Posted on May 1, 2024
Donor-Advised Funds: A Popular Tax-Advantaged Way to Give to Charity
A donor-advised fund may sound like something that’s only for the ultra-wealthy, but it’s actually accessible to anyone who makes charitable contributions. The donor-advised fund is one of the most tax-efficient ways to donate money to charity, which has helped it become the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the U.S., according to Fidelity Charitable.
A donor-advised fund is a charitable-giving account that allows a donor to provide grants to a charity over a period of years. They can be relatively inexpensive to create and maintain, and a donor-advised fund offers donors some ability to manage their tax situation through giving. The fund can also be invested, so it can grow while you’re deciding which charities to support.
Here’s how a donor-advised fund works, why it may be an attractive option for giving and some key benefits it has over a charitable trust.
Posted on March 19, 2024
The way Americans Buy and Sell Homes is about to get Turned on its Head
An earth-shattering, multibillion-dollar antitrust ruling against the National Association of Realtors late last year led to a settlement on Friday that will loosen the powerful trade group’s stranglehold on America’s housing market. The $418 million settlement with a group of homebuyers is expected to take effect sometime around July, pending a judge’s approval. It would transform a number of rules and guidelines set by the NAR that critics say have kept housing prices artificially inflated.
The TL;DR: 6% commissions, split between the buyer’s and seller’s brokers, will no longer be the norm. Agent commissions are expected to fall — in some cases, dramatically — because they will be competitive and negotiable, and sellers will be able to shop around for better rates. And other broker tactics that critics say are anticompetitive, such as a rule that made sellers’ agents set compensation for buyers’ agents, will be prohibited.
Posted on March 15, 2024
3 Mistakes Investors Make During Election Years
Investing during an election year can be tough on the nerves, and 2024 promises to be no different. Politics can bring out strong emotions and biases, but investors would be wise to put these aside when making investment decisions.
Posted on March 15, 2024
Effective Tax-Saving Strategies for Investors
We’re all investing to meet specific goals. What we want to achieve varies from one investor to another, but we can likely all agree we want more of our returns going toward our goals—and less to the IRS.
Here are 6 of my favorite strategies for lowering investment taxes.
Posted on March 15, 2024
Home Renovation Facts and Statistics (2024)
Homeowners have developed a renewed interest in home renovation projects over the past three years. According to the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University (JCHS), home improvement project spending increased from $328 billion in 2019 to $472 billion in 2022, with an estimated 2024 spending of $485 billion. This article will explore the latest industry reports and findings on how home renovation has evolved, statistics for the most popular projects, and the future of residential investments.
Posted on February 16, 2024
Top Geopolitical Trends in 2024
Despite reasonably favorable earnings and falling inflation, markets are likely to face headwinds in 2024, from geopolitical tensions around the world. Over 50% of the world’s population will go to the polls this year. Fortunately, market volatility resulting from such uncertainty is often short-lived and rarely requires any change in investment strategy, for the long-term investor. This piece details what we, investors, and the world are watching.
Top Geopolitical Trends in 2024
Click here for further information:
Posted on February 16, 2024
2024 Planning and Wealth Management Outlook
Investors likely face turning points in interest rates and the economy in 2024. Manage stress and uncertainty by broadening the lens to focus on personal goals and wealth plans.
In 2024, investors will likely face a turning point in interest rates, inflation, and potentially the economy. This could lead to short-term stressors emotionally and in the market and economy. Our theme for 2024, and in any year with regard to planning and wealth management, is to widen the lens. Have the discipline to look at the big picture, not just the short-term details. And have a plan based on your personal goals and time horizons.
For 2024, here are three themes to consider in wealth management plans:
Posted on February 16, 2024
What’s Right with the World
A daily diet of negative news can lead even the most experienced investors to lose conviction in their long-term investment plans.
Bad news often overshadows more favorable events. Even after the U.S. avoided a recession and the inflation picture brightened in 2023, many Americans remain downbeat about the economy and markets.
With wars in Ukraine and the Mideast, simmering U.S.-China tensions and a contentious U.S. presidential campaign underway, it is understandable that investors may be anxious. Yet positive trends across technology, health care and other areas are transforming lives and driving opportunity for companies and patient investors. Here are five reasons we’re feeling confident about the future.
Read More
Posted on November 21, 2023
7 Financial Moves to Make in Your 50s
Retirement is closer than you think; the time to start planning is now
Life in your 50s probably means a hectic work and family life, with multiple responsibilities. Retirement — perhaps 10 to 15 years down the road — may be the last thing on your mind. Still, it’s important to pause and reflect on this next stage before it sneaks up on you.
Posted on November 21, 2023
Millennials and Money: How the Next Generation looks at Wealth
From near-term goals to technology influences, here are some areas for Millennials to look at when planning for their future.
In an age of high-speed technology and instant Google answers, Millennials expect even their investment information to be immediately accessible.
