Just the other week, I was at a hockey game with a friend who confessed he was worried about his investments now that Trump is back in the White House. He rattled off concerns about inflation, tariffs, a higher deficit, and the potential for geopolitical unrest. It reminded me of two friends from the past who made similar mistakes. Back in 2008, when Barack Obama was elected, one friend was convinced that Obama’s policies would be too left-leaning and disastrous for the economy. Sure that disaster was imminent, he restructured his portfolio, shifting heavily into bonds, foreign stocks, cash, and…

There’s a gap most people have in their insurance plans, and it eventually could cost them a bundle. In general, people have the right amount of insurance for damages to their property, whether it is their homes, other real estate, vehicles, boats, or other items. But people often underestimate their potential liabilities and carry far too little liability coverage. That puts their net worth and financial security at risk. Liability insurance covers money we owe to someone who is injured by our actions, our property, or while on our property. The most obvious liability is when we’re at fault in…

Within the S&P 500, 36 companies reported earnings last week, with a sizable number being financials. 80% of S&P 500 firms reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter. This week marks the second busiest of the fourth-quarter earnings season, with 104 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report. And most crucially, four of the Magnificent 7 report earnings this week. The Magnificent 7 consists of Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Amazon.com (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), NVIDIA (NVDA), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Tesla (TSLA). Supportive earnings and stable bond yields sent stocks higher. The S&P 500 rose 1.8% for the week, and the Magnificent 7…

In a pivotal decision on Jan. 23, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion to stay a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge in Texas in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry. This injunction initially sought to halt the enforcement of beneficial ownership reporting requirements mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act, which is overseen by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Justice Neil Gorsuch, concurring with the decision to grant the stay, proposed that the Supreme Court should clarify whether district courts have the authority to issue universal injunctive relief. This aligns with Justice Gorsuch’s…

Retirement is a milestone many dream of, but transitioning into it can feel daunting without a solid plan. Confidence in retirement stems from careful preparation, clarity on your goals, and making informed financial decisions. Whether you’re nearing retirement or still have decades to prepare, these tips can help you retire with peace of mind. 1. Define Your Retirement Vision Retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Take time to visualize your ideal retirement: Do you want to travel? Start a passion project or volunteer? Downsize your home or relocate? Understanding your goals helps shape your financial plan and ensures your retirement aligns…

As the estate planning landscape braces for significant changes in 2025, the 59th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, held from January 13th to January 17th in Orlando, Florida, offered an indispensable guide for attorneys, advisors, and business owners. The conference highlighted the critical need for proactive planning considering a rapidly evolving tax and regulatory environment. Key topics included the anticipated sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the rising popularity of purpose trusts, and advanced business succession strategies. Below are the pivotal themes and insights poised to shape estate and business planning in the coming year. I…

The impact of a Trump’s return to presidency on alternative investments depends on the details of policy implementation, market expectations, and global economic conditions. While some sectors may benefit from deregulation or tax incentives, others might face reduced government support or policy shifts. Investors considering alternative strategies should proactively adjust their portfolios to anticipate these potential changes, prioritizing sectors that are likely to receive favorable treatment or have inherent resilience to policy-induced volatility. Sectors Likely to Benefit from the Impact From Trump’s Return Commodities and Natural Resources: Trump expressed intention to expand energy and mining by promoting policies that boost…

Within the S&P 500, 20 companies reported earnings last week, dominated by large bank earnings. 79% of S&P 500 firms reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter. The pace of the third-quarter earnings season picks up this week, with 40 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report. Better bank earnings and friendly inflation readings sent bond yields lower and stocks higher. The S&P 500 rose 2.9% for the week, and the Magnificent 7 gained 2.0%. The Magnificent 7 consists of Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Amazon.com (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), NVIDIA (NVDA), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Tesla (TSLA). Notably, bank stocks soared 8.2% on…

Retirement is often imagined as a carefree phase of life, filled with relaxation, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones. But for many, the transition to retirement comes with its share of stress—uncertainty about finances, adjusting to a new routine, and navigating unexpected challenges. The good news? With the right strategies, you can minimize retirement-related stress and fully embrace this exciting chapter. Here are five ways to reduce retirement stress and focus on what matters most. 1. Create a Clear Financial Plan One of the leading causes of stress in retirement is uncertainty about finances. To ease these concerns, establish…

As economic, technological, and demographic shifts reshape the wealth management industry, forward-thinking advisors can position themselves as indispensable partners to a new generation of clients. Here’s how wealth managers can capitalize on 2025’s key trends to stand out and grow their businesses. Focus on Agility and Expertise In an era of continued economic volatility, wealth managers who effectively navigate complex markets will stand out. Rising interest in alternative investments—such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure—presents an opportunity to showcase specialized knowledge and meet the diversification needs of high-net-worth clients. Firms can leverage thought leadership content—white papers, webinars, and podcasts—…