Beyond Bulls & Bears

For students with college debt in default, it’s time to pay the bill
Wealth Planning

For students with college debt in default, it’s time to pay the bill

The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
The home stretch: Seven essential steps for pre-retirees
Retirement

The home stretch: Seven essential steps for pre-retirees

Preparing for retirement involves more than finances and should include a focus on health, wellbeing and goals. Our Mike Dullaghan explains why it’s important to start preparing 10 years ahead of retirement.

Mike Dullaghan |
Key tax planning strategies for business owners
Wealth Planning

Key tax planning strategies for business owners

Businesses may face challenges but there are also a number of tax-smart strategies that can help mitigate tax liability and enhance efficiency. Our Bill Cass discusses several tax-smart strategies to consider.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Why stable value is critical in retirement plan menus
Retirement

Why stable value is critical in retirement plan menus

Stable value funds can offer capital preservation and stable returns. Our Mike Dullaghan explains the key role of stable value in long-term retirement savings.

Mike Dullaghan |
Tax planning should be a focus for all seasons
Wealth Planning

Tax planning should be a focus for all seasons

Tax filing season may be over for many, but tax planning is an important focus year-round. Consider post-tax season strategies including optimizing deductions or adjusting retirement contributions. Our Bill Cass shares some tax planning ideas to consider.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Six tax planning ideas for navigating market volatility
Wealth Planning

Six tax planning ideas for navigating market volatility

Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Putting your tax refund to work
Wealth Planning

Putting your tax refund to work

Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Our Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus
Retirement

Aligning for success: From conflict to consensus

The fifth edition of our annual “Voice of the American Workplace” survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Franklin Templeton, includes the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2025 survey found US workers are prioritizing work-life balance and their mental health. Employers are listening and strengthening their focus on improving benefits and communication. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?
Wealth Planning

Will Social Security change as spending cuts are considered?

Social Security faces funding issues by 2035, but major changes to the program are unlikely in the near term. Our Bill Cass highlights what is being discussed as the federal government looks to reduce spending.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
This tax season don’t forget about digital assets
Wealth Planning

This tax season don’t forget about digital assets

When dealing with digital assets it’s important to keep records and consult a tax professional. Our Bill Cass explains the taxation rules around cryptocurrency.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Your ship finally came in. Now what?
Wealth Planning

Your ship finally came in. Now what?

Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions
Wealth Planning

Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions

Navigating tax season can be even more confusing when facing the range of rules around IRA withdrawals, 529 plan distributions, and charitable deductions. Our Bill Cass details some common questions around tax filing.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |