William F. Davis, CFP® 
Ending up with unused 529 plan assets is common among high-net-worth families. College costs often come in lower than projected due to scholarships, accelerated graduation, or conservative funding assumptions. At that point, the question shifts from education planning to broader wealth planning: how should these dollars be redeployed in a way that preserves tax efficiency … Read more
Diversification has never been broken. What has happened – repeatedly – is that investors confuse long-term investment principles with short-term performance comparisons. When one market, sector, or style dominates for extended periods, diversification can feel unnecessary or even counterproductive. But history and data are clear: diversification works over the long haul, even when it temporarily … Read more
February arrives with a familiar feeling – much like Groundhog Day. Investors are watching the same themes resurface: inflation that refuses to fully retreat, interest rates paused but not yet falling, and markets reacting quickly to headlines while waiting for clarity that never quite arrives. Like the movie, it can feel repetitive, but the lesson … Read more
Whether you’re saving for retirement, considering major purchases, planning your estate, or just want a second set of eyes on your investments, hiring a financial advisor who you feel best suits your needs could be key. The value of working with a financial advisor varies by person. While advisors are legally prohibited from promising returns, … Read more
There are very few investment visuals that tell the truth as clearly as this one. The annual asset class performance chart shows how different parts of the market perform relative to one another each year. Rows represent calendar years. Columns represent major asset classes—U.S. stocks, international stocks, emerging markets, real estate, bonds, commodities, and cash. … Read more
A new year brings fresh perspective, but it also offers a useful pause to reflect on what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and what still holds true. Our monthly newsletter is intended to provide context, not noise, and to help frame recent market developments within a longer-term view. If nothing else, I hope it serves as … Read more
24 days ‘till Christmas (but who’s counting…) Markets were mixed in November. The S&P 500 finished the month essentially flat at +0.1%, while small-cap stocks (Russell 2000) gained about +0.6%, showing a bit more strength. Gold had a strong month, rising roughly +5.5%. Company-level results remained solid, but broader market sentiment stayed cautious. Nvidia is a good example: despite excellent … Read more
Inheriting an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be both a financial opportunity and a challenge. Alongside the emotional weight of a loved one’s passing, beneficiaries must navigate complex rules that affect taxes, distribution timelines, and long-term financial planning. With the SECURE Act of 2019, the rules around inherited IRAs have changed significantly. Traditional “stretch IRA” … Read more
This past month may have answered a few questions—but it raised plenty more. The Federal Reserve delivered its second consecutive interest rate cut, lowering the benchmark rate by another quarter point to a range of 3.75%–4%. Chair Jerome Powell joined the 10–2 majority on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), but offered no clear guidance for the next decision in December. Complicating … Read more
If you’re eligible for a defined benefit retirement plan (pension), your employer may offer you a lump-sum payout instead of monthly payments. This reflects a decades-long trend of companies shifting away from pensions toward defined-contribution plans, such as 401(k)s. With interest rates rising, many companies are accelerating these offers. Higher rates reduce the actuarial value of future … Read more
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