver for an aging loved one seems like the perfect option. While it is usually most comfortable for the loved one to be cared for by a family member, it may become difficult for...

Giving Back: How Philanthropy Fits into Your Financial Plan

Bruce Pienton

Friday, November 28, 2025

For many families in West Michigan, giving back isn’t just a seasonal tradition—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, funding scholarships, or contributing to faith-based missions, philanthropy is deeply woven...

Should You Keep Your Inheritance with Your Parents’ Financial Professional?

Bruce Pienton

Friday, November 14, 2025

Many children will receive an inheritance after their parents pass on. In some cases, this may include significant assets. If you currently are or may become one of those individuals, it is critical to figure out how you plan to manage...

Safeguarding Your Social Security Benefits and Personal Information

Bruce Pienton

Monday, November 10, 2025

Recent changes in the Social Security Administration and modifications to recipients’ accounts and payment structures due to the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government...

A 5-Step Recipe for a Sustainable Thanksgiving

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food, and fellowship. Unfortunately, the time for giving thanks has also become one of the holidays where overdoing it may lead to waste, high costs, and negative environmental impacts. There...

Ten Ways to Tidy Up Your Finances This Fall: A Comprehensive Checklist

Bruce Pienton

Monday, October 27, 2025

As the leaves begin to fall and the year winds down, autumn offers more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s also a good time to clean up your finances. Just like spring cleaning helps freshen your home, fall financial cleaning...

2026 Planning Starts Now: How to Align Your Financial Goals

Bruce Pienton

Monday, October 20, 2025

As we enter into the Fall season, many families begin turning their attention to the year ahead. But for those serious about building lasting wealth, 2026 planning doesn’t start in January—it starts now. At Bridgewright, we believe...

How to Take Advantage of Compound Interest

Bruce Pienton

Monday, October 13, 2025

How compound interest works Compound interest is the interest you earn on interest. You deposit an initial investment at a particular rate of return that could vary each year. A basic example would be if you invested $10,000 at an 8%...

9 Essential Processes to Probate-Proof Your Estate Planning

Bruce Pienton

Monday, October 6, 2025

1. Create a living trust The way a living trust can avoid probate is by legally owning the assets that then get distributed to beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust, thereby bypassing the court-supervised probate process....

Should You Start Holiday Shopping Early This Year?

Bruce Pienton

Monday, September 29, 2025

The holidays may still seem far away. But if you’re looking to save money and manage stress, now might be the time to start shopping, especially in today’s economic climate. Between rising prices, inflation-related cost increases, and...

Why High Earners Need Life Insurance Too: Helping Your Family and Preserving Your Finances

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

There are several ways high-net-worth individuals can benefit from life insurance. It is a vehicle that could provide loved ones with an income stream, it can be used as an investment strategy, it may help to lower your estate tax...

Wellness in Retirement: The Benefits of Social Wellness for Retirees

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Social isolation makes people more susceptible to illness and death.1 While retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoyment from a lifetime of work, it may lead to a lack of purpose if you have depended on work for social activities...

How to Manage Your 401(k) Investments: DIY or Hire a Financial Professional?

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Managing 401(k) investments is crucial to planning one's financial future. Two primary ways to manage investments are to do it yourself (DIY) or work with a financial professional. However, the decision ultimately depends upon comfort...

How to Keep Track of Changing Interest Rates on Educational Loans

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

In today's fast-paced economic environment, fluctuating interest rates on educational loans are standard. Keeping an eye on these changes is crucial as they can significantly impact one's repayment strategy and financial outlook....

What It Means to Be an Accredited Investor

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Accredited investors are individuals characterized by their high net worth or substantial income. Being an accredited investor provides special access to various investment opportunities otherwise inaccessible to the general public. Before

Riding the Rollercoaster: Investing During Inflation and Market Volatility

Bruce Pienton

Monday, August 18, 2025

In today's economic environment, where market volatility and inflation are often unpredictable and inevitable, investing can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. However, investing during these periods doesn't have to be a...

