Blog
11/07/2024
Trump 2.0: The Once and Future President
An early look at the implications of the election.Donald Trump has won the White House and Republicans have won a larger-than-expected majority in the Senate. The outlook for the House is still unclear but is leaning towards a narrow Republican majority and therefore a Republican election sweep. Below we provide some thoughts on the policy priorities under the Trump administration, the impact on financial markets, potential risks, and what investors should really focus on.
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10/25/2024
2024 Year-End Tax Tips
While it is impossible to predict future tax proposals/legislation coming over the next several months depending upon the election results, there are strategies to optimize your taxes and set you up for 2025 regardless of the election outcome. Use this checklist to guide your year-end tax planning, and make sure to discuss any changes to your tax situation with your CPA or tax advisor.View More >>
10/22/2024
Penn Wharton Budget Model
The University of Pennsylvania has developed a nonpartisan Budget Model to compare the impact of both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ tax plans on taxpayers at different income levels.View More >>
10/14/2024
AWM Q3 Investment Commentary
In our Q3 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including market rotation and China goes all in.View More >>
09/20/2024
AWM September Planning Newsletter
In our September Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss reviewing your estate plan and the following topics: Sources of Retirement Income: Worker Expectations vs. Retiree Realities, If You Don't Have a Will Yet, Why Not?, Do You Know Your Medical Coverage Options?, and FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1.View More >>
08/26/2024
AWM August Investment Commentary
In our August Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets and the following topics: the recent market sell-off and higher volatility, S&P 500 Beige Book, and Mind the Gap 2024.View More >>
08/19/2024
AWM August Planning Newsletter
In our August Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss a few Secure Act 2.0 provisions and the following topics: State Income Tax Across the Map, Making the Most of Your Credit Card, It's Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans, and What's Your Real Return?View More >>
07/08/2024
AWM July Planning Newsletter
In our July Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss two strategies to lower car insurance and the following topics: How the Typical American Family Pays for College, Eight Great Investing Quotes, It's Complicated: Inheriting IRAs and Retirement Plans, and After the Loss of a Loved One, Watch Out for Scams.View More >>
07/02/2024
AWM Q2 Investment Commentary
In our Q2 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including a review of the U.S. stock markets using Morningstar indices.View More >>
06/24/2024
AWM June Planning Newsletter
In our June Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss rolling a 529 plan into a Roth IRA and the following topics: Bon Voyage, Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle, Insurance Gaps May Pose Risks for High-Net-Worth Households, and Can Home Improvements Lower Your Tax Bill? It Depends.View More >>
06/12/2024
AWM June Investment Newsletter
In our June Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: Is the growing level of debt in the U.S. a problem? and Will Social Security run out of money?View More >>
05/29/2024
AWM May Planning Newsletter
In our May Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss the benefits of a Roth IRA and the following topics: How Would You Pay for Long-Term Care? Saving for College: 529 Plan vs. Roth IRA, Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle, and Can Home Improvements Lower Your Tax Bill? It Depends.View More >>
05/21/2024
AWM May Investment Newsletter
In our May Investment Commentary, we discuss the Beige Book and the Grandfather of Behavioral Economics.View More >>
04/29/2024
AWM April Planning Newsletter
In our March Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and the following topics: Health Insurance Premiums Jumped in 2023, Investors, Know Thyself: How Your Biases Can Affect Investment Decisions, Social Security 101, and Do You Need to Adjust Your Tax Withholding?View More >>
04/29/2024
AWM Q1 Investment Commentary
In our Q1 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: An Artificial Intelligence Update and Markets are Pricey But Opportunities Abound.View More >>
03/26/2024
AWM March Planning Newsletter
In our March Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss a 1-year to retirement checklist and the following topics: Why Do Workers Take Less Paid Time Off Than They Can? Due Date Approaches for 2023 Federal Income Tax Returns, Housing Market Trends: Are They Helping or Hurting the Economy? and Are You Spending Money to Keep Stuff You Don't Need?View More >>
03/07/2024
“It’s the Economy, Stupid”
"It's the Economy, Stupid" is a phrase coined by James Carville in 1992. If you are looking for clues on who will win this year’s presidential election, keep a close eye on the economy!View More >>
02/27/2024
Winning by Losing Less
Over the past twenty years diversification has been a winning strategy, although it hasn't always felt that way. A well-diversified investment strategy can help you achieve your long-term goals but is likely to limit both the ups and downs in your investment returns. Implementing a diversified portfolio strategy can be more challenging than it seems.View More >>
02/22/2024
AWM February Planning Newsletter
In our February Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss a 3-years to retirement checklist and the following topics: Investors Beware: This Surtax Is Creeping Up on You, Beware of These Life Insurance Beneficiary Mistakes, Individual Bonds vs. Bond Funds: What's the Difference? and Why Family Businesses Should Have Succession Plans.View More >>
01/29/2024
AWM January Planning Newsletter
In our January Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss a 5-year to retirement checklist and the following topics: Saving Less? You're Not Alone, Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2024, Do You Have These Key Estate Planning Documents? and Small Businesses Could Face Borrowing Challenges.View More >>
01/11/2024
Spot Bitcoin ETFs Are Here. Should You Invest?
