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Charitable Giving: Is There a Better Way? - Updated for 2023
The majority of charitable donations in the U.S. are made by cash or check. But for affluent families, there is a better way.
Read More3 Charts Every Investor Should Know
It can be challenging to be a disciplined long term investor sometimes. We’re in a period right now, in fact, where the stock market has been slowly trending lower for the last few months. It may not feel like it, but these times are normal
Read MoreSocial Security Recipients Are Getting Another Raise
Retirees are getting a bump in their Social Security retirement benefit by 3.2% in 2024. While this may feel like a drastic drop from the last two years of increases, this is actually good news. Inflation is coming down, and...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Contributing to the higher education costs of your children or grandchildren may seem daunting these days, but it can be within reach with the right preparation, including utilizing a 529 plan. The SECURE 2.0 Act adds more flexibility..
Read MoreA New Bull Market and the August Doldrums
What is a bull market? And who determines if we are in one? Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low. So, are we in one? Yes, the bulls...
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What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?
"I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money." - Entertainer Arthur Godfrey Several temporary tax provisions that were part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set...
Read MoreBoth Sides of the Balance Sheet - New Lending Capabilities
Both Sides of the Balance Sheet - New Lending Capabilities As your wealth advisor, we know how important it is for you to have access to flexible and competitive financing solutions. Affluent families and businesses often use debt...
Read More10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wealth Advisor
Hiring a wealth advisor can be a great way to get your finances in order and achieve your investment goals. However, it’s important to do your due diligence before hiring anyone...
Read MoreExploring the Luxury Lifestyle
I drive a 13-year-old car, wear a $300 fitness watch, and most of my “fine dining” takes place at the kitchen counter with my wife and kids. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the finer things in life on...
Read MoreSwimming Naked
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! As we end another interesting and volatile week in markets, we wanted to share some updates and observations.1. Warren Buffet has some great quotes, but nothing could be more apropos right now then his...
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank
Given the turmoil in the market today surrounding the FDIC takeover of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), we thought some context may be helpful.Silicon Valley Bank is the 16th largest in the U.S., with $209 billion in assets as of Dec. 31. It...
Read MoreWhat is California's Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTE)?
The Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTE) was adopted in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law by President Trump in 2017. Starting with tax year 2018, the law limits one’s federal income tax deduction of State...
Read MoreEconomic Outlook Video and Quilt Chart for 2023
We just completed our 15th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast. In case you missed the event, Ryan and I recorded a brief video for you to catch up on the highlights, including our favorite slides from the presentation.We are also...
Read MoreDiversification - The Worst Way to Invest Except All Others
In the wealth management industry, there are several tongue-in-cheek sayings about diversification:If there isn’t something you hate in your portfolio, then you’re not diversified.Diversification means never owning enough...
Read More9 Planning Ideas for Year-End 2022
My lovely wife, Susan, recently informed me, “the Christmas tree is going up before we leave for Thanksgiving”.While I like to experience holidays one at a time, apparently my wife likes to experience them all at once. As I...
Read MoreCash Alternatives – T.I.A.R.A
So far, 2022 has been a challenging year for both stocks and bonds. The Fed continues to aggressively raise its benchmark interest rate to combat inflation, leaving markets scrambling to adjust. However, higher interest rates do offer...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Options for Business Owners
Many businesses are experiencing record profits these days, despite a tight labor market and softening economy. Offering a company-sponsored retirement plan can help reduce income taxes for business owners while also serving as a...
Read MoreThe Power of Dividends
Grace Groner was born in 1909 in Illinois and became an orphan at the age of 12. She attended Lake Forest College and, upon graduation, took a job at Abbott Laboratories, where she would work as a secretary for 43 years. She never...
Read MoreThe 5 Biggest Investment Mistakes
Apple Computers was founded in 1976 by partners Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who are now household names. But most people don’t realize that there was a lesser-known third partner, Ronald Wayne. The trio had worked together at...
Read MoreBulls, Bears, and What's Important Now
In 1986, Lou Holtz was tapped as Head Coach of the then-struggling Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. By the time he left the university 11 seasons later, he’d racked up 9 Bowl appearances, 5 Bowl victories, and one...
Read MorePerspective is Everything
In 1997 the internet was still in its infancy, and we didn’t even have iPhones. “Titanic” became the biggest movie of all time that year, George Clooney was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, and...
