To Inform: When a crisis hits, whether through war, natural disaster, pandemic, or other triggering event, many people feel a natural inclination to help those who are most affected. This topic feels pressing today amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and also the tornadoes in New Orleans. We all want to help, so let’s […]

To Inform: I am often asked by people, “how much money do I need to retire?” It is such a fascinating question for me that leads me to ask them a few questions such as, “How much money do you spend every year? What do you want to do in retirement? What makes you happy? […]

To Inform: Earlier this week we held our first live Portfolios at Panera event in many months. Alex and I had the opportunity to speak to a capacity crowd (it was a bit cozy in the room) and have a lively conversation on markets. Here is summary of key discussion items: Fed Rate Hikes On […]

To Inform: As you can imagine, we’ve had a lot of conversations about markets, the war in Ukraine and our thoughts on the direction going forward.  For this “To Inform piece, “Chris” is a fictional character based on an amalgamation of clients and friends we have had recent conversations with. Why “Chris”? While we aren’t […]

To Inform: It’s tax season! And I just realized this is the 20 year anniversary of my last busy season preparing tax returns. Fond memories – truly. As I reflect on those years, aside from the tax planning strategies I gleaned, I learned so much about HOW financial advisors can best work with tax preparers. […]

To Inform: I have a chair at home I sit in every morning where I have my coffee and devotional time. Often toward the end of that time I will read the Wall Street Journal and look at the news. The headlines and pictures of explosions in Ukraine stir a fury of emotions. Our prayers […]

To Inform:  It seems like you can’t go an hour without seeing a headline about inflation, or interest rates, or Ukraine. These are all important developments for the market, but they’re all clearly getting their time in the sun. We’ve talked about those issues at some length, and they continue to be front page news. […]

To Inform: The past week has seen two major economic data releases. First, January’s jobs number was much better than expected. Payrolls increased by +467,000 jobs which was higher than virtually every economist’s forecast (which ranged from -400,000 to 250,000). Upward revisions to prior months’ data only strengthened the case the employment market is robust. […]

To Inform:  Mike Tyson, the electrifying boxer known for interesting aphorisms famously once said, “Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.” Tyson was referring to an upcoming fight with Evander Holyfield and Holyfield’s “fight plan.” As a full-service wealth management firm, our view is that planning is important, but equally important […]

To Inform:  We love Roth IRAs!  Tax-free growth for a lifetime – what’s not to love?!  If only we could put all our savings in a Roth IRA.  Well, unfortunately, there are limits to funding Roth IRAs and one in particular, the income limit, presents some challenges for many of our clients.  For some, there […]