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Markets entered 2025 trading on optimism. Though there was uncertainty due to the changes the new administration would bring, in the first few months, market clarity started to appear. Disinflation seemed on track and was decreasing, rate cuts were assumed inevitable, and AI-driven growth narratives gave investors reason to ignore fundamentals. But as summer winds down, the anticipated relief has yet to materialize. Interest rates remain high, valuations have stretched, and inflation is showing signs of life again.

The global investment landscape has undergone a profound transformation in the 21^st century, driven by the rise of retail investors. This shift has been driven by technological advancements, the democratization of financial information through social media, changing demographics, and a shift in cultural attitudes toward investing. While empowering individuals financially, this movement also brings notable challenges and implications for markets and society.

As a Portfolio Strategist reviewing hundreds of advisor portfolios nationwide, I frequently discuss the role of Alternatives. The most common are actively managed, liquid “alt” funds, often used to reduce drawdowns, volatility, and correlation—ultimately aiming to improve risk-adjusted returns. While these benefits are possible, not all alternative sub-asset classes deliver them equally. This article highlights the characteristics of the most common liquid alternatives and their impact at the portfolio level.

The most common categories of liquid Alternatives I see in portfolios are Multi-Strategy, Hedged Equity, Managed Futures, Event-Driven, Long/Short Equity, and Equity Market Neutral.

Many retirees and even some financial planning practitioners may not be aware of the ability for a specific subset of folks to be able to claim retroactive social security benefits. The benefits come as a lump sum and cover months in which the individual qualified for benefits but had not yet filed a claim. This strategy can be used for both retirement and disability benefits. Supplemental Social Security Income has no retroactive feature. Understanding how these benefits work, who qualifies, and the implications of retroactive payments is crucial for effective retirement or disability planning.

In the growing career of personal finance, understanding the behavioral attitudes of investors is essential for delivering effective and personally tailored advice. One area where differences have been observed is how women and men see and manage investment risk. These gender-based differences are not only shaped by individual preferences but also by psychological and economic factors. As financial advisors, recognizing these patterns can improve communication, client satisfaction, and lead to better investment outcomes for our clients.

With more than 800 pages, the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) can seem overwhelming. In this blog series, we break down specific segments focused on retirement planning and how they affect your clients. If a topic piques your interest, consider researching it further or reaching out to our team to talk strategy.

First up: The Senior Bonus Deduction.

What is the Senior Bonus Deduction?

A temporary tax deduction available to eligible American taxpayers who are 65 and older. It is included as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.

There’s nothing like using the word “great” in a phrase to get people to sit up and take notice, especially in our industry. The Great Depression, the Great Prosperity, and the Great Recession all identified periods in our history with significant economic impacts.

Now, the Great Wealth Transfer is coming. Or, considering that the oldest baby boomers are nearly 80 and the oldest Gen Xers turn 60 this year, it’s no doubt already here. So, what does that mean for you? Two crucial statistics stand out: 1) It’s estimated that $124 trillion will change hands by 2048¹ and 2) More than 80 percent of heirs fire their parents’ advisors after inheritance². This could present a serious risk—but also a “great” opportunity—for the future of your advisory business.

 Ask your clients to rate the life they’re living on a scale from 1 to 10.

Their car? An 8 or 9.
Their home? Maybe a 7 or 8.
Their kids’ school? An 8, maybe higher.

Your clients work hard to provide a life they’re proud of. But when it comes to protecting that lifestyle, too many are only planning for a 3. To me, that’s a disconnect. If your clients are working hard to give their families the best, why would the plan to protect it fall short?

Retirement income planning is one of the most critical, yet misunderstood, aspects of financial advising. Many advisors and clients alike hold on to outdated beliefs that can negatively impact long-term financial security. In a recent McGSpeaks podcast, I interviewed Randy Kitzmiller, ChFC, CLU, FLMI, RICP and tackled five of the biggest myths surrounding income planning and revealed how advisors can better serve their clients by challenging conventional wisdom. Below, we explore these myths and present actionable insights that can transform retirement planning strategies.

Can you identify the “solo agers” among your client base? They’re broadly defined as unmarried, divorced, or widowed adults with no close heirs. It’s a growing demographic and one that’s often overlooked when it comes to financial planning. Given the lack of traditional planning models for this group, there are several things to keep in mind when working with them.