DOWNLOAD THE PDF As we close out 2025, it is worth pausing to celebrate another strong year of performance and take a moment to realize how unusual this year truly was. I would encourage you to quickly glance at the annual market return slide-deck below and notice the short and
The fourth quarter of 2025 delivered strong results, with most markets posting gains. International Developed markets led the way, returning 5.20%, followed by Emerging markets at 4.73%. The U.S. Stock market gained 2.4%, while the U.S. Bond market rose 1.10% and the Global Bond market (ex-U.S.) increased 0.52%. The Global
January offers a natural reset. A new year creates momentum, and the financial habits you build now can shape your progress for the rest of 2026 and beyond. Strong financial habits do not require drastic changes. They require consistency, intention, and a clear plan. Here are the best financial habits
“We buy a new truck every year to reduce our taxes.” I hear some version of this all the time from business owners. Just the other day, a client called me and said,“Stephen, I’ve got $300,000 of profit I need to write off. What are some good things I can
Measuring Success Beyond the Numbers One of the most meaningful ways to measure success as a financial advisory firm is not performance charts or account balances. It is whether clients feel seen, respected, and valued. As we concluded our annual client survey, one response stood out because it captured something
Imagine this. You inherit a quarter-million dollars, $250,000, while juggling two kids, $3,000 daycare bills, and a baby due in January. That was the reality for a couple I met with last week. They weren’t popping champagne or shopping for new cars. They were asking a different kind of question:
After 13 years in finance, I’ve learned one truth that shapes how I approach every client conversation: A high net worth does not equal generational wealth. Last week, I met with a savvy business owner who’s built a thriving company and accumulated substantial assets. He could have spent our time
The holiday season in Irving, Texas is a time of joy celebration and giving. However with all the excitement the season brings you still need to plan your finances carefully. Did you know that the average American spends almost one thousand five hundred dollars on gifts during the holiday season
“What happens to my investments if the world goes sideways?” That’s what Mary asked me last week, right after she finished running a client’s therapy session and doom-scrolling through her three-page news feed. The headlines were bleak, and like many smart investors, she wanted to know what to do when
As wealth management strategies evolve, one financial tool has remained a key consideration for high-income earners in Texas: the Backdoor Roth IRA. This strategy allows individuals who exceed the income limits for Roth IRA contributions to still take advantage of the tax benefits that Roth accounts offer. But how does