AWM is not making a recommendation to purchase a position in one of the new Bitcoin ETFs, however, we do want to provide investors with quality information so they can make informed decisions on whether Bitcoin ETFs are right for them. The included article from Morningstar is one of the better write-ups we have seen on the recent decision of the SEC to approve Bitcoin ETFs and is a good place for potential investors to start their research.View More >>
01/08/2024
AWM Q4 Investment Commentary
In our Q4 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: A Wild and Volatile 2-Year-Round Trip, Opportunities Ahead, and Risks in the Year(s) Ahead.View More >>
12/21/2023
AWM December Planning Newsletter
In our December Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss starting the New Year on the right track and the following topics: How Much Income Does Social Security Replace? Much Ado About RMDs, Will You Work Beyond Traditional Retirement Age? and Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA.View More >>
12/06/2023
This Time It May Really Be Different
"This Time It May Really Be Different." Anytime I hear these words the hairs on my neck stand up (notice I didn't say head!) and I become highly suspicious. However, a couple of investment icons that I have followed for decades and highly respect recently echoed those sentiments. Since neither of these strategists leans towards hyperbole, it caught my attention. Below I will walk you through their comments and the implications for financial markets.View More >>
10/30/2023
AWM October Planning Newsletter
In our October Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss Digital Estate Plans and the following topics: Workers and Retirees Losing Confidence, Bond Yields Are Up, but What Are the Risks? New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices, and Enriching a Teen with a Roth IRA.View More >>
10/09/2023
AWM Q3 Investment Commentary
In our Q3 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: A Closer Look at Valuations and Investment Rules.View More >>
10/04/2023
How To Spend From A 529 College Plan
Fidelity Viewpoints published a very useful article, "How To Spend from A 529 College Plan: The Right Way Reduces Taxes, Avoids Penalties, and Won't Jeopardize Financial Aid." This article provides a 9-step guide to help you make your 529 savings go as far as possible.View More >>
10/02/2023
How Confident Are You In Your Retirement?
Our October article, published in East End Living Magazine, discusses how confident workers and retirees are in their retirement.View More >>
09/28/2023
AWM September Planning Newsletter
In our September Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) and the following topics: What Real People Think About Artificial Intelligence, New Medicare Rules Tackle Prescription Drug Prices, College Forecast: Skepticism Toward Higher Education Rises, and How to Kill Your Zombie Subscriptions.View More >>
09/13/2023
Market Summary
We recently provided this presentation to the board of a local endowment. In the presentation, we review recent market performance as of August 31st, 2023, trends in the economy, and our outlook for the major asset classes.View More >>
09/08/2023
AWM September Investment Newsletter
In our September Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets and the role of cash in portfolios including: Some Facts About Cash and What are the Advantages and Risks of Cash?View More >>
08/23/2023
Thought on Inflation and the Bond Market
We have received several questions recently about the outlook for inflation and the bond market and wanted to share some thoughts with you on the topic. Please let us know if you have any questions about the commentary below or would like to schedule a time to review the impact it may have on your portfolio.View More >>
08/22/2023
AWM August Planning Newsletter
In our August Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss using a donor-advised fund to give to charity and the following topics: Employee Access to Roth 401(k) Plans on the Rise, New Life for Your Old Insurance Policy, Four Key Objectives of a Sound Retirement Plan, and Time to Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund.View More >>
08/02/2023
Bond Fund Yields
We often find that investors are unsure about the yield on their bond fund investments, and how much they should expect to receive in income from their investments. Recently, the research team at Morningstar published an article on how to measure a bond exchange-traded fund‘s (ETF) income. We thought the article had some helpful insights on how to measure income, so we’ve included some of the highlights.View More >>
07/21/2023
AWM July Planning Newsletter
