Q1 2026 U.S. Market Commentary: Geopolitical Shocks, Energy Volatility, and the Case for Staying the Course
Overview U.S. equity markets closed out the first quarter of 2026 in negative territory, marking the worst quarter since Q2 2022. After coming off three consecutive years of double-digit annual gains, we’ve cautioned that it’s rare to have four double-digit gain years in a row. Markets began 2026 with cautious optimism before geopolitical developments dramatically…
Read MoreQ4 2025 U.S. Market Commentary: Strong Returns, Higher Valuations, and Why Discipline Still Matters
Overview U.S. equity markets closed out 2025 in positive territory, capping another year of healthy returns. After strong gains through much of the year, the final weeks of the fourth quarter were marked by modest profit-taking as investors weighed elevated valuations, mixed economic data, and evolving Fed policy expectations. Major indices finished the year with…
Read More2025 Annual Tax Planning & Strategy Guide
We are pleased to announce the delivery of our 2025 Annual Tax Strategy Guide. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the current tax landscape, optimize your tax & financial planning, and identify key strategies now and for the year ahead. In this guide, you will find important updates you can do now on:…
Read MoreTax Alert: Federal Tax Filing Season Has Started
The IRS began accepting and processing 2024 tax-year returns on Monday, January 27, 2025. Tips for making filing easier To speed a potential tax refund and help with tax filing, the IRS suggests the following: Make sure you have received Form W-2 and other earnings information, such as Form 1099, from employers and payers. The…
Read MoreIRS Releases Standard Mileage Rates for 2025
The IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes for 2025. However, the standard mileage rates for medical and moving expense purposes remain the same for 2025. The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for charitable purposes…
Read MoreQ4 2024 Market Commentary: A Year-End Rally Caps Off a Robust Year
As we closed the books in 2024, the financial markets have delivered an impressive performance, defying early-year skepticism and rewarding patient investors. The fourth quarter saw a continuation of the year’s positive momentum, with major stock market indices reaching new heights and the broader market participation expanding. We’re reminded that steering away from the negative…
Read MoreYear-End Charitable Giving
With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year approaching, we pause to give thanks for our blessings and the people in our lives. It is also a time when charitable giving often comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with charitable giving could potentially enhance your ability to give and should…
Read More2024 Annual Tax Planning & Strategy Guide
2024 Annual Tax Planning & Strategy Guide We are pleased to announce the delivery of our 2024 Year-End Tax Planning and Strategy Guide. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate the upcoming tax landscape, optimize your tax & financial planning, and identify key strategies now and for the year ahead. In this guide, you…
Read More2025 Key Numbers for Health Savings Accounts
The IRS recently released the 2025 contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs), as well as the 2025 minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket amounts for high deductible health plans (HDHPs). What is an HSA? An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that enables you to save money to cover health-care and medical costs that your insurance…
Read MoreThe Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates. What Could It Mean for Your Finances?
On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the benchmark federal funds rate one-half percentage point to a range of 4.75% to 5.0%. It was the first rate cut since the Fed raised the funds rate aggressively from March 2022 to July 2023 to help control inflation.¹ The long-awaited policy…
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