“Left of bang” is a readiness mindset used by U.S. Marines to better identify, prepare for, and take proactive action against negative “bang” incidents. It is valuable to use the left of bang mindset in the investment and financial planning world. Here are some financial portfolio protection planning techniques my team uses to minimize the financial impact of life’s negative events.

International stocks have not done well recently compared with U.S. stocks. Yet, as we contemplate excluding international stocks from our portfolios, we should be aware of our tendency to commit recency errors. Learn why it’s important to recognize recency bias, and how it can have a negative effect on financial portfolios.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott talks about rolling over your 401k to an IRA, factors to consider in this decision, and how this decision can have positive and negative effects on your financial future depending on your situation. Listen to learn more about rolling over a 401k to an IRA.

Current economic and political conditions are prompting clients to ask two big questions in recent days: Markets are so high; aren’t we “buying at the top”? and The election is coming up, so what’s going to happen with the markets? Scott breaks down the current financial investment market during an election year.

In a letter to his private wealth management clients, Scott discusses graduation and the important financial lessons he’s learned through the years that have helped him successfully manage financial portfolios.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott talks about why it is important, particularly for retirees, to consider a total return investing approach, rather than only an income portfolio approach, in their financial management plan.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott talks about the benefits of investing in international stocks and the importance of diversifying your financial portfolio to include international stocks.

Scott discusses how investors benefiting from the new stock market highs are the ones who had to once again “climb a wall of worry” and exhibit great patience and investment discipline, as well as financial portfolio allocation strategy.

Scott and Christy Boysen of Apex Legacy Consultants discuss charitable giving strategies and techniques, including charitable remainder trusts.

In a recent client letter, Scott explains the importance of portfolio diversification and why it’s important to resist the urge to jump on the newest and hottest company stock without first evaluating your entire financial portfolio and financial goals.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott discusses tax-free strategies and ROTH IRAs to help maximize your financial portfolio.

Join Scott Oeth and market strategists from Vanguard to discuss recent market volatility, the economy, and portfolio returns evaluation, as well as what’s driving markets and where potential investment opportunities lie.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott defines financial independence and discusses steps people can take to achieve and maintain financial independence.

529 plans have long been a favorite college planning tool, and they have become even more attractive over the past few years due to regulatory changes. Scott Oeth and his wealth strategy team offer a brief overview on financial planning for college and a focused discussion on updated strategies using 529 plans.

Executive equity compensation awards, such as stock options, restricted stock units, and directly held shares of company stock with large embedded taxable positions can be the most tax-advantageous assets to use to meet philanthropic goals. Learn more about charitable giving using executive compensation in an effort to help maximize your charitable donations.

The economic and market winds may bring stormy weather in 2023, no one knows for certain what will happen in the future, and that’s why we advise to metaphorically “always carry an umbrella”—even when the market outlook is sunny. Learn more about why expecting bad weather, but knowing good weather will inevitably return, is the outlook of successful investors.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott talks about the college financial planning process, including deciding whether college is the right choice, setting financial boundaries for students, and 529 college savings plans.

What assets can we buy to hedge against rising prices? How do we add diversification in portfolios from stock and bond investments? With hybrid work and rising interest rates putting pressure on commercial real estate, what is the outlook for this asset class? How do we add quality real estate exposure?

Michelle Butler, SVP of Cohen & Steers and I discuss these timely topics.

Jay Lisowski, CFA, SVP at First Eagle Investments and I discuss First Eagle’s investment approach, including their attempts to deliver diversification from the masses and protect investment value with their “margin of safety” approach. We also covered banking, interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical factors, as well as First Eagle’s unique security selection and portfolio construction techniques, including their core tenant to invest with a margin of safety.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott talks about healthcare costs in retirement, health savings accounts (HSAs), extended care insurance, and other health-related costs that commonly occur in the golden years. He offers financial strategies designed to prepare for such costs, so your retirement savings aren’t hurt by unexpected healthcare costs.

Many investors who are maximizing contributions under their employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and IRAs are seeking additional options for tax-deferred savings. For some, the solution may be available through the type of employer health care plan they participate in and its associated health savings account (“HSA”).

As an important tax-management tool, net unrealized appreciation (“NUA”) should not be overlooked by those who want to manage their distributions tax-efficiently. The requirements to qualify for NUA special tax treatment are many and intricate, so it’s important to consult with tax and financial advisors before executing this option.

The great bank collapse of ‘23 has generated an avalanche of analysis, forecasts, and finger-pointing, but very little on how we should react and what we should do about it. Here’s a quick recap of the financial factors that led to the bank fall (and how I worked to protect my clients from that fall), how to avoid self-sabotage during times of financial crisis, and action steps to consider to help solidify your financial portfolio.

Our financial wealth strategy team covers the many new tax law changes and financial planning opportunities in the recent 2023 Secure 2.0 tax bill. Learn more about these changes, as well as how we will evaluate individual financial planning opportunities around this Secure 2.0 bill over the course of the year.

As expected during a broad bear market, portfolio strategies everywhere bent under the strain, but of critical importance, our portfolios and financial plans did not break! Learn about the wealth strategies we used to protect financial portfolios in a bear market.

Employer retirement plans with in-service distributions can be complex. You may find that an in-service/non-hardship distribution and rollover could provide access to more investment options, risk management strategies, and diversification approaches. Plus, you may gain access to a wider variety of guaranteed retirement income options. Learn more about how to approach your retirement plan and the options available to you.

Bucket portfolios are aimed at providing spending resources during investors’ decumulation periods, usually in retirement. However, an even bigger advantage to bucket portfolios is their potential to be quite effective in helping investors avoid panicked selling during market downturns.

In this month’s edition of “Money Matters,” Scott discusses stock dividends and the tax implications of the recently passed Secure Act 2.0.

There are numerous factors to consider before choosing a pension plan lump-sum distribution. Learn more about the benefits and risks to lump-sum distributions, and the many factors you should consider before choosing a lump-sum distribution.