In our July Retirement Planning Newsletter, we discuss rolling over unused 529 funds to Roth IRA accounts and the following topics: Inflation Gauges Don't Always Paint the Same Picture, Financing Options to Help You Ride the Mortgage Rate Roller Coaster, Give Your Money a Midyear Checkup, and Home Energy Tax Credit.View More >>
07/18/2023
AWM 2023 Q2 Investment Commentary
In our Q2 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: Déjà vu (all over again!) and Values Abound.View More >>
07/18/2023
Thoughts on the Market
So far in 2023, market performance has been the inverse of what happened in 2022. In 2022, we saw significant outperformance from quality, divided, foreign, and value stocks, as well as commodity/real return investments, while growth and technology stocks lagged by a wide margin. In 2023 the market has been led by growth and a handful of technology stocks, while other parts of the market have lagged by a wide margin.View More >>
06/22/2023
AWM June Planning Newsletter
In our June retirement planning newsletter, we discuss Qualified 529 Expenses and the following topics: Education and Earnings, SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions, Why Buy Life Insurance During Unsettled Economic Times?, and As Your Parents Age, Help Them Protect Their Finances.View More >>
06/15/2023
Tax Planning for ALL Seasons
In our recently published article, featured in the East End Living Magazine, we discuss some timeless tax-wise practices we regularly share with our clients.View More >>
05/22/2023
AWM May Planning Newsletter
In our May retirement planning newsletter, we discuss what a Health Savings Account is and the following topics: Education and Earnings, Secure 2.0 Act Expands Early Withdrawal Exceptions, How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy, and As Your Parents Age, Help Them Protect Their Finances.View More >>
05/16/2023
AWM Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major topic of conversation this year and we have received several questions from our clients about its impact. In response, we thought it would be helpful to share our thoughts on AI and address some of the questions we’ve been receiving.View More >>
05/09/2023
AWM May Investment Newsletter
In our May Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: Bank Failures and Market Thoughts.View More >>
05/09/2023
Narrow Markets
Global stock markets have performed well this year, with most major indices generating high single-digit to low teens returns. However, if you look ‘under the hood’ of those returns you will see that only a small group of stocks are generating most of the returns, especially in the U.S.View More >>
05/01/2023
AWM April Planning Newsletter
In our April retirement planning newsletter, we discuss essential estate planning and the following topics: Reasons to Roll, How Taxes Impact Your Retirement-Income Strategy, Social Security Offers Benefits from Birth Through Old Age, and A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing.View More >>
04/18/2023
AWM 2023 Q1 Investment Commentary
In our Q1 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: Economic Outlook and Financial Markets Outlook.View More >>
03/17/2023
AWM March Planning Newsletter
In our March retirement planning newsletter, we discuss when to begin Social Security and the following topics: Where Does Your Income Fit? Are You Eligible for Any of These College-Related Federal Tax Benefits? Time for a Spring Cleanup: Organizing Your Financial Records and 50 and Older? Here's Your Chance to Catch Up on Retirement Saving.View More >>
03/14/2023
Thoughts on the Silicon Valley Bank Failure
Recent problems in the banking industry have increased uncertainty in the financial markets. In this post, we summarize the circumstances at Silicon Valley Bank that led to its failure and provide comments on the broader investment implications.View More >>
03/08/2023
AWM March Investment Newsletter
In our March Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: What Happens When a Bubble Bursts and the Housing Outlook.View More >>
03/02/2023
Fill Your Bucket: Retirement Spending Strategies
Our recently published article featured in the East End Living Magazine discusses retirement spending strategies.View More >>
02/27/2023
Warren Buffet's Annual Letter to Shareholders
Each year we look forward to Warren Buffet's annual letter to shareholders. His latest letter was published this weekend and as usual, was packed with lots of wisdom.View More >>
02/15/2023
AWM February Planning Newsletter
In our February retirement planning newsletter, we discuss what a Roth 401(k) is and the following topics: Honey, They Shrunk the Groceries, Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2023, Creating Your Own Operation London Bridge, and Double Up with a Spousal IRA.View More >>
02/14/2023
The Power of Politics?
