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Firm News

Welcoming Lowenhaupt Global Advisors Team

Jack Markwalter
September 03, 2019

We are pleased to announce that Lowenhaupt Global Advisors (LGA), a leading family office with $1.8 billion under management and 17 employees in St. Louis and New York, has joined CIBC Private Wealth Management ( see press release ). The combination of our talented teams further builds on our firm’s ability to address the complex needs of ultra-high net worth, multi-generational families. ...

Firm News

CIBC Brings Together Private Wealth and Commercial Banking Teams in New Office Space in West Palm Beach and Tampa, Florida

Jack Markwalter
June 11, 2019

I am pleased to announce that on June 3, our Private Wealth team joined CIBC’s Commercial Banking team and relocated to new office space at 525 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm is also brings together the Private Wealth and Commercial Banking teams into new office space at 100 North Tampa Street in Tampa, Florida as of today. While both Private Wealth and...

Firm News

CIBC Private Wealth Management Wins Private Asset Management’s Award for Best Investment Platform

Eric Propper, CFA
February 14, 2019

CIBC Private Wealth Management is pleased to announce that we have received Private Asset Management (PAM)’s award for Best Investment Platform—Performance. PAM, a leading financial services industry trade publication, announced the award on February 7 at a ceremony in New York . The PAM Awards recognize the top investment professionals, wealth advisers, legal firms, consultants and other...

Firm News

CIBC Extends Brand Across U.S.

Jack Markwalter
June 25, 2018

Today, we announce that CIBC Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management has become CIBC Private Wealth Management. The same team our clients trust is backed by one of the strongest banks in North America with 150 years of providing exceptional client service. For nearly five years, CIBC has been investing in the U.S. and enabling us to build our private wealth business. Coming together under...

Firm News

CIBC Atlantic Trust Wins Private Asset Management’s Award for Best Investment Platform

Eric B. Propper, CFA
March 06, 2018

Download PDF We are pleased to announce that CIBC Atlantic Trust has received Private Asset Management (PAM)’s award for Best Investment Platform—Performance . The 2018 PAM Awards were announced last month at a ceremony in New York. This award—our sixth investment-related PAM award—is a significant accomplishment and reflects our unwavering commitment to investment...

Firm News

Talking Innovation with Futurist Jack Uldrich

Carolyn Donnelly
December 15, 2017

Download PDF We’ve been honored this year to have Jack Uldrich, a prominent futurist and author, as a keynote speaker for our CIBC Atlantic Trust Speaker Series, which took place in seven cities across the U.S. and attracted more than 700 attendees. Uldrich’s specialty is helping organizations develop the foresight necessary to build a successful future. His central premise is...

Firm News

Expanding Our Chicago Presence—Geneva Advisors Joins CIBC Atlantic Trust

John S. Markwalter Jr.
September 01, 2017

Download PDF We are pleased to announce that CIBC Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management has completed its acquisition of Geneva Advisors , a private wealth management firm headquartered in Chicago. With the addition of Geneva, our firm now has more than 430 employees in 14 markets nationwide and approximately $40 billion in assets entrusted to our care. Together, Geneva...

Firm News

CIBC Announces Agreement to Acquire Geneva Advisors

John S. Markwalter Jr.
July 07, 2017

Download PDF We are pleased to announce today that CIBC will be acquiring Geneva Advisors , a private wealth management firm headquartered in Chicago with US$8.4B in assets under management and a team of approximately 100 client-focused employees ( see press release ). They will join our CIBC Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management team when the transaction closes in the fourth...

Firm News

Expanding Our Firm’s Services

John S. Markwalter Jr.
June 26, 2017

Download PDF We are pleased to announce that CIBC has completed its acquisition of PrivateBancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, The PrivateBank. Headquartered in Chicago, The PrivateBank is a high-quality, middle-market commercial bank. We expect this acquisition to benefit our clients by offering additional access to a full range of private banking, deposit and lending services. As...

Firm News

Linda Beerman Resumes Role as Head of CIBC Atlantic Trust’s Wealth Strategies Group

Eric B. Propper CFA
May 31, 2017

Download PDF We are pleased to announce that Linda Beerman has resumed her role as head of the CIBC Atlantic Trust Wealth Strategies Group . Linda has served 16 years with the firm as a leader in various roles, including chief fiduciary officer and as a member of the firmwide Operating Committee, in addition to her service as head of the Wealth Strategies Group, which she...

Firm News

2017 and Beyond: Oil & Gas Outlook Event Speaker Series

John Winslow
May 05, 2017

Texas has long been at the epicenter of all things energy-related, and the past several years have been challenging and volatile. With this in mind, CIBC Atlantic Trust held three events last week in Houston (the energy capital of the U.S.) and Dallas . These interactive, dynamic sessions involved more than 100 highly engaged participants. Speaking first was CIBC Atlantic Trust...

