Wealth Perspectives Newsletter
This semi-annual client newsletter is your guide to general investment news, wealth and estate planning articles, and much more.
Latest Articles
September 9, 2024
August's market volatility, driven by tech stock concerns and economic uncertainty, has investors bracing for rate cuts and geopolitical risks ahead of election season.
August 27, 2024
Master financial planning to align your business and personal goals, ensuring long-term success and financial health for your company.
August 20, 2024
Discover how the Tortoise and the Hare fable reveals the critical importance of diversification in building and preserving long-term wealth.
August 13, 2024
Ensure your estate plan addresses every detail, including your personal belongings. This guide outlines the pros and cons of various methods for managing assets like household goods, jewelry, and collectibles.
August 9, 2024
Uncover the modern role of prenuptial agreements in financial planning and estate management. See how these agreements foster transparency, protect assets, and promote financial harmony in marriage.
August 4, 2024
Amid global focus on the Paris Olympic Games, July saw the S&P 500's positive returns for the third consecutive month, despite economic challenges and market volatility.
August 1, 2024
Historically, March is known as the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but from a capital markets perspective, August of 2024 could certainly live up to that billing.
July 25, 2024
Remember when China was the growth engine of the world? For decades the question wasn’t if, but when the Chinese economy would surpass the US. But, is China's economic miracle over?
July 20, 2024
Secure your family's future with tailored estate planning. Trusts, wills, and durable powers of attorney are essential for protecting your loved ones and addressing unique challenges.
July 13, 2024
Many individuals believe that estate planning is only for the very wealthy and required to save on estate taxes. However, an estate plan can be so much more.
July 10, 2024
Thinking of rolling over your 401(k) or IRA? Discover the crucial IRS rules and deadlines you need to know to avoid hefty taxes and penalties.
July 8, 2024
June kicked off summer with hot returns in the US stock market. The market's volatility is expected to increase as the US heads into election season, but will likely adjust as it has each election before.
July 3, 2024
Learn how the SEC's move to a T+1 settlement cycle impacts your investments, enhances market efficiency, reduces risk, and improves liquidity. Stay informed on the benefits and implications for your portfolio management and cash flow.
June 11, 2024
Explore the essential vocabulary of trusts, including the roles of trustees and beneficiaries, and the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts.
June 7, 2024
April showers brought May flowers, but what should we expect as we head into the summer months from an investment standpoint?
June 1, 2024
The Magnificent Seven has been discussed extensively in investing circles. But what are the risks, particularly for the companies that have been leading the market to all-time highs?
April 18, 2024
While elections can certainly be an emotional time, they are not the time to make drastic investment decisions based solely on election outcomes.
April 17, 2024
Maximize your retirement wealth by understanding the complexities beyond market timing. Learn how our personalized approach to retirement investing considers your unique goals, going beyond the 'one size fits all' strategy.
April 15, 2024
Spring is certainly in the air for investors. The index finished up for the month, and while the pace of this growth is likely unsustainable, there are reasons to be optimistic that the returns can continue to stay positive for the remainder of the year.
April 10, 2024
There are a number of challenges parents in the sandwich generation face when helping with the financial decisions of their adult children.
April 2, 2024
Chances are, you have a child or grandchild who will be attending college in the near future. Along with bright hopes for the next chapter comes a common concern: how will the costs of post-secondary education be paid?
March 20, 2024
Effective investment strategies tailored to various life stages help ensure you mitigate the impact of sequence-of-returns risk. Safeguard your portfolio and financial well-being effectively during the transition from wealth accumulation to retirement.
March 12, 2024
Understand the differences between residency and domicile and their implications for tax planning. Explore a case study and learn key actions to establish domicile for potential tax benefits.
March 12, 2024
For the month of February, Cupid’s arrow certainly wasn’t needed to help investors fall in love with the stock market. There are a variety of factors pushing the US stock market higher, including growing GDP, low employment, and an uptick in manufacturing to name a few.
February 9, 2024
With the geopolitical tensions in the world and an upcoming election, the market continues to be influenced by rate cut expectations more than anything else.
February 8, 2024
Oil makes the world go around, or at least helps vehicles that go around the world. The oil market has always been as volatile as it has been important to economies across the globe.
January 26, 2024
Given the jaw-dropping costs of long-term care and the odds of needing it at some point in life, many people are left wondering how they will pay for the medical treatment and assistance with the activities of daily living they may require in their later years.
January 2, 2024
Explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on investing and how it can be a valuable tool for informed decision-making.
December 15, 2023
Discover helpful strategies “sandwich-ers” can utilize when providing assistance and guidance to those they care about, while also balancing and protecting their own financial nest eggs in this two-part series.
December 12, 2023
November gave investors reasons to give thanks. Now they are left wondering if Santa came early this year, or if there are gifts still to be delivered.
December 4, 2023
Learn the power of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) for tax-efficient and impactful giving. Enjoy immediate deductions, strategic contribution timing, privacy, and tax-free growth, making them a streamlined choice for meaningful philanthropy.
November 21, 2023
Many people dream of having a place family can gather for vacation or a second home to spend winters once retired. Before making that purchase, there may be tax implications to consider.
November 17, 2023
As you’re wrapping up the year, don’t forget about your favorite causes! Most charities need your help to meet their year-end goals, so be generous but be smart with your gift-giving.
November 14, 2023
October provided mostly tricks, with a hint of treats toward the close of the month. Twice during the month, the 10-year Treasury bond reached or exceeded 5%, a rate that has not been seen since 2007.
November 14, 2023
AI has become a disruptive force in the economy, raising questions about its impact on society. While AI has shown great promise in boosting stock returns, it also poses challenges concerning job losses, disinformation, and ethical considerations.
November 10, 2023
The importance of having a solid financial plan cannot be overstated. Financial planning serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards achieving your life's aspirations and ensuring a secure and comfortable future.
November 2, 2023
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, managed by Central Trust Company, awards the 2023 local, non-profit grant recipients.
November 2, 2023
While no one can predict the future, the dollar is still the most dominant reserve currency in the world. Learn about its impact on global economics, alternatives, and potential scenarios in this insightful analysis.
October 31, 2023
Fall is in the air, and the US stock market has taken its cue, with the S&P 500 index posting the worst month this year, falling 4.77%. Bonds were not much better, falling 2.54% for the month.
October 23, 2023
Prepare for Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know. Get a comprehensive overview of Medicare, including important changes for 2023, and make informed healthcare coverage decisions.
October 10, 2023
When choosing your team of trusted advisors to manage your hard-earned money and investments, always verify that they adhere to the fiduciary standard.
October 6, 2023
When it comes to managing your Medicare coverage, the annual Open Enrollment period is a crucial opportunity to ensure that your healthcare plan aligns with your evolving needs. Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment with Confidence by avoiding these 5 common mistakes.
September 15, 2023
In the heat of summer, returns across both stocks and bonds were decidedly cold. The main driver of underperformance for the month was expectations of the future path of interest rates.
September 5, 2023
Knowing when to take Social Security benefits is a common concern during financial planning discussions. Access valuable resources and make informed decisions for your unique situation with professional guidance.
August 25, 2023
Generate income for your portfolio by utilizing effective portfolio income methods like Tax-Loss Harvesting and Covered Call Writing. Learn how these methods work and how to implement them to optimize your earning potential.
August 14, 2023
While it is perfectly natural to have a range of feelings during volatile market conditions, it is important that you don’t let fear of the market lead you to the biggest risk of all – not reaching your long-term financial goals.
July 19, 2023
Find out how top executives navigate complex financial landscapes, from estate planning to retirement. Ensure a seamless transition into retirement with an integrated approach and a team of advisors focused on your best interests.
July 11, 2023
Plan ahead and take control of your retirement journey. Follow three simple steps to help safeguard your nest egg against the potential for unpredictable stock market performance.
July 10, 2023
June continued a run of surprising stock market returns for 2023. One month does not make a trend, but it's comforting to see stocks perform positively.
July 5, 2023
Good health is vital to living a happy and successful life. Discover the power of Health Savings Accounts in connecting your health and wealth.
March 6, 2023
Depressed asset values are often a source of frustration and worry for investors. However, with those concerns often come opportunities to achieve long-term planning objectives.
February 1, 2023
Maybe you don’t get the big cake and piles of presents like when you were a kid, but birthdays are still worth celebrating. When it comes to financial planning, each milestone birthday brings new benefits and opportunities.