What Wealthy Individuals Need to Consider Before Applying for Medicare

Bruce Pienton

Monday, August 4, 2025

As wealthy individuals age, healthcare and health insurance coverage become increasingly important. One group that may overlook Medicare is wealthy individuals, because they may be unsure whether they qualify. The privileges of Medicare ext

How High Earners Can Build a Strong Retirement with Their 401(k)

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Approximately 70 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals. There are several benefits to...

How to Save for College Using a 529 Plan

Brandon Conaty

Monday, July 28, 2025

Planning for education costs can feel overwhelming—but a well-structured strategy can ease the financial burden and keep your long‑term goals aligned. One of the most powerful tools for education savings is the 529 plan, and here's why...

The Dos and Don'ts of High-Yield Savings Accounts

Bruce Pienton

Friday, July 25, 2025

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is one of the tools you may use to manage your money. When interest rates are significantly higher than those of traditional savings accounts, HYSAs may be used for building an emergency fund, saving...

What is a Financial Consultant and What Can They Do For You?

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

What is a financial consultant? A financial consultant is a professional whose calling in life is to work with you, the client, to manage the many financial aspects of your life while working toward specific financial goals. Good...

Financial Freedom vs. Financial Independence: Key Differences and How to Work Towards Both

Bruce Pienton

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...

The Importance of Emergency Reserves: Your Financial Safety Net

Brandon Conaty

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Emergency reserves not only provide peace of mind and help protect your long-term financial goals but are also foundational to a robust financial plan.

How to Get Life Insurance If You Are Self-Employed

Scott O’Mara, CFP®, CPWA®

Monday, June 23, 2025

When you are self-employed, you don't have the luxury of employer-paid or partially funded benefits, such as life insurance. For many, benefits like life insurance are often forgotten or sometimes considered unnecessary. However, they...

What’s New for Life Insurance in 2025?

Bruce Pienton

Monday, June 2, 2025

As we look ahead to the life insurance landscape, numerous changes are taking place that seek to benefit consumers. The impact of global events has underlined the importance of having a life insurance policy, leading to an increase in...

How to Utilize and Maximize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Brandon Conaty

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are often underutilized tools in the realm of personal finance. They were initially designed to help individuals save for medical expenses, however HSAs have evolved into powerful vehicles for tax...

How a 529 Plan Can Benefit You: Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer

Bruce Pienton

Monday, May 26, 2025

A 529 plan may offer multiple benefits as part of an estate planning and wealth transfer strategy. It is a tax-advantaged savings plan that encourages saving for future education costs. These plans enable parents to save for their...

How to Address Wealth Management in Today's Market Environment

Scott O’Mara, CFP®, CPWA®

Monday, May 12, 2025

Addressing wealth management comprehensively in today's market environment is essential for individuals and business entities. Given the dynamic nature of global markets and the ever-changing economic landscape, navigating investment...

How to Optimize Your Social Security Retirement Benefits

Bruce Pienton

Monday, April 28, 2025

Social Security (SS) retirement benefits are a vital component of retirement income for many people. It consists of multiple benefits, including disability, survivor, and retirement benefits, and is an indispensable part of many...

Estate Tax Changes in 2025

Bruce Pienton

Monday, April 7, 2025

Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025. The estate tax, also known as the inheritance,...

Trust for Minors

Bruce Pienton

Monday, March 24, 2025

There are many reasons why you might want to gift assets to minor children (children under the age of 21). For example, you may want to help the children build a college fund, or increase the children's future financial...

Generational Wealth and the Gift of Financial Freedom

Bruce Pienton

Monday, March 17, 2025

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...

How to Save for Retirement in Your 20s: A Simple and Actionable Guide

Brandon Conaty

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Saving for retirement in your 20s might not feel like a priority. After all, you’re likely juggling student loans, rent, and other financial responsibilities. But here’s the good news: starting early is one of the most powerful moves you ca

8 Financial Wellness Tips to Help Manage Generational Wealth

Bruce Pienton

Monday, March 10, 2025

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...

Like other sectors, philanthropy experiences trends that shape giving. These trends positively impact broader societal goals that many high-net-worth (HNW) philanthropists strive toward. Here are five trends reshaping giving for HNW...