Firm News

Family Wealth Report Recognizes CIBC Atlantic Trust with Private Client Investment Platform Award

Eric B. Propper CFA
March 17, 2017

Kishore Setty, Paulina Mejia, Kyle Edmonds, and I attended the fourth annual Family Wealth Report (FWR) awards ceremony in New York on March 2 and proudly accepted the Private Client Investment Platform award on behalf of CIBC Atlantic Trust and our investment Team. This is the third consecutive year that CIBC Atlantic Trust has been recognized by FWR , a leading trade publication...

Firm News

CIBC Atlantic Trust Receives National Recognition at Private Asset Management Awards

Eric B. Propper CFA
March 09, 2017

My colleagues and I were pleased to accept two awards from Private Asset Management (PAM) magazine on February 13 at their annual ceremony in New York: Best Investment Platform – Performance Best Trusts and Estates Division This is the seventh consecutive year that CIBC Atlantic Trust has been recognized by PAM, a financial services industry trade publication. The...

Firm News

Announcing New Office Heads in Atlanta and New York

Eric B. Propper CFA
February 17, 2017

We are pleased to announce that Kishore Setty , CFA, and Scott Thompson , CTFA, were named heads of our New York and Atlanta offices, respectively. A great deal of thought and strategic planning went into these important leadership transitions, and they reflect a commitment to ensuring continuity and consistency with our management team. Atlantic Trust invests in our rising talent...

Firm News

Atlantic Trust Heads to the Sunshine State for the 51st Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning

Paulina Mejia
January 24, 2017

Atlantic Trust was proud to be part of this year’s Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning , which took place the week of January 9 at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center. The week-long program, one of the largest and most respected in estate planning, included over 140 exhibitors, as well as educational and professional development opportunities for all in...

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G2G Impact

Why Insurance is Your Safety Net, Not an Investment

Jordan Sheiner
December 19, 2018

Our four-part series about setting and achieving your financial goals concludes with an in-depth look at insurance: how to get it and how to use it effectively. When you think of insurance, the words “health” or “car” are probably closely associated. For most young professionals, these are generally the first and only types of insurance that are needed for now. However, as objectives...

G2G Impact

G2G Impact: How to Control Your Credit So It Doesn’t Control You

Jordan Sheiner
December 11, 2018

Welcome to Part III of our four-part series about some of the strategies you can use to achieve your financial goals—both today and in the future. More than ever before, debt has found a way to creep into nearly all of our lives. Today, 70 percent of college students graduate with significant student loan debt, and the average American has a credit card balance of $6,375...

G2G Impact

G2G Impact Planning Foundations: Savings and Investments

Jordan Sheiner
December 04, 2018

Welcome to Part II of our four-part series about some of the strategies you can use to achieve your financial goals—both today and in the future. When it comes to building your financial roadmap, both savings and investments are core components of a sound path to retirement. The good news is that the Millennial generation is already great at saving —a result of having the importance of...

G2G Impact

G2G Impact Planning Foundations: Planning For Your Future

Jordan Sheiner
November 28, 2018

Welcome to Part I of our four-part series about some of the strategies you can use to achieve your financial goals—both today and in the future. Millennial this, millennial that. News outlets love to cover them, and brands have struggled to understand them, but the fact remains that millennials are finally starting to come into their own. In fact, millennials are now the largest...

G2G Impact

Wealth Your Way Podcast: Charitable Planning - When Fortune Smiles on You, How Do You Smile Back?

Josh Miller, CFP®
November 27, 2018

If there are causes you feel strongly about that you wish to support financially, charitable giving is likely an important consideration when setting your near- and long-term financial goals. While donating money to your favorite charities can be as simple as writing a check, there are various other options available to you for making charitable contributions that may reduce your current and...

G2G Impact

Wealth Your Way Podcast: Are Your Investments In Your Social Circle?

Ryan Christine Coulson
November 13, 2018

Recently, societal impact investing has become more mainstream, popularized by younger generations wanting to “do better by doing good” with their investments. Socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment strategies offer investors the opportunity to invest with passion and purpose in addition to the long-term goal of earning financial...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Basic Gift and Education Planning - Your Guide to College and Other Savings

Josh Miller, CFP®
November 01, 2018

Although giving and receiving gifts is a tradition that most people have participated in their entire lives, you may not often think about how gifting can be beneficial from a financial planning perspective. However, gifting can be a great way to transfer assets tax-free during your lifetime to reduce both your taxable estate and the potential estate taxes, thereby increasing the amount of...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Estate Planning - You Are Never Too Young to Start

Josh Miller, CFP®
October 02, 2018

The two absolutes we can count on in life are death and taxes, yet planning for these two things can be an unpleasant process. Many young adults delay creating a will until they are married or have children, but you can also ensure that your parents, siblings, or other loved ones are provided for by naming them as beneficiaries of your assets. You may also choose to designate certain...