November 29, 2022
One thing that does not get talked about enough are medical costs which go beyond Medicare. These costs can be complex and ever-changing.
November 18, 2022
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, managed by Central Trust Company, is happy to announce the 2022 local, non-profit grant recipients.
August 30, 2022
Are we there yet? Oh, the familiar refrain that many parents endure this time of year while traveling. It is by now the familiar refrain that economists and investors are enduring daily.
August 25, 2022
When a family owns land, it can mean many things to different members of the family. Working with a team of professionals to plan for your estate is an important decision to reach the desired outcome for your legacy property.
August 2, 2022
Anything that could affect a family or individual financial situation today, or in the future, brings with it the need to reevaluate where you are today, where you would like to be and if you are track to get there.
July 18, 2022
Each quarter, our investment team provides details on the market and economy, bringing you the latest insights in an easy to follow video.
June 14, 2022
Women are a large part of the workforce. They are often times directly involved in their households’ investment and financial decisions.
May 20, 2022
Given the recent volatility in the stock market, now might be a good time to consider a taxable Roth conversion.
May 20, 2022
There is more to financial planning than setting some goals and pinching some pennies. Here are five basic benefits that may come from working with a financial planner on an organized financial plan.
April 28, 2022
Probate can be public, time consuming, and expensive. But, it can also be easily avoided when the proper steps are taken.
April 19, 2022
There has been a lot of discussion over the past several years regarding cryptocurrency. If you feel like the whole idea of cryptocurrency is hard to understand, you are not alone.
March 23, 2022
While Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT) can seem complex to some, they can really be simple when broken down. Because GRATs have the potential to provide significant tax benefits when interest rates are low, today’s interest rate environment may provide a good opportunity.
March 15, 2022
Incapacity can befall anyone at any time. The best way to protect your family and assets in the event that disability strikes is to take the necessary steps when there is no doubt that you are fully capable of acting on your own behalf.
February 11, 2022
Many of us understand and recognize inflation. What we don’t know is how high it will go or how long it will last.
January 31, 2022
One of the biggest questions we hear from clients is, “What kind of retirement lifestyle can I afford?” It’s not easy to forecast living expenses for next year, let alone to project the cost of a retirement period of 30 plus years.
January 31, 2022
It’s been said that health has more of an impact on our happiness than anything else. Some say financial contentment follows close behind, which makes the beginning of the year a perfect time to look at how we can improve our financial well-being.
December 21, 2021
At Central Trust Company, we use Monte Carlo Simulation to model a variety of outcomes— including all the events taking place this year.
December 20, 2021
Investing is, and will always be, a balancing act between “eating well" and "sleeping well”.
December 17, 2021
When contemplating an outright business sale to an outside entity, the first or foundational level of planning should be contingency planning.
December 1, 2021
As investors we all know things can turn on a dime. Take time to explore programs available to help you, your family, or friends when health or fortunes have changed direction.
November 19, 2021
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, managed by Central Trust Company, is happy to announce the 2021 local, non-profit grant recipients.
September 22, 2021
by Greg Berg, CFA, CAIA, MBA, Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager INVESTMENT OUTLOOK Global…
August 12, 2021
Regardless of the age of your children, the first step in educating them about finances is communicating what money means to you.
August 11, 2021
Every time virtual currency is “spent” on goods & services, a taxable transaction has occurred that needs to be reported on your tax return!
July 1, 2021
The rules regarding withdrawals from inherited IRAs dramatically changed for IRA beneficiaries with the SECURE Act, passed just before 2020.
May 5, 2021
A common estate plan might provide that upon your death, your assets will be distributed to your children. While that has the benefit of being simple, there can be risks.
April 28, 2021
Our May/June 2021 Estate Planning Report is now available! Included is the feature article "DAF Notes". Also featured are Cases & Rulings and Washington Talk, a discussion of hot topics in the nation's capital.
April 23, 2021
Join our investment team for a look at our insights into the markets and the economy for the first quarter of 2021.
April 15, 2021
When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? If you haven’t reviewed your plan since the day you originally signed documents at your attorney’s office, you’re not alone.
April 2, 2021
In today’s digital world, almost everyone has online accounts. Have you thought about what will happen to these assets when you're gone?
