Giving is often seen as something reserved for the wealthy, but meaningful philanthropy is more personal and accessible than many people realize. In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Elizabeth Wagner, Senior Vice President and Director of Endowments, Foundations, and Charitable Giving at Bryn Mawr Trust, about…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease.
In a world where financial decisions are increasingly fast‑paced and interconnected, having access to flexible liquidity has become essential for individuals and families at every stage of wealth building. Opportunities can arise quickly, unexpected expenses can surface without warning, and market conditions can shift in ways that challenge even the best‑laid plans. A thoughtful liquidity…
Divorces are always financially disruptive, but a divorce late-in-life can create unique financial challenges, especially for those already nearing or in retirement. The term “Gray Divorce” was first coined by the AARP in 2004. It describes the separation of couples typically over 50, frequently after many years of marriage. While divorce rates have fallen in…
A cohabitation agreement helps fill these gaps by defining expectations, documenting contributions, and protecting both partners through clarity and enforceability.
Our senior advisors break down the key IRS retirement contribution updates and what they mean for your financial strategy.
What does it take to build a brand that inspires lasting loyalty while navigating decades of growth and rapid change? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Gheysens, CEO and Chairman of Wawa Inc., to explore the leadership mindset, ownership structure, and long‑term strategy behind one of the nation’s most…
Exit planning requires time, reflection, and coordinated expertise to execute well. According to the Exit Planning Institute’s (EPI) State of Business Owner Readiness survey, 69% of business owners say exit planning is a priority, yet fewer than half have a formal plan or transition team.1 With statistics like that, it’s worth asking: What are the…
The retirement landscape is changing, and women are helping redefine what retirement confidence looks like. While wealth accumulation remains essential to retirement security, confidence is shaped by more than financial assets alone. Research shows retirement confidence is influenced by financial awareness, planning, behavioral engagement, and psychological readiness.1 Wealth provides stability and flexibility, but consistent participation,…
College costs keep rising, but the financial side is only part of the story. How do you plan for education while balancing emotions, expectations, and long-term goals? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy break down smarter, more flexible ways to fund education while navigating the emotions, expectations, and values that shape these decisions….
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. Divorce after 50 can complicate retirement plans, asset division, and financial stability. With the right team of professionals, these challenges can be managed effectively. Learn how to navigate Gray Divorce with clarity and preparation in this week’s Planning in Focus with…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. Balancing financial goals like paying down debt, saving for retirement and supporting your family can feel overwhelming. Matthew Thornton, CFA, shares a simple framework to help you prioritize your financial goals in this week’s Planning in Focus.
Watch our webinar replay on how to maximize your Social Security benefits. Designed for both those nearing retirement and those planning ahead, this session emphasizes advanced strategies to help you optimize your benefits and secure your financial future. Speakers:
What does life look like after selling the business you’ve poured decades into building? How do you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Mark Bradford, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, AEP®, AWMA®, CEPA®, Director of Wealth Planning at Bryn Mawr Trust…
The Traditional Approach: Deferring Taxes Over the last 50 years, investors have become very familiar with the adage “Defer, defer, defer!” when it comes to tax planning. The most accessible deferral vehicles have long included employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, and deferred compensation programs. By pushing income into the future, these tools allow high earners…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. In this episode we discuss purpose trusts and how they can be utilized in business planning.
Wealth planning strategies are rarely about numbers alone, and traditional structures may not meet the complex long-term goals individuals seek to achieve. One planning concept that has gained increased attention in recent years is the purpose trust, designed to carry-out a defined objective rather than simply distributing assets to beneficiaries. Purpose trusts are not new, but their…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. Secure Act 2.0 is reshaping retirement contributions for high earners. Business owners, are you prepared? Ensure your plan includes Roth options, communicate the changes, and take this opportunity to optimize your retirement offerings. Matthew Thornton, CFA, breaks down how to navigate…
Why does tax time feel so overwhelming, and what can be done throughout the year to avoid those stressful moments in April? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Michael W. Valenti, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, MAcc, Tax Director at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to break down why taxes feel emotional and…
Our winter newsletter offers timely insights to help you plan for the year ahead.
Periods of rapid growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when new opportunities arrive faster than the plans to support them. So how do family‑run businesses scale without losing their values, identity, or sanity? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Katey Evans, Founder of The Frozen Farmer, about how she transformed…
Our Chief Investment Officer and senior investment leadership team delivered an in-depth look at the forces shaping the economy and financial markets in 2026. They broke down key trends, risks, and opportunities—providing insights to help position investment strategies for success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Watch the replay to gain clarity and confidence as you…
The Rise of AI in Financial Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) is arguably the most transformative technological advancement since the internet. It enables rapid information retrieval through rule-based engines and parameters, evolving at an unprecedented pace. AI has improved efficiencies across industries — from operations to decision-making to research — and financial services is no exception….
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. In this episode, we break down how to use the SMART acronym to set clear, achievable financial goals.