G2G Impact

In Partnership: Using Two Strategies to Target Sweet Spots in the Market

Dave Donabedian, CFA
September 25, 2018

Mid-cap stocks are often referred to as the market’s sweet spot—they are typically less volatile than small-cap stocks but offer more growth potential than large caps. This combination has resulted in favorable risk-adjusted returns over time, which investors tend to seek. Yet, historically, mid-cap stocks have been largely overlooked. In the early 1990s, two investment teams began to...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Mutual Fund Basics - The Power of Numbers

Ryan Christine Coulson
September 18, 2018

Although stocks and bonds are traditionally considered the building blocks of an investment portfolio, few investors have the time or resources to select individual securities themselves. Instead, mutual funds are widely used by investors to access a professionally-managed, diversified portfolio of securities without the requirement of a large investment. If you have a 401(k) account, you are...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Life Insurance Basics: Who Says You Can’t Buy Love?

Josh Miller, CFP®
September 04, 2018

Risk management is an important component of any financial plan and that includes having the right insurance to protect against potentially expensive and untimely events. Knowing when to purchase health, auto, or homeowner’s insurance is generally straightforward, but life insurance can be more ambiguous, especially for young adults just achieving financial independence. With many types of...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Stocks and Bonds

Ryan Christine Coulson
August 21, 2018

If you are just beginning to invest your money—or simply thinking about it—the proper mix of investments depends on your unique circumstances and goals. Factors like age, current income and earnings potential, and the amount of credit card or student loan debt you may have will all impact this decision. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to investing, understanding the key...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Marriage and Finances: Loving union, legal contract

Josh Miller, CFP®
August 07, 2018

Prenuptial agreements often have a negative connotation associated with them, but they can be very beneficial for many couples considering marriage. While typically not the most romantic topic of conversation, entering into this type of agreement can provide the extra layer of protection you need to safeguard your assets or the wealth your family has worked hard to create and preserve. ...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Asset Allocation: Location, Location, Location

Ryan Christine Coulson
July 31, 2018

If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, one of the decisions you need to make when enrolling is which investments to hold in your account and in what proportion. Typically, your plan will offer a variety of investment options across multiple asset categories, geographic regions, or investment styles, and while many participants default to selecting every investment option in equal amounts, a...

G2G Impact

Podcast: Mortgage Basics: Is Homeownership Right for You?

Josh Miller, CFP®
July 10, 2018

Download PDF Knowing the right time to buy a home is not as straightforward as it was when our parents and grandparents were going out on their own. Today, many young adults are waiting longer to buy their first homes, preferring to rent and spend or invest their money elsewhere. While owning has its advantages, it also comes with many trade-offs. Understanding the pros and cons of...

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Investments

Want to Attract a Younger Generation of Employees to Your Business? Consider Refreshing Your Benefits Package

Patrick Putman
October 17, 2019

Unemployment is at all-time lows, and the competition among businesses is fierce to attract talented employees—especially those in the Millennial generation. Millennials have a unique set of criteria on which they evaluate potential employers. For many, attractive benefits and a favorable work-life balance are often more important than traditional metrics like salary and bonuses. This means...

Investments

The IRS Issues Final Regulations for New Hardship Distribution Rules

Rosemarie Panico-Marino
October 10, 2019

Earlier this year, we discussed several changes to hardship distribution rules resulting from the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2018. At the time, the changes were in proposed form, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicated that plan sponsors may rely on them and administer their retirement plans accordingly. Many of the proposed changes were finalized and more clarity was...

Investments

Populism: Short-Term Distraction or Long-Term Structural Trend?

Dan Delany
October 07, 2019

When you hear the term “populism,” what is your first reaction? For many people, the word evokes an emotional reaction—some positive, some negative. This polarization is largely because there are so many varying descriptions and understandings of what populism is, as well as its implications. However, geopolitical strategist Matt Gertken argues that populism is neither good nor bad, and...

Investments

ESG Is More Than Just 3 Letters

John Tennaro, CIMA®
September 24, 2019

“Ultimately, human intentionality is the most powerful evolutionary force on this planet” -George B Leonard It was not long ago that much of the investment marketplace was reluctant to embrace sustainable and responsible investing. The notion that environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors could have a meaningful, financial impact was often discarded and cast to...

Investments

What are Repurchase Agreements?

