Market Commentary

Formulating Infrequently Asked Questions

In early April, with the onset of a major shift in U.S. trade policy, global financial market volatility increased materially. The U.S. Treasury and currency markets saw unusual trading activity, which spilled into the stock market. In the ensuing days, a stream of reports and articles began questioning the credibility of the U.S. dollar (USD) […]

Graduation hat on piggy and stack of coins money on natural green background, Saving money for education concept

From Diploma to Dollars: Rules for Financial Success After College

Congratulations, you did it! Graduation is a major milestone, and with your diploma in hand a new chapter begins. What’s next? Whether you’re starting a job or exploring your next steps, one thing is certain: this is the perfect moment to take control of your financial future. The habits you form now will shape your […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA

Insuring Your Home Against the Unexpected

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires at the start of the year serve as a sobering reminder of the role insurance plays in protecting against major financial loss. Without adequate coverage, you could be forced to draw from savings, retirement funds, or other investments to cover unexpected losses. At Clifford Swan, while we are not insurance […]

Jennifer I. Maqueda

Wrap up 2024 on a High Note: Year-end Checklist to Boost Your Wealth and Lower Your Tax Bill

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and take a close look at your financial goals. Even if you’ve reached some big milestones, there still could be a few valuable moves you can make before year-end. With IRS deadlines approaching, now’s the moment to make some proactive choices that could leave […]

Carlota B. Venegas, CFP®, CDFA®

Protect Your Assets from Phishers

We’ve written before about protecting yourself from financial fraud and encourage you to keep this threat in mind. As technological advances have improved our lives in many ways, an unfortunate side effect is technology’s role in helping cybercriminals construct more sophisticated financial scams. Recently, some of our clients have experienced more advanced phishing attempts that […]

Clifford Swan

Finalized Inherited IRA Regulations

Since the SECURE Act was passed in 2019, it has been clear that those who inherited IRAs after 2020 needed to draw them down within 10 years, what hadn’t been finalized was whether annual RMDs were required.  On July 18, 2024, the IRS released final regulations confirming the requirement for Non-Designated Beneficiaries of IRAs to […]

George E. Hasbun, CFP®

Finding Peace of Mind with a Well-Ordered Financial Household

As Investment Counselors, my colleagues and I are immersed in the world of financial rules and systems. Whether we are studying the investment markets and accessing trading platforms, dealing with our custodial partners, connecting with our clients’ banking providers, or strategizing with related professionals from the legal, accounting and insurance fields, we coordinate this complex […]

Kathleen Gilmore, CFP®

Protecting Against AI-Driven Financial Fraud

It’s 2:00 a.m., and you are sleeping soundly when your cell phone rings from an unknown number. You answer the phone to hear your grandson’s voice on the other side. He is in distress and explains he was in a car accident. It was his fault, and he needs some money to get out of […]

George E. Hasbun, CFP®

2024 RMD Relief for IRA Beneficiaries Subject to 10-Year Rule

In April, the Internal Revenue Service waived penalties for beneficiaries of individual retirement accounts subject to required minimum distributions under the 10-year rule that do not take distributions in 2024. This extends the relief period for RMDs that would have had to been taken from 2020 through 2023 to include the 2024 tax year. The 10-year […]

Clifford Swan

A New High in Gift Annuity Rates

With payout rates higher than they have been in more than a decade, and possible interest rate cuts on the horizon, now is an opportune time to consider establishing a charitable gift annuity. As we’ve said in previous articles, charitable gift annuities can be a great option for donors seeking an income stream. The mechanics are […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA
Jennifer I. Maqueda

Nurturing Prosperity: The Journey of Wealth Management Across Life’s Stages

Imagine a journey where your financial success knows no bounds and your potential is limitless. You are an achiever, and your ambition is the driving force behind your success. Now, let’s channel that energy into your financial roadmap with the guidance of a dedicated investment counselor. We’ll explore how, together, you can create a narrative […]

Carlota B. Venegas, CFP®, CDFA®

Tax Benefits of “Bunching” Charitable Giving

Every year income taxpayers need to decide between taking the standard deduction or itemizing. For those that itemize deductions, a strategy to combine two years’ worth of charitable giving into one year has been a financial planning consideration for years. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 made this strategy even more relevant. […]

Maxwell R. Pray, CFA

Still Waiting for Final RMD Regulations for Inherited IRAs

The Internal Revenue Service has again postponed releasing final rules on required minimum distributions for inherited individual retirement accounts. Because of the delay, some beneficiaries of IRAs inherited after 2019 won’t be penalized for not taking required minimum distributions in 2023. <br> BACKGROUND There have been many important legislative changes for retirement accounts over the past few […]

Clifford Swan

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