Calculator with the word tax written in wooden block letters

July 28, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Tax Talk

Tax Planning in Turbulent Times Part 1: The Tools of the Tax-Planning Trade

Whether you’re saving, investing, spending, bequeathing or receiving wealth, there’s scarcely a move you can make without considering how taxes might influence the outcome. No wonder people get nervous when there’s lots of talk about higher taxes, but little certainty on what may come of it, and who it might affect. How do we plan […]

Business people brainstorming in a meeting

July 14, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Quarterly Client Letters

Quarterly Client Letter – 2021 Q2

As we swing into the second half of 2021, consider this quote from a book first published back in 1954: “A river cannot, we are told, rise above its source. Well, it can seem to if there is a pumping station concealed somewhere about.” — Darrell Huff, “How to Lie with Statistics” Does the sentiment […]

Inflation spelled in letters with shopping basket and piggy bank on seesaw against dark background

July 6, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Economy Corner

Is Inflation Haunting Your Financial Dreams? Part 2: What We Can Do About It

In our last piece, we covered the recent uptick in inflation, and what to make of it in a historical context. For investors, it’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture before acting on breaking news. But what if inflation does get out of hand, and stays that way for […]

June 21, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Economy Corner

Is Inflation Haunting Your Financial Dreams? Part 1: What We Know

Has the specter of inflation got you spooked? Recent headlines are filled with sightings. In this two-part series, let’s take a closer look at what to make of all the commentary, and what you can do about it as an investor. First and foremost, we caution against succumbing to fear or panic in the face […]

February 22, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Currency Conversations

Cryptocurrency: What’s It All About? Part 3

Part 3: Trading in Cryptocurrency We covered a lot of ground in Part 1 and Part 2 of this three-part series on cryptocurrency. You may or may not be interested in using cryptocurrency as a means of exchange. But what about trading in it, directly or in fund form? If you’re considering that possibility, know […]

February 11, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Currency Conversations

Cryptocurrency: What’s It All About? Part 2

Part 2: Spending Cryptocurrency In part 1 of our three-part series, we introduced cryptocurrency in general. Next, let’s explore the challenges and opportunities that exist for those hoping to earn, store, and spend their bitcoin or similar cryptoassets. The Crypto-Possibilities As described in part 1, cryptocurrency is typically driven “by and for the people” in […]

February 10, 2021

by Rob Challenger in Currency Conversations, Moneytalk Blog

Cryptocurrency: What’s It All About?

Part 1: Understanding Cryptocurrency It’s hard to scan the financial headlines these days and not spot at least one call to action related to Bitcoin’s latest moves. Has all the attention given you cryptocurrency fever, or are you at least wondering what it’s all about? Before you start loading up on bitcoin or any other […]

November 23, 2020

by Rob Challenger in Holiday Messages

A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving

Holiday Gratitude in Unusual Times Today, we break from financial conversations to celebrate the season with you. We know that’s going to be a tall order this year. After all, families have been coming together for millennia to gather around holiday tables. Counting their blessings. Mourning shared sorrows. Hugging one another tight. It’s heartbreaking how […]

October 29, 2020

by Rob Challenger in Holiday Messages

Presidential Election Reflection

October 2020 Here’s an interesting puzzle: Why do we cringe at the sight or sound of breaking glass, but we salivate over breaking news? In the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, you’ve probably been hit by enough breaking news to propel you well into 2021. Predictions abound on who will prevail, and what will […]

October 13, 2020

by Rob Challenger in Quarterly Client Letters

Quarterly Client Letter – 2020 Q3

In third-quarter markets that represented a second consecutive quarter of remarkable overall gains, what stock outshone all the others in the S&P 1500 Composite Index? Zoom? Apple? Netflix? Nope, none of these, or any of the other trendy FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google’s parent company Alphabet). Not Tesla, either. It was Tupperware, up a jaw-dropping […]

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