Tim Musial, CFA
September 20, 2019

We have received a number of questions regarding developments in the short-term funding markets. Yields for overnight “repos” surged to the 10% area earlier in the week and drew comparisons to market disruptions leading up to the financial crisis in 2007. We see the current episode as a mismatch between the supply and demand for funding that can and has been addressed by overnight...

Investments

FOMC Cuts Rates by 0.25%

Gary Pzegeo, CFA
September 19, 2019

Earlier this week, I shared a short clip with my thoughts on what could come of the FOMC meeting. Divergence between market expectations and Fed messaging has been an ongoing theme over the past several months. Markets have been pricing in a series of rate cuts and the Fed has been guiding toward a more moderate path. The Fed may have cut its policy rate by 0.25%, but the...

Investments

The Potential Risks of Concentrated Investment Portfolios

Randy Joseph
September 19, 2019

Warren Buffett once said, “Diversification may preserve wealth, but concentration builds wealth.” While most Private Wealth Management firms place more emphasis on preservation of wealth when managing client assets, his comment isn’t untrue. Many individual investors and families build significant wealth through concentrated stock positions. An equity position is generally considered...

Investments

How to Prepare for a Retirement Plan Audit

Rosemarie Panico-Marino
September 13, 2019

Your employee retirement plan is subject to potential audit just like your business or personal tax filings. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is granted authority and responsibility under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for oversight of qualified retirement plans. Its main purpose is to ensure that plans continue to adhere to regulations that give them tax-qualified...

Investments

The Advisor Podcast - Populism Rising

Advisor Magazine
September 04, 2019

Populism: It’s confusing. It’s also an important geopolitical trend with significant implications for investors around the globe. Populism has been growing steadily for a number of years, causing volatility in markets, particularly in Europe and other parts of the world. Brexit, the contentious and as-yet unconcluded exit of the U.K. from the European Union, is often thought of as...

Investments

Is a Global Sovereign Debt Crisis Imminent?

Ohm Srinivasan and Kyle Leavitt
August 27, 2019

The chart below provides a more useful context—global debt as a percentage of global gross domestic product (GDP). This graphic is quite telling in that global debt has not materially outpaced global economic growth, limiting reason for concern to the shock-inducing “hundreds of trillions of dollars of debt” often quoted. Total Global Debt as a Percentage of Global GDP Source: The...

Investments

Four Common Questions Investors Have About Our Economic Outlook

Dave Donabedian, CFA
August 21, 2019

What’s behind the selloff in equities and rally in bonds? We believe the perceived rising risk of recession is based on the following recent events: August 1 U.S. announcement of additional tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods Chinese response of weakening the yuan and further potential retaliation Very weak economic data from Europe, and softer Chinese data ...

Investments

FOMC lowers rates by 0.25%

Gary Pzegeo, CFA
July 31, 2019

All signs point to the Fed taking out an insurance policy for the U.S. economy against global weakness and trade uncertainties. The Chairman was also quick to state that today’s cut wasn’t necessarily “one and done.” Here is a summary of today’s release: Growth & Inflation There was very little change in how the Fed characterized the economic environment when compared to its...

Investments

The Role of Fixed Income in a Diversified Portfolio

Randy Joseph
July 30, 2019

One of the many behavioral pitfalls investors tend to fall prey to is recency bias, which causes us to focus on recent events when making decisions rather than events that took place in the past. For example, recency bias may cause you to increase your allocation to equities after a period of strong stock market performance, even if your primary goal is to preserve wealth. Or, it may compel...

Investments

International Update: Nonlinear Second Quarter

Dan Delaney
July 29, 2019

The MSCI All Country World Index finished up 4.00%, but experienced an intra-quarter sell-off of -6.5% from early May to early June, only to finish near highs. International developed markets performed well relative to emerging markets, with the latter weighed down with concerns over tariffs and slowing growth in China. The major European stock markets largely matched the...

Investments

Understanding the Impact of Volatility on Equity Investments

Randy Joseph
July 16, 2019

Is Your Portfolio at Risk? The phrase “no pain, no gain” expresses the belief that some type of stress or suffering is required to ultimately achieve success. Though it has long been the mantra of athletes and exercise fanatics, it may also ring true for many investors. So, when it comes to investing, achieving your long-term financial goals also typically requires enduring temporary...

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Uncategorized

Volatility Returns

Dave Donabedian, CFA
October 12, 2018

Download PDF The S&P 500 has dropped over six consecutive trading sessions and is now 7% below the all-time high reached on September 20, 2018. This follows a strong third quarter (+7.2%)—the best in more than four years. Here is where U.S. equity returns stand on a year-to-date basis as of the market close on October 11, 2018: Factors Behind the Selloff While a...

