November 3, 2021

S&P 500 Earnings Insight

S&P 500 Earnings Update Actual Earnings – 3Q.2021 The third quarter earnings season is well underway.  Actual earnings have been reported for 328 of the companies in the S&P 500 index.  Specifically, net income for all the reporting companies is 40.4% higher than that reported 12 months ago. The actual […]
October 2, 2021

September Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes September 2021 Performance Comparison Introduction September returns across global financial markets suffered their broadest retreat in a year.  First, the hardest hit asset classes were domestic and international equities.  Second, government and corporate bonds also declined more than 5%.  Commodity prices were mixed.  For example, lumber, natural […]
September 17, 2021

New Tax Law Proposed Will Kill IRA Conversions and Investments in Private Placements

New Tax Law Proposed Will Kill IRA Conversions and Investments in Private Placements Introduction The new tax law presented by Democrats seeks to reform retirement plan rules.  It also seeks close “loopholes” commonly used by wealthy individuals. Finally, it limits private equity investments by IRAs, including business start-up funding.  The […]
September 14, 2021

Biden Tax Law Proposal Targets High Income Individuals, S-Corps and Trusts

Biden Tax law proposal Targets High Income Individuals, S-Corps and Trusts Introduction The new Biden tax law is on deck and in the books. Democrats released the tax proposal on September 13. After months of anticipation, the final product does not match expectations. The proposed measures may impact you in […]
September 3, 2021

August Returns – The Best and Worse Performing Assets

August Returns – The Best and Worse Performing Assets Introduction August returns proved to be exciting in both financial and commodity markets.  Corporate equities and high-yield debt both proved to be solid performers .  This was evident in the US, developed markets (DM) and emerging markets (EM).  The month also […]
September 2, 2021

The Sustainability of Social Security

The Sustainability of Social Security The Social Security Administration (SSA) just issued its annual report and projects a fiscal cliff in 2034. Let’s discuss what’s happening, what’s being done about it and how you might be affected. Social Security Trust Funds The SSA administers two large trust funds.  The first […]
August 14, 2021

Benchmark Selection for Investment Portfolios

Benchmark Selection for Investment Portfolios Introduction Benchmarking is the process of comparing your investment portfolio to a market index.  Investors should carefully assess benchmark selection.  This is especially important for multi-asset portfolios subject to periodic rebalancing and cash distributions.  A well-chosen benchmark is like a compass that can quickly tell […]
July 8, 2021

Issues to Consider in a Quarterly Review Meeting

Issues to Consider in a Quarterly Review Meeting Download This checklist covers 40 of the most important planning issues to identify and consider during your quarterly review meeting.  Its structured as follows: Cash flow issues Asset and debt issues (including investments) Insurance planning issues Tax planning issues Long-term planning issues […]
July 6, 2021

Q3.2021 Financial Market Outlook

Financial Market Outlook 3Q.2021 The Financial Market Outlook provides a top/down analysis of the U.S. stock market.  The objective is to identify those sectors, industries and firms that are most likely to drive stock market performance in 3Q. This article was updated on 05-Aug-2021. Multi-Asset Returns The reopening trade dates […]
May 5, 2021

Important Planning Numbers 2021

2021 Important Planning Numbers Download There are lots of important planning numbers that that we work.  Our Clients also have  important planning numbers they to keep in mind. In some cases, those numbers change each year. Other times, the figures do not change, but are still used frequently. Given the […]