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Create a Strategy to Protect Your Wealth with Potential Estate Tax Changes Looming
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreGive Your Children the Gift of Financial Literacy
Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
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Navigating Educator Retirement: The Role of Financial Advisors
Educators face unique challenges in retirement planning, and seeking the guidance of financial advisors can make the journey smoother.
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The Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreOn The Mark: Shutdown the Drama
Key Takeaways The latest government shutdown will add to the wall of worry but does not equate to another government default potential. Government shutdowns are sadly not uncommon. Since 1976, there have been 20 shutdowns of varied...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreOn The Mark: Back to the Future 60/40
Key Takeaways Inflation regimes impact the returns of a 60/40 portfolio 60/40 portfolios are effective in a range bound inflation environment Along with stable inflation, there are other tailwinds to support the efficacy of the 60/40...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
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5 Tips for International Travelers
As the summer travel season approaches, we wanted to share tips for those preparing for a vacation outside the U.S. Whether you're heading to Europe, Asia, or another part of the world, being prepared may help you avoid unexpected...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
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I just spent 24-Hours in the “Mile High City” – and I never left the airport.
We just attended an intensive boot camp/workshop at the Westin Denver Airport with 55 of our national partner advisors and leadership team from The AmeriFlex GroupTM. It was an opportunity to enhance our offerings and resources for our...
Read MoreThe Retractable (Debt) Ceiling
Key Takeaways o The government’s borrowing limit is estimated to run out by early June. o Investors should prepare for potential volatility as increased partisanship in Congress will potentially only be resolved at the...
Read MoreDemise of the US Dollar: Greatly Exaggerated or Destiny?
Key TakeawaysUS dollar has gotten a lot of press recently.Some “de-dollarization” is likely to occur over time.The long-term impact is both positive and negativeDollar fears After a decade of relative strength, the US...
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"Mastering the Art of Progress: How to Take Two Steps Backwards and Still Move Three Steps Forward"
Mastering the art of progress doesn't necessarily mean moving forward all the time. Sometimes, taking two steps backwards can actually help you move three steps forward in the long run
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Goals, Mile-markers and Horizons… Opening Day 2023
Goals, Mile-markers and Horizons… Opening Day 2023Walking through the tunnel at Shea Stadium back in the 80’s and early 90’s was always such a thrill. It was the meeting of the expansive infield against the emerald...
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A Conference, a CEO, and My Grandfather...
Day One: 2023 AssetMark Gold Forum The theme of the conference was LIMITLESS and “Ode to Joy” played at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning as CEO Natalie Wolfson took the stage. And I immediately thought of my...
Read MoreDooming Debt or Déjà Vu?
What is The Debt Ceiling?On January 19, the US government reached its legal $31.4 trillion (T) debt limit1. The debt ceiling is about paying the bill on purchases already made, just like paying your credit card bill. The...
Read MoreWhat Happens in Vegas?
Question: What happens in Vegas?Answer: Improving our business systems, partnerships and money management for our clients.This week I spent time in Las Vegas working with the leadership team of our RIA, The AmeriFlex Group, on...
Read MoreThree Takeaways from 2022
Last year was an exceptional year, and not in a good way. There was no shortage of worries during the year from COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and the most central story of all: inflation and interest rates. In this edition of On the Mark,...
Read MoreWhat's The Alternative?
This year has been a head-scratcher for most investors, given it has seen the worst period of returns for bonds while also seeing an equity bear market. Alternative investments have been used by institutional investors for many years...
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