Uncategorized

Investing in China

Ohm Srinivasan, CFA
September 26, 2018

Emerging markets have become volatile in recent months due to the conflict over global trade, especially as it becomes a showdown between the U.S. and China. Both rhetoric and action on this front have been and may continue to be highly unpredictable. The trade war could also have a ripple effect on global growth. At the same time, waiting for all of these macro issues to resolve themselves...

Uncategorized

Private Equity: Too Much Demand?

Kyle Leavitt
May 22, 2018

Download PDF This past year saw record levels of capital being raised by Private Equity (PE) funds. This was the result of more firms coming to market to raise funds and a seemingly universal increase in the size of each fund raised. The graphic below shows how substantial the increase has been in both fund size and the number of funds being raised. This influx of capital has been...

Uncategorized

Co-Investments: A Closer Look

Lester P. Duke, CFA
September 20, 2017

Download PDF Co-investing, also referred to as direct investing, is becoming a larger and more dynamic element of private market investing in recent years, and we believe the trend will accelerate over time. Here we provide a brief overview of what co-investing is, how it’s different from investing in a traditional private equity fund, its key advantages and special considerations...

Uncategorized

Is Inflation Whipped?

David L. Donabedian CFA
August 24, 2017

Download PDF In 1974, President Gerald Ford encouraged all Americans to wear "WIN" buttons (Whip Inflation Now) as a way to rally the country against the inflationary spiral that was causing major economic dislocations and rapidly rising interest rates. Fast forward to 2017, and today’s WIN button could stand for “Where’s Inflation Now?” Despite a long economic expansion, a...

Uncategorized

Investors Beware…Of Investors

Scott M. Burg, CFA, CAIA
June 29, 2017

Download PDF Last month’s investment article highlighted the debate surrounding active vs. passive investment, framed by the notion that most professionally managed funds have struggled to keep up with indices in recent years. This month, we continue our discussion, but with a different dimension of active management, looking at whether individual investors are successful in...

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It’s Never Too Early to Plan

Judith A. Saxe AEP®
June 29, 2017

Download PDF Summer is here, and your adult children may now be home from college, your child may be getting ready for his or her first post-college job or you may be helping a child prepare to leave for college for the first time. As a parent, you can use these opportunities to discuss some important estate and financial planning issues that develop as your child becomes an adult....

Uncategorized

Asset Allocation Committee Update

David L. Donabedian CFA
May 24, 2017

Download PDF At its May meeting, the CIBC Atlantic Trust Asset Allocation Committee (AAC) determined that a higher relative allocation to developed international equity markets is appropriate under current market conditions. Developed international markets consist primarily of equities in Europe and Japan, which comprise over 85% of the MSCI Europe, Australia, Far East Index...

Uncategorized

An Active Debate on Passive Investing

John Tennaro
May 24, 2017

Download PDF There have been many existential debates about the “optimal” way to invest: growth stocks vs. value stocks, international vs. U.S.-only portfolios, and the list goes on. This type of discussion tends to crop up after one type of investment outperforms another type for a period of time, which leads some to declare that today’s winner will remain superior for years to...

Uncategorized

What Is Artificial Intelligence and Why Should Investors Care?

Jigar Patel
March 30, 2017

We believe artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting and transformative opportunities on the horizon. The foundation of computing was built upon the idea of people instructing a computer regarding the processes it should perform. Computers behaved like calculators, crunching data without having the ability to make decisions. In recent years, however, technology has made...

Uncategorized

What’s the Deal with Private Equity? Understanding Private Equity Returns

Daniel Criscuolo
February 23, 2017

For some investors, private equity (PE) may be a bit of a mystery. Their only exposure might be a story in The Wall Street Journal, likely titled, “Is this the end of private equity?” While it seems that this article comes out every year, the asset class has been generating attractive long-term performance over multiple investment cycles, and we believe performance will be attractive for years...

Uncategorized

Surprise, Surprise

David L. Donabedian CFA
December 01, 2016

Both the Election and Market Reaction Confound the Consensus At its November meeting, the Atlantic Trust Asset Allocation Committee (AAC) focused on the economic and investment implications of the election results. We believe the unique nature of the incoming administration, along with the Republican Congress and “one-party rule” in Washington, will bring significant change to the policy...

Uncategorized

Year-End Tax Planning Checklist: What to Know

Ryan Christine Coulson
December 01, 2016

Every year we advise our clients to engage in routine, year-end tax planning. This planning is needed now, especially as we take President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tax policies into consideration. With the new year quickly approaching, our Wealth Strategies Group has created the following checklist that may serve as a starting point for your year-end tax planning: ...

Uncategorized

Winners and Losers: Potential Election Impact on Market Sectors

W. Brant Houston CFA
September 27, 2016

In this very political season, investors are increasingly focused on how the November election will impact the investment environment for 2017. In the upcoming issue of The Advisor , our quarterly newsletter, we cover potential consequences for the tax code as well as the economic implications for trade policy. Aside from these major macro issues, there could be industry-specific policy...

