Too many people put off estate planning because it’s uncomfortable. But ignoring it can leave your loved ones with major headaches (especially when critical documents aren’t in order.) What would you like your legacy to be? For many families, the default ends up being...

The 2026 financial landscape is all about saving smarter. New IRS rules are reshaping how high earners, retirees, and business owners should think about taxes, retirement, and education funding. If your plan hasn’t been updated, you may be leaving meaningful...

One of the most iconic questions in American cinematic history continues to be, to this day, "When will then be now?" This, of course, is the question asked by Lord Helmet in the famous 1987 Mel Brooks film, Spaceballs. In the film, the answer is simply “soon.” In...

As the end of the year approaches, it is a great time to think charitably! Check out the first episode of the "Nold Bryant Brief” where we focus on the importance of Gratitude and Giving Back. Our own Kelly Petersen highlights our community-focused culture through...

As the end of 2025 quickly approaches, investors are shifting their focus to the outlook for 2026. Based on initial strategist forecasts, 2026 is expected to be another positive year for the S&P 500 and other broad equity markets (see chart of the week below). But...

The 2025 Tax Act reshapes how individuals can deduct charitable gifts, introducing new thresholds, timing considerations, and deduction limits that meaningfully impact anyone who donates consistently or in meaningful amounts. While charitable giving remains a powerful...

As the first frost of November settled in, markets reflected both a sense of relief and ongoing caution. While toasting the end of America's longest government shutdown, markets also braced against fresh headwinds from Federal Reserve comments that tempered hopes for...

Thinking about moving to a lower-tax state or splitting time between homes? Relocating can open new opportunities, but it can also trigger unexpected audits, taxes, and legal hassles. Here are five common traps to avoid (and how we can help you plan ahead). 1. Your...

As the year winds down, it’s natural to reflect on what truly matters, and for many, that includes giving back.   Whether your goal is to support causes close to your heart or make a lasting difference in your community, year-end philanthropy is an opportune time...

Have you ever driven down the street with the parking brake on? With all the new technology in cars these days, this is harder to do now, but when I learned to drive in my 1995 Eagle Talon, it was easy to forget that hand brake. Next thing you know, your foot is on...

The first government shutdown occurred in May of 1980. Including that instance, the government has shut down 10 other times in the last 45 years, with the current shutdown being number 11. Examining history and data, the equity markets are largely unaffected by...

A famous first lady once said: "There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers; those who will be caregivers; and those who will need a caregiver." With people living longer, the question...

Market Update "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." The wise advice from the 1994 blockbuster hit Forrest Gump has become a hallmark for accepting the unexpected. But maybe unbeknownst to Forrest, when you buy a box of chocolates...

We all grew up with the story of the Three Little Pigs. The first two focused on speed and ease, building homes from straw and sticks, only to discover they had no way to defend themselves from the Big Bad Wolf. The third pig took the time to build his home with...

MARKET UPDATE The Intertropical Convergence Zone of the oceans is located between 5 degrees north and 5 degrees south. Here, the northeast and southeast trade winds converge, resulting in very calm and light surface winds. Due to the becalming of ships, sailors dubbed...

From online banking and cryptocurrency to social media profiles and cloud-stored photos, digital assets are an undeniable part of our lives. But have you considered what happens to your virtual wealth when you're no longer here? Just like your physical property, your...