March 22, 2021
You’ve worked hard to accumulate an estate that you hope to pass onto your children, but have you talked to them about it?
January 4, 2021
When uncertainty is all around, proactive steps you take help mitigate your personal financial risk and the uncertainties of life and the certainty of death and taxes.
November 20, 2020
Navigating the financial industry can be daunting. More so for someone that may not have experience in the industry or be aware of the multiple service delivery models that are available.
November 19, 2020
The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, managed by Central Trust Company, is happy to announce the 2020 local, non-profit grant recipients.
November 12, 2020
Variable annuities can be difficult for clients, and even some financial professionals, to fully understand.
September 21, 2020
With so many changes in the financial markets, it’s a good time to evaluate your investments.
September 10, 2020
In the latest edition of The Central View, our investment team dives into their thoughts on the economy, valuations, the upcoming election and our portfolio positioning as we navigate through Q3 2020.
June 2, 2020
Join our investment team for look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
March 10, 2020
The SECURE Act was intended to expand opportunities for taxpayers to save for retirement and to simplify administration for retirement accounts. It has resulted in unique challenges and planning opportunities in the estate planning arena.
February 13, 2020
Join our investment team for a look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
December 31, 2019
Here are some actionable ideas to coordinate your investment decisions with income tax strategies on your road to retirement.
December 27, 2019
While your chance of winning the lottery is extremely small, the challenges associated with managing a large influx of money are actually quite common.
December 16, 2019
Join our investment team for a look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
December 11, 2019
Wealth will soon be passed on to the next generation. With wealth and the management of that wealth in transition, so are the drivers behind investment decisions.
November 5, 2019
What’s unique about working with Central Trust Company is that we can advise you about our many service offerings outside of just the investment realm.
October 2, 2019
Regardless of the age of your children it is important to educate them about money and the concepts of earning, spending, saving, investing, and giving.
September 19, 2019
The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates three times this year. So, what are the implications for low and even negative interest rates, globally and domestically?
August 22, 2019
It's important to be prepared if you want your family business to survive the passing of generations.
August 16, 2019
Market volatility can lead some investors to make quick decisions that can ultimately harm their long-term investing goals. It's important to know if you are investing with your emotions or remaining objective.
July 23, 2019
Join our investment team for a look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
June 19, 2019
Retirement means your regular paycheck has stopped and now you are in charge of managing your own cash flow.
May 29, 2019
Financial planning has become a financial services industry term that encompasses many things, and can be confusing if it is not placed in proper context.
May 28, 2019
The "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" bill was passed by the House on May 23 and could drastically change the rules of retirement.
May 15, 2019
Selling a business can be complicated and daunting – and may bear substantial tax consequences.
April 19, 2019
Join us for a look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
April 9, 2019
Having a will doesn't always mean you can avoid probate, but having a trust can be beneficial in avoiding it.
March 5, 2019
The success of your retirement depends largely on what you do with the money in your qualified retirement plan.
February 11, 2019
Long-term investors could benefit from the stock market pullback and changes to the tax code to build significant tax-free wealth.
January 9, 2019
In this edition of "Ask a Trust Officer," Jill Dobbs, CFP® explains how getting organized now can save you a lot of time and stress as tax season officially kicks off.
November 1, 2018
Covers cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2019.
October 9, 2018
For philanthropic taxpayers, a unique tax planning opportunity exists when donations are sourced from IRA funds.
August 31, 2018
Although it has often been regarded as an unspeakable topic, it is important to talk to your family, especially your adult children, about finances before you are gone.
August 1, 2018
What you leave behind for your family and friends to treasure is important. However, the reason behind the heirloom may be even more important.
July 18, 2018
In a desire to eliminate paper clutter, do you have bills and statements come to…
July 10, 2018
One of the biggest causes of family arguments after the passing of a loved one is who gets the inheritance. By talking to your children about this early on, you are likely to avoid squabbles and provide meaning to what you are leaving behind.
February 8, 2018
By Greg Berg, CFA, CAIA - Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager After an…
October 19, 2017
The Internal Revenue Service announced on October 19, 2017 cost of living adjustments affecting dollar…
September 26, 2017
As the fall arrives, you may very well be winding down the season at your beloved vacation home. For others, you may find yourself not using a vacation home quite as much as you had dreamed.
