It’s hard to believe we are just twelve weeks from 2026. While the year is coming to a close, there is still plenty of time to ensure your finances end the year on a positive note. Consider several end-of-year planning opportunities if you want to minimize your tax bill, maximize your savings, and boost your financial health as we head into the new year.

Market swings are an unavoidable part of investing — and this year has reminded us of that in full color. From tariff-related sell-offs to powerful rebounds, the ride has been anything but smooth. Yet these fluctuations are what make long-term investing work. Declines can open the door to better opportunities, while recoveries reward patience and discipline.

Planning for a child’s financial future can seem daunting, given the vast array of savings and investment options. Each account type offers distinct features, tax incentives, and eligibility requirements, making some better aligned with specific objectives.

Are some of the supposedly best managed, most informed investment funds really smart investors?  Last month, we discussed so-called alternative investments and their challenges for most investors.

Over the past month, the White House has stepped up pressure on the Federal Reserve, seeking to influence monetary policy decisions. Traditionally, interest rate policy has been left solely to the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee — a group of seven Senate-confirmed governors and a rotating set of eleven regional Fed bank presidents.

Private equity, hedge funds, and private credit are increasingly marketed to individual investors, promising diversification, lower risk, and higher returns. But high fees, illiquidity, and opaque structures can mask significant risks—especially agency conflicts between managers and investors.

In July 2025, U.S. stocks hit ten new all-time highs, fueled by strong corporate earnings, steady GDP growth, and new trade agreements. Technology and industrials led gains, while inflation eased to 2.6% and the Fed held rates steady. Policy shifts—including higher tariffs, the GENIUS Act, and extended tax cuts—add both opportunity and uncertainty.

Signed July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extends key TCJA provisions, locks in lower tax brackets, raises the standard deduction, adds new deductions, and launches a savings program for education and first homes—reshaping tax planning for years to come.

As fiduciary advisors in Knoxville, we know financial security means guarding against online fraud. From smishing scams to the IRS’s 2025 “Dirty Dozen,” cybercrime is on the rise. Learn to spot red flags, protect your accounts, and avoid scams affecting Tennessee investors, retirees, and professionals.

For those who follow markets and macroeconomics closely, the first half of 2025 has been nothing short of dramatic. For everyone else, it’s likely felt exhausting. Trade disputes, market volatility, an escalating conflict in the Middle East, and rising national debt have made financial headlines feel like a never-ending stream of bad news.

Since bottoming on April 8th amid tariff-induced uncertainty, the stock market has mounted a robust rally, fueled by renewed investor confidence and resilient corporate earnings. In contrast, the bond market has remained volatile, burdened by concerns over U.S. fiscal sustainability and uncertain monetary policy.

On May 22, the House of Representatives passed a major tax bill called “The One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The goal is to extend and expand specific provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which are set to expire at the end of the year. The bill provides a clearer view of potential tax changes.

After a strong start to the year, markets took a step back in February and March. Global stocks returned -1.3% for the quarter, while the S&P 500—led by a pullback in tech—fell 4.3%. From its recent peak, the S&P 500 declined over 10%, entering correction territory.

Digital currencies, also known as cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies, have gained significant attention in the financial world due to their decentralized nature and technological advancements.

If you are just now thinking about ways to reduce your 2024 tax bill, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers wait until they experience the sticker shock of their impending tax bill to take action.

At Proffitt & Goodson, we believe that financial management is about more than just numbers. It’s about purpose. For our institutional and nonprofit clients, this means aligning financial strategies with their mission to create lasting impact. 

We’re all in on your money mission.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has reinstated the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), following a recent federal court decision that lifted a previous injunction. As a result, many companies must now file their BOI report by March 21, 2025.

With the prospect of renewed tariffs under the Trump administration, many investors are understandably concerned about how trade policies could impact their portfolios. Markets dislike uncertainty, and history has shown that tariffs can cause short-term volatility—but as the S&P 500’s long-term trajectory reminds us, investors who stay the course are often rewarded.

Interest rates remain volatile as investors react to economic conditions and Federal Reserve policies. With high beginning yields, bonds provide both income and portfolio stability, making them a key component of a well-diversified investment strategy.

Market leadership is cyclical, and with U.S. stocks, particularly large tech companies, trading at high valuations, international markets offer another level of diversification at attractive valuations. International stocks offer economic and geographical diversification, helping investors navigate market cycles and avoid overexposure to any single country, sector, or company.