When the foundation of a structure becomes unstable, everything built on top must adjust or risk collapse. This principle is not only true in construction but also in financial and estate planning. In the United States, financial and estate planning is deeply intertwined with legal and tax codes, which form the foundation for achieving our financial…
As we approach the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, the markets have already shown signs of reacting to the evolving political landscape.
It is often said that the stock market is forward-looking, meaning its growth will depend on how publicly traded companies perform in the future, not the past or present day. More specifically, market returns are driven more by economic trends than election outcomes.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, many of us grapple with heightened anxiety about the potential impact on our financial futures.
With President Joe Biden not seeking reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris assuming the nomination to face Former President Donald J. Trump in November, this election season will be one for the ages.
Balancing personal financial goals with the demands of your business can be challenging. Still, with the expertise of a financial advisor, business owners can achieve greater financial stability and peace of mind. Here are several essential ways financial advisors can assist business owners in managing their finances. Comprehensive Financial Planning Financial advisors begin by comprehensively…
In the healthcare industry, pharmaceutical companies can employ AI to accelerate drug discovery by analyzing biological data and predicting how compounds interact with biological targets.
Currency fluctuations significantly impact global earnings and asset positioning, despite most investors not directly trading foreign currencies. A strong U.S. dollar negatively affects multinational companies’ international revenue, while substantial currency price fluctuations can lead to considerable volatility in certain asset classes, particularly carry trades where investors borrow in low yielding currencies to invest in higher yielding currencies. It is within these dynamics that greater attention should be focused on currencies.
As America’s retirement crisis looms larger than ever, with nearly half of the population fearing financial instability in their golden years, innovative state plans and employer-driven solutions are stepping in to bridge the savings gap and ensure a secure future for all.
Planning for retirement can be an extremely daunting task and varies by individual, but we’re here to help you understand how to better prepare for your “golden years.”
The U.S. economy continues to grind, and macro-level data suggests that moderating growth ahead will not cause a near-term recession. When setting the current environment at a level compared to our expectations at the start of the year, investors witnessed more mid-cycle dynamics as risks to the downside lessened and valuations expanded. With the macro-economic environment seemingly in a constructive place, we’re reminded that complacency is not a viable investment strategy. In our mid-year update, we detail the opportunities and risks ahead.
Saving for retirement is something many of us are encouraged to participate in throughout our working lives. In a recent Bryn Mawr Trust survey about women and retirement, 826 women (age 40+) said that their top sources of wealth are careers, followed by saving and budgeting, with 40% selecting retirement as the leading life event that impacts their financial planning.1 The rules and guidelines for how much to save and where are readily available, but there needs to be more professional guidance for when we finally reach retirement and begin spending it.
Benjamin Franklin was famous for many things, including the quote about only two certainties in life: “death and taxes.” A strong retirement plan should optimize for tax savings as it reviews assets and income streams.
Defining and adhering to an asset allocation can be a powerful way to ensure your financial resources are aligned to achieve your financial and life objectives.
Dealing with your estate plan is often not front of mind, but it is very necessary. Below are five reasons you should consider reviewing your estate plan now.
When it comes to managing your wealth for the future, having a sound investment strategy is paramount. However, equally important is ensuring that your estate plan is closely aligned with these investment choices. The synergy between how you manage your assets today and how you plan to pass them on to beneficiaries can significantly impact your financial legacy and security.
In the digital age, our lives and businesses are intricately woven into the fabric of the online world. From financial transactions to client communications, much of our business activity now takes place in the digital realm. Yet, many small business owners overlook a crucial aspect of estate planning: the digital estate.
Buried in the footnotes of mutual fund prospectuses, brokerage account opening paperwork, and account statements are disclosures of “the risks to investing,” which is potentially a daunting statement for any new investor.
Investing is a great way to generate wealth, but it can be risky. Most of us have heard the phrase “no risk, no reward,” however, all investments bear some risk.
Do you ever reflect on things you did as a teenager or young adult and wonder what was going through your mind at the time? Maybe you participated in some thrill-seeking adventure and got lost, or maybe you were a bit foolish (or a lot foolish). Perhaps you were the opposite and never got into any trouble whatsoever, always on your best behavior. Fast forward to today, you think back on those days and the fun you had, lessons learned, regrets, and how they shaped your character.
Bond yields have remained elevated this year as anticipated rate cuts continue to get pushed out into the future. The combination of strong U.S. economic growth, a healthy labor market, and elevated inflation have contributed to a patient Federal Reserve and a federal funds target range of 5.25%-5.50%, a level reached back in July 2023. As of April 15, 2024, the entire U.S. Treasury yield curve was above 4.0% contributing to a benign environment for income-seeking investors.
Trust asset management requires a multifaceted approach to managing the day-to-day running of a portfolio that encompasses, among other things, strategic asset allocation, fiduciary responsibilities, risk management and a keen understanding of tax implications. Trustees must navigate a complex landscape to fulfill their obligations, optimize financial outcomes, and align investments with the trust’s goals and beneficiaries’ needs.
SLATs have gained popularity recently, to shift wealth out of the taxable estate. What is the big deal about the estate tax?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) brought numerous changes to the tax code including reduced individual income tax rates, significant increases to the standard deduction, and doubling of the estate tax exemption. The legislation also has a sunset provision, meaning many of the changes are set to expire at the end of 2025.
Securing a comfortable retirement requires thoughtful planning and strategic financial decisions. To ensure you won’t outlive your retirement savings, consider these five crucial tips.
Consider these four steps when transitioning to your new phase of life in retirement.
The complex landscape of life’s major events—career changes, marriage, childbirth, divorce, and the loss of a loved one—should prompt women to reevaluate and amend their wills, trusts, and overarching financial plans. These milestones are not merely checkpoints; they represent critical junctures where thoughtful, reimagined planning is paramount.
The landscape of employee retirement planning is undergoing transformative changes. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is at the heart of this evolution, introducing pivotal themes that promise to redefine the retirement planning horizon for millions of workers. Let’s explore some key themes for 2024, each designed to enhance the retirement readiness and financial security of the average employee in an ever-changing world.
Exploring the interaction between retirement, education, and real estate is vital in financial planning especially for women. Early and ongoing financial education is crucial for managing both current and future needs effectively. A recent Bryn Mawr Trust study highlights the importance of strategic planning in addressing the impacts of career changes, educational progress, and residential moves on women’s finances. Understanding these factors enables women to make informed decisions that support their life ambitions and financial security.
It’s tax preparation season. While gathering documents, statements, and receipts is important, the real value is in having a plan. Learn from our experts on how to minimize the taxes you are paying now and plan for years ahead.
Women are at the forefront of securing their financial futures, showcasing resilience, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to financial literacy. In an era where financial landscapes are constantly evolving, women’s involvement in financial planning has become more pronounced.
For those navigating the intricate world of real estate transactions, IRC Section 1031 provides a unique opportunity to defer capital gains taxes by selling property and reinvesting the proceeds in a similar property. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time property owner, understanding the nuances of Section 1031 is crucial for optimizing financial outcomes.
For investors, the difference between investing and intelligent investing might not be how much you earn on each investment but how much you keep, after taxes. By implementing tax-efficient strategies into your overall financial planning you can learn to manage, defer, and/or reduce your income tax burden and hold on to a larger portion of your wealth.
Four commonly missed topics you should make sure you disclose to your tax preparer that may help reduce the risk of costly return errors.
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