Sometimes the simplest explanations get overlooked. Is it possible the recent rally in the stock market that started last year is a by-product of the repeating Presidential Cycle?View More >>
01/17/2023
AWM January Planning Newsletter
Our January retirement planning newsletter discusses the need for an umbrella policy and the following topics: Retirement Age Expectations vs. Reality, Fixed for Life: What Can an Annuity Do for You? Debt Optimization Strategies, and The Inflation Experience Is Painful and Personal.View More >>
01/06/2023
AWM Q4 Investment Commentary
In our Q4 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: 2022: The Highlights and Lowlights and Themes That Will Impact Our Investment Decisions In 2023 and beyond.View More >>
12/05/2022
AWM December Planning Newsletter
In our December retirement planning newsletter, we discuss getting financially organized and the following topics: Spending Higher Than Expected for More Retirees in 2022, Donor-Advised Funds Combine Charitable Impact with Tax Benefits, A 529 Plan Can Help Jump-Start Your College Fund, and Tips for Safe Online Shopping.View More >>
12/02/2022
Can You Spot the Bubble(s)?
We have written several times over the past few years warning about the speculative nature of crypto assets. We continue to track the evolution of the crypto space and a recent paper from the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) caught our attention.View More >>
11/11/2022
12 Lessons From Buffett & Munger
We recently read an article from Morningstar that highlighted 12 lessons on money and more from Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. We thought it was a great summary of the wisdom offered by Warren and Charlie over the years and was worth passing along.View More >>
11/01/2022
2022 Year-End Charitable Giving Tips
As we approach the year-end holidays and giving season, your charitable strategy can be a powerful force to make a difference for the causes you care about and potentially minimize some of your tax burden. We highlight four strategies to consider if you are making year-end gifts.View More >>
10/24/2022
2022 Year-End Tax Tips
2022 has been a tough year for financial assets, which has left many feeling cautious about the markets and concerned about the future. While it is impossible to predict where the market will be in the coming weeks and months, there are strategies to optimize your taxes and set you up for 2023. Use this checklist to guide your year-end tax planning.View More >>
10/17/2022
AWM October Planning Newsletter
In our October retirement planning newsletter, we discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions and the following topics: Wedding Bonanza: How Much Will the Party Cost? Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market, and Famous People Who Died Without Proper Planning.View More >>
10/12/2022
AWM Q3 Investment Commentary
In our Q3 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: From TINA to TARA, Investing Through Tough Times, and Can US Outperformance Persist?View More >>
10/05/2022
Your Brain May Be Hurting Your Investment Returns
In our recent article, published in East End Living Magazine, we discuss how your brain may be hurting your investment returns.View More >>
09/13/2022
AWM September Investment Update
This month we are sharing a presentation we prepared earlier in September that looks at financial market performance, current financial conditions, and the long-term outlook for markets.View More >>
08/22/2022
AWM August Planning Newsletter
In our August retirement planning newsletter, we discuss how the sequence of returns can affect your retirements and the following topics: Paying for College: Pieces of the Funding Puzzle, Dividends for Income and Total Returns, What's Your Retirement Dream Elevator Pitch? What the Red-Hot Job Market Means for Workers.View More >>
08/18/2022
How to Detect Bull$*^t Investment Strategies
One of our research providers forwarded an article with the indelicate title, “On Bullshit In Investing”. The author of the article, Benn Eifert, is a managing partner of a California-based hedge fund. We thought this was worth sharing.View More >>
08/17/2022
Choosing Your IRA and 401 (k) Beneficiaries
The Secure Act of 2019 made several changes to how beneficiaries of retirement plans must distribute their inheritance. Here we discuss these changes and some things to consider as you make your beneficiary designation.View More >>
08/12/2022
AWM July Investment Newsletter
In our July Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: Behavioral Mistakes and Lessons Learned.View More >>
08/10/2022
Guiding Quotes
Here are a couple of quotes that we periodically review to help guide us through difficult investment environments and remind us what matters in the market. Enjoy.View More >>
08/02/2022
5 Risks to Retirement Income
Here is an article, published in East End Living Magazine, about five risks to retirement income and how to avoid them.View More >>
07/19/2022
AWM July Planning Newsletter
In our July retirement planning newsletter, we discuss using the down market to consider a Roth conversion and the following topics: New Vehicle Shortages Drove Up Used Vehicle Prices, Life Insurance Living Benefits, Three Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home, and Potential Benefits of Roth IRAs for Children.View More >>
06/23/2022
AWM June Planning Newsletter
In our June retirement planning newsletter, we discuss What If This is a Terrible Time to Retire and the following topics: Cost Is a Big Factor in College Decisions, Diversifying Your Portfolio with International Flair, Inflation Protection for Investment Dollars, and Naming a Trusted Contact.View More >>
