Beyond Bulls & Bears

Six tax planning ideas for navigating market volatility
Wealth Planning

Six tax planning ideas for navigating market volatility

Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.

Putting your tax refund to work
Wealth Planning

Putting your tax refund to work

Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Our Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.

Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus
Retirement

Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus

The fifth edition of our annual “Voice of the American Workplace” survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Franklin Templeton, includes the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2025 survey found US workers are prioritizing work-life balance and their mental health. Employers are listening and strengthening their focus on improving benefits and communication. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?
Wealth Planning

Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?

Social Security faces funding issues by 2035, but major changes to the program are unlikely in the near term. Our Bill Cass highlights what is being discussed as the federal government looks to reduce spending.

This tax season don’t forget about digital assets
Wealth Planning

This tax season don’t forget about digital assets

When dealing with digital assets it’s important to keep records and consult a tax professional. Our Bill Cass explains the taxation rules around cryptocurrency.

Your ship finally came in. Now what?
Wealth Planning

Your ship finally came in. Now what?

Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.

Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions
Wealth Planning

Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions

Navigating tax season can be even more confusing when facing the range of rules around IRA withdrawals, 529 plan distributions, and charitable deductions. Our Bill Cass details some common questions around tax filing.

Tax policy takes center stage: What to watch on Capitol Hill
Wealth Planning

Tax policy takes center stage: What to watch on Capitol Hill

As the debate heats up on Capitol Hill about extending the TCJA, there are several issues to watch including potential SALT cap relief and whether more tax cuts will be added to the final bill. Our Bill Cass highlights the latest on several key issues.

Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year
Wealth Planning

Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year

Starting in 2025, many non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must begin taking annual minimum distributions. Our Bill Cass details several strategies and explains why it’s important to seek advice.

Empowering financial advisors: Training and retaining talent in retirement plan practices
Retirement

Empowering financial advisors: Training and retaining talent in retirement plan practices

In light of the growing retirement market, the demand for advice is likely to increase. Our Mike Dullaghan discusses strategies for success and details our retirement plan practice program designed to help advisors.

Five estate planning ideas for 2025
Wealth Planning

Five estate planning ideas for 2025

Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.