Today's Wealth Management Pulse
SmartAsset outlines a three‑step wealth‑building plan for early‑30s earners
Financial planners recommend that workers first capture any employer‑matched retirement contributions, then set aside 10‑20% of gross pay for savings, and finally eliminate debt with rates above roughly 10%. They also advise establishing a 3‑6‑month emergency fund in a high‑yield account to ensure liquidity.
Also developing:
Robinhood Moves Into Wealth Management with Advisor Network Launch
Robinhood announced the launch of its Advisor Network, a marketplace that links eligible high‑net‑worth users with independent Registered Investment Advisors. The service targets investors holding at least $250,000 and requires participating advisory firms to manage a minimum of $500 million in assets, leveraging the TradePMR acquisition that provides access to over 350 firms and $40 billion in client assets. By offering a referral platform rather than an in‑house advisory unit, Robinhood aims to diversify its revenue toward recurring fee‑based wealth‑management services. The rollout begins with a pilot for employees and expands to qualified customers in Q2.
Never Trust Caller ID—Always Verify with Bank
My very smart friend got scammed yesterday. Because she's a smart cookie, the scammer only got $400 but it could have been so much worse. 1️⃣ When someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, thank them for the call and...
Financial Harmony Aligns Personal Finance for Family Unity
Financial Harmony™ integrates accumulation, disciplined strategy, and intentional deployment to create your Return on Alignment™. It begins with the individual. It scales to the household. It strengthens relational unity.
Northern Trust: Illiquidity Is a Feature Not a Bug
Northern Trust’s Lynne Kostakis argues that illiquidity in private‑market investments is intentional, not a flaw, and can enhance long‑term returns. She outlines the investor profile best suited for such assets, emphasizing multi‑year horizons, high risk tolerance, and diversification. The firm...
Poor Coordination Can Cost Couples an Average $14,000 in Retirement Wealth, Research Finds
New research in the American Economic Review shows couples who fail to coordinate retirement contributions lose significant wealth. By directing contributions to the spouse with the highest employer match, an average couple could add $750 per year and avoid a...
20‑Year Fees Can Erase Most Investment Gains
Most investors know they pay fees. Annual charges. Management costs. Platform fees. Almost nobody knows what those fees actually cost them over 20 years. The number is usually the most shocking thing I show new clients.
Bull of the Day: IAMGOLD (IAG)
IAMGOLD (IAG) is positioned to benefit from soaring gold prices and a strengthening macro backdrop. The company operates mines in the Americas and West Africa and is advancing its flagship Côté Gold project in Ontario. Recent restructuring and asset divestitures...
Bear of the Day: OneSpaWorld (OSW)
OneSpaWorld (OSW), a Zacks Rank #5 Strong Sell, operates spa and wellness centers on cruise ships and destination resorts. Its revenue is tightly linked to passenger spend per sailing, making it highly discretionary. Recent analyst downgrades trimmed earnings estimates, though...
Family Office Roundtable 2026 - $124 Trillion Wealth Transfer, AI, & Private Markets
In this Family Office Roundtable, Ron and Wendy discuss the massive $124 trillion wealth transfer from baby boomers to the next generation and how family offices are adapting. They focus on AI’s disruptive role, highlighting platforms like Opto that can filter...
One Tax Change that Could Improve Canada's Productivity and Benefit All
Canada’s productivity has lagged its U.S. neighbour by roughly 20 percent per hour worked, prompting the Bank of Canada to call for urgent action. A key obstacle identified is the capital‑gains lock‑in effect, which discourages investors from selling appreciated assets. The...
3 Diversified Bond Mutual Funds for Balanced Investing
Zacks Investment Research highlights three top‑ranked diversified bond mutual funds—DWS Short Duration, Goldman Sachs Dynamic Bond, and iShares U.S. Intermediate Credit Bond Index Fund—each holding a Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buy. These funds provide investors with broad sector exposure, high...
2025 European Tax Policy Scorecard
The Tax Foundation released its 2025 European Tax Policy Scorecard, ranking EU and select non‑EU European economies on tax competitiveness and neutrality. Estonia tops the list thanks to a 22% corporate tax on distributed profits, a flat 22% personal income...
What To Do If You Can’t Afford Your Student Loan Payment
The article outlines practical steps for borrowers who can’t afford their student loan payments, starting with switching to income‑driven repayment plans that cap monthly outlays at a percentage of discretionary income. It highlights deferment or forbearance as short‑term pauses, while...
What We Still Don't Know About Trump Accounts, Ep#295
In this episode Ryan Morrissey explains the newly introduced "Trump accounts" (530A accounts) designed to help children build wealth, detailing eligibility, contribution limits, and the $1,000 government seed fund for births between 2025‑2028. He walks through the still‑unclear aspects such...
Trusts Aren't Tax Tricks—Structure Determines Benefit
I don’t need to hear this, but “put it in a trust” is not a tax strategy. It’s like saying “put it in a box.” What kind of box? Who controls the box? Who benefits from the box? That’s where the tax answer...
