Philanthropy Talk Is Now Standard in Wealth Advising — but Advisors Are Still Misreading Client Motivations
A 2026 study of 300 advisors and 103 high‑net‑worth clients shows that 90% of advisors now routinely raise philanthropy, and 99% deem the conversation important. Yet client satisfaction remains modest at 61%, reflecting a gap between advisor assumptions and donor motivations. Advisors overestimate the appeal of tax benefits and the desire to inspire others, while clients prioritize tangible impact, personal fulfillment, and giving back. Structured giving has surged, with 78% of wealthy clients using formal vehicles such as donor‑advised funds, trusts or private foundations.
The Six-Month Social Security Retroactivity Trap
Social Security lets retirees who file after full retirement age elect up to six months of retroactive benefits as a lump‑sum, but the choice permanently lowers the ongoing monthly check by eliminating delayed‑retirement credits. The trade‑off often appears attractive in...
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Intermarket Analysis: What It Is and How It Works
Intermarket analysis is a methodology that examines how different asset classes—stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies—move in relation to one another. The simplest form is a correlation study, producing coefficients from –1.0 (perfect negative) to +1.0 (perfect positive), with readings above...
3 Internet Software Stocks to Buy From a Prospering Industry
The Zacks Internet Software industry is riding a wave of digital transformation, SaaS adoption, and cloud migration, boosting demand for observability, security, and DevOps tools. Valuation remains attractive at a 2.6× price‑to‑sales multiple, well below the S&P 500’s 5.26×. Datadog, monday.com...
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Understanding Trust Funds: A Guide to How They Work
A trust fund is a legal entity that holds assets for designated beneficiaries, managed by a trustee on behalf of the grantor. Trusts fall into two primary categories—revocable, which the grantor can modify or dissolve at any time, and irrevocable,...
401(k) Plan Credit May Need a Nudge From Financial Advisors and CPAs
President Trump signed an executive order on April 30 launching TrumpIRA.gov and previewing the 2027 “saver’s match” provision of Secure Act 2.0, aimed at expanding 401(k) access for workers whose employers don’t offer retirement plans. While recent Secure Act tax credits for...
Kiplinger Investing for Income Special Report
Kiplinger has released a free "Income Investing Opportunities to Attain Higher Yields" special report for subscribers of its Investing for Income service. The PDF provides a roadmap for investors seeking to boost cash‑flow returns in a persistently low‑rate environment. It...
Tax-Managed Long-Short Strategies Gain Traction. Are They Worth the Risk?
Tax‑managed long‑short equity strategies are gaining traction as advisors look for ways to harvest losses and offset large capital‑gain events. Natixis' Gateway Long/Short Extension Strategy posted an 18.69% total return through 2025, edging out the S&P 500’s 17.82% gain. However, fees...
Zephyr's Adjusted for Risk: Tokenization & ETFs - The End of Traditional Market Barriers?
Roxanna Islam of TMX VettaFi discussed fast‑growing ETF trends on Zephyr’s Adjusted for Risk podcast, highlighting the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024 and the consolidation of crypto flows into larger funds like iShares IBIT. She noted strong momentum in...
Ask an Advisor: When Can I Withdraw the $10K I Converted When I Was 72?
A 72‑year‑old converted $10,000 from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and, now age 73, can withdraw the converted amount without any early‑withdrawal penalty because he is over the 59½ threshold. The conversion triggers a five‑year waiting period that...
ET Alpha Wealth Summit: D-St Moguls Set to Decode the Next Wealth-Creation Avenues
The Economic Times will host the ET Alpha Wealth Summit on June 4 in Mumbai, gathering leading fund managers and macro experts to chart India’s next wealth‑creation pathways. Speakers such as Saurabh Mukherjea, S Naren, Nilesh Shah and Vikas Khemani will tackle...
The California Wealth Tax Has a Loophole—Here’s How Much Billionaires Could Save
California’s proposed billionaire tax would levy a one‑time 5% charge on the total global assets of residents with net worths above $1.1 billion. The legislation excludes real property held directly or in revocable trusts, but assets owned through limited liability companies...
