US stocks ended the first quarter lower after reaching record highs, weighed down by concerns over AI competition, economic uncertainty, and the impact of new tariffs, while international markets outperformed and bonds showed modest gains.

With major tax changes ahead, now is the time to act on estate planning. Strategies like Roth conversions, lifetime gifting, and charitable donations can help protect wealth and minimize taxes. This article outlines key steps to take before laws change in 2026.

Transferring your home to a trust can impact your insurance coverage. This article explains why it’s essential to update your homeowners policy after the transfer to ensure proper protection and avoid potential claim issues.

A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) lets one spouse transfer assets out of their estate for tax benefits and asset protection, while allowing the other spouse access to the funds. This guide explains how SLATs work, their benefits, risks, and what to consider in your estate plan.

Rolling over funds from employer plans to IRAs requires careful planning. This guide highlights four key steps: confirm eligibility, take RMDs first, check penalty exceptions for those under 59½, and opt for a direct rollover to avoid tax withholding.

Investing successfully requires discipline and strategy. These six expert-backed tips from Fidelity can help you build a strong portfolio, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term financial goals

Bitcoin’s growing role in the financial landscape is driven by its potential as a store of value, portfolio diversifier, and hedge against inflation. BlackRock explores why institutional investors are increasingly considering Bitcoin as part of their asset allocation strategies.

Giving appreciated assets as lifetime gifts can offer tax advantages and maximize wealth transfer. Morningstar explores the benefits, potential pitfalls, and key considerations for making the most of this estate planning strategy.

Having a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protects your loved ones, and simplifies the legal process after your passing. Trust & Will outlines key reasons why everyone should have a will and how it can provide peace of mind for the future.

After an election, many investors try to predict which sectors will thrive under the new administration’s policies. But history suggests that election-driven market bets rarely translate into long-term outperformance.

An advance directive is a broad legal document outlining medical preferences if you're incapacitated, while a living will specifically addresses end-of-life care. An advance directive may also include a medical power of attorney, designating someone to make healthcare decisions for you.

Fidelity’s 2025 outlook highlights the possibility of persistent inflation driven by strong labor markets and housing shortages, fiscal policy volatility creating market uncertainty, and lower-than-average asset returns due to high valuations.

Vanguard's 2025 outlook predicts global monetary easing, moderate U.S. GDP growth, and a gradual decline in inflation. They foresee improved fixed income opportunities due to higher yields and balanced potential for equity returns over the next decade.

Starting in 2025, individuals aged 60-63 will gain access to increased retirement plan catch-up contributions, offering new opportunities for savings, with key changes to Roth contribution rules delayed until 2026.

A new Trump administration could bring changes to Social Security, Medicare, and tax policies, impacting retirement planning, healthcare costs, and financial regulations for retirees.

A charitable bequest allows you to leave a gift to a nonprofit in your will or trust, offering tax benefits and creating a lasting legacy.

As you plan your year end charitable giving, you might evaluate using a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) in place of your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA.

When a loved one dies, they may pass on either valuable property or sentimental possessions to their heirs.  A new survey reveals that different factors may contribute to different inheritance preferences.

Regularly documenting home improvements in NCM360 can help boost the cost basis in your home and thereby lower the odds that you will owe taxes should you ever sell. 

This presidential election feels uniquely challenging, but I remain confident in the long-term resilience of the stock market.