This guide breaks down the differences between pensions, pension plans, and retirement plans—covering how each works, who funds them, and the level of risk involved.

Wealth management and financial planning both aim to secure your financial future but differ in scope and complexity.

Given the market ups and downs this year, our team has unsurprisingly received a lot of questions from clients and colleagues alike about their individual financial plans, the state of the markets, the Big Beautiful Bill, the future of Social Security, and more.

The right choice depends on your goals, resources, and the kind of legacy you want to build.

If you’re already incorporating charitable giving into your financial plan, donating appreciated assets can be a smart, tax-savvy way to maximize your impact while potentially reducing your tax burden.

For retirees who want to give back without overcomplicating their tax situation, QCDs offer a direct, efficient path—what I like to think of as a trail-ready giving strategy.

A donor-advised fund (DAF) can serve as the base camp for your philanthropic adventures.

Why venture into bear country or financial markets in the first place?

The answer is simple: The journey—with all its uncertainty and occasional danger—offers rewards that far outweigh the risks when approached with wisdom. Those who avoid all risk miss all reward, whether witnessing the majesty of bears in their natural habitat or building wealth that creates freedom and opportunity.

We’ll explore what happens when preparation meets reality—when you encounter the bear, whether in the Alaskan wilderness or your investment portfolio.

In many cases, the same principles that keep you safe among bears can also help you protect and grow your wealth.

In this quarter's update, we'd like to cut through the noise and share what's actually happening in markets, put recent performance in proper context, and remind us all why maintaining investment discipline through periods of uncertainty remains the cornerstone of long-term financial success. 

Understanding upcoming tax code changes is essential for effective financial planning.

When you think about building wealth, mortgages are likely not the first thing that comes to mind. But for high-income families, thinking strategically about mortgage options can unlock significant financial opportunities. Mortgages are more than just a means to buy property—they’re powerful tools for cash flow management, investment leverage, and long-term wealth creation.

Homeownership, like any great adventure, comes with both challenges and rewards. The key to success isn't avoiding all problems—that's impossible. Instead, it's about being prepared for the challenges you'll inevitably face.

Staying informed on tax law changes isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential, especially for high-net-worth individuals.

With the 24-hour news cycle spouting every conjecture and opinion possible, it’s tough to know what’s reality — and whether investors can anticipate major changes in 2025 and beyond.