Why Unit Linked Insurance Plans Are Reshaping How India Saves
India’s insurance sector posted record premiums of about ₹7.05 lakh crore (roughly $85 billion) in FY25, underscoring rapid growth. At the same time, Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) are emerging as a preferred savings vehicle, merging life cover with market‑linked returns. The plans’...
The £1m Inheritance Tax-Free Allowance Illusion – Why Many Couples Don’t Get It
The UK’s headline‑grabbing £1 million inheritance‑tax‑free allowance actually comprises two £413,000 personal nil‑rate bands and two £222,000 residence nil‑rate bands, totalling about $1.27 million. The residence component only applies when a couple has direct descendants and when the estate stays below the...
3 Things to Keep in Mind If You Want to Build a Sustainable Investment Portfolio
Wall Street’s short‑term focus clashes with sustainable investing, which demands a decade‑long horizon. The article uses ExxonMobil as a case study, highlighting its $26.4 billion 2025 capex plan and a target that 65% of production will be “advantaged” assets by 2030....
Schwab Maps the IRA Move that Funds Charity and Pays You
Charles Schwab explains how the SECURE 2.0 Act lets IRA owners age 70½ and older fund charitable gift annuities (CGAs) using pretax retirement dollars. The new law permits a one‑time qualified charitable distribution (QCD) of up to $54,000 in 2025, counting...
How to Build a Retirement Income Plan That Holds Up Against Inflation, Market Swings, and Longevity Risk
The article outlines a three‑pronged retirement income plan that tackles inflation, market volatility, and longevity risk. It recommends keeping 50‑60% of assets in equities to outpace price rises, maintaining a cash reserve equal to two‑to‑three years of living expenses, and...
Bessent’s Tax Move Could Sabotage Your Next Refund
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Americans to reduce federal tax withholding on their W‑4 forms, promising larger take‑home pay after the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill introduced extensive deductions. The average 2026 refund rose to $3,462, about 11% higher than...
Trillions in Retirement Dollars Flow Into Opaque Trusts
Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) have surged into a multi‑trillion‑dollar segment of the U.S. retirement market, rivaling mutual funds and ETFs. Their opaque structure lets asset managers funnel private‑market exposure into 401(k) plans without the same disclosure requirements. Because no single...
Gold Silver News Releases 2026 Ranking of Gold Investment Companies for Retirement Savers
Gold Silver News released its 2026 ranking of the best gold investment companies for retirement savers, highlighting Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco and American Hartford Gold. Augusta earned a five‑star rating with a $50,000 minimum, positioning it as the top overall...
What Jim Cramer’s Investing Misses Can Teach You
Jim Cramer’s high‑profile buy‑and‑sell calls illustrate why active stock picking rarely outperforms the market. Over the past 15 years, only about 12% of U.S. large‑cap active funds beat the S&P 500, underscoring the difficulty of his approach. The article extracts three...
Should You Dump Bitcoin for Stocks After the S&P 500 Hit a New Record on Apple’s $100 Billion Buyback?
Apple’s board approved a $100 billion share repurchase, helping the S&P 500 close at a record 7,230 on May 1. Bitcoin slipped below $80,000, remaining 12% down year‑to‑date, yet spot Bitcoin ETFs absorbed $629.8 million in net inflows that same day, with BlackRock’s IBIT...
Kevin O’Leary’s ’90-Day Number’ Rule Could Change How You Think About Retirement
Kevin O’Leary’s “90‑day number” asks savers to total income and expenses over the past 90 days, then subtract the two. A positive result shows surplus cash that can be funneled into a 401(k), IRA or other retirement vehicle, while a...
When Is The Best Time To Buy Or Sell A Stock (Part 1)
In a recent video, investment strategist Chuck Carnevale argues that timing a stock trade hinges on disciplined valuation rather than market hype. He shows that buying high‑quality companies at inflated prices can underperform, while modest firms purchased at fair value can...