Read MoreMarket Update - April 2022
Like Yankee Hall-of-Famer Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” Inflation, interest rates, consumer sentiment, and the invasion of Ukraine continue to impact markets and the economy....
Read MoreWhat We're Reading (and Listening To) - March 11th
Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary and politician. He led Soviet Russia and the Communist Party from 1917 to 1924. Ironically (or not), he once said, “There are decades when nothing happens; and there are weeks when...
Read MoreMarket Update
As you most likely noticed, the market has experienced increased volatility since the beginning of the year. As we discussed in our Econ Outlook Webinar in January, this was not unexpected. There are several factors...
Read More5 Questions for Ryan Triplett
This interview that has been a long time coming! For those of you that know Ryan Triplett, he is soft spoken, brilliant, and incredibly hard working. I finally get to sit down with my friend and partner and ask...
Read MoreEconomic Outlook Video and Updated Quilt for 2022
We just completed our 14th Annual Economic Outlook event. Our special guest for a second year in row was Chris Shuba, CEO of Helios Quantitative Research. I’ve already received very kind reviews from those attending the...
Read MoreInvesting in a Lower Return Environment
We’re closing in on the end of another incredible year for stocks. US Large Cap Stocks (S&P 500) are leading the way again 2021, with Mid Cap (S&P 400) and Small Cap Stocks (S&P 600) trailing close behind. International...
Read More2021 Year-End Planning Guide
Another calendar year is passing us by with lightning speed. As we flip the calendar towards 2022, there’s still time to make a few last-minute adjustments to improve your finances. Here are 9 impactful planning ideas to consider...
Read MoreSocial Security - A Guide to Maximizing Your Retirement Benefits
You’ve been paying into the system your whole life, with a portion of each hard-earned paycheck reduced for Social Security withholding. Of course, you haven’t had a choice, but it still hurts enough in the moment that...
Read MoreDeadline for New 401(k) Plans and More Ways to Save
Many companies are experiencing record profits combined with a tight labor market. Offering a company-sponsored retirement plan can reduce income taxes for owners while providing a valuable benefit to employees. A popular 401(k)...
Read MoreBalancing Life's Risks - How to Conduct an Insurance Audit
Anthony Kim was only 22 years old in 2007 when he made his presence known on the PGA tour. In 2008, he won two tournaments and propelled the US team to a Ryder Cup victory with his head-to-head win over Sergio Garcia. That year, he...
Read More2021 Mid-Year Economic and Market Update
We’ve reached the mid-point of 2021, evident by summertime’s long days and glorious evenings! I hope you are out and about, enjoying this special season with your family and friends. Today, I wanted to offer a brief summary...
Read MoreIs Your Home a Good Investment?
In 1958, a young, industrious Nebraskan and his wife purchased a home in their native Omaha for $31,500. That $31,500 – equivalent to about $285,000 in today’s dollars – was a huge investment at the time, but it paid...
Read More4 Elements for a “Rich” Life
Investors have been on a wild ride the last 14 months. The U.S. stock market began 2020 on a high note only to collapse 34%, leading to a March 23rd COVID-induced low. From there, the market would reverse course in a big way, rising...
Read MoreHow Might Rising Rates and Inflation Affect Your Portfolio?
Investing is difficult; there’s always something new to worry about. With the pandemic not quite in the rear-view mirror, attention is already shifting to fresh concerns – rising interest rates and inflation. In fact,...
Read MoreTiny Bubbles – Bitcoin, SPACs, and NFTs
“Tiny bubbles In the wine Make me happy Make me feel fine” ~Don Ho Spurred on by Reddit traders, crypto zealots, and even celebrities, the lure of easy riches are bringing excitement - and a flood of dollars -...
Read MoreWhen Life Hands You Lemons – The Power of Tax Loss Harvesting
Experiencing extreme downside volatility can feel like life’s handing you a whole lot of lemons, even if it is a normal occurrence. However, these periods can also afford us the opportunity to make lemonade! Capturing tax...
Read MoreEconomic Outlook Video and Updated Quilt for 2021
We just completed our 13th Annual Economic Outlook Webinar for 2021. It’s our favorite event of the year! Even though we could not be together in person over a lovely breakfast, it was a pleasure connecting with those of you...
Read MoreYear End Round-Up and Econ Outlook 2021
Wishing you a Happy New Year feels like a remarkable understatement. Don’t worry - I won’t subject you to a rehash of 2020 and the incredible challenges the year brought. I will, however, point you to a few interesting...
