Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Wealth Planning

Consider packing a legal safety net before students leave for college
Wealth Planning

Consider packing a legal safety net before students leave for college

College students may want to secure legal documents to ensure their parents can access important information and help them in medical emergencies. Our Bill Cass highlights the key documents students can prepare before leaving for college.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
College-bound high school juniors and seniors focus on a strong finish
Wealth Planning

College-bound high school juniors and seniors focus on a strong finish

The last two years of high school can be particularly important as students approach the final college decision. Our Bill Cass highlights some action items for students and parents.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Kick off your college planning during the first two years of high school
Wealth Planning

Kick off your college planning during the first two years of high school

Families may want to consider a comprehensive plan for college, including actions to take during the high school years, and consider how a 529 plan can help guide savings. Our Bill Cass offers details on college planning.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
From dreaming to living: What you need to know about retiring abroad
Wealth Planning

From dreaming to living: What you need to know about retiring abroad

As the number of Americans retiring in other countries continues to grow, our Bill Cass shares five considerations for individuals planning to retire abroad.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule
Wealth Planning

Final regulations deliver clarity on 10-year rule

With a recent IRS announcement, heirs now have clarity on the 10-year rule for distributions from inherited retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass details the final regulations.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts
Wealth Planning

New ways to avoid early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced new ways to avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty from retirement accounts. Our Bill Cass explains the implications for savers.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
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 |