Here's What It Takes to Join the 1% Club: The Real Numbers and Habits Behind the Super Wealthy
The article clarifies that the U.S. top 1% is defined by net worth—roughly $10 million to $12 million—rather than salary alone. It breaks down wealth tiers, showing how $250 k to $2 million places households in the top 10% and above $10 million lands them...
We've All Heard the Buzz About Roth Conversions, But Not Everyone Will Like the Reality
Roth conversions, moving money from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s into a Roth IRA, have surged in popularity as investors seek tax‑free retirement income. The strategy requires paying income tax on the converted amount now, making it attractive only when future...
These 7 Investment Behaviors Hurt Retirees the Most, But It's Not Too Late to Change Your Ways
Morningstar research shows retirees lose an average 1.2% of portfolio value each year due to behavioral mistakes, a drag that compounds quickly once withdrawals begin. The article outlines seven common habits—excess cash holdings, market timing, tax‑inefficient withdrawals, yield chasing, inconsistent...
The 3 Bank Fees Retirees Pay Without Realizing — And How to Eliminate Every One
Retirees often overlook small bank fees that can erode their fixed incomes, with typical costs running a few hundred dollars each year. The three most common charges are monthly maintenance fees, overdraft or non‑sufficient‑funds (NSF) fees, and out‑of‑network ATM or...
‘Saver’s Paralysis’: Why Having Too Many Options Is Keeping You From Growing Your Wealth
The article warns that an abundance of savings and investment options can trigger "saver's paralysis," where consumers delay any allocation of funds. This inaction leaves money stuck in low‑yield checking accounts, eroding purchasing power as inflation bites. It stresses the...
Why Keeping More Than $250,000 in One Bank Account Could Put Your Money at Risk
Saving large cash balances in a single bank can expose more than $250,000 to uninsured risk. The FDIC and NCUA each insure deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per institution, and any amount above that is not protected if the...
5 Surprise Costs to Expect When Relocating in Retirement
Retirees increasingly consider relocation for climate, cost of living, and lifestyle benefits, but the move can introduce unexpected expenses. New state or international taxes, higher Medicare Advantage premiums, and increased homeowners insurance can erode savings. Frequent travel back to family...
Become a ‘Lazy’ Millionaire: This One Habit Can Add a 20% Bonus to Your R...
After the S&P 500 recorded its best monthly gain since 2020, MarketWatch columnist Mark Hulbert reminded investors that the most reliable way to capture that upside is to ignore short‑term market noise. He argues that the single habit of avoiding...
‘They’ll Be Rich’: Trump Reveals How Americans Can Build a $465,000 Nest Egg on $165 a Month — with Help...
President Donald Trump announced an executive order to launch TrumpIRA.gov by Jan. 1, 2027, a federal portal that will compare low‑cost individual retirement accounts for workers lacking employer‑sponsored plans. The White House highlighted a scenario where a 25‑year‑old saving $165 a month...
5 Money Lessons From People Caring for Their Elderly Parents
A recent New York Times piece gathers money lessons from Generation X caregivers handling elderly parents, highlighting the hidden costs of home repairs, health care, and long‑term housing. The article notes that roughly 11,400 Americans turn 65 each day, and many underestimate how...
On the Hunt for VIP Dividends
Dividend investors face a paradox: soaring equity valuations blunt yields while inflation and consumer sentiment remain weak. The article argues that preferred stocks, which pay fixed dividends and trade near a $25 par value, can provide a defensive income stream...
Starting to Invest in Your 40s? Here’s What It Could Take to Catch Up
Investing in your 40s may feel late, but time remains a powerful ally when contributions are consistent. Most employers (over 80%) offer a 401(k) match averaging just under 5%, essentially free money that can boost early savings. A modest $50...
QDVO’s 32% Return Masks a Hidden Risk for Income Investors
Amplify CWP Growth & Income ETF (QDVO) posted a 32% total‑return over the past year while delivering monthly checks funded largely by covered‑call premiums. The fund’s portfolio is concentrated in mega‑cap tech names—NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft—none of which pay traditional dividends,...
