Market Review – April 2024
Ripple Effects The impact of military conflict on markets April 2024 Key Observations Markets repriced in April on “higher-for-longer” rates pushing longer duration fixed income and duration sensitive equities lower. Small-cap growth stocks were hit as the two largest securities in the index declining -15% and -37% due to moderating AI spending concerns. Escalating conflicts […]
Self-Employed (Solo) 401(k): A Retirement Plan Option for Solo Entrepreneurs
Solo 401(k)s are specially designed for small businesses with no employees, including solo entrepreneurs and the self-employed. Here’s everything you need to know to determine if a Solo 401(k) is the right retirement plan for you and your business. Since they were first introduced in the early 1980s, 401(k) plans have become the most popular […]
Simple Employee Pension (SEP) IRA – 2025
If you’re a small business owner or self-employed individual looking for a way to prepare for retirement, it’s worth exploring the Simplified Employee Pension-Individual Retirement Account (SEP-IRA). What is a SEP-IRA? With its easy setup, high contribution limits, and tax advantages, SEP-IRAs offer an attractive retirement planning option for self-employed individuals who want to help their […]
Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) – 2025
Lots of small business owners want to help their employees save for a financially secure retirement by offering them a retirement plan. However, the cost and complexity of most plans, including the popular 401(k) plan, dissuade many from doing so. This is one reason why more than 40% of full-time employees in the United States don’t have […]
How Do Self-Employed 401(k) Contributions Affect Take-Home Pay? And Other 401(k) Questions
By Cliff O’Conner, Financial Advisor Question 1: Does my 401(k) contribution amount come from my gross pay or net pay? How will my contribution to my Self-Employed 401(k) affect my take-home pay? When discussing Self-Employed 401(k) plans with our clients, we are often asked how the contributions to this type of retirement savings plan will affect […]
Market Review – February 2024
Every Rose Has Its Thorn The Cautionary Tale of Valuation February 2024 Key Observations Most risk assets advanced in February as optimism remains that the no-show recession of 2023 continues to fade further into the rear-view mirror. As a result, fixed income investors have also tempered the expectations around rate cuts and longer duration assets […]
2024 Market Outlook
Prepare Not Predict Interest Rate Challenges into Opportunities December 2023 Key Observations Our 10-year return forecasts show increased opportunity across fixed income and real assets with a modest step back for equities. This makes for one of the more attractive risk-adjusted returns for fixed income relative to equities we have seen in several years. We […]
Market Review – November 2023
Market Review Cheerful for the Holidays Markets rallied in November giving investors plenty for which to be thankful. November 2023 Key Observations Longer dated interest rates experienced a significant decline as market sentiment leaned towards anticipating 2024 rate cuts. Overall, markets showed positivity, driven by heightened risk appetites fueled by the decrease in rates and […]
Key Person Disability and Life Insurance: Protect Your Business
As a small business owner, safeguarding your enterprise’s assets and growth is paramount. One often overlooked vulnerability is the potential death or disability of one of your key people. Key person insurance (sometimes referred to as key man insurance) is designed to address this, ensuring your business remains stable during unforeseen challenges. By understanding and […]
Traditional Cash Balance Plans Pros and Cons
Are you seeking financial stability and retirement peace of mind? You might have encountered various retirement plan options, including the traditional cash balance plan. However, like any financial decision, there are benefits and drawbacks that you must carefully consider. If you’re a business owner you may be wondering whether a traditional cash balance plan is […]