Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Wealth Planning

A marriage may end but not Social Security benefits
Wealth Planning

A marriage may end but not Social Security benefits

If they meet certain requirements, a divorced individual can receive Social Security benefits similar to a married spouse. Our Bill Cass explains what couples need to know when getting a divorce.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Planning moves to lessen the sting of the 3.8% surtax
Wealth Planning

Planning moves to lessen the sting of the 3.8% surtax

A rising number of US taxpayers are subject to an investment income surtax, introduced a decade ago in federal legislation. Here are some strategies that may help mitigate the impact of the tax.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Six things to know about Social Security survivor benefits
Wealth Planning

Six things to know about Social Security survivor benefits

For married couples, it is important to understand the rules for claiming Social Security survivor benefits in order to plan ahead. Our Bill Cass discusses the details.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Financial planning strategies for newlyweds
Wealth Planning

Financial planning strategies for newlyweds

Here are some financial planning considerations and steps newlyweds may want to take after the wedding. Our Bill Cass highlights some of the key areas.

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 |
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 |
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 |
SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity
Legislation

SECURE 2.0 creates new backdoor Roth opportunity

Here’s a look at how a new legislative provision may be an opportunity to help jump-start retirement savings for children while saving for college at the same time.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Why wealth advisors should embrace workplace retirement plans
Education

Workplace Retirement Voice: Why wealth advisors should embrace workplace retirement plans

For many wealth advisors, workplace retirement plans are either a burden or an afterthought, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. He and his team explore why embracing these plans can benefit their practice, and their clients.

John M. Kutz |
Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s
Retirement

Workplace Retirement Voice: Adding the two “P”s to the three “F”s

The advisor of the future needs to embrace a new value proposition, according to John Kutz, National Retirement Plan Strategist at Franklin Templeton. This means moving beyond the “three F’s” and taking a more holistic approach to changing client needs.

John M. Kutz |
Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety
Retirement

Financial independence remains a top priority despite employee feelings of financial anxiety

US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study. The study revealed that financial anxiety has reversed the pandemic’s “Great Resignation” to “the Great Return” and is reshaping employee benefits expectations. Our Jacquelyn Reardon shares findings from the survey, and potential action items for employers.

Jacquelyn Reardon |