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Interest in collective investment trusts (CITs) as plan investment options is steadily accelerating. As part of this growing attention, CIT governance practices, and the policies and procedures banks and trust companies use to govern their CIT offerings, are emerging as factors that may warrant consideration by plan fiduciaries when making plan inv...

U.S. inflation is at its highest in four decades due to COVID-19-induced spending on goods, supply-chain issues, fiscal stimulus from the government, and very accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. But unlike last time when inflation was high, some key drivers of the current inflation are expected to fade. However, several forces a...

The inflationary vortex has been the result of several forces—some unforeseen or unforeseeable—spiraling upward. In this forecast, the focus is on the three catalysts that are expected to impact tomorrow’s inflation outlook: the U.S. labor market, China’s economic and demographic evolution, and the role of the green energy. Between these themes, th...

With each challenge comes the opportunity to reevaluate and do better. This was evident in 2020 when the COVID pandemic brought about a sea change in the way business was done. In this episode, guest Doris Meister discusses how the virus has changed the ways advisors help clients achieve their goals, and what you should look for when choo...

Typically, investors focus on more traditional asset classes, like stocks and bonds, where information is often readily available and digestible. Sometimes, however, sophisticated qualifying investors increase their capital allocations to private markets for reasons they believe are compelling enough to make it worth taking the risk. This primer wi...

For many individuals, philanthropy is one of the more gratifying parts of estate planning. Adding in a multigenerational component—one that involves the family’s needs, interests, assets, and goals—can make it even more meaningful and compelling. With the focus on the family and through open channels of communication, philanthropy can be an excelle...

President Biden’s tax proposals, while not enacted, are important to review and consider before any planning strategies are implemented in 2021 as they represent potential changes to current tax laws. The table in this article identifies key areas of income and transfer tax law affecting individuals and families, workers, corporations, and pa...

For many families, discussing wealth transfer and inheritance issues can be challenging. Fear of demotivating heirs can cause wealth holders to withhold vital information. But the rewards can prove significant when family members work together to overcome their fear by improving communications and strengthening trust. While every family is unique, ...

Changes in the federal tax laws have provided a renewed focus on state income taxes and strategies available to minimize these taxes. While personal trusts have been used most commonly as estate and gift tax planning tools, they now have increased importance as vehicles for minimizing a family’s federal and state income tax liability. If you ...

Millennials have surpassed the Baby Boomers as the nation’s largest demographic segment. And with more than $30 trillion passing to them through inheritance over the next 30 years, Millennial investors are determined to make an impact and use their wealth to reshape not just markets, but the world. Given that only 28% of ultra-high-net-worth ...

Women have become financial powerhouses and have taken on an increasing role in managing wealth to the tune of $11.2 trillion. Some estimate that by 2030, women will control as much as two-thirds of the nation’s wealth. This change makes one thing clear—whether women are wealth creators, inheritors, or owners through marriage, they need...

Ransomware will continue to be a top security concern in the coming years because of its ease of use and high profitability. For those unfamiliar with ransomware, it’s a type of malicious software (also known as malware) that, when downloaded to a computer, encrypts files so they can no longer be accessed without paying a ransom to the cybercrimina...

Business impersonation scams are a large and growing risk for high-net-worth individuals, closely held business owners, and institutions. Scams have claimed victims in all 50 states and more than 100 countries and there is every reason to believe the threat is growing. Learn seven steps that can help you protect yourself and your business from impe...

Research indicates that multigenerational involvement is the single most important factor in sustaining family wealth into the third generation and beyond. Furthermore, the families that most successfully integrate younger members into their family operations seem to share the same philosophies and core values. It’s a family enterprise mindset that...

Charitable planning can be an important part not only of managing income and estate taxes, but of engaging the family and strengthening family values. Adding in a multigenerational component can make it even more meaningful and compelling. Just as every family is unique, so is the philanthropic approach where communication is key and there is ...