In the ongoing saga of the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, The Department of Justice (DOJ), representing the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), has filed an Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. This follows the current nationwide injunction that prevents the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Justice Samuel Alito has set a deadline of 4:00 PM Eastern on this coming this Friday, January 10, 2025, for the plaintiffs in the Texas Top Cop Shop case to respond to FinCEN’s request. The request involves reinstating the emergency stay initially granted by the Fifth…

As wildfires relentlessly sweep through Los Angeles, California, countless families are left to navigate the devastating aftermath. The challenge becomes even more profound when elderly relatives, already burdened with significant health issues, are thrust into chaos. As a trusts and estates attorney who frequently serves as a private fiduciary, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial comprehensive support is during such crises. This time, it’s personal—my wife’s elderly uncle and his wife have lost their home and all their belongings to the fires. In this shared struggle, we seek ways to provide meaningful support. Here’s a guide to offering both financial and…

Retirement marks an exciting new chapter in life, filled with possibilities for relaxation, exploration, and time with loved ones. But alongside these opportunities comes the need for careful financial planning. Retirees face unique challenges, such as managing fixed incomes, navigating healthcare costs, and ensuring their savings last for the long haul. Asking the right questions can set the stage for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Here are three critical financial questions every retiree should ask to stay on track. 1. Do I Have a Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy? A key challenge in retirement is balancing your need for income with the…

With the economy doing well, basically, it’s a little surprising to see how poorly these steel stocks are performing. It’s a sector made up of companies in the construction of most buildings, homes, automobiles and many other products. If these equities — and the steel stocks index — represent a form of expectation, there might be a larger problem, economically speaking. 4 Steel Stocks New Lows Dow Jones Steel Stock Index ($DJUSST) This index provides investor with a good view of the sector as a whole. Right now, you can see how much it’s dropped from that early November level.…

After examining stocks’ superior performance over the last two years, an analysis suggests that the returns were reasonable given the companies’ improved profitability, particularly for technology stocks. The more challenging question is whether the enhanced profitability can continue in 2025 or if expectations have become too high. Looking at the long-term returns on stocks and earnings data can provide additional insights. In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. – Attributed to Benjamin Graham While the S&P 500 had a robust total return of 25% in 2024, looking…

As the price of oil finally breaks upward after a long (3 or 4 months) period of consolidation, some stocks in the petroleum group are following it higher, some to new highs, others to 6-month highs. This is not true for the majors like Chevron and Exxon Mobil which remain far off their 2024 peaks. These four stocks are not large caps but they’ve been moving better lately than those big names. 4 Oil Stocks Hitting New Highs United States Oil Fund (NYSE: USO) First, the price chart shows how oil just broke above that red-dotted downtrend line that connected…

As we step into 2025, the theme for estate planning is: Be Prepared. With significant regulatory, economic, and industry changes on the horizon, preparation is not just advisable—it is essential. This year brings a myriad of challenges and opportunities that demand proactive engagement from clients and their advisors. Below, we explore the key developments shaping the landscape and the steps you should consider navigating them effectively. Corporate Transparency Act: Reporting Compliance The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many entities to file detailed reports regarding their beneficial ownership. For those engaged in sophisticated estate planning, understanding this requirement is critical. The…

When Warren Buffett speaks, people listen—and for good reason. At 95, the iconic investor continues to share wisdom, not just about business, but about life and legacy. In a recent letter, Buffett offered advice that is both timely and universally applicable: review your will and discuss it openly with your family and those named in it. While Buffett’s own estate may be significantly more complex than most, his advice resonates for everyone. Taking the time to align your final wishes with your loved ones can avoid unnecessary confusion, conflict, and heartache. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of following…

As we reflect on the past year and set resolutions for 2025, it’s crucial to also review your portfolio, investments, and the strategies you implemented. While your plans and outcomes may differ, reflection can bring clarity. When it comes to all investing, but particularly in respect to alternative investments, there are several key areas to consider: – Analysis of Performance: Evaluate what worked as expect ed and why. Consider whether this strategy can be repeated in 2025 or if it’s time to move on. Based on what worked, assess if your allocation is too high compared to other holdings. For…

Permabull and billionaire money manager Ron Baron had a great 2024. From an investment standpoint the 81-year-old investment manager has long been known as Elon Musk’s oldest fanboy, thanks to his fund’s ginormous bets on Tesla and SpaceX, which have surged since early November. The firm’s top fund, the $7.3 billion (assets) Baron Partners Fund, which has 40% of its assets invested in Tesla, is up 37% year to date thanks largely to Tesla’s more than 75% share price gain so far this year. Another 17% of the portfolio is invested in SpaceX. Baron’s clients, many of whom are retirees…