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) […]

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

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

Update: Charitable Gift Annuities More Attractive As Payout Rates Rise Again

Now is a good time for those wanting to give to consider establishing a charitable gift annuity. At its core, a CGA is an arrangement whereby assets are given to a charity in return for the charity’s promise to make lifetime payments of a fixed amount to a beneficiary, who is often the donor. This […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA
Jennifer I. Maqueda

Gift Annuity Payout Rates Are Increasing

There are many ways to support charitable causes financially. There are outright cash donations, bequests in an estate, different types of charitable trusts, as well as charitable gift annuities. Today, we will focus on the latter. “The promise of a reliable income stream is often attractive to donors.” Charitable gift annuities, or CGAs for short, […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA

3 Pillars for a Happy Retirement

Clifford Swan partner Lloyd Wong recently spoke on this topic as a guest on gerontologist Mary Winners’ “Visionary Aging” podcast.What do a fitness tracking device, a budget, and an appointment calendar have in common? They are all tools to motivate you and monitor your progress towards securing a successful retirement. “We believe it is best […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA

Balancing Risk and Reward

“The two great risks are risking too much but also risking too little. That’s for each person to decide.” —Jimmy Chin, professional climber“Just taking risks for risk’s sake, that doesn’t do it for me. I’m willing to take risks that I think are worth it.” —Chris Hadfield, astronaut Imagine you are on the crest of a snow-covered […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA

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