Building Lifelong Relationships with Our Family Office
As we approach the close of 2025, we’re reminded of a significant milestone—welcoming our first Octavia Group client five years ago. During a recent strategy meeting, our team reflected on the evolution of our family office, sharing insights into our growth, expanding services, and future plans—all with the aim of consistently exceeding our clients’ expectations.
The Hidden Weight of Adjusted Gross Income in the OBBBA Era
The tax landscape for individuals has shifted once again with the passage of OBBBA. While
the legislation includes enhanced deductions and targeted tax relief, it also introduces several new income-based limitations that subtly yet significantly reshape tax efficiency.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Smart Charitable Giving
The tax act, adopted on July 4 of this year, extended or made permanent many personal income tax provisions and included significant changes for optimizing charitable giving strategies. The key changes to charitable income tax deductions for individuals that become effective in 2026 are highlighted below but must be considered in the broader context of other tax opportunities.
Wrapping Up 2025: Practical Steps for Year-End Financial Planning
As we enter the final stretch of the year, it’s a great time to set aside a few hours to review your financial picture and position yourself for a confident start to the new year.
Stuck in Neutral: Why the U.S. Job Market Is So Confusing Right Now
We’re caught in a strange economic limbo with the U.S. employment market. Large-scale layoffs and a climb in the unemployment rate that signals a recession has not materialized; but the robust hiring that signals a healthy economy has vanished. The result is a labor market completely stuck in neutral, and the official numbers we’ve relied on for decades are looking shakier than ever.
Stalemate
Over the course of the third quarter, the focus among investors, economists and the Fed itself shifted from tariff policy to jobs. We’ve arrived at a dynamic in the labor market that can best be described as a “stalemate.” Both hiring and firing rates sit at low levels. Businesses, uncertain about the future, are holding onto the employees they have, while simultaneously hesitating to bring on new staff. Top of mind is whether the frozen labor market will thaw through a resumption of hiring or whether we are in the early stages of an eventual rise in the rate of unemployment.
Balance of Risks
For the first time in nine months, the Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate cut on Wednesday, bringing the Fed funds target range between 4.0 and 4.25%. The rate cut was widely expected, resulting in minimal market reaction after the announcement—unsurprising, given the strong rally in stocks and bonds leading up to this week.
Changes to Charitable Giving Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The passage of the SECURE Act in 2019 and SECURE 2.0 Act in 2022 ushered in sweeping changes for taxpayers regarding retirement account distributions. These changes, including a significant modification to how certain designated beneficiaries must distribute inherited retirement accounts, are crucial for anyone possessing or inheriting a retirement account to understand.
IRS Continues to Move Toward Phasing Out Paper Checks
As part of the modernization of the federal government and with a goal of improving efficiency and reducing fraud, the president signed an executive order on March 25 to phase out the use of paper checks by the U.S. government.
Puzzle Pieces
This week has left many wondering how all the puzzle pieces fit together. On one hand, we have a clear weakening in the labor market, yet the stock market continues to soar to new all-time highs. Toss in some mixed inflation reports and that may leave some questioning if a few of the puzzle pieces are missing from the box.
From AI to CPI
The word unprecedented has appeared often in headlines this year — and for good reason. Breaking news has been in no short supply, and this week brought another wave of significant government and business activity.
Ferguson Wellman remaining in downtown Portland, moving headquarters to Fox Tower in 2026
To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.
Changes
Over the last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) released several data points highlighting some weakness in the jobs market.
Important Tax Update: New Legislation Signed into Law
Congress recently approved, and the President signed, new legislation affecting taxes, spending cuts and other policy changes that are particularly relevant to financial planning.
Warning Shots
This week's economic data painted a picture of an economy caught between competing forces, with implications that are keeping Fed officials on edge. While June's CPI report showed inflation ticking up to 2.7% annually from May's 2.4%, there were encouraging signs beneath the surface, with vehicle prices falling during the month and shelter prices rising at their slowest pace in years.
Serve with Confidence: Fortifying Your Personal Protections on a Nonprofit Board
For many people, serving on a nonprofit board is a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to lend expertise, guide strategy and contribute meaningfully to a cause they believe in.
Goldilocks Yields
Bond yields, and specifically yields on U.S. treasuries, are a great barometer for the overall U.S. economy and to a lesser extent, the global economy. Chief among all the debt issued by the U.S. government is the 10-year Treasury, whose yield is one of the most closely followed indicators in global financial markets.
Red, White and Blue Labor Market? Hardly.
Summer is in full swing, and many will observe the 4th of July this weekend with family, friends and traditions. For those planning to celebrate, I hope the holiday weekend is filled with pleasant weather and unforgettable memories with the people who matter most. However, for many, the week isn’t over yet.
