The buy the dip crowd failed to make an appearance Tuesday and the tech stocks they’ve been pumping up suffered the damage. Some of the big names tanked lower and could not find the usual support. At some point the Wall Street algorithms will find the courage to move back in, but it wasn’t today. Tech stocks with more sellers than buyers First, for an overall look at the entire sector, here’s the daily price chart for the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund: This exchange traded fund has 69 holdings that include hardware, software, semiconductor names among other types of…

Investing is built on a few big promises: passive income, liquidity when you need it, and access to private markets. These ideas shape how we think about growing our wealth. But when you actually dive in, you realize things aren’t as simple as they sound. Passive income isn’t as hands-off as people make it seem, liquidity isn’t always available without taking a hit, and private markets aren’t as exclusive as they used to be. The thing Tying All Of This Together? Data. These days, the smartest investors aren’t just relying on gut feelings or old-school methods—they’re using data to navigate…

Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly been one of the hottest topics recently. It is transforming industries worldwide, and the private wealth management sector, including family offices, is no exception. According to the Citi Private Bank Global Family Office 2024 Survey Insights report, family offices are showing a growing interest in AI technologies. The report found that over half of the family offices surveyed have already gained portfolio exposure to generative AI technologies. However, while interest in AI for investment purposes is on the rise, its adoption for operational purposes within family offices is still limited. Less than 15% of respondents…

The weakness displayed on the price charts of these major, large capitalization Dow Jones Industrials is not a good sign for stock markets as a whole. Coming after a strong 2024, it’s an adjustment for Wall Street analysts to see how poorly these big names are performing just two months into the new year. These former leaders are having trouble finding the upside again. By downtrend, I mean that the price of each seems unable to power back up to or above the late 2024 high. That’s the first bit of price chart analysis, but there’s more. These stocks have…

Probate is a term that often sends shivers down the spine of those unfamiliar with its intricacies. It’s a process that conjures images of lengthy court proceedings and familial tensions, all set against the backdrop of grief and loss. Yet, understanding probate is crucial for anyone who wishes to ensure their estate is distributed according to their wishes. This article seeks to demystify probate, shedding light on its challenges and offering strategies to navigate or even avoid this legal labyrinth. As we delve into the mechanics of probate, its potential pitfalls, and the stories of those who have been through…

Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK/A, BRK/B) fourth-quarter earnings release also includes the annual letter from Warren Buffett as part of the annual report. Warren Buffett leads Berkshire as CEO and Chairman with Greg Abel, Vice Chairman of Non-insurance, and Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman of Insurance. The yearly letter continued the theme of previous years as a type of owner’s handbook for Berkshire shareholders. Buffett spent a significant portion of the letter focused on how to think about Berkshire’s insurance business. As usual, he noted that shareholders should focus on Berkshire’s operating earnings rather than the volatile GAAP results. Berkshire Hathaway reported earnings…

In late 2024 just before the end of its session, Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act. The President signed the Act into law in early January. The law repealed two provisions that were created in the 1983 Social Security reforms, the government pension offset and windfall elimination provision, and will retroactively increase Social Security benefits for a number of people who qualify for or receive pensions from state and local governments or some other employers. In 1983 when examining Social Security and considering ways to extend its solvency, analysts determined that under the rules in effect since the beginning…

Market crashes are inevitable. They’ve happened regularly throughout history and will continue to do so—perhaps in 2025, or maybe not until 2030. No one knows exactly when they’ll occur, how severe they’ll be, or how long they’ll last. But what is certain is that they’re part of the investing journey. So, how can investors prepare for the next one? Enter the Lifeboat Drill, a practical exercise designed to help individuals think through their responses to a downturn before emotions take over. What Is a Lifeboat Drill? Consider the preparation that happens before a cruise ship leaves port. Passengers are thrilled…

A Year in Review: Legal Challenges and Court Decisions The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), legislation designed to combat illicit financial activities, has experienced significant legal challenges over the past year. The latest decision from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has reinstated the CTA’s reporting obligations, reversing a nationwide injunction. This article traces the key legal events impacting the CTA in the last year and underscores the critical next steps entities must take to remain compliant. Since its enactment, the CTA has faced scrutiny and legal pushback, particularly concerning its reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information.…

One of the most difficult steps in estate planning is developing a plan to preserve a collection or other special assets. Serious collectors often put a lot of time, money, and other resources into developing, displaying, and preserving their collections. They’re proud of their collections and derive pleasure from the process as well as from showing the collections to others. Over time they become concerned about succession planning for the collections. Who will care for and maintain them? Often, there’s no one among the younger members of their families who both shares their passion and is willing to devote the…