Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Rising Premiums, Reduced Benefits, and What to Do
Medicare Open Enrollment: Rising Costs and New Restrictions Medicare open enrollment for 2026 runs through December 7, and several important changes are on the horizon. Many participants will likely face higher premiums, reduced benefits, and more restrictive provider networks. The baseline Part B premium is expected to rise from $185 to $206 a month, representing […]
Annuities in 401(k) Plans: DOL Update and What Employees Should Consider
Annuities as a Default Option for 401(k)s? U.S. Department of Labor Says Yes, But Be Wary Recent updates to retirement plan rules are designed to make it easier for employers to include lifetime income options—most commonly annuities—inside 401(k) plans. The purpose is straightforward: to help you turn a portion of your savings into a dependable […]
Investment Commentary – October 13, 2025
Executive Summary Last week, stocks declined while bonds appreciated (price up / yield down). The MSCI Emerging Markets and MSCI EAFE indices outperformed the S&P 500. Across U.S. Russell style & market cap indices, mid-cap growth did the best, but the low volatility factor led more broadly. As for fixed income, the 10-year. treasury yield […]
Economic Commentary – October 13, 2025
It is a strange, somewhat unreal moment. A holiday that isn’t quite a holiday, a federal government that is mostly shut down while state governments go about their business, and government inflation reports that may or may not happen. Analysts have now been called back to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in something of a […]
2025 Year-End Wealth Planning Guide: Retirement, Gifting, and Tax Deadlines
Year-End Wealth Planning Guide (2025–2026) As we approach the end of 2025, we would like to bring to your attention several important year-end planning considerations and deadlines. The following sections outline key strategies and timelines related to retirement accounts, gifting, and tax filing considerations. Planning Considerations for the End of the Year 1. Tax Brackets, […]
Investment Commentary – October 6, 2025
Executive Summary Equity Markets Risk On Last week, global equity funds experienced the best week of inflows in nearly a year, led by U.S. technology and financial stocks. The third quarter was strong across both risk- and risk-control portfolios, with global equities gaining over 8%. In the U.S., small caps gained over 12% for the […]
Economic Commentary – October 6, 2025
The US Government Shutdown continues, swamping most of the other economic storylines. However, the ADP employment report from last week, showing 32,000 jobs lost in September (excluding any federal employment job losses, which are not counted by ADP), continues to reverberate. Whether a result of undeniable negative signals coming from job markets or of elected officials […]
Economic Commentary – September 29 2025
It will be quite some time before the most significant effects of a less restrictive monetary policy become apparent. New home sales, for example, have already picked up as lower mortgage rates have combined with builder incentives to lower purchase prices, yet the far-larger market for existing home sales remains constrained by high price points. Car […]
Investment Commentary – September 29, 2025
Executive Summary The economy appears to remain resilient, and the Fed is cutting rates in the middle of an economy that is slowing but still expanding. Historically, such conditions have been bullish for risk assets. According to Franklin Templeton, in the last 50 years, there have been eight instances where the Fed resumed cutting interest […]
Home Energy Tax Credits Are Expiring: Act Before the OBBBA Deadline
A Window of Opportunity: Home Energy Tax Credits Are Expiring Soon The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it, a significant opportunity for homeowners is set to expire. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has accelerated the termination of several federal home-energy tax credits, meaning that 2025 is the last chance for […]
Fed Cuts Rates: How to Strategically Manage Debt in a Falling Rate Environment
The Fed Cut Rates. What About Your Debt? The Federal Reserve has recently lowered its benchmark interest rate and hinted at two more reductions this year. This pivotal move carries implications that will influence the economy and, more specifically, your personal finances. One critical area to review now is the liabilities section of your balance […]
Investment Commentary – September 22, 2025
Executive Summary The Fed cut interest rates as expected by 0.25% to 4.25%. The market response was bullish for riskier assets but did not do much for bonds. The bond market was pricing in 3 cuts before year-end, prior to the meeting, and three after, then into next year, the bond market is pricing in […]