4 Tax Moves to Consider This March
March offers a strategic window to boost tax‑saving accounts before the April 15 deadline. Taxpayers can max out IRA contributions, benefit from inflation‑adjusted Roth phase‑out ranges, and contribute to HSAs for triple tax advantages. Families can claim the Child and...
Outperformance Depends on People, Not Just Processes
So good by @GavinSBaker In Michael Jordan’s second to last year with the Chicago Bulls, Jerry Krause, GM of the Bulls said, “Listen players don’t win championships, organizations do. It isn’t just Jordan or Pippen. It’s how we scout, draft,...
529 Plans: Tax‑Free Education Savings for Kids
If you have kids, please get a 529 plan: • many states have a tax deduction for investing • money grows tax free • tax free withdrawals for education (tutoring, college, private schools, certificates, etc) • could rollover up to $35,000 to their Roth...
Raymond James Has 'Zero Cross-Selling' Requirements: CEO
Raymond James CEO Paul Shoukry announced the firm has no mandatory cross‑selling requirements for its roughly 9,000 advisors. Advisors can collaborate with other business units but face no product‑sale quotas tied to compensation. The firm also offers a “financial‑advisor bill...
Stocks Outpace Inflation, Preserve Purchasing Power
In my opinion, this is the most compelling chart for being a stock market investor. Over the last 50 years: -US Inflation: up 6x -S&P 500 dividends: up 21x -S&P 500 total return: up 265x Over the long run, stocks trounce inflation and protect your...
Oil Spikes Signal Deflationary Shock, Not Inflation
Everyone assuming the Oil move is inflationary. An Oil spike historically more often than not precedes equity tail events and economic recessions. Why? Speed of Oil move is deflationary shock.
IRS Posts Form for Claiming New Tax Deductions
The IRS has issued a new Schedule 1‑A and updated instructions to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax breaks for 2025, covering tips, overtime, car‑loan interest, and senior‑citizen deductions. The tip deduction allows up to $25,000 per taxpayer, with a phase‑out beginning at...
Japan Initiates Yen Defense via Reverse Carry Trade
Japan selling to prepare to defend the Yen. Stage 1 of reverse carry trade thesis.
Asset Managers Prioritize Customer Experience for 2026 Growth
🌏External asset managers target 2026 growth through new markets and partnerships: Improving customer experience and engagement ranked the top priority by 63% of the respondents. Survey by @BankofSG v/@finews_asia: https://t.co/hM7kRNOqAV #WealthManagement #WealthTech
Fidelity: Position Portfolios for Resiliency to Navigate Volatility
Fidelity’s Q4 2025 portfolio review of 3,371 advisor‑constructed accounts shows a heavy tilt toward equities, with 72 % of assets in stocks and only 23 % in bonds. U.S. equities dominate the equity sleeve at 79 % and ETFs feature in 59 % of...
Wealth Grows Through Small, Consistent Actions
Building wealth isn't one big "right" decision. It’s a series of small, repeatable actions that feel insignificant in the moment but lead to high-impact outcomes. Case in point: I’ve increased my investments by $100,000 in just the last 9 months. Here is the...
2025 Portfolio Review: Hits, Misses, and Dollar Lessons
My annual portfolio review is one of my most read posts of the year. The 2025 edition is now live 📊 Did I hit my goals? 👉 The Good, The Bad and The Dollar 😉 Check it out here: 🔗 https://europeandgi.com/inspiration/2025-dividend-portfolio-review-the-good-the-bad-and-the-dollar/ Share ⏩ &...
I Earn $130,000 but Am Terrified of Layoffs. Should I Stop Funding My 401(k) to Pay Off My Mortgage?
A 28‑year‑old earning $130,000 is considering cutting his 401(k) contributions to make extra mortgage payments amid fears of AI‑driven layoffs. Financial experts advise against the move, emphasizing the importance of liquidity and the long‑term benefits of retirement savings. They recommend...
Trust Drives Markets: When It Falters, Risk Rises
Trust is emotional. It’s also economic infrastructure. When it weakens, markets reprice risk and retirement plans built on stability require harder tradeoffs. Most people treat trust as sentiment. It isn’t. It determines how money moves. I sat down with George D. Kinder to...
Small Monthly Investments Build Powerful Compounding Habits
Many people think it's pointless to invest $100-200/mo. But: 1. It's better than $0/mo 2. You let your money compound instead of wasting it on useless things 3. You form a habit of investing, which could be even more valuable than the initial...
4 Stocks to Watch From the Prospering Insurance Brokerage Industry
The insurance brokerage sector is riding a wave of better pricing, disciplined underwriting and rising demand for a broader range of policies, pushing industry revenue higher. Digitalization and AI adoption are sharpening margins and enabling faster scale, while a wave...
Altruist AI Tax Tool Sparks Custodian Stock Selloff
In this month's latest in #AdvisorTech news. @altruist's launch of a new AI-powered tax planning add-on to its Hazel AI notetaker, which triggered a big selloff in the stocks of established RIA custodians like @CharlesSchwab, @LPL, and @RaymondJames: https://t.co/GaoXPwW9F3 And other...
