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It’s the End of the Year as We Know It!
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Most people know they should have a will. But when you ask what a will actually does, the answers tend to get vague, usually something like "it says who gets your stuff" or "it makes things easier for your family." Both of those things are true. Neither tells the full story.
Recent weeks have been a reminder of how quickly the investment landscape can change. Geopolitical tension, market volatility, and shifting expectations have left many investors asking what comes next. It is exactly in periods like these that a disciplined, long-term strategy becomes most valuable. With that in mind, we want to take a moment to reflect on the markets, the questions investors are asking, and the principles that continue to guide our approach.
If you tried to follow the markets in February, it may have felt like the ground kept shifting beneath your feet. One day the headlines were about tariffs, the next about artificial intelligence, and soon after about tensions in the Middle East.
For many foundations and endowments, the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) starts life as a “set it and forget it” document—approved, filed away, and dusted off only when the committee changes or the markets get bumpy.
Last summer, we wrote about the growing push to bring private equity, private credit, and hedge funds into individual portfolios. At the time, our primary concerns centered on cost, transparency, liquidity, and agency risk.
If you are just now thinking about ways to reduce your 2025 tax bill, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers wait until they experience the sticker shock of their impending tax bill to take action. Fortunately, there are still a few smart, IRS-approved strategies that can help reduce your taxable income.
President Trump has announced his nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve when Powell’s term expires later this spring. The decision ends months of speculation, but it opens a far more important discussion—about the future of monetary policy, the independence of the central bank, and what all of this actually means for markets and long-term investors.
It is hard not to be struck by how resilient markets proved to be in the face of constant uncertainty. The year delivered no shortage of headlines—April’s tariff announcements, ongoing developments in artificial intelligence, the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and a steady drumbeat of geopolitical and economic surprises. Yet through it all, investors were rewarded with another exceptionally strong year.
Beginning this year, the SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a shift in how high-earning individuals make “catch-up” contributions to employer retirement plans. Traditionally, workers aged 50 and older could make catch-up contributions on either a pretax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) basis, depending on their preference and approach to tax planning.
November brought a brief bout of volatility across markets. Investors weighed concerns about AI-related stocks, the outlook for Fed rate cuts, and the impact of the government shutdown on economic data. By month-end, most asset classes stabilized, reinforcing an important message for long-term investors…
All-time highs for stock markets are cause for celebration. We tally up our gains and pat ourselves on the back. But concurrently, a bit of apprehension follows. We know stock markets rise and fall, so it’s natural to wonder whether this is the turning point.
As global markets climb to new highs, gold’s rally—surging more than 60% this year to above $4,300 per ounce—has caught the attention of investors worldwide. For many, it raises a familiar question: is this time different?
Even in 2025, many investors are still unknowingly trapped in outdated brokerage models, paying high fees for complexity that serves no real purpose. Recently, we welcomed a new client who had worked with a well-known national brokerage firm.
The holidays bring family together and often create quiet moments for conversations that do not happen during the rest of the year. Between catching up and celebrating, it can also be the ideal time to talk about what really matters: your family’s financial future.
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.