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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now?The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million by...

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Key TakeawaysThere’s no universal “best” claiming age since the appropriate choice can depend on a variety of factors, including longevity, work, and survivor needs.Early vs. delayed benefits is a tradeoff that can mean smaller checks...

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Key TakeawaysTeach through real decisions, not lectures Give teens responsibility with clear limits so they learn from real trade-offs.Frame choices instead of funding purchases Focus conversations on priorities and opportunity cost,...

Friday, March 27, 2026

As 2026 begins, attention is on markets, interest rates, and the economy. Equally important are tax law changes that may affect how you save, invest, give, and transfer wealth.Recent tax legislation modified or extended several...

Monday, March 23, 2026

If you feel like your kids are working hard and still finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home, you are not alone.We have many clients whose adult children are looking to trade in a rental for a mortgage payment. If your loved...

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Monday, March 2, 2026

A quiet shift is happening. Women are building their own wealth through careers, often serving as the primary earners in their families, and inheriting assets from their parents and spouses. Meanwhile, women are living longer and, in...

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals.2025 was a year marked by...

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and Focus Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into...

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Key Takeaways About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions for high earners and...

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate planning strategy,...

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a caregiver...

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...

Thursday, October 2, 2025

If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Many folks are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, they're...

Monday, September 22, 2025

As the Federal Reserve begins its first rate-cutting cycle in years, investors and homeowners alike are asking a key question: What will this mean for housing, and is now a smart time to make real estate moves? At BCS Wealth Management...

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed back in 2017, it brought lower federal tax brackets, larger standard deductions, and higher estate and gift tax exemptions. But there was always a catch—many of these provisions were set to...

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone,— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Your Business Structure Matters More Than You Might Think Starting a business is one of the most exciting—and daunting—decisions you’ll ever make. At BCS Wealth Management, we work closely with business owners at every stage of growth...

Thursday, July 17, 2025

We’ve just wrapped up the second quarter of 2025 and it seems hard to believe that the year is already halfway over. How did that happen so quickly? Although it flew by from my point of view, there wasn’t a dull moment, and it was...

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Reimagining Wealth with Sahil Bloom’s 5 Types of Wealth At BCS Wealth Management, we believe wealth is about more than investment accounts or estate plans. It’s about designing a life that aligns with your...

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg, saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to tax-efficient retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs. But the shift from saving to spending—turning your assets into...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

“The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.’” — Sir John Templeton In 2025, market headlines may seem more unpredictable than ever. Inflation, interest rates, political shifts, and global instability can...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...

Monday, May 5, 2025

As the summer travel season approaches, we wanted to share tips for those preparing for a vacation outside the U.S. Whether you're heading to Europe, Asia, or another part of the world, being prepared may help you avoid unexpected...

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Recent headlines about tariffs and trade policies have caught the attention of investors, raising questions about how these changes could affect portfolios and markets. People naturally experience discomfort during times of market...

Monday, April 14, 2025

April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...

Monday, March 24, 2025

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...

Friday, February 28, 2025

With Bitcoin’s recent surge, the questions surrounding whether to invest have followed suit. It has been on an impressive run, doubling in value in 2024. Momentum has been strong recently with almost half of the jump coming after...

Thursday, February 27, 2025

You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...

Monday, January 27, 2025

Have you noticed a change to your paper statements? Starting in October, Charles Schwab reduced the frequency of mailed statements in accounts with no activity. Clients receiving mailed, paper statements with no activity will now...

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...

Friday, January 17, 2025

While the markets seemed to crawl to the finish line in 2024, we still ended the year with strong growth for the second year in a row. I recall writing last year that it was entirely possible for markets to have another strong year,...

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Last week stocks fell for the second consecutive week as a round of fresh economic data stoked inflationary fears among investors. Stocks rallied broadly to start the week, but two economic reports on Tuesday – job openings and the...

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Each year, late in the fourth quarter, the major market and economic thinktanks issue their forecasts for the new year to come. These forecasts grab headlines, provoke debates, and probably drive website clicks. For me, if I am honest,...

Monday, December 23, 2024

Maybe invoking a smile, it’s time to see if investors will get a “Santa Claus rally” this year. A Santa Claus rally is a sustained increase in the stock market that often occurs around Christmas. Yale Hirsch, the founder of the Stock...

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The U.S. Tax Code has been anything but stable over the last century. The most important federal tax rates, including those of personal income taxes, corporate taxes, and estate taxes, have floated around like space orbitals. That...

Thursday, December 12, 2024

In part one of this blog article series, we introduced the basics of IRAs and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Now, let’s dive deeper into how the SECURE Act of 2019 and the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 have changed the rules,...

Monday, December 9, 2024

U.S. jobs growth revived in November to 227,000 in the nonfarm payrolls report on Friday. That figure was near the average analyst estimate and a major leap from October’s storm-rattled weakness. Unemployment inched up to 4.2% from 4...

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Most workers will be allowed to contribute up to $23,500 to their 401(k)s and similar workplace retirement plans in 2025, up $500 from 2024. Workers 50 to 59, or 64 and older, can make an additional catch-up contribution of up to $7...

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

In today’s digital age, protecting your financial information is more important than ever. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, identity theft, and data breaches, clients are rightfully concerned about their financial...

Monday, November 18, 2024

The markets for stocks and other “risk-on” assets such as cryptocurrencies leaped forward after the U.S. presidential election. The knee-jerk reaction sent the S&P 500 stock index to a record last Monday, November 11. That level was...

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

If you have ever felt unsure about the inner workings of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or wondered what happens with these accounts when you reach a certain age, you are not alone. Many have questions about required minimum...

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

A meaningful part of being wealth advisors is keeping folks informed about significant changes that may impact their financial planning. One such change on the horizon is the adjustment to the federal estate tax exemptions. We’ll...

Monday, November 4, 2024

There was a lot of green on the scoreboard last quarter. It was an action-filled quarter in the financial markets underneath the seemingly tranquil green numbers on this page. Although there’s plenty of action in any quarter, it was...

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

This is the biggest election year in world history. Seventy-six countries – home to roughly 4.4 billion people – will hold political contests in 2024. The most watched race will be for U.S. President. The composition and control of...

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

As the calendar turns to the fourth quarter, and in light of the recent floods around our region, we thought we would bring some attention to charitable giving. We love working with clients who are charitably inclined! I believe most...

Monday, October 21, 2024

One might think the spirited, anxiety-producing U.S. elections would be causing trepidation in the stock market. However, the broad U.S. stock indexes continue to show strength. Recent investor sentiment data also shows bearish...

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

When you created your initial investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. Over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your portfolio may now need...

Monday, October 7, 2024

What are mortgage rates doing in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s September interest rate reduction? The average rate on the 30-year-fixed mortgage is 6.53%, according to Mortgage News Daily. Counterintuitive as it might seem, that’s...

Monday, September 23, 2024

Heading into last Wednesday, it was practically a coin toss as to whether the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates by 0.25% or 0.50%. The coin landed showing 0.50%. Thus, the Fed took a bolder start in making its first interest...

Monday, September 9, 2024

After two years and seven months of rising or staying flat, the market expects the Federal Reserve’s federal funds interest rates to finally move lower this month. This has been the market’s strong expectation since August. The...

Thursday, August 29, 2024

The Federal Reserve has been one of, if not the biggest, topic in financial markets news over the last few years. Interest rates and expectations of where they might be in the future always seem to play a primary role in the direction...

Monday, August 26, 2024

Financial markets look beyond the here-and-now. Stock and bond markets seem to be predominately valued according to future expectations, not just what is happening today. That is one of their most interesting qualities, in our view. It...

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

A robust and well-rounded financial plan is the cornerstone of long-term financial security for you and your family. The plan encompasses many elements, including saving and budgeting, investing, tax planning, and risk management. To...

Monday, August 12, 2024

After enjoying a summer of smooth gains, the stock market hit a rocky patch beginning in late July. The road got rougher starting August 1. Then Monday, August 5 delivered the worst decline in U.S. stocks all year. On August 5 the...

Monday, August 5, 2024

The financial cost of education is a challenge for many. Fortunately, a 529 plan may help families save and invest for future education expenses. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings vehicle commonly used to save for...

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Although there are caveats, I believe time-saving services are generally an advantage of modern life. Convenience means we have more time to spend with the people and pursuits we care about. In the last few years, society has become...

Monday, July 22, 2024

The S&P 500 index of large U.S. stocks lost 2% last week, trimming its 2024 gains to 15%. However, last week was not necessarily bad for U.S. stocks generally. Different types of stocks – namely indexes of smaller companies and value...

Monday, July 8, 2024

When you buy or sell securities, “settlement” refers to the official transfer of securities to the buyer’s account and the cash to seller’s account. Starting May 28, 2024, the securities industry has a shortened time for most...

Monday, July 1, 2024

We are excited to unveil our newly rebranded logo, a green leaf with four distinct bars, each representing one of our core values: stewardship, excellence, relationship, and fulfillment. This change reflects our commitment to growing...

Friday, June 28, 2024

Congratulations on your new job! What will you do with your 401(k)? By John Brandon One of the common threads of a transitioning workforce is that many individuals who leave their jobs are faced with a decision about what to do with...

Friday, February 9, 2024

Living longer, healthier lives is undeniably a blessing. Yet, with increased longevity comes the likely reality of needing long-term healthcare. This raises questions about who will provide it and how it will be paid for. While many...

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

The interest rate outlook has been at the top of the financial news since the Federal Reserve’s meeting last week. Last Wednesday, the Fed suggested interest rate cuts are not imminent. The financial markets heard that message, and the...

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Life is full of unpredictable twists and turns. While we work hard and pray for the best, it’s crucial to be prepared for the unforeseen. What if an illness or injury were to keep you from being able to work and earn a living? That’s...

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The incredible positive momentum that the U.S. stock market has shown since November is continuing. Heavyweight tech and communication companies are helping to drive key indexes to highs. The S&P 500 Index hit an all-time high today....

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Today we had fun recording the latest episode for “The Benchmark,” our firm’s in-house podcast. This episode recapped 2023’s market performance and looked ahead to what are likely to be important drivers in 2024...

Saturday, December 16, 2023

If the stock market were to have a tagline for 2023, it might be “Saving the Best for Last.” Broad U.S. stock market indexes surged to their highs of 2023 this week. The indexes reached the same impressive levels last seen...

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

A rally in the broad U.S. stock market on Friday turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The stock market digested November’s robust gains and rallied strongly amid falling bond yields on...

Friday, November 17, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes will not be due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Stocks jumped higher last week, shaking off the prior week’s sell-off. Last week’s uptick is attributed to a retreat in bond yields, which was triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The combination last...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Social Security Administration recently announced that over 71 million Americans, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, will receive a 3.2% increase in their benefits for 2024. However, it is...

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a headline risk for the markets?” Headline risk is the chance that an unsettling news event – anticipated or a surprise – can add volatility to the financial markets. Be prepared for some...

Friday, September 8, 2023

September 8, the Friday after Labor Day, marks National 401(k) day. It’s the day Americans are encouraged to check in on their retirement readiness. 401(k)s and similar workplace retirement plans are common, popular vehicles to save...

Monday, July 24, 2023

One of the most rewarding parts of the financial planning profession is educating people about personal finance. Knowledge is a bedrock. It’s difficult to make optimal financial decisions for yourself and your family without at least...

Thursday, July 13, 2023

The S&P 500 index of American stocks ended the first half of the year higher by 16.9%. For many, the recovery since the start of the year (actually since last October) brings renewed optimism about long-term stock investing. It’s an...

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

BCS Wealth Management will release a podcast series soon. Organized and recorded in-house by our team at BCS Wealth Management, the podcast will educate about personal financial planning and investing topics, as well as provide...

Thursday, June 22, 2023

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security program into existence in 1935. In the world of retirement planning and wealth management, Social Security has come to be the cornerstone for tens of millions of Americans....

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Imagine there are 100 miles between you and a goal: a place you want to get to. The land in between is chock full of canyons, crevasses, and crumbling cliffs. You have two choices of how you could get there. You could find a way on...

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

I was watching Down to Earth with Zac Efron the other night. It’s an inspirational, light-hearted show about travel, culture, and wellness. This episode was filmed on the Australian Pacific coast. A local guide showed Efron a sawfish:...

Monday, April 24, 2023

What’s some good news from the past week or two in your life? It doesn’t have to be big news. Have you had a memorable meal with loved ones? Celebrated a milestone? Read a good book? We think that the practice of appreciating the good...

Thursday, April 13, 2023

We’d like to share a quote by Desmond Tutu: “Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” It got us thinking about how language guides our focus and impacts our reality...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

When most folks think of a wealth management firm, they think of a company that helps clients manage a portfolio often consisting of stocks, bonds, and other investments. This approach aims to help them achieve their long-term goals...

Monday, March 13, 2023

The leading financial news story of the past five days has been the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. It is the largest bank to fail in the U.S. since Washington Mutual in 2008. The bank is the 16th largest in the U.S., with some $209...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s meeting concluding February 1 were released last Thursday, February 23. The minutes indicated that nearly all members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) agreed with February’s quarter-point...