I’m a Retirement Expert Who Just Turned 65. Here’s the Advice I’m Actually Following
The author, a longtime retirement writer, turned 65 and shifted from theorizing to living retirement. He distills five durable lessons: keep portfolios simple with low‑cost ETFs and a trusted adviser, build risk capacity rather than just confidence, resist reacting to...
Madhusudan Kela’s Portfolio: 5 Stocks Rally up to 135%; 4 New Q4 Bets Revealed
Renowned investor Madhusudan Kela disclosed a ₹2,290 crore (~$276 million) portfolio covering 19 stocks as of 30 April 2026. Five of those holdings posted one‑year gains between 35% and 135%, while ten stocks delivered double‑digit losses, five of which fell more than 25%....
New Free Financial Advice Plan Aims to Help Britons Build Savings
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has launched a regulated "targeted support" service that lets banks, building societies and platforms provide free, commission‑free investment suggestions to customers with cash savings. The scheme, aimed at the estimated 7 million adults holding £10,000 (≈ $12,500)...
Your Initial Savings of ₹20 per Day Can Help in Getting a ₹6 Lakh Monthly Pension. Here's How
A 30‑year‑old investor who saves roughly ₹20 a day and starts a ₹6,000 monthly equity SIP can amass about ₹9 crore (≈ $1.1 million) over 30 years by applying a 10% annual step‑up and assuming a 15% return. The corpus, invested in a systematic...
Wealthy Raid Their Pensions to Avoid UK Inheritance Tax Shake-Up, Advisers Warn
Wealthy UK retirees are accelerating pension withdrawals ahead of a planned inheritance‑tax overhaul, according to financial advisers. The Treasury is expected to tighten rules that currently allow pension funds to pass tax‑free to heirs, prompting a rush to move assets...
Invesco’s Larosiliere Talks Income, Yield in 2026
At the VettaFi Q2 Market Symposium, Invesco’s Stephanie Larosiliere highlighted a resurgence in fixed‑income ETFs, noting that higher starting yields are opening income opportunities that were unavailable for most of the past decade. She pointed to the Invesco Total Return...
Invesco’s Larosiliere Talks Income, Yield in 2026
At the VettaFi Q2 Market Symposium, Invesco’s head of fixed‑income strategy, Stephanie Larosiliere, highlighted a resurgence in income‑focused bond ETFs as a driver of total return through 2026. She pointed to the Invesco Total Return Bond ETF (GTO), which now...
Matt Kaufman on the Calamos Approach to Autocallable ETFs
Amid a volatile macro backdrop, Calamos Investments is promoting autocallable ETFs as a yield‑focused alternative to traditional bonds. The firm’s suite—CAIE, CAIQ and CAGE—wraps structured autocallable notes in an ETF wrapper, offering liquidity, transparency and tax efficiency while linking payouts...
TSP Funds Returned to Growth in April
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) posted gains across every fund in April, snapping a lackluster March. The C Fund led with a 10.49% rise, while the S Fund and I Fund each climbed roughly 10%. Fixed‑income F Fund edged up...
Sell in May and Go Away? Why the Old Investing Adage Doesn’t Hold Up in 2026
April 2026 delivered the strongest monthly gains for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq since 2020, prompting fresh scrutiny of the age‑old “sell in May and go away” adage. Research from LPL Financial shows the traditional six‑month May‑October window has historically...
Who Pays Property Taxes on a Land Contract? Rules and Examples
Land contracts let buyers gain equitable ownership while the seller retains legal title, but property tax responsibilities usually fall on the buyer. The contract may dictate direct tax payments, seller‑collected payments, or an escrow arrangement, making precise language essential. Failure...
Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Expand EITC
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet introduced the Working Parents Tax Relief Act, which would expand the Earned Income Tax Credit by up to $5,500 per child under four and raise the income eligibility ceiling to about $100,000 for families with young...
Small-Cap Value Vs. Growth: Strategies and Examples
Small‑cap investing splits into two distinct styles: value stocks that trade below intrinsic worth and growth stocks that command premium multiples based on rapid earnings expansion. Value firms typically show lower P/E and P/B ratios, modest dividends, and appeal to...