Business succession planning is a critical process that focuses on the smooth transition of a company's leadership and ownership from generation to generation. This checklist serves as a valuable tool for business owners, providing...

Small businesses have new reasons to consider the value of financial planning in working towards their business goals. Many owners are "bandonneurs" (a French word for "jack of all trades") who may successfully wear many hats, but...

If you are a high-earner, you probably make decent money but not enough to live solely off passive income or create generational wealth. This HENRY (high-earner, not rich yet)phase of your life comes with specific financial issues....

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, standing still is not an option. The companies that thrive are those that innovate, adapt to change and embrace new technologies. Innovation is more than just a buzzword – it's a vital...

Alimony and child support are critical financial components often arising during divorce proceedings. These payments can significantly impact both parties' finances, particularly during tax time. Understanding how these payments are...

As we usher in 2025, the air is buzzing with optimism, driven by the enthusiasm that followed Donald Trump’s election and a slim Republican majority in Congress. This excitement has translated into exuberant market forecasts. With...

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right people. If...

Many are interested in the impact of future tax legislation on Trusts. As we look ahead to 2025, it is crucial to understand how the evolving tax landscape may impact the administration, structuring, and distribution of Trusts. The Tax...

A qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners with taxable estates to help reduce federal gift tax and avoid federal estate tax. What is a QPRT? A QPRT (pronounced "Q-Pert," and sometimes...

What is the income tax treatment of property, casualty, and liability insurance? In general, individuals and business owners purchase property, casualty, and/or liability insurance to guard against disasters and other risks to property...

If you’re a real estate investor, developer, or landlord, understand that your financial planning needs are unique. Generally, you must be strategic in how you run your business and manage your money. If you are a real estate investor, the

During the week of June 10, 2024, French markets were rocked by a government bond sell-off after a strong showing by the far-right National Rally party in the European Union election. With polls suggesting the party might win a...

You're about to receive a distribution from your 401(k) plan, and you're considering a rollover to a traditional IRA. While these transactions are normally straightforward and trouble-free, there are some pitfalls you'll want to avoid....

Through their philanthropic activities, high-net-worth (HNW) individuals play a significant role in our continuously evolving global society. Giving back to society is no longer just a moral responsibility for many of them; it is also...

Inheriting can evoke many emotions, from sadness to confusion to perhaps even joy or relief. It can take various forms, such as cash, properties, stocks, bonds, property, or other assets. The person leaving the inheritance...

Divorce is never easy, but it is important that estate planning continues to take precedence before and after a divorce. Depending on your situation and professional legal guidance, some estate planning items can be updated now, while...

Understanding and effectively using credit can be a game-changer for a small business owner. When managed wisely, credit can provide financial confidence to grow your business, expand your operations, and take advantage of new...

Small businesses have new reasons to consider the value of financial planning in working towards their business goals. Many owners are "bandonneurs" (a French word for "jack of all trades") who may successfully wear many hats, but...

Businesses generally are illiquid, which can create problems if a business owner requires care in a long-term care facility. LTC is ongoing care in a care facility, nursing home, or at home for those unable to perform a certain number...

In the heat of an election season, debates often dominate the media landscape, providing a platform for critical discourse on national policies. The presidential debates between Biden and Trump are prime examples, showcasing the...

Inheriting comes with many emotions, from sadness to confusion to perhaps even joy or relief. An inheritance can take various forms, such as cash, properties, stocks, bonds, property, or other assets. The person leaving the inheritance...

You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit. It may also help prevent...

Small businesses are typically seen as important to the economy. Not only did they lead the charge through the financial crisis by creating jobs and products, but they are also often small enough to innovate at a grassroots level and...

You can show your love by sharing your family business succession plan with the loved ones you hope will take over the reins of the company you spent your life building. Here are some ideas to help you start with your succession...

Commentary, July 2024

Bruce Pienton

Friday, July 19, 2024

Once again, after dedicating several hours to preparing a message to you, the assassination attempt on former President Trump on Saturday July 13, and the uncertainty as to whether President Biden will be the democratic candidate for...

