The Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday, and last week’s hotter inflation data made the rate cut decision a bit more complicated. Meanwhile, economic data remains resilient, with the most recent estimate of fourth-quarter GDP growth from the Atlanta Federal Reserve at 3.3%. Consumer inflation (CPI) ticked up to 2.7% year-over-year from 2.6% in October, consistent with expectations. Producer inflation (PPI) was above consensus at 3.0%, up from 2.6% previously. In both cases, inflation has remained sticky and above the 2% level. The Case Against A December Fed Rate Cut Recent headline CPI readings have been accelerating, with the three-month annualized…

According to recent reports, the number of people living to age 100 is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years. This statistic signals a significant shift, emphasizing the need to view the future differently than in the past. The Mental Shift One of the most profound impacts of longer, healthier lives is the need to reframe perceptions of aging. Historically, being in one’s 50s or 60s was associated with slowing down. Today, people in that age group are active, healthier, and, in many ways, redefining what it means to grow older. This disconnect stems from outdated mental benchmarks. For…

Below the 200-day moving average is an alarm bell for those investors who keep an eye on price charts. It’s a good signal that the direction has changed, longer-term, from up to down. This is true not just for stocks but for bonds, oil, gold, currencies and, in general, any asset that can be charted. Other elements of price movement play a role in decision-making about buys and sells, but this one is a solid indicator of issues, whatever they may be. A drop below the 50-day moving average is a shorter-term signal but below the 200-day takes a lot…

The recent 2024 HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report offers a detailed exploration of the complex world of entrepreneurs, particularly their struggles with family dynamics and succession planning. It paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted challenges entrepreneurs face while navigating their dual identities as business leaders and family members. Entrepreneurs’ Challenges: Family and Succession The report reveals that succession planning is one of the most significant hurdles for entrepreneurs. An overwhelming majority—66%—lack a formal exit strategy or succession plan. This is often due to the emotional difficulty of letting go of their business, combined with the day-to-day pressures of managing…

The tragic shooting of a Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO, on December 4, 2024, have prompted security advisors to rethink security considerations for corporate executives. For estate planning advisors, they must reconsider the intersection of security with estate and tax planning. For ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families, personal security has always been a priority. However, today’s environment demands a more integrated approach that aligns protection with tax efficiency and succession planning. A recent analysis by Baker McKenzie highlights an often-overlooked opportunity: properly structured corporate security programs can provide tax-advantaged protection that extends beyond the executive to family members. This creates an opening…

Many investors wonder: do I need a financial advisor, or should I do it myself? Figuring out if you should hire a financial advisor or manage your own investments is a big decision. And make no mistake: not everyone needs an ongoing relationship with a financial planner. Here are a few signs that you may need a financial advisor and how to find the right one. You May Need A Financial Advisor If You Don’t Have Time To Do It Yourself Even if you have the skills to manage your own investments and financial matters, do you have the time?…

The year 2024 has been a time of significant change and resilience for family offices. As we approach the end of the year, let’s take a look at some key trends that have shaped the family office space. A focus on risk management 2024 has been an extremely volatile year. According to Deloitte Private’s The Top 10 Family Office Trends, family offices identified recession fears, geopolitics, and inflation as the top three market risks of the year. As a result, risk management has become a top priority. To counter these challenges, a variety of strategies, including investment diversification, scenario analysis,…

Chances are that your inbox is full of reminders to make your end-of-year charitable donations. After all, ‘tis the season, right? The annual giving season kicked off on #GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) and charitable organizations hope to carry the momentum through the end of the year. That timing works out for tax purposes, too. Giving USA, in its annual report, estimates that giving by individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations to U.S. charities hit $557.16 billion in 2023—an increase of 1.9% in nominal dollars, but down 2.1% when adjusted for year-over-year inflation. Similarly, giving by individuals—the largest category of funders…

Previously, we discussed how, on December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, halting enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements[1]. The court found that the CTA likely exceeds Congress’s constitutional authority, and that compliance would impose significant burdens on businesses. In response, the Department of Justice filed an appeal on December 5, 2024, seeking to overturn the injunction. The appellate court’s decision will determine whether the CTA’s reporting requirements will be reinstated or…

Deciding when to retire is one of the most significant life choices you’ll make. The timing can influence everything from your financial security to your overall happiness in this next phase of life. While there’s no universal answer, understanding the key factors that affect retirement timing can help you make the best decision for your situation. Financial Readiness: The Foundation of Retirement Timing The first step in determining the right time to retire is assessing whether your financial resources are sufficient to support your lifestyle. This includes reviewing your retirement savings, guaranteed income sources like Social Security and pensions, and…