Seems Like Old Times? December Recap and January Outlook The inauguration of only the second U.S....
For Individuals
December Market Commentary: A New Regime Comes Into Focus
A New Regime Comes Into Focus November Recap and December Outlook The transition to a new administration is underway with announcements of cabinet position nominees. The pro-business lean of the incoming government is not a surprise, and the emphasis is likely to be...
Sign up for email updates
2020 IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
The IRS has released the Annual Plan Limitations for 2020 for defined contribution and defined benefit plans. The 403(b), 457(b), & 401(k) elective deferral limits, catch-up limits and other key limits for 2020 have changed and are listed below. ...
Return to the Wild West for Texas 403(b) Plans?
Written by Mike Cochran Eighteen years ago, the Texas Legislature implemented what could arguably be described as the best system in the U.S. for regulating 403(b) plans in Texas public schools. In 2019, the Legislature dismantled that system. The Legislature...
A Beginner’s Guide to College Funding
Written by: Matt EscalanteWe all know kids can be expensive when you add up the costs for everyday essentials such as food, clothing, daycare, etc. (just to name a few). The moment a child is born, the clock starts ticking on developing a proper plan for one of the...
Stop failing your financial plan
Written by: Dennis Bielik, CFA®, FRM“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery. As a Financial Planner, I like to spend a couple weekends throughout the year to look back on the year so far and soak it in. Each time I do this, I find...
3 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score
Written by: Dennis Bielik, CFA®, FRMCredit scores will play an important part in many purchases you make throughout your life. It may not appear to be a flashing neon sign hanging over your head as you stroll down the sidewalk as seen on TV, but it is flashing bright...
Fixed-Income: Grab a Seat and Watch the Game Play Out
Written by: Dennis Bielik, CFA®, FRMThere is nothing more popular or prevalent than diversification and asset allocation in portfolio management. Whether you are an employee of the industry or an investor looking for a money manager, you cannot escape these terms....
4 Steps to Not Get Spooked by Holiday Volatility
Written by: Chris Jamail, CFP® & Dennis Bielik, CFA®, FRMFall is back again. It’s a season defined by transition and change, like the leaves changing color (admittedly rare in Texas), the infamous reappearance of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the fluctuation...
Emergency Savings
In 2017, 34% of American households experienced a major, unexpected expense – and only 39% of Americans said they would be able to cover even a $1,000 emergency. Every financial plan should start with an emergency savings – it’s the backbone, foundation, and buttress...
New 403(b) Rules Adopted by TRS
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) was given authority by the Texas Legislature in 2001 to oversee 403(b) companies and products. In our view, they have done an excellent job of fulfilling their responsibilities over the past 16 years while managing to...
Having trouble paying your Student Loans?
When you’re struggling to pay other bills after graduation, it’s easy to forget that like all good things, that grace period on your student loans is coming to an end. If you can’t afford your scheduled payments, or even if you’ve fallen behind, there are several...