06/15/2022
Three Questions That Can Determine Your Quality of Life in Retirement
Here is an article, published in East End Living Magazine, about the key three questions to ask yourself that can help to determine your quality of life in retirement.View More >>
06/08/2022
2023 Key Numbers for Health Savings Accounts
The IRS has released the 2023 contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs), as well as the 2023 minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket amounts for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).View More >>
05/31/2022
Live Your Best Retirement
Here is an article, published in East End Living Magazine, about the most common elements of a great retirement.View More >>
05/25/2022
The Long-Term Case for Commodities and Resource Stocks
One of our favorite research providers, GMO, recently published a research report on the long-term outlook for commodity prices and resource stocks. We thought the case they made was compelling enough to share their executive summary and some highlights from the report.View More >>
05/23/2022
AWM May Planning Newsletter
In our May retirement planning newsletter, we discuss the 1 Year Checklist and the following topics: Cost Is a Big Factor in College Decisions, preparing for a Natural Disaster, Should You Consider Tapping the Equity in Your Home? and Naming a Trusted Contact.View More >>
05/19/2022
AWM April Planning Newsletter
In our April retirement planning newsletter, we discuss the 3 Year Checklist and the following topics: Closing the Social Security Funding Gap, What's Your Retirement Dream Elevator Pitch? Food Inflation: What's Behind It and How to Cope, and Avoid Probate.View More >>
05/13/2022
AWM April Investment Newsletter
In our April Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: What Could Go Right; What Could Go Wrong and What's Next?View More >>
05/05/2022
Should You Take That Early Retirement Offer?
Here is an article published in East End Living Magazine about evaluating early retirement offers.View More >>
04/21/2022
Smart Strategies for Giving to Charity
Here is an article published in East End Living Magazine about smart strategies for giving to charity.View More >>
04/19/2022
AWM Q1 Investment Commentary
In our Q1 Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including the following topics: How to Read Yield Curve Signals and Visit Our Blog.View More >>
03/31/2022
Energy Transition
Last year we recommended energy transition as a secular theme we wanted to have exposure to in our portfolios. As part of our research, we identified GMO as the best investment manager in the energy transition space and started a position in the GMO Climate Change fund.View More >>
03/24/2022
Commodity Price Shocks and Recession Risk
Recent geopolitical turmoil, rising commodity prices, and monetary tightening have increased US recessions risks. Goldman Sachs recently did a study on the impact of commodity price shocks and recessions, here are some of the highlights from their findings.View More >>
03/08/2022
AWM March Planning Commentary
In our March retirement planning newsletter, we discuss the 5 Year Checklist and the following topics: Inflation Cuts into Wage Gains, ETFs Are Gaining on Mutual Funds: Here's Why, Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2022, Splurge or Save? Making the Most of Your Income Tax Refund.View More >>
03/01/2022
Thoughts on the Tragedy in Ukraine
Amid the ongoing tragedy happening in Ukraine we wanted to share some thoughts. First, our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and the hardships they are facing, which are heartbreaking and senseless. It seems callous to focus on the financial impacts, however, it’s our role and responsibility as advisors to think through how these events can impact our client's financial well being, so here goes:View More >>
02/11/2022
AWM February Investment Commentary
In our February Investment Commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets including topics: Corrections Are Normal and Avoid the Speculative S*&%!View More >>
02/11/2022
Looking to History for Clues
Mark Twain famously said, “History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” From our perspective, we couldn't agree more with this quote. We don't expect history to repeat in the same fashion but do believe that it can provide insightful clues as to what may happen in the future.View More >>
02/07/2022
AWM February Planning Commentary
In our February retirement planning newsletter, we discuss a few reasons to file your 2021 tax return early and the following topics: Home Prices Have Risen at Record Pace, When Two Goals Collide: Balancing College and Retirement Preparations, Going Public: How Are Direct Listings Different from IPOs?, and Federal Student Loan Repayment Set to Resume in May.View More >>
01/05/2022
AWM January Planning Commentary
In our January retirement planning newsletter, we discuss the keys to a happy retirement and the following topics: Big Boost for Social Security Payments, Are You a HENRY? Consider These Wealth-Building Strategies, Annuity Income: Annuitization vs. Lifetime Withdrawal, and How to Correct an Error on Your Credit Report.View More >>
07/15/2021
AWM Q2 Investment Commentary
In our Q2 investment commentary, we discuss the performance and our outlook for the financial markets, including the following topics: Mid or Late Cycle? Dude, Where's My Income (Return)? Quality Stocks and Inflation.View More >>