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Women Are Defining the Future of Retirement Confidence

ByWSFS Contributor

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,…

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The Biggest Blind Spots Business Owners Face When Planning an Exit

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

Shark Tank, Sustainability, and Scaling Up: The Frozen Farmer Story with Katey Evans (Ep. 9)

Shark Tank, Sustainability, and Scaling Up: The Frozen Farmer Story with Katey Evans (Ep. 9)

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

2026 Economic & Market Outlook

Webinar Replay: 2026 Economic & Market Outlook

ByWSFS Contributor

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 Human Edge: What AI Can't Replicate in Planning

The Human Edge: What AI Can’t Replicate in Planning

ByWSFS Contributor

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….

How to teach your kids about money

How To Teach Your Kids About Money

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

From Intern to Analyst: Building a Career of Growth at Bryn Mawr Trust

From Intern to Analyst: Building a Career of Growth at Bryn Mawr Trust

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

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The Power of Open Dialogue: Money, Trust, and Legacy Planning with Dr. George James (Ep. 5)

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

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The Hidden Truth: Your Tax Strategy IS Your Cash Flow Strategy

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

Retiring Soon? Why Healthcare Planning Should Be Your Financial Priority

Retiring Soon? Why Healthcare Planning Should Be Your Financial Priority

ByWSFS Contributor

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…

Tax-Smart Retirement Income Planning Strategies
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Tax-Smart Retirement Income Planning Strategies

ByWSFS Contributor

Retirement is a goal we set with dreams of traveling abroad, playing golf, relaxing on the beach, pursuing a passion project, spending more time with family and friends, or ticking off items on our personal bucket list. As retirement comes into view, the most common question is. “Will you be financially secure when you take…

Government Shutdown: Short-Term Disruption, Limited Financial Long-Term Impact
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Government Shutdown: Short-Term Disruption, Limited Financial Long-Term Impact

ByWSFS Contributor

Washington is once again in a government shutdown. Investors may be asking, does this really matter for the economy and markets? History provides a valuable perspective. What History Shows Shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriation bills or a temporary funding extension. When that happens, federal agencies close, hundreds of thousands of workers are…

Leveraging Commercial Real Estate Financing through a Private Bank

Leveraging Commercial Real Estate Financing through a Private Bank

ByWSFS Contributor

Commercial real estate (CRE) has long been one of the most attractive avenues for building and preserving wealth. For investors, developers, and business owners, financing is often the key that unlocks opportunities in this space. While traditional banks and public lenders remain common sources of capital, many sophisticated clients turn to private banks for a…

Healthy Retirement Living
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Redefining Retirement with Christine Benz (Ep. 1)

ByWSFS Contributor

Retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about how you spend your time, maintain relationships, and create a meaningful life. In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance, to explore how retirement planning is shifting from purely financial to a more holistic approach. Christine shares insights from her…

WEBINAR REPLAY: Estate Planning Fundamentals: Protect Your Family & Navigate New Tax Changes

WEBINAR REPLAY: Estate Planning Fundamentals: Protect Your Family & Navigate New Tax Changes

ByWSFS Contributor

Join our experts for a step-by-step guide to estate planning. We’ll cover fundamental documents every adult should have, explore how major life changes trigger updates to your plan, and review recent  estate tax changes with the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Whether you’re just starting your estate planning journey or need to update existing documents, this…

The Importance of Updating Your Estate Planning Documents

The Importance of Updating Your Estate Planning Documents

ByWSFS Contributor

Consistently updating your estate planning documents is essential to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected and legally enforceable as your life circumstances change. Consider these top eight life situations or events that highlight the importance of regular updates. 1. Life Changes Major life events often require updates to your estate plan. These include: If your documents…

Unpacking the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and Your Finances

WEBINAR REPLAY: Unpacking ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and Your Finances

ByWSFS Contributor

The political landscape is shifting, and with it comes a sweeping set of proposed tax changes known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that could have meaningful impacts on how families build wealth, pass it on, and plan for the future. Our financial planning experts recently broke down what’s on the table, how it may…

The Mega-Donor Mindset: Strategies to Maximize Your Philanthropic Impact

The Mega-Donor Mindset: Strategies to Maximize Your Philanthropic Impact

ByWSFS Contributor

While we don’t all have billions of dollars to give away, the mindset and strategies of billionaire philanthropists like Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott can be adopted to make anyone more impactful, intentional, and fulfilled in their giving. Giving requires having the right mindset and a thoughtfully integrated approach. Here are a few things…

Bryn Mawr Trust’s Internship Experience Pushes Jordan Walter Pelzer Out of Comfort Zone

Bryn Mawr Trust’s Internship Experience Pushes Jordan Walter Pelzer Out of Comfort Zone

ByWSFS Contributor

Integrity is a critical trait for any financial planner, but at Bryn Mawr Trust, it’s non-negotiable for everyone, including interns. That experience has been central to Jordan Walter Pelzer’s experience as a Wealth Management Intern with the company. Coming into the summer, Pelzer’s goal was to discover the type of leader he wanted to become….

3D Investing: 2025 Mid-Year Economic and Market Outlook

3D Investing: 2025 Mid-Year Economic and Market Outlook

ByWSFS Contributor

As Americans celebrated Independence Day, Congress passed President Trump’s sweeping “The One, Big, Beautiful” bill, and the U.S. simultaneously executed a successful strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Equity markets have responded with exuberance, rallying sharply on renewed optimism. This surge follows a volatile first half of 2025, marked by the shock emergence of DeepSeek AI…

Why Understanding Target Date Funds Matters More Than Ever
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Why Understanding Target Date Funds Matters More Than Ever

ByWSFS Contributor

Most employees in 401(k) retirement plans are not professional investors, and they don’t need to be. However, in a retirement system that increasingly places responsibility on individuals to make informed investment decisions, having a basic understanding of your available options is essential to achieving long-term financial security. One of the most common and impactful tools…

Smart Foreign Exchange Strategies for Summer Travel

Smart Foreign Exchange Strategies for Summer Travel: Maximize value and minimize stress with these tips before you take off

ByWSFS Contributor

As summer travel season approaches, many of our clients are making plans to explore destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Whether your itinerary includes sun-soaked beaches, historic cities, or family adventures abroad, it’s important to think ahead when managing foreign currency needs. Smart foreign exchange (FX) strategies can help you avoid unnecessary fees, reduce risk,…

WEBINAR REPLAY: 2025 Mid-Year Economic & Market Outlook: Risks and Opportunities Ahead

WEBINAR REPLAY: 2025 Mid-Year Economic & Market Outlook: Risks and Opportunities Ahead

ByWSFS Contributor

The first half of 2025 has seen shifting political landscapes and global uncertainties, making it more important than ever to stay informed. Watch the replay of our Mid-Year Economic & Market Outlook to get clarity on what these changes mean for your financial plan and understand the economic and market trends that could shape the…

2025 Mid-Year Economic and Market Outlook

Building Resilience: 2025 Mid-Year Economic and Market Outlook

ByWSFS Contributor

The first half of 2025 will be remembered for two defining events: the onset of reciprocal tariffs, marking an American trade war with the world, and Chinese AI developer DeepSeek’s revelation that shattered the myth of American AI supremacy. Amidst the fierce rivalry between America and China, these occurrences exposed the opposing forces of de-globalization…

Trusts – an Essential Resource for Family Financial Planning

Trusts – an Essential Resource for Family Financial Planning

ByWSFS Contributor

As families accumulate wealth, trusts offer protection, growth, and efficient transfer from an individual (or grantor) to beneficiaries. While previously thought to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy, trusts are an excellent financial planning resource and are gaining popularity among the broader public. Today, we review how trusts may help families prepare for a multitude of…

Partner with a Private Banker for Your IOLTA Needs

Partner with a Private Banker for Your IOLTA Needs

ByWSFS Contributor

An Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA) is a type of trust account used by attorneys to hold client funds that are either too small in amount or held for too short a period to generate interest for the individual client. Instead of the interest benefiting the client, the interest is pooled and directed toward…

Unlocking Your Home's Hidden Potential: How a HELOC Can Help You Move Beyond 'Golden Handcuffs’ and Transform Your Living Space

Unlocking Your Home’s Hidden Potential: How a HELOC Can Help You Move Beyond ‘Golden Handcuffs’ and Transform Your Living Space

ByWSFS Contributor

If you’re among the millions of Americans, like my wife and I, who purchased or refinanced their homes during the early years of the pandemic, you were likely fortunate enough to secure a mortgage rate between 2.5% and 4%.  Mortgage rates reached an all-time low in January of 2021, but have since more than doubled,…

What is a living trust?

What is a Living Trust, and Why Do You Need One?

ByWSFS Contributor

People often ask whether they need a living trust for their estate plan. The answer depends upon your goals for managing your assets during your lifetime and how you would like to transfer them after your passing. Here are some key points to consider when determining whether a living trust is right for you. What…