The S&P 500 has long served as a cornerstone of the investment world, broadly representing a large portion of the U.S. stock market. However, increased concentration in a handful of large, tech-driven companies, such as Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, has raised doubts as to whether the index continues to function as a truly diversified benchmark. And if that was not enough, SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic could soon join the index with possible record-setting IPOs later this year.

Few investors would have predicted it entering April. Markets were navigating an active military conflict in the Middle East, oil prices near multi-year highs, and genuine uncertainty about the economic outlook.

When people start thinking about estate planning, the conversation almost always arrives at the same fork in the road: do I need a will, trust, or both?

Most people know they should have a will. But when you ask what a will actually does, the answers tend to get vague, usually something like "it says who gets your stuff" or "it makes things easier for your family." Both of those things are true. Neither tells the full story.

Recent weeks have been a reminder of how quickly the investment landscape can change. Geopolitical tension, market volatility, and shifting expectations have left many investors asking what comes next. It is exactly in periods like these that a disciplined, long-term strategy becomes most valuable. With that in mind, we want to take a moment to reflect on the markets, the questions investors are asking, and the principles that continue to guide our approach.

If you tried to follow the markets in February, it may have felt like the ground kept shifting beneath your feet. One day the headlines were about tariffs, the next about artificial intelligence, and soon after about tensions in the Middle East.

For many foundations and endowments, the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) starts life as a “set it and forget it” document—approved, filed away, and dusted off only when the committee changes or the markets get bumpy.

Last summer, we wrote about the growing push to bring private equity, private credit, and hedge funds into individual portfolios. At the time, our primary concerns centered on cost, transparency, liquidity, and agency risk.

If you are just now thinking about ways to reduce your 2025 tax bill, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers wait until they experience the sticker shock of their impending tax bill to take action. Fortunately, there are still a few smart, IRS-approved strategies that can help reduce your taxable income. 

President Trump has announced his nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve when Powell’s term expires later this spring. The decision ends months of speculation, but it opens a far more important discussion—about the future of monetary policy, the independence of the central bank, and what all of this actually means for markets and long-term investors.

It is hard not to be struck by how resilient markets proved to be in the face of constant uncertainty. The year delivered no shortage of headlines—April’s tariff announcements, ongoing developments in artificial intelligence, the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and a steady drumbeat of geopolitical and economic surprises. Yet through it all, investors were rewarded with another exceptionally strong year.

Beginning this year, the SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a shift in how high-earning individuals make “catch-up” contributions to employer retirement plans. Traditionally, workers aged 50 and older could make catch-up contributions on either a pretax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) basis, depending on their preference and approach to tax planning.

November brought a brief bout of volatility across markets. Investors weighed concerns about AI-related stocks, the outlook for Fed rate cuts, and the impact of the government shutdown on economic data. By month-end, most asset classes stabilized, reinforcing an important message for long-term investors…

All-time highs for stock markets are cause for celebration. We tally up our gains and pat ourselves on the back. But concurrently, a bit of apprehension follows. We know stock markets rise and fall, so it’s natural to wonder whether this is the turning point.

As global markets climb to new highs, gold’s rally—surging more than 60% this year to above $4,300 per ounce—has caught the attention of investors worldwide. For many, it raises a familiar question: is this time different?

Even in 2025, many investors are still unknowingly trapped in outdated brokerage models, paying high fees for complexity that serves no real purpose. Recently, we welcomed a new client who had worked with a well-known national brokerage firm.

The holidays bring family together and often create quiet moments for conversations that do not happen during the rest of the year. Between catching up and celebrating, it can also be the ideal time to talk about what really matters: your family’s financial future.

It’s hard to believe we are just twelve weeks from 2026. While the year is coming to a close, there is still plenty of time to ensure your finances end the year on a positive note. Consider several end-of-year planning opportunities if you want to minimize your tax bill, maximize your savings, and boost your financial health as we head into the new year.

Market swings are an unavoidable part of investing — and this year has reminded us of that in full color. From tariff-related sell-offs to powerful rebounds, the ride has been anything but smooth. Yet these fluctuations are what make long-term investing work. Declines can open the door to better opportunities, while recoveries reward patience and discipline.

Planning for a child’s financial future can seem daunting, given the vast array of savings and investment options. Each account type offers distinct features, tax incentives, and eligibility requirements, making some better aligned with specific objectives.