By Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
Inheriting money from your parents brings a roller coaster of emotions. There is the loss of the loved one who bequeathed the gift and the realization that their passing will provide more financial freedom and new opportunities. Chances are your parents worked for decades, saving and sacrificing while looking forward to making your life and your children’s a little easier.
Read MoreBy Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
I'm never surprised when clients come to me with preconceived ideas about the so-called "rules of retirement." Nationally known financial pundits, well-respected authors, and even high-tech algorithm-driven online "retirement planner" apps base their advice on principles that are no longer valid. While no one can guarantee what the future holds, starting early and working directly with a personal wealth manager can make it much more likely that you will achieve your objectives and enjoy your desired retirement. There never has been a "one size fits all" formula for effective retirement planning, which is particularly true today.
Read MoreBy Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
The first four months of 2023 have featured headlines about market volatility, bank failures, and inflation. All this noise constantly bombards my clients, and it can provoke questions. Is their investment portfolio still balanced? Should they buy a stock that's significantly dropped in price? What about bonds? Should we consider international stocks? I weigh my answers against my client's financial objectives, risk tolerance, investment horizon, along with the past performance, current status, and future potential of their investments.
Read MoreAs headlines whipsaw from "COVID!" to "INFLATION," those who are over 55 may remember long gas lines, the failed 1974 Whip Inflation Now (WIN) campaign, and President Carter telling Americans to turn down the heat and wear a cardigan. In the 70s, the nation was experiencing a debilitating recession with a triple threat of high unemployment, a stagnant economy, and rampant inflation. Today’s situation is very different and indeed not so dire.
Read MoreEveryone wants to retire as a millionaire. Depending upon projections based on the lifestyle you aspire to and your life expectancy, you may find yourself more comfortable with at least a few million saved. Unless you are independently wealthy or a big lottery winner, that means making financial decisions as early as your 30's to achieve your objectives. I am encouraged by the increasing number of Gen X (41-56) and Gen Y/Millennials (25-40) seeking my counsel to plan for their retirements.
Read MoreBy Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
This is my first blog of 2021, but not because I don’t have anything interesting to write about it. The truth is I have been extremely busy over the past two months with a multitude of client review meetings. During the second week of January, we scheduled two or three a day. This isn’t typical. But as we can all agree, nothing about the past 12 months has been as usual. And that’s why I’m writing this blog. To thank my clients for riding out 2020 by trusting me and demonstrating the three characteristics of the very best type of wealth management client. They waited, they respected my judgment, and they listened! That’s why these review meetings are so enjoyable. We’re discovering that taking a measured approach to managing their accounts has supported their confidence in my guidance.
By Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
I'm always so sad to learn that one of my clients has died. We've shared a close relationship, and I know I will miss them very much. Over the years, I have helped them achieve their financial goals, assess their estate, and develop a plan to distribute their assets upon their death. That carefully crafted and comprehensive estate plan is the only way to ensure that their legacy reflects their wishes.
Read MoreBy Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
As a financial planner, I need to have extremely well-honed people skills to understand my clients and serve them in a way that inspires long-term relationships. To earn their trust, and to help my clients make the right portfolio choices, I must think like a scientist. In today’s world of complicated products, longer retirements, increasing inflation, and decreasing returns on certain investments, I use the most advanced tools and technology to constantly analyze and adjust my clients’ portfolios. Some of these tools I implement with them, like the retirement planning software that allows us to run “what if” scenarios on a range of variables.
Read MoreBy Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
The political rhetoric has never been louder or more invasive as we move closer to Election Day. Every talking head, political pundit, and Facebook friend seems to have a vision of the coming economic apocalypse if their candidate loses. During my 25 years as a private wealth advisor, I've guided hundreds of clients during seven presidential elections. Whenever someone asks me if they should reposition their portfolio to manage financial fallout from the election, my response is an emphatic, "No!”
By Brian J. Cunningham, CFP®
Who are the people you trust most in your life? Besides close family members and friends, your group of valued advisors probably includes a doctor, dentist, attorney, accountant, insurance agent, veterinarian, and maybe a car mechanic. According to US News and World Report, studies show that if you want to be better prepared for retirement and more confident about your future, you'll include a financial advisor on this team. You trust the others by their credentials, reputations, and your personal experiences with them through the years. How do you compare the competencies of financial advisors, wealth advisors, and financial planners with so many letters next to their names?