Uncategorized

"Is It Over Yet?" Thoughts on the Election and Markets

David L. Donabedian CFA
August 30, 2016

More than a year after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and businessman Donald Trump entered the presidential race, we still have over two months to go before Election Day. The “campaign season” has turned into a near-permanent state of affairs. A baby born on the day Clinton announced her candidacy will most likely be walking and talking by the election date, and a Major League...

Uncategorized

Creating Flexible Trusts in Uncertain Times

Judith A. Saxe AEP®
June 29, 2016

Attorneys and other advisors often recommend trusts to help manage and protect assets for the long term or to help achieve a certain tax benefit. If a trust is designed to be irrevocable, whether during life or after death, it is critical to consider whether it makes sense to add provisions that may enable trust modifications if necessary to adapt to changing times and circumstances....

Uncategorized

Negative Interest Rates: Paying to Save

Gary E. Pzegeo CFA
June 29, 2016

Exorbitant pricing has returned to markets, and not just in Silicon Valley or biotech stocks. Over the last several months, central banks in Europe and Japan have begun charging member financial institutions to store bank reserves anywhere from 0.1% to 0.4% of the value of those reserves. This has been called Negative Interest Rate Policy, or NIRP. The numbers are small, but the...

Uncategorized

3 Questions to Ask When Helping Aging Parents with Estate Planning

Carly Howard
May 25, 2016

What can you do to help your parents with their estate planning? It’s difficult to know what kind of “help” your parents may need—or when it’s the right time to step in—especially if your parents are reluctant to share information about their finances. Coordinating with your parents’ advisors is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of your parents’ estate planning needs. ...

Uncategorized

Brexit: Will They Stay or Will They Go?

David L. Donabedian CFA
May 25, 2016

"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" This is the question that British voters will answer in a June 23rd national referendum. As the vote approaches, this could be a source of volatility in global equity, fixed income and currency markets. ...

Uncategorized

A Look Inside the Green Book: The President’s Budget Proposals

Josh Miller CFP®
April 29, 2016

This year, the administration has put forth tax proposals that may change the current law. We earlier provided a summary of last year’s proposals, which can be found here . Below is a summary of the fiscal year 2017 Revenue Proposals submitted by the Obama administration that would affect individual taxpayers and future estate and tax planning strategies: ...

Wealth Strategies

In a Divorce, Equitable Doesn’t Always Mean Equal

Beth McRae Mayfield
October 15, 2019

No one goes into marriage thinking about splitting. Yet, statistics repeatedly show that roughly half of marriages end in divorce. For many divorcing couples, the signs of financial inequity present themselves well in advance of the divorce proceedings. Still, it’s natural to overlook them, especially when you’re not searching for trouble. Few divorce cases result in an even 50/50 split of...

Wealth Strategies

3 Considerations for Building Flexibility into Your Trusts

Theresa Marx
October 01, 2019

This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning strategies. When the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) was passed, it included a doubling of the federal estate, gift, and GST tax exemption amounts to $10 million, adjusted for inflation. As a result, in 2019, those exemptions are $11.4 million per individual. While the increased exemptions...

Wealth Strategies

3 Real Estate Transfer Strategies That May Be Right for You

Theresa Marx
September 26, 2019

This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning strategies. The estate and gift tax exemption is $11.4 million per person ($22.8 million for a married couple) in 2019. Depending on your circumstances, gift planning with real estate can be an effective way to take advantage of a large exemption amount without hurting your liquidity. Of course, there are many...

Wealth Strategies

2 Reasons Why a Dynasty Trust May be an Attractive Strategy

Theresa Marx
September 17, 2019

This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning strategies. There are many reasons to make gifts to younger family members in trust for their benefit rather than outright. Some of the benefits include asset protection, tax planning, and family control. When creating a trust for many generations, one common strategy is a dynasty trust. A dynasty trust is...

Wealth Strategies

5 Gifting Strategies That May Work for You and Your Family

Theresa Marx
September 12, 2019

This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning strategies. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 has provided a valuable incentive to review existing estate plans and implement new family wealth transfer plans. When planning for the transfer of your wealth, you’ll likely be faced with an array of options. Whether you are leaving a treasured asset to a loved one or...

Wealth Strategies

The Advisor Podcast - Navigating a Changing Healthcare System

Advisor Magazine
September 02, 2019

The healthcare system can be complex, especially as we age. Being informed about the costs and trends in healthcare while putting healthcare strategies in place can help you make better decisions. In this podcast: Diana Savastano , Founder and Principal of Health assist Becky Milliman , Senior Wealth Strategist To learn more, read the latest edition of ...

