Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Education

Beyond generic advice: How advisors can personalize investing
Retirement

Beyond generic advice: How advisors can personalize investing

Personalized messaging has a powerful impact. Our Kevin Murphy believes it is time for the financial services industry to deliver personalized solutions and advice.

Kevin Murphy |
Advisors’ top 529 questions, answered
College Savings

Advisors’ top 529 questions, answered

Our recent 529 Month webinar focused on how 529 plans are used, the impact on federal financial aid, and expanded uses. Here are some of the leading topics discussed.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Reasons why a grandparent-owned 529 may make sense
College Savings

Reasons why a grandparent-owned 529 may make sense

A grandparent may choose to fund a 529 plan for a grandchild’s education. Our Bill Cass discusses key tax and estate planning considerations as well as the impact on student financial aid.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Decision made: Why 529 plans are a popular choice for education savings
College Savings

Decision made: Why 529 plans are a popular choice for education savings

For families saving for college, 529 plans remain popular. Our Bill Cass shares some key facts about 529 plans.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Driving convergence between retirement and wealth
Retirement

Driving convergence between retirement and wealth

Legislation is driving a renewed focus on workers without workplace savings plans, creating opportunities for both wealth advisors and retirement specialists. Our Retirement Strategist Mike Dullaghan discusses the trends.

Mike Dullaghan |
Consider a reset of college savings with a 529 plan
College Savings

Consider a reset of college savings with a 529 plan

Understanding the broader tax benefits, 529 plans may be a more tax-efficient way to save for college than custodial accounts. Our Wealth Planning Director Bill Cass highlights several reasons to consider this strategy.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap
Retirement

Getting personal: Mind the benefits gap

Educating workers about workplace benefits is vital to employee retention, according to findings from Franklin Templeton’s 2024 “Voice of the American Workplace” survey. Our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey related to what employees want—and how employers can meet these needs to benefit both parties.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Alternative Allocations: Private equity—Secondaries anyone?
Alternatives

Alternative Allocations: Private equity—Secondaries anyone?

In recent years, private equity fundraising surged, yet exits slowed drastically in 2022, prompting institutional investors to rebalance portfolios through increased secondaries activity. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Strategist Tony Davidow explains.

Tony Davidow, CIMA® |
Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits
Retirement

Great Expectations: Aligning on workplace benefits

The fourth edition of Franklin Templeton’s “Voice of the American Workplace” survey included the perspectives of both employers and workers. The 2024 survey found US workers are prioritizing higher compensation and the ability to save more for retirement. At the same time, employers’ perceptions of what workers are seeking has diverged. In this piece, our Jacque Reardon shares findings from the survey and potential implications for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |
Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints
Perspectives

Consider This: Canals are becoming chokepoints

The importance of major canals to global trade cannot be underestimated. Franklin Templeton Institute’s Kim Catechis highlights some of the challenges they face, including militant attacks and climate change.

Kim Catechis |
Quick Thoughts: Demographics are not destiny
Perspectives

Quick Thoughts: Demographics are not destiny

More than just demographics, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute Stephen Dover and Investment Strategist Kim Catechis think education and government policy are of critical importance to economic growth.

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |
Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?
Fixed Income

Quick Thoughts: Investment Ideas—Is cash at a tipping point?

Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, recently hosted a discussion with Michael Buchanan, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Western Asset Management, and Brendan Circle, Portfolio Manager, Franklin Income Investors. The group considered the current market environment as it pertains to cash in client portfolios. Has cash reached a tipping point?

Stephen H. Dover, CFA |