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a crucial financial tool designed to benefit individuals who rely on needs-based public assistance. These trusts enable beneficiaries to maintain their eligibility for public benefits while receiving...

Your goals and priorities will probably change as you plan to retire. Along with them, your insurance needs may change as well. Retirement is typically a good time to review the different parts of your insurance program and make any...

Americans are very generous. According to Fidelity, Americans give over $400 billion to charities each year, most of which come from individual donors. Over the years, despite periods of economic downturn, giving has grown above the...

Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments before and after making them....

As an integral component of the U.S. economy, consumer spending significantly influences economic trends and forecasts. Historically, consumer outlays have accounted for approximately 70% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).1 Over the...

As the ominous cloud of rising healthcare costs continues to cast a shadow over small businesses, savvy entrepreneurs are exploring innovative solutions to navigate this financial storm. One such solution gaining traction is the...

When people think of life insurance, the first thing that may come to mind is ensuring your loved ones are covered enough should something happen to you. It is a concern that more than half of all Americans consider, with at least 52%...

Net investment income tax (NIIT), also affectionately known as the ‘You-Make-A-Lot-of-Money Tax,’ involves the net investment income of individuals, estates, and trusts. According to the Wall Street Journal, more Americans than ever...

Divorce, while an emotionally taxing experience, also comes with several financial implications that, if not properly managed, could result in long-lasting financial strain. It's essential to understand these hidden costs to...

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects. These home energy rebate programs are to be administered by...

Estate planning can be daunting for many families, especially those with significant wealth and assets. However, a strategy such as a Family Limited Liability Company (FLLC) may help ease concerns while offering various benefits for...

After there’s been a lot of talk about a so-called soft landing, i.e. successfully bringing down inflation towards its target without plunging the economy into recession, the U.S. economy’s continued strength along with some...

Commentary: April 2024

Bruce Pienton

Friday, April 26, 2024

The components in the consumer price index, their weighting and how they are calculated is continuously debated in economics circles. So, when I listened to an interview on Bloomberg radio recently, the following caught my attention....

For real estate investors eyeing opportunities, 2024 could mark a pivotal moment in the market, according to insights from Cohen & Steers, a renowned asset manager with decades of experience in real estate investment. As the commercial...

In the realm of estate planning, the ripple effects of our oversights often linger long after we're gone, impacting the lives of those we leave behind. It’s the uniqueness of this area of planning that makes it paramount to get things...

As a small business owner, your employees are the heart and soul of your organization. Many entrepreneurs understand the importance of a diverse, inclusive workforce and the benefits it brings, not just to the business, but to the...

Americans donate billions to charity annually. If you give to charity, you need to know about one of the best tools to facilitate generosity: Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). DAFs date from the 1930s but did not become popular until the...

In the complex landscape of healthcare coverage, individuals often find themselves navigating the options of private and public health insurance. While public plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, are funded and administered by the...

The federal income tax filing deadline isn’t until April. However, the start of tax season is nearly upon us. Here are some tips for navigating the tax filing process to help lessen some of the stress you may feel as Tax Day...

Approximately 60 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals. There are several benefits to...

Credit card debt can be a daunting challenge for anyone, but it may also be burdensome for a specific demographic exhibited in the acronym HENRY - high earner, not rich yet. HENRYs, often characterized by high incomes, may experience...

If shopping and spending are one of your past times, this article may be for you. First, nothing is wrong with being a steady spender or a shopaholic; if the bills are paid, you’re saving for retirement and have a fully-funded...

In an unprecedented turn of events, the hallowed halls of the United States House of Representatives reverberated with historical significance as members of Congress voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position. This landmark...

Behavioral science research shows that most people left to their own devices are below-average investors.1 The reason for this is that it is easy to make poor decisions based on emotion, such as: Selling a stock that has dropped in...

You may have envisioned retirement as a second childhood—a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and devote your time to your favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, worry-free retirement is not the reality for some. Challenges from stock...

During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan might provide you with a proverbial life preserver. Whether it is an emergency fund to help you tackle an unplanned expense, insurance to cover an unexpected accident...

