Discover ways to reduce your taxes now and in the future. Our tax planning checklist has been revised and updated with the latest strategies needed for your 2021 tax planning. We discuss eleven simple tactics that may help you lower your tax rates. Be sure to review these options with your advisors before the December 31 deadline.

US Treasury yields have been trending lower despite favorable fiscal policies and strong economic conditions. For its part, the Fed been dealing with an elevated stock market, rising commodity prices and an ongoing surge in inflation. To combat these issues, the Fed has indicated it may begin to raise interest rates as early as next year. Overall, corporate and municipal bonds had a strong third quarter although upcoming reductions in enhanced unemployment benefits may have a negative impact on municipal issues

September saw broad declines across equity markets due to a confluence of factors including inflation, higher Treasury yields, the COVID surge and a rise in corporate tax rates. As we look toward the future, equity investors would be wise to continue considering organizations that are poised to deliver higher earnings over time.

Although this year’s third quarter was flat, the S&P 500 is up significantly. The vitality of the US economy is driving our affinity for US Domestic Equities. Risks, however, are on the horizon along with significant unknowns and variables that may challenge sustained market growth. We continued to advocate portfolio diversification across asset classes.

See how easy it is to enhance your cybersecurity. Join us and participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We’ve put together a convenient list of strategies, tactics and resources you can use to help safeguard the personal information on your computers and mobile devices. Throughout October, we’ll be educating clients, family and friends on simple ways to keep confidential online information safe and secure.

Those families who look to preserve, protect and pass generational wealth recognize a strategic opportunity as interest rates and asset values continue a downward trend. We review wealth transfer strategies families are deploying to capture the unique benefits of these unprecedented market conditions.

Trusts are invaluable for the transfer of wealth. Unfortunately, the original wishes of trust settlors may not be fully adhered to across the generations. Appointing a trust protector can help alleviate this issue, hedge against unforeseen circumstances and provide a trust with the flexibility needed to persevere from one generation to the next. We examine the role and authority of trust protectors and discuss the section criteria.