August 31, 2017
By J. Bryan Allee, J.D. - Vice President & Chief Fiduciary Officer According to…
August 16, 2017
By Trenny Garrett, J.D. - Senior Vice President & Relationship Manager Since the estate…
August 10, 2017
Deciding when and how to save for a child’s future college education, while saving for your retirement, is quite a balancing act.
July 31, 2017
By Jill Dobbs, CFP®, Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor Communicating with your grandchildren can…
Latest Videos
August 25, 2022
When a family owns land, it can mean many things to different members of the family. Working with a team of professionals to plan for your estate is an important decision to reach the desired outcome for your legacy property.
August 2, 2022
Anything that could affect a family or individual financial situation today, or in the future, brings with it the need to reevaluate where you are today, where you would like to be and if you are track to get there.
July 18, 2022
Each quarter, our investment team provides details on the market and economy, bringing you the latest insights in an easy to follow video.
June 14, 2022
Women are a large part of the workforce. They are often times directly involved in their households’ investment and financial decisions.
April 19, 2022
There has been a lot of discussion over the past several years regarding cryptocurrency. If you feel like the whole idea of cryptocurrency is hard to understand, you are not alone.
March 23, 2022
While Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT) can seem complex to some, they can really be simple when broken down. Because GRATs have the potential to provide significant tax benefits when interest rates are low, today’s interest rate environment may provide a good opportunity.
December 21, 2021
At Central Trust Company, we use Monte Carlo Simulation to model a variety of outcomes— including all the events taking place this year.
December 20, 2021
Investing is, and will always be, a balancing act between “eating well" and "sleeping well”.
December 17, 2021
When contemplating an outright business sale to an outside entity, the first or foundational level of planning should be contingency planning.
November 17, 2021
As a business owner or executive, you are most likely the fiduciary of your company’s retirement plan. As the plan’s fiduciary, you are responsible and liable for oversight of the plan’s administration, investments and fees.
September 22, 2021
by Greg Berg, CFA, CAIA, MBA, Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager INVESTMENT OUTLOOK Global…
May 5, 2021
A common estate plan might provide that upon your death, your assets will be distributed to your children. While that has the benefit of being simple, there can be risks.
April 23, 2021
Join our investment team for a look at our insights into the markets and the economy for the first quarter of 2021.
April 1, 2021
The changes and disruptions incurred in 2020 are well known and documented. But there is a new optimism, as roughly 80% of travelers have established plans during the next six months.
January 4, 2021
When uncertainty is all around, proactive steps you take help mitigate your personal financial risk and the uncertainties of life and the certainty of death and taxes.
November 20, 2020
Navigating the financial industry can be daunting. More so for someone that may not have experience in the industry or be aware of the multiple service delivery models that are available.
November 12, 2020
Variable annuities can be difficult for clients, and even some financial professionals, to fully understand.
September 21, 2020
With so many changes in the financial markets, it’s a good time to evaluate your investments.
September 10, 2020
In the latest edition of The Central View, our investment team dives into their thoughts on the economy, valuations, the upcoming election and our portfolio positioning as we navigate through Q3 2020.
June 2, 2020
Join our investment team for look at this quarter's insights into the markets and the economy.
November 5, 2019
What’s unique about working with Central Trust Company is that we can advise you about our many service offerings outside of just the investment realm.
October 2, 2019
Regardless of the age of your children it is important to educate them about money and the concepts of earning, spending, saving, investing, and giving.
April 9, 2019
Having a will doesn't always mean you can avoid probate, but having a trust can be beneficial in avoiding it.
January 9, 2019
In this edition of "Ask a Trust Officer," Jill Dobbs, CFP® explains how getting organized now can save you a lot of time and stress as tax season officially kicks off.
July 10, 2018
One of the biggest causes of family arguments after the passing of a loved one is who gets the inheritance. By talking to your children about this early on, you are likely to avoid squabbles and provide meaning to what you are leaving behind.
August 10, 2017
Deciding when and how to save for a child’s future college education, while saving for your retirement, is quite a balancing act.
February 23, 2017
The trust advisor plays a large role in a client's life, helping with things like estate planning, tax planning, investment management, and more. As Central Trust's Evan Sowers explains, your trust advisor provides a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.