According to the latest report by Cerulli & Associates, $124 trillion is expected to change hands by 2048. Just under 15% is expected to be given to charity and the remaining balance will go to heirs.
To Gift or Not to Gift and Other Questions
Three Pitfalls to Avoid with 529 Plan Withdrawals
When it comes to saving for college, 529 accounts are a popular choice. These tax-advantaged savings plans are designed to help families set aside funds for future education expenses. You can choose from various investment options and enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education costs.
Trust Protector: A Tool for Flexibility in Estate Planning
In an era of evolving tax laws and shifting estate planning strategies, flexibility has become an important consideration in wealth planning.
Tariff Tensions
After last November’s election, it was widely expected that tariffs would become a significant focus in 2025. Initially, markets downplayed these concerns, viewing them primarily as negotiating tools rather than serious economic threats.
Turn Down the Volume
After a quick start that saw the S&P 500 jump 5% in the first three weeks of the year, markets abruptly reversed course and gave it all back and then some, with the blue-chip index posting a 4.3% loss for the quarter.
Ferguson Wellman Celebrates 50 Years with a Push for Financial Literacy
To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.
Pick Your Poison
Equity markets surged on Monday only to come under pressure to close the week at a 1.5% loss. Absent a rally greater than 4% on Monday, this will be the first quarter since the summer of 2023 when investors have lost money in domestic stocks.
Global Gains, U.S. Pains
Something is happening that hasn’t occurred in a very long time – international stocks are outperforming the U.S. markets. This shift marks a significant departure from the long-standing dominance of U.S. equities, which have historically been driven by robust earnings growth and technological innovation.
Saving for College
The current residential real estate market continues to apply pressure on potential home buyers, with many feeling the constraints of high housing prices and relatively high interest rates for mortgages.
Tariffs and Volatility: Turn Down the Volume
This week, we sent this communication to all Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing clients in response to heightened market volatility. We felt that this message was also appropriate to reiterate for our weekly blog.
KXL Radio Interviews with Ferguson Wellman
Our professionals are periodically asked to weigh in on timely topics regarding the economy, capital markets and personal finance.
The Tariff Tantrum
After last November's presidential election, it was widely understood that tariffs would be on the agenda for 2025. Early this year, however, markets largely shrugged off these concerns, viewing tariff threats primarily as a negotiating tactic rather than a serious economic risk.
Déjà Vu and the Debt Ceiling
Yogi Berra might have been one of the most accomplished baseball players in history, but his greatest legacy may have been his contribution to classic sayings, otherwise known as “Yogi-isms.” His famous quote about déjà vu was supposedly uttered after watching Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris hit back-to-back home runs in 1961. However, one could easily hear it being uttered today when observing the politicians in Washington D.C. grapple with the federal debt ceiling that is due to be lifted or suspended again this year.
Wrapping Up
As February draws to a close, so does our first quarter outlook season. We enjoy hitting the road and sharing our 2025 Investment Outlook with clients and colleagues, and are grateful for the chance to come together and look forward to what's ahead.
Lessons Learned from the California Wildfires
This article was originally published in 2020. As the author, I chose to focus on the Camp Fire in northern California as a case study for fire safety and financial preparedness during disasters. My colleague, Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, grew up in Paradise, California, and tragically her mom lost her home in the fire.
Lago on CNBC Closing Bell
Mary Lago, CFP, CTFA®, Ferguson Wellman’s chief wealth strategist, joins CNBC’s Closing Bell to discuss our firm's "high-net-worth playbook."
Falling Snow, Rising Inflation
This week, Portland residents braved the cold to venture outside and watch snow blanket the city. In contrast, January's inflation data was seemingly the opposite, rising higher month-over-month and year-over-year. While the snowfall might have been a pleasant surprise for some Oregonians, this inflation data was anything but for most investors and consumers.
2024 Annual Report
Tariff Tantrum
Over the last week, the tariff rhetoric hit a heightened level with the threat of 25% tariffs on products coming in from Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% on China.
2025 Investment Outlook Webinar Video: Lessons Learned
Annual presentation from Ferguson Wellman sharing our views for the year regarding the global economy and capital markets, as well as a planning update from our wealth management team.