“This world keeps spinning / And with each new day / I can feel a change in everything”“Well, it...
For Individuals
March Market Commentary: Tariffs, Inflation, and Taxes… Where’s the Balance?
Tariffs, Inflation, and Taxes: Where's the Balance? February Recap and March Outlook The new administration’s priority of “reindustrializing the U.S.” is coming into focus as tariff announcements - even if softened or rescinded - indicated that this is a policy, not...
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Bonds in the Bear Market
The Bear is here! Unfortunately, the reality is we’re all scared of Bears (unless you’re from Chicago—then you may be a fan). The longest bull market on record is over and now comes the opportunity to look towards the next—no matter how long or short the current bear...
New: Track Your Distribution Status
We’re excited to introduce our new Distribution Tracker widget designed to help you stay informed about your request every step of the way. Gone are the days you had to call and speak to an Agent to get an update on the status of your paperwork. How it works is...
What to know about the SECURE Act
The SECURE Act ("Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019”) was passed in 2019 and took effect on January 1, 2020. The Act is a bi-partisan piece of legislation passed by Congress in an attempt address the lack of retirement savings among...
Advisors Weigh In: How to Increase Participant Contribution Rates
Source: Financial Advisor IQ What’s the most effective tool you’ve used to help increase contribution rates? Dennis Bielik works at TCG Advisors, a firm based in Austin, Texas that has been in business for 20 years and manages $3.5 billion. His response is below:...
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....