Spot the Hidden Great Rotation Before It Hits
Everyone’s chasing last year’s winners. The real move is under the surface. Leadership is rotating. Capital is rotating. By the time it’s obvious, it’s late. The Great Rotation is accelerating. Here’s what most investors are missing: https://t.co/Q38nu61vBB
4 Large-Cap Pharma Stocks to Watch as Industry Recovery Gains Steam
The large‑cap pharmaceutical sector is rebounding in 2026 after a muted 2025, buoyed by strong quarterly results, aggressive M&A, and robust pipeline activity. Zacks ranks the industry at #172, but it posted a 10.8% gain over the past year, outpacing...
Diversify Globally for Outsized Returns Beyond the S&P
Start of 2025: ‘Why should I own anything outside of the US?’ 14 months later: South Korea +204%, Peru +143%, South Africa +108% … S&P 500 +18%. The future is unknown. That’s why you diversify. https://t.co/2Lpruh2h0i
3 Diversified Chemical Stocks to Watch Amid Demand Woes
The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is grappling with soft demand across consumer durables, construction, and electronics, leading to a 9.8% decline over the past year while the S&P 500 rose 20.5%. Inflation‑driven consumer caution in Europe and a sluggish Chinese recovery...
March, 2026 Investing Update
The author launched a new monthly investing feature for 2026, highlighting business‑cycle‑driven portfolio management. The aggressive “Adrenaline” portfolio posted a 10.3% annualized return YTD, while the defensive “Market‑Neutral” portfolio surged 57.3% annualized, both outpacing a slightly negative S&P 500. The post...
Ask an Advisor: How Does Inheriting an Annuity Work? Can I Roll the Funds Into My IRA?
A spouse inheriting a non‑qualified annuity cannot roll it into an IRA because the contract was funded with after‑tax dollars. Instead, the inherited annuity retains its own tax treatment, with gains taxed first and distribution schedules dictated by the contract...
Garry Marr: Bad News, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 Guy Is Still Working in His 60s and You Will...
Garry Marr notes that a CIBC poll shows Gen Z expects to retire at 59, millennials at 61, while baby boomers target 63. Yet many Canadians, including former insurance executive Alf Goodall, are working well into their 60s, reflecting a shift...
Two Brothers, One Model, Ten Years: The Evolution of Othania
Two Copenhagen brothers launched Othania a decade ago with a DKK 2.2 million seed fund, building the systematic TIGER model to toggle equity and bond exposure based on macro indicators. The model’s strong signals spurred rapid AUM growth, reaching roughly DKK...
Grab These 3 High-Yield Bond Funds for Significant Returns
High‑yield bond funds are gaining traction as investors chase yield in a post‑pandemic recovery. Zacks Investment Research highlights three Zacks Rank #1 funds—Neuberger Berman Floating Rate Income, Buffalo High Yield, and Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income—each delivering three‑year annualized...
Robinhood HOOD Rewards Season 2026 Promos: Up to 3% ACAT Transfer Bonus
Robinhood has launched its HOOD Rewards Season, running Feb 19‑Mar 25, 2026, offering up to a 3 % bonus on ACATS transfers. Taxable‑account transfers earn 2 % for Robinhood Gold members, rising to 3 % when a $10,000 margin balance is present; IRA and 401(k)...
Even Top Pickers Need Decades to Find Few Winners
🎯 It takes the best stock pickers in the world a few decades of owning hundreds or even thousands of stocks to find a handful that are worthy of holding long-term. https://t.co/KRxH9wKOSP
Built $500K Portfolio by Age 36
I'm 36 with $500K invested. Most of this happened in the last 8 years. Here's how:
Calamos Market Neutral Income Strategy Q4 2025 Commentary
Calamos Market Neutral Income Strategy posted a 1.53% net return in Q4 2025, beating the Bloomberg US Government/Credit Bond Index’s 0.90% gain. The fund’s performance was driven by a strong hedged‑equity book and continued arbitrage activity, even as SPAC arbitrage...
Nearly One‑Fifth of California Property Transfers Are Inherited
Wild stat: “~18% of all property transfers in California last year were made through inheritance.” https://t.co/LPI84VU4Uh https://t.co/oHzRbjVzOn
Leverage Drives Carry Trade; Watch Yen in Market Shocks
The carry trade has everything to do with leverage. And I encourage you to study Yen behavior during US stock market tail events.
Bitcoin Losing Trillions in Value Hasn't Stopped Traditional Giants' Interest in Digital Assets Sector
At the iConnections conference in Miami, the sentiment among large allocators toward digital assets has shifted from skepticism to acceptance, with more than 75 crypto funds and roughly 750 manager‑allocator meetings mirroring pre‑crash activity. Nearly 25% of limited partners on...
Carbon Markets Near Turning Point; Investors Unprepared
Carbon markets are at an inflection point. Policy momentum. Capital rotation. Tightening supply. Most investors aren’t positioned for what’s next. Read this before the crowd catches on: https://t.co/axCJ40q8bX cc: @LukeAOliver @kraneshares