Financial markets produce a constant stream of headlines that react to daily price movements, economic data, and global events. News cycles and social media amplify this information, creating a sense of urgency that can feel difficult to ignore. However, short term market noise rarely provides useful insight for investors with

Financial advisor discussing the 5 levels of wealth complexity with a client."

Scroll YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram long enough and you’ll find hundreds of videos confidently telling you that you don’t need a financial advisor. After 13 years as a financial advisor, working with everyone from recent graduates to retirees worth $50 million, I can tell you something important: Sometimes they’re right.

Diagram showing how a cash management account sweeps funds between checking and high-yield savings banks.

A cash management account is designed to simplify how you handle everyday cash while keeping it connected to your broader financial life. These accounts combine features typically found in checking accounts, savings accounts, and brokerage platforms. Financial institutions often offer them through investment firms rather than traditional banks. How a

Comparison of gross investment performance versus net after-tax returns for a high-net-worth portfolio.

When investors review their portfolios, they often focus on performance numbers. Annual returns, benchmark comparisons, and market rankings tend to dominate the conversation. While performance matters, it does not tell the full story. What ultimately impacts your financial progress is not what you earn on paper, but what you keep

Diagram illustrating the Grow, Protect, Preserve framework for building and transferring generational wealth.

“Generational wealth” is one of the most overused phrases in personal finance. Someone receives an inheritance from a grandparent, and suddenly it’s labeled generational wealth. But if we are being precise, most inheritances don’t qualify. The data consistently shows that the average inheritance lasts only one to two generations. That

Rolled-up newspaper with the headline Market News, representing quarterly market updates and financial insights.

Download the Full Q4 2025 Market Report (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

Market Review Fourth Quarter 2025

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

Chart showing 2026 IRA and 401k catch-up contribution limits for investors over age 50.

Saving for retirement feels more urgent as you get older. If you want to make up ground in your retirement savings, IRA catch up contributions give you a powerful tool to boost your savings. Knowing the facts helps you take full advantage of this opportunity. What IRA Catch Up Contributions

etired couple discussing their $500,000 annuity monthly payout options.

Many people consider annuities as a way to generate steady income during retirement. A $500,000 annuity can provide predictable monthly payments, but the exact amount depends on several factors. Understanding how annuities work and evaluating whether they match your financial goals is essential before making a decision. How Annuities Work