The small cap stocks had a good November with the Russell 2000 index this week hitting a new 52-week peak — higher than the earlier-in-the-month high. This price action puts it into the “outperform” class vis a vis, for example, the Nasdaq 100 and, for another example, the healthcare sector (NYSE: XLV). It might be that stock buyers have entered the feverish, speculative stage of the investment cycle and that this leads them to the smaller capitalized names thought to represent growth and gains. Whatever the case, these four on Friday’s low volume session were trading more actively than any…

The holiday season seems to roll in quickly after Thanksgiving, with many shifting focus to travel, family, shopping, and other seasonal commitments. But while holiday plans fill the calendar, it’s important not to let financial goals slide. Here are 11 valuable year-end financial moves to help keep finances on track. 1. Maximize Retirement Contributions If contributing to a 401(k), IRA, 403(b), or other retirement plans, check the IRS maximums for the year. Adjust contributions if possible to reach the allowable maximum. For those over 50, remember that catch-up contributions allow even higher savings limits. 2. Fully Fund Health Savings Accounts…

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 are having a good year with both indexes showing solid price gains from January to the present. Nevertheless, some problems are showing up with breadth divergences and other issues which tend to suggest that this bull market’s underlying strength may be waning. Although the large cap S&P index just hit a new high, the former stock market leader, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 can’t quite get there. Rather than analyzing in depth what the reasons might be, here’s a quick look (with commentary) at the price charts for each index and for some of…

The legal industry stands at the brink of transformation, fueled by the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven solutions. The 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report provides an in-depth look at how AI is disrupting traditional legal workflows, billing models, and client engagement. For estate and tax planning professionals, these changes bring both challenges and opportunities. By embracing AI and rethinking service delivery, firms can redefine their value propositions and better meet evolving client expectations. The AI Impact: Efficiency Meets Expertise Estate and tax planning require a blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and deep client trust. AI offers…

Gold is enjoying renewed popularity as both an investment and a store of value in 2024, buoyed by strong price performance and growing interest from investors. As of late November 2024, gold prices remain elevated at over $2,650 per ounce, following an all-time high of $2,736.35 in October—a roughly 30% increase since the beginning of the year. This surge is driven by multiple factors: Economic Uncertainty: Persistent global instability has reinforced gold’s role as a safe-haven asset. Inflation Hedge: With rising inflation and currency devaluation, gold is increasingly seen as a reliable store of value. Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing conflicts worldwide…

Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to be thankful for the rich bounty from stocks this year, with particularly robust returns in 2024. Still, it is also a crucial time to consider the “turkey problem” as it relates to investing. Nassim Taleb introduced the world to the “Black Swan” and used this tale to illustrate the concept. Imagine the life of a turkey where a kind farmer feeds and tends to it every day until suddenly, on the day before Thanksgiving, the situation takes an irrevocable turn for the worse. The turkey has only observed a positive trend during its lifetime…

You’ve reached a pinnacle in your professional life by building and growing a successful business that is now attracting interest from buyers willing to pay hundreds of millions of dollars. While selling a financially successful business is a significant milestone, it often comes with challenges many entrepreneurs and founders don’t anticipate. The psychological impact and the loss of purpose can be profound, especially when the business has been central to your or your family’s identity for decades. Here are some common challenges that business owners encounter after selling a business. Sense of Identity Loss For many entrepreneurs and wealth creators,…

Giving season is squarely upon us, and during this time, many high-net-worth individuals look to make a meaningful impact while maximizing tax benefits—especially with nearly a third of annual giving occurring in December. Yet, an Edward Jones report shows that only 23% of adults discuss charitable giving with their financial advisors, even though those who do feel more successful (35% vs. 17%) and excited (34% vs. 15%) about their donations. So, how can advisors better support clients in their efforts to be anything but Grinch-like in this season of generosity, and what benefits can they gain? Read on for the…

Each year, the IRS makes adjustments that impact retirement savings, tax contributions, and various other financial thresholds. Staying updated on these changes can help you get a head start on planning and make the most of your benefits. Let’s dive into the major updates for 2025 and see how they might impact your financial strategy. 401(k) and 403(b) Contribution Limits Increase For 2025, employees can now contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan if they’re under 50, up from $23,000 in 2024. While the catch-up contribution limit for those over 50 stays at $7,500, employees aged 60–63…

When Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election earlier this month, many nonprofits – especially those focused on issues like immigrant rights, racial justice, and climate change — worried they could be in for a bumpy four years. Judging by recent activity on Capitol Hill, the turbulence could get severe. The House of Representatives this week is poised to approve H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, a bill that would enable the Secretary of the Treasury to rescind the tax-exempt status of any nonprofits that the Secretary concludes are “terrorist-supporting organizations.” Nonprofits, foundations, media…