Read More2020 Year-End Planning Guide
The end of the year is fast approaching (although some would say 2020 can’t finish fast enough!) But, there’s still time to make moves to improve your financial plan and tax situation before the calendar turns. We’ve...
Read MoreBull-to-Bear-to-Bull, Election Season, and Reason for Optimism
“October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.”― Mark Twain As we reach...
Read MoreBreaking Bad (Behavior) - Understanding Our Inherent Bias When Investing
What is the number one rule in investing? “Buy low, sell high?” Or, is it billionaire Warren Buffet’s number one rule, “Never lose money?" While those are both sage pieces of advice, my number one rule in...
Read More2020 Safe Harbor 401(k) Deadline Approaching
For businesses owners who have not yet implemented a company-sponsored 401(k) plan, the deadline for adopting a Safe Harbor 401(k) for calendar year 2020 is approaching on October 1st. Why a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan? A Safe Harbor plan...
Read MoreLights, Camera, Action!
I hope you and your families are staying safe. There is always a lot going on at Boyd Wealth Management, so I wanted to share a couple fun, exciting things we’ve been up to. The pandemic has changed the way people work and...
Read MoreSavings Alternatives for High Income Families - HSAs
When it comes to saving for retirement, high income families have unique needs. The standard course of action is to maximizing contributions up to IRS defined limits into tax-favored accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. However,...
Read More2020 Mid-Year Outlook: Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab
In just the first 5 months of 2020, we experienced the end of an 11-year Bull market, a lightning-fast 33-day Bear market, and the start of a new Bull market. Now, with the economy slowly reopening, stocks have rebounded more sharply...
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About the New Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA)
The Paycheck Protection Act, now know as the PPP, was enacted as part of the CARES Act on March 27th. The program was enacted quickly in response to the sharp economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The program has been...
Read MoreA Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
In the 1920s, advertiser Fred A. Barnard popularized the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” as he recommended using illustrations on the side of street cars to promote products. We now know that Barnard may have...
Read MoreMoving Forward. May Brings Hope
Welcome to March 61st. At least it feels that way! In reality, April 2020 is now behind us and we’re well into May. But with most of the country still sheltering in place, at first glance it feels like not much has changed since...
Read MoreCruising Through Rough Waters : 3 Positive Things to Know This Week
The Costa Deliziosa set sail from Venice in early January, a week before the coronavirus pandemic consumed the world. After 15 weeks at sea, the luxury cruise liner with 1,831 COVID-19-free passengers will end its around-the-world...
Read MoreCARES Act: You Can Now Withdraw Up to $100,000 From Your Retirement Plan, But Should You?
On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, this act is designed to bring economic relief to individuals and...
Read MoreUnderstanding Paycheck Protection Program Loans Within the CARES Act
$349 billion has been earmarked to help small businesses in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturn through the Paycheck Protection Program. This program was enacted within the larger Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and...
Read MoreCARES Act Summary - How Do Key Provisions Impact Business Retirement Plans?
On March 27, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) that was passed in the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2020. The President signed the bill into...
Read MoreGaining the Right Perspective in Uncertain Times
The worldwide coronavirus outbreak has caused a very sharp downturn in the economy and world equity markets. Unlike the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, this “perfect storm” was not created by human excess, but an...
Read More7 Bright Spots Regarding the Coronavirus and the Economy
Last week was the craziest year. Or, at least it felt like a year. Things are changing hour-to-hour now. Since our last post, citizens around the world are practicing social distancing, a term only true introverts took to heart until...
Read More4 Things to Know About Recent Market Volatility
As you’ve no doubt noticed, we’ve entered a period of increased volatility in equity markets. While the threat to human life and potential economic slowdown caused by coronavirus has taken center stage, we believe these...
Read MoreHow Has the Stock Market Performed During Election Years?
It’s hard to believe that another four years have gone by and we find ourselves at the beginning of an election year. Not long from now, voters will cut through the rhetoric and rancor to cast their votes for President of the...
Read MoreEconomic Outlook Recap and Updated Quilt 2020
The 2010s passed by at warp-speed. Only in retrospect can we now see it was an incredible decade for investors. We just completed our 12th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast at Del Paso Country Club and were privileged to...
Read MoreSECURE ACT - What it Means to You
In an era of extreme political division, it would have been easy to miss the bipartisan legislation recently enacted by Congress. On December 20th, and without much fanfare, President Trump signed into law the SECURE ACT, which is an...