If you have employees earning over $150,000, a significant change to your company’s retirement plan is coming in 2026. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, high earners will be required to make catch-up contributions to Roth 401(k) accounts rather than traditional pre-tax accounts.[1,3] While this may sound like a minor technical adjustment, it could have substantial…
For those who receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to splurge or treat yourself. But what if that extra money could help you check off a major financial goal? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy dive into the psychology behind bonuses and why timing, taxes, and emotions matter more than you…
For many professionals, bonus season is both rewarding and complex. While a year-end payout can represent a substantial portion of total compensation, it also presents an opportunity—and a challenge—for effective financial and tax planning. Thoughtful preparation can help ensure that your bonus works harder for you, aligning short-term windfalls with long-term wealth strategies. Bonuses are…
As 2025 comes to a close, now is the time to ensure your financial plan is optimized for a strong finish and a successful start to 2026. Watch the replay of our webinar where our financial experts guided viewers through a comprehensive year-end checklist packed with actionable strategies to help: Speakers:
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This week Matt Thornton, CFA® discusses planning strategies for the end of the year.
Despite cooling economic growth, persistent inflation, and escalating trade tensions, 2025 delivered impressive results: equities posted strong double-digit gains while fixed income achieved its best performance since 2020.
Periods of economic uncertainty often lead people to question their financial choices, yet most long-term outcomes are shaped by steady decisions rather than day-to-day noise. Why do we feel worried even when the data looks stable? How do rising prices, interest rates, and shifting job conditions influence real-life planning? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and…
As investors enter 2026, markets are transitioning from a volatile but constructive 2025 into a phase of normalization and recalibration. Economic momentum has moderated, inflation is easing gradually, and central banks are adjusting policy cautiously. In this environment, returns are likely to depend less on broad beta exposure and more on thoughtful positioning, discipline, and…
Financial literacy starts at home. From teaching young children about delayed gratification to coaching teens on saving and investing, parents play a vital role in shaping money-smart kids. Matthew Thornton, CFA breaks down practical tips for every age in this week’s Planning in Focus. Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth…
Internships are an exciting opportunity to learn more about an industry, role, and company. For Colton Steele, that opportunity led to a full-time job and exciting career prospects. While earning dual degrees in finance and economics from La Salle University, Steele joined Bryn Mawr Trust as a Corporate Trust Intern in 2024, where hands-on learning…
Social Security Takes Center Stage, Again Social Security remains one of the most important and widely discussed topics in retirement planning, especially with a growing wave of retirees and recent developments surrounding the Old-Age, Survivors, & Disability Insurance Program under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.1 As conversations about benefits, claiming strategies, and the sustainability…
Many people talk about building relationships in business, but few live it the way Sal Patti does. In our latest episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Sal Patti, Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at WSFS Bank, to uncover the principles that shaped his rise from humble beginnings to leading…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease.
Raising financially responsible children is a goal for many parents, but it can be challenging to know where to begin-or when to step back. Watch the replay of our webinar for a modern, values-based approach to helping teens and young adults build financial independence. Key Topics: Speakers:
Conversations about money, family, and purpose can be the hardest ones to have, yet they’re often the most important. In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Dr. George James, LMFT, MBA, licensed therapist, executive coach, and CEO of George Talks, to explore how communication, family…
One of the basic tenets of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code is that everything has a cost, even if it’s not immediate. With few exceptions, all income gets taxed at some point. “At some point” is key. Taxpayers have some flexibility in recognizing income and paying tax on it. For example, if you own a…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. From rebalancing portfolios after strong market years to updating beneficiary designations and watching for capital gains, Matt Thornton outlines how to make sure your strategy is aligned with your goals.
Many retirees underestimate how much healthcare will cost in their golden years. According to Fidelity, a 65-year-old retiring this year will need around $172,500 to cover healthcare expenses throughout retirement. That figure excludes essential services such as vision, dental, or long-term care, which are not covered by Medicare1. Just like employer-sponsored plans, Medicare has gaps…
Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number or a specific age. It’s a significant life transition that requires preparation beyond financial planning. How do you shift from a lifetime of saving to spending? How do you build new communities and find purpose when work becomes optional? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explore…
Planning in Focus is your guide to navigating the complexities of wealth management with ease. This week we discuss the backdoor Roth IRA strategy and how to navigate income limits while building tax-diversified retirement savings.
When it comes to wealth management, success isn’t just about beating market benchmarks.
When it comes to wealth management, success isn’t just about beating market benchmarks.
Our experts unpacked a step-by-step guide to getting ahead of the upcoming tax season. We covered critical year-end actions, essential filing requirements, and strategic timing decisions that can significantly impact your tax liability. Whether you’re a pre-retiree, business owner, or managing family finances, this session provided actionable insights to help you stay ahead of key…
Leadership transitions often bring uncertainty, but with the right mindset, they can create opportunity and growth. How do you step into bigger roles with confidence? How do mentorship, values, and community shape the journey of a leader? In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Rodger Levenson, Chairman,…
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