Wealth Management Educational Articles

The third week of October has been designated as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Estate planning is a vital component of every financial plan, regardless of the size of an estate. Unfortunately, the need for estate planning is commonly overlooked. This often results in wasted dollars and emotional hardship that could otherwise be minimized with proper advance planning and action.

The most popular measurement of 401(k) plan success is participation rate. We consider a high participation rate to be 90% or better. While participate rate is a good first step, it is only one of many ways to measure.

Many investors question the benefits of diversification and ask what they should do when an investment strategy performs poorly.

As a 401(k) plan sponsor, you have the option to delegate fiduciary responsibility for investment-related decisions. In doing so, it is imperative to make sure that a specific type of advisor be hired, known as a 3(38) Investment Manager.

Employers have a unique opportunity to educate their employees on the importance of saving for retirement. The fewer mistakes your employees make now, the more secure they’ll be in retirement.

If you’ve inherited assets or you’re planning your estate, it’s crucial to understand the fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules). That way, you won’t pay more tax than you’re legally required to.

Retirement plan sponsors are dealing with tremendous complexity, confusion and uncertainty. COVID-19 has changed every facet of society as we know it — including how you manage your 401(k) plan.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. Since then, the U.S. Treasury Department has issued guidance to clarify and, in some cases, expand the provisions of the CARES Act dealing with retirement accounts and the relief offered to retirement account owners and/or beneficiaries. We’ll answer…

The cornerstone of our long-term equity strategy and investment strategy is placing a greater emphasis on small-cap companies and value companies.

It is increasingly important for companies to understand their fiduciary responsibility and legal obligations. As a retirement plan sponsor, you are still responsible for adhering to the DOL’s ERISA guidelines, which govern and enforce the administration of 401(k) plans and their assets.

Market Commentary: Q1 2020 in Perspective – Global stock markets declined to start the year and effectively erased investor gains from 2019.

This heightened concern about the coronavirus sent global stocks quickly lower over a few trading days as investors assess the potential impact of the virus on the global economy.