Wealth Strategies

3 Strategies for Funding Education

Beth McRae Mayfield
August 26, 2019

One of the ways you can reduce your children’s financial burden is by funding your grandchildren’s education expenses. Unfortunately, gifting a large sum of money will utilize some of your lifetime gift tax exemption ($11.4 million per donor in 2019) or, if you have used your gift tax exemption, can subject you to a 40% gift tax. There’s also a generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax of 40% for...

Wealth Strategies

3 Reasons Why Delaware May be the Best Jurisdiction for You

Halsey Schreier
August 20, 2019

This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on Delaware law for your trust. Delaware is known as the First State. Of course, this nickname refers to its position in line to ratify the U.S. Constitution. However, Delaware has also been at the forefront of trust law since the beginning of the twentieth century. Many states, including Alaska, Nevada, and South Dakota, have...

Wealth Strategies

Managing the Stages of Cognitive Decline

Dianne Savastano
August 14, 2019

First, a bit of background… During a visit to his parents’ home over the holidays, our client Jack noticed that his dad, Bill, seemed a bit more forgetful than previously. Jack observed a slight change in personality and a significant withdrawal from all the family events that his father would normally embrace. Jack wondered if his dad’s medications were being taken appropriately as he...

Wealth Strategies

3 Reasons Why a Delaware Trust May Be Ideal for Your Business Interest

Halsey Schreier
August 13, 2019

This is the second blog in a three-part series that focuses on Delaware law for your trust. Trusts can be used in a variety of ways to manage wealth and plan for the future. They offer broad flexibility for structuring and managing assets, can help reduce administrative costs and delays at death, and often provide substantial estate and gift tax savings. If you’re considering transferring...

Wealth Strategies

5 Lifetime Gift Strategies for You and Your Family to Consider

Cathy Schnaubelt
August 08, 2019

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can help preserve your assets, facilitate the transfer of wealth and ease the tax burden on yourself and your estate. Here are five commonly-used lifetime gift strategies for you and your family to consider if you have significant wealth to transfer to future generations. Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) A grantor...

Wealth Strategies

5 Reasons You Should Consider Delaware Law for Your Trust

Halsey Schreier
August 06, 2019

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on Delaware law for your trust. When you’re creating a trust for the benefit of yourself or your family members, choosing the state law that will govern it has many implications and potential benefits for you and your beneficiaries. Delaware has long been the state law of choice for grantors. So, what makes Delaware law so...

Wealth Strategies

2 Reasons to Consider a Dynasty Trust

Cathy Schnaubelt
August 01, 2019

The many advantages of gifting assets to a trust include asset protection, tax planning and maintaining family control until the beneficiary reaches adulthood. A dynasty trust—any trust that lasts longer than one generation below that of the grantor—can be a useful estate planning tool for multi-generational families. While it’s important to consider the advantages and limitations of...

Wealth Strategies

Moving Forward After a Loss

Cathy Schnaubelt
July 11, 2019

No matter how much time you’ve had to prepare, losing your partner due to death, incapacity or divorce can be devastating. Not only do such major life events take an emotional toll, they can uproot your day-to-day life in more practical ways—often from a financial perspective. If your spouse handled the household finances, moving forward independently can be a challenge during those...

Wealth Strategies

How to Navigate Loss

Cathy Schnaubelt
June 26, 2019

This is the second blog in a three-part series that focuses navigating loss. Navigating the loss of a spouse or partner—whether due to death, mental incapacity, or divorce—is never easy. Major life events like these often require a multitude of legal and financial decisions that can be confusing under the best of circumstances. When combined with the emotional trauma of dealing with such...

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Women's CIRCLE

Preparing Yourself Financially for Loss

Cathy Schnaubelt
June 20, 2019

We’ve all heard the saying, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” Unless you’re a total risk seeker, you may apply this proverb to your daily life. Maybe you wear your seatbelt, own health insurance, or carry an umbrella with you, even when it’s not raining. Though most of us engage in these types of routine prevention measures without question, we often fail to take the same...

Women's CIRCLE

4 Considerations When Evaluating Life Insurance

Becky Milliman
June 18, 2019

Is Your Life Insurance Policy Right For You And Your Family? This is the fourth blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning. A life insurance program, when structured and monitored properly, can play an integral role in your estate plan. If you have loved ones who depend on you for financial support, life insurance can help protect and transfer the wealth you have earned...