Read MoreICYMI - Here's What's Happening
There's been plenty of excitement in the investment industry with Charles Schwab and Co. eliminating commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options, and then purchasing TD Ameritrade. Brian was quoted throughout a fantastic article on...
Read More2020 Limits and Year End Planning Opportunities
It’s hard to believe the end of the year is upon us. There is only a month and a half left in 2019…and the decade! Here are some ideas to make sure you’re maximizing your planning and minimizing your taxes for the...
Read MoreRecession Talk is Building - Here's Your Game Plan
There’s a fair amount of recession chatter going around right now. Everyone wants to know when the next downturn is coming. It’s understandable given that we’ve now experienced the longest, albeit weakest, expansion...
Read More3 Ways to Up Your Cyber Game Immediately
They’re coming after you. They’re coming after me. They’re coming after anyone with a heartbeat, a social security number, and money. Cyber criminals wake each day looking for ways to take from you. There is more...
Read MoreInformation You Can Use - Safe Harbor 401(k) Deadline and CalSavers
For businesses owners who have not yet implemented a company-sponsored 401(k) plan, the deadline for adopting a Safe Harbor 401(k) for calendar year 2019 is approaching on October 1st. What is a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan? A Safe Harbor...
Read MoreShirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves
In the first season of the hit Showtime series “Billions”, main character Bobby Axelrod is executing a hostile takeover of YumTime, a struggling mass producer of sweet cakes and pies. As the famed hedge fund manager of Axe...
Read MoreHow To Create a Successful Business Succession Plan - Phase 2
Running a business is so easy, fun, and glamorous right? Well, it can be all those things but mostly it’s hard work. Planning beyond the day-to-day or week-to-week urgent and important tasks can be nearly impossible. However,...
Read MoreDiscovering the Freedom to Spend
The persistent low savings rates among citizens in the United States and the ongoing retirement crisis make headlines regularly. This post is NOT about that. There is a lesser known crisis - exceptional savers can be terrible spenders....
Read MoreKids Only - No Adults Allowed
Dear Kids, I’m often asked by your parents how best they can begin teaching you basic financial concepts. This post is just for you. Regardless of age, there is something in here for everyone. Today, I’m going to give you 4...
Read MoreHow to Create a Successful Business Succession Plan – Phase One
If you’re like me, you were completely unemployable when you started your company or jumped into the family business. I say that affectionately. You sought independence and developed the attitude that working 60 hours per week...
Read More2019 Economic Outlook Recap and Updated Quilt
We have been hosting our annual Economic Outlook breakfast since January of 2009. If you were unable to attend, fear not as I’ve boiled down the main points. This is our favorite event of the year as we visit with long-term...
Read MoreHello Volatility, We've Been Expecting You
After an extremely pleasant and unusual 2017, equity markets are now doing what they normally do. They are going up AND down, sometimes violently. The excellent chart below from Goldman Sachs Asset Management1 demonstrates just how...
Read MoreInformation You Can Use - IRS Updates 401(k) Plan Limits for 2019
The IRS has announced an increase to the amount that can be contributed to 401(k) plans in 2019. You will be able to defer $19,000 ($25,000 if you are 50 or over). The annual information release also serves...
Read MoreHow to Use Lottery Fever to Your Advantage
Two or three times per year there’s a lottery jackpot that captures the attention of the nation. For some reason, the story turns into a media frenzy when the payout exceeds $300 million. This time Mega Millions currently stands...
Read MoreCharitable Giving - Is There a Better Way?
Affluent families have more strategic options for charitable giving beyond cash donations. Utilizing Donor Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions can not only bolster the impact on your chosen cause, but also optimize for tax.
Read MoreHow to Plan for a Successful Business Exit
You’ve worked hard for this. The late nights, weekends, and meals at your desk consisting of Ritz crackers and peanut butter have all come down to this. How many times have you caught yourself staring out the office window while...
Read MoreWhere Do You Want Your Risk?
We think constantly about risk. That’s normal I guess given how seriously we take our fiduciary responsibility to clients. Anyone who claims to know what’s going to happen with stocks or bonds or interest rates or bitcoin...
Read MoreTraffic Stinks and You Love It
Seems everywhere I go these days there are people…lots of people…everywhere. I can’t remember the last flight I took that had an open seat. Can you? I’ve been doing a fair amount of driving lately and getting...
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