Commentary: January 2024

Bruce Pienton

Thursday, January 25, 2024

he S&P 500 was up around 15% in the last eight weeks of 2023 as the rally broadened out. This was fueled by a combination of better-than-expected economic strength and lower interest rates. In my opinion, the direction of inflation going...

Family Enterprise USA (FEUSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting family-owned businesses in America, has recently conducted a comprehensive survey among family businesses in the country. The Family...

When should you file your income tax? Generally speaking, the earlier, the better, after January 1st if you expect to get a refund. If you file by the end of February, you should receive your check within six weeks. But, if you delay...

The Solo 401(k), also known as the Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k), is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and small business owners. This unique retirement account has...

 Running a business requires gaining expertise in many things over a short period—especially financial matters. If finances do not come naturally to you, you may quickly feel like you are in over your head. Fortunately,...

Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down.1 For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong...

Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential. So why not use the New Year's holiday to turn these goals...

Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement that a person often...

As the name implies, elder law attorneys focus on protecting the legal rights and financial security of the elderly. This includes ensuring health care coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and preparing wills, powers of attorney,...

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity created to manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals. The benefits of DAFs extend beyond their primary...

In an interconnected world, global geopolitical events have an undeniable impact on financial markets. From political unrest to trade disputes and natural disasters, these events can create uncertainty and volatility, leaving investors...

You may have thought your digital identity was safe and not a likely target of a cybercriminal until one day, the bank calls wondering if purchases made at a store that you have never been to, 2,000 miles away, were made by you. Every...

Whether you are preparing to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement account this year or are looking for ways to make the most of your charitable donations, you may be wondering whether a Qualified Charity...

The days are long gone when nonprofit boards were made up of large donors who expected that little more would be asked of them beyond socializing at the occasional fundraiser. Being a board member can be as demanding and rewarding as...

Overview For many affluent individuals, occasional gifts to a favorite charity may satisfy their charitable inclinations. The added incentive of an often substantial tax deduction, coupled with various estate planning benefits, is...

What is a charitable lead trust? A charitable lead trust is a trust with both charitable and noncharitable beneficiaries. It is called a lead trust because the charity is entitled to the lead (or first) interest in the trust property,...

Venture Philanthropy 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. In 1969, John D....

Each year, Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February, paying tribute to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the other U.S. presidents who helped create this country and allowed it to thrive. But while the...

In recent times, investor expectations have shown a concerning trend of becoming detached from the realities of the market. The focus on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has largely kept investors engaged and buying,...

The headline U.S. unemployment rate fell from 6.7% at the end of December 2020 to 3.9% in December 2021, marking the biggest one-year improvement in history.1 While many workers took advantage of this strong rebound in the job market,...

Recent market news — around social-media driven stock trading that created extreme price swings for shares of certain companies— may have you wondering whether you should jump into the excitement. Before you leap, you might...

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to detail, senior travelers can work towards preparing trips that are safe,...

If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options.What will I be entitled to?If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily),...

A new study of the 76 largest cities in the United States has revealed that a $100,000-a-year salary, long considered a benchmark of financial success, may not be enough to support a comfortable lifestyle after taxes and the rising...

As retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly matters.While the process can be emotionally and physically challenging, it can also...

Financial capacity – the ability to manage your finances in your own best interest – involves everything from paying bills to reading a brokerage statement and weighing an investment's potential risks and rewards. And...

Mutual funds have been one alternative for many investors seeking professional money management. But when you buy shares of a mutual fund, your assets are pooled with those of other fund shareholders. You gain professional money...

In today’s volatile stock market environment, tax efficiency management is used to harvest losses and adjust assets in portfolios. For example, when an investor is reaping long-term gains, paring losses can reduce their tax...

You can learn a lot from those who have come before you. For individuals interested in investing, especially those new to it, learning and applying the wisdom from people that have found techniques that worked for them is a great...

As an investor, it's important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, the indicators are showing a concerning trend that investors should pay attention to.The stock market has seen a rally in big tech stocks...

First blog post. Enjoy.