Women's CIRCLE

How to Divide Retirement Plan Assets in a Divorce

Beth McRae Mayfield
June 13, 2019

For many people, retirement plan assets make up a meaningful portion of their financial wealth. In a divorce proceeding, retirement plans often present additional challenges to an already difficult process. Most states treat retirement plan assets as marital property. Therefore, unless you’re operating under a prenuptial agreement, you’re legally entitled to a portion of your spouse’s...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Strategies for Minimizing Estate Taxes

Becky Milliman
June 11, 2019

Trying To Minimize The Impact Of Estate Tax On Your Loved Ones? This is the third blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning. An important component of providing for your loved ones often includes minimizing what goes to taxes. While taxes may not be the primary driver of your estate plan, considering your tax planning options can benefit both you and your...

Women's CIRCLE

Insurance Issues to Consider in a Divorce

Beth McRae Mayfield
June 06, 2019

Divorce can be a complex and lengthy process with a variety of emotional, practical, and financial implications for both spouses, and any children that may be impacted. During such a stressful time, it can be easy to overlook basic items like the family’s insurance coverage. Nevertheless, it’s important to review all insurance policies to determine how your coverage may change once the divorce...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Key Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Estate Plan

Becky Milliman
June 04, 2019

Deciding How To Distribute Your Wealth? This is the second blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning. One of the goals of estate planning is to maximize the value of the wealth you pass to your family members while minimizing the impact of taxes through trusts. However, an equally important objective is determining what these trusts should provide—and what that means...

Women's CIRCLE

Social Security Considerations After Divorce

Beth McRae Mayfield
May 30, 2019

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 96% of American workers are covered under Social Security. If you’re one of the many who are eligible to collect Social Security benefits in retirement, it’s important to understand how the system works. If you’ve been married, spousal benefits can be a significant component of Social Security. Even if you’ve never worked or have low...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Considerations for Thoughtfully Planning for Your Assets

Becky Milliman
May 28, 2019

Creating A New Or Revised Estate Plan? This is the first blog in a four-part series that focuses on estate planning. Many people find a sense of satisfaction and joy from using their wealth for themselves, their family, and the causes they hold most dear. However you define success, envisioning your legacy often requires the peace of mind that your financial affairs are in order—a goal...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Child Support Considerations in a Divorce

Beth McRae Mayfield
May 23, 2019

Divorce can be complicated and emotional, especially when children are involved. Every family is different when it comes to determining where the children should live and how their time is best split between parents. Nevertheless, courts typically require one parent to pay child support so that the parent with primary custody isn’t solely responsible for maintaining the children’s standard of...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Issues to Consider for the Ultimate Sale of Your Business

Theresa Marx
May 21, 2019

Is Selling Your Business In Your Future? This is the third blog in a three-part series that focuses on transitioning your business. If you’re planning to sell your business, you’re not alone. Pepperdine University’s 2018 Private Capital Markets Report found that 65% of business owners plan to transfer their ownership interests in the next decade. Yet, not all business owners give...

Women's CIRCLE

Determining and Collecting Spousal Support in a Divorce

Cathy Schnaubelt
May 17, 2019

Though spousal support often seems to receive the most attention in a divorce, it’s usually not determined until later in the divorce proceedings. Only after a plan is in place for dividing property and other assets can the need for either spouse to receive or pay spousal support be fully understood. Calculating Spousal Support The amount of support either spouse is entitled to—if any—is...

Women's CIRCLE

3 Issues to Consider when Transitioning Your Business to a Third Party

Theresa Marx
May 14, 2019

This is the second blog in a three-part series that focuses on transitioning your business. The decision of when and how to sell a privately-held business is often based on three factors: economics, emotion and need. When a business owner eventually decides to exit the business and sell to a third party, the future can suddenly become very uncertain. Yet, once the decision is...

Women's CIRCLE

Dividing Your Home in a Divorce

Cathy Schnaubelt
May 10, 2019

If you’re going through a divorce, deciding how to divide the home you share with your spouse can be one of the more complicated conversations you’ll have. Unlike other assets that must be divided, your home often has many emotions and memories tied to it. For example, if you’ve raised children in it, you may not want to uproot them from their environment. On the other hand, it is sometimes...

Women's CIRCLE

The Aging Brain: What Does it Mean for You and Your Family?

Judy Saxe, AEP®, CAP®
May 08, 2019

The number of people in the United States living with dementia is growing exponentially year over year. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2015, and the number is believed to be close to 50 million people for 2017. By 2030, it’s projected that 75 million Americans will be affected by the symptoms of cognitive...

Women's CIRCLE

4 Issues to Consider when Transitioning Your Business to a Family Member

Theresa Marx
May 07, 2019

This is the first blog in a three-part series that focuses on transitioning your business. If you have a strong desire to keep your business within your family, as many business owners do, the following considerations can help you prepare for a successful transition. Your Readiness Determine whether you are personally and financially ready to transition the business to the...

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