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Investment Perspectives

Our Thoughts on the Silicon Valley Bank Failure

Recent problems in the banking industry have increased uncertainty in the financial markets. On behalf of our clients, we have taken a close look at the situation and assessed the potential consequences. In this post we summarize the circumstances at Silicon Valley Bank that led to its failure, describe the broader implications, and review what we see as minimal impact for our clients and their portfolios.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Winter 2023

Our Insight Newsletter is now available. Included in this edition: Investment Commentary Research Update: Trend Following with Managed Futures Tax Planning Opportunities from

Insight

Research Update: Trend Following with Managed Futures

The evidence of the long-term value that trend-following managed futures bring to a balanced portfolio is compelling, even though there are shorter periods where sharp see-saw patterns can lead to disappointing returns. However, in a year like 2022 that saw significant declines for both stocks and bonds, managed futures experienced large positive gains and were one of the only asset classes to provide meaningful downside protection. This research update serves to address many of the questions that we receive about this interesting investment strategy.

Wealth Planning

Unpacking the Benefits of Property & Casualty Insurance

A regular review of the insurance that covers your property and general liability, before you need it, is an important step in protecting your financial assets. In this post, we review some of the topics that are beneficial to discuss with your advisor and property/casualty insurance professional.

Wealth Planning

Tax Planning Opportunities from the SECURE Act 2.0

The SECURE Act 2.0 was passed at the end of 2022 and expanded on the Secure Act of 2019 to give individuals even more opportunities to save for retirement. In this post we highlight some key changes resulting from the new legislation as well as other notable tax changes for 2023.

News & Updates

Gretchen Hollstein & Monica Muñoz Named as 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State

Litman Gregory Senior Advisors Gretchen Hollstein, CFP® and Monica Muñoz, CFP® have again been named by Forbes as Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for 2023. This year’s list spotlights 1,697 advisors nationwide who collectively manage $2.3 trillion for clients.

Investment Perspectives

Year-End 2022 Investment Commentary

Though global stock and bond markets saw positive returns during the fourth quarter, the year closed as one of the most difficult and volatile in the financial markets’ recent history. In this year-end commentary, we reflect on this past year and provide our investment outlook for 2023 and beyond. We cover opinions on the potential of recession, inflation and interest rate trends, global stock and bond market valuations, as well as potential return within our economic scenario analyses. We invite you to read this comprehensive review and reach out to your advisor with any questions.

News & Updates

Litman Gregory Advisors In the News

We are proud to have had senior advisors Chris Wheaton and Gretchen Hollstein recently interviewed and quoted by both local and national news publications in stories about investment and charitable planning strategies. In this post we share their quotes and links to the articles.

Investment Perspectives

Research Update: Opportunities in Private Equity

Through in-depth due diligence that identifies high quality investment vehicles offering potential for long-term capital growth, attractive diversification and lower minimums, we have found effective ways for our clients to take advantage of PE investments.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Third Quarter 2022

Read our latest Insight Newsletter. Included this quarter is our recent investment commentary, an update on inflation-protected bonds, an overview of I Savings Bonds, cybersecurity protection tips, tax planning strategies, team announcements and more!

Wealth Planning

‘Tis the Season for Giving: Charitable Gift Planning

Giving Tuesday – a global day of philanthropy – is a fitting time to consider your charitable goals and how to maximize your impact on the causes and organizations most important to you. In this post, we share strategies that we find helpful in planning discussions with our clients, including how to engage your next generation in philanthropic giving.

Wealth Planning

Planning for One Thing That’s Certain: Taxes

With just a few months left in a year full of uncertainties, we wanted to share some timeless planning techniques for one of the year’s certainties: Taxes. This post covers strategies that Litman Gregory Wealth Management considers as we help our clients optimize the tax-efficiency of their overall planning as well as our portfolio management throughout the tax year.

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Investment Perspectives

Our Thoughts on the Silicon Valley Bank Failure

Recent problems in the banking industry have increased uncertainty in the financial markets. On behalf of our clients, we have taken a close look at the situation and assessed the potential consequences. In this post we summarize the circumstances at Silicon Valley Bank that led to its failure, describe the broader implications, and review what we see as minimal impact for our clients and their portfolios.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Winter 2023

Our Insight Newsletter is now available. Included in this edition: Investment Commentary Research Update: Trend Following with Managed Futures Tax Planning Opportunities from

Insight

Research Update: Trend Following with Managed Futures

The evidence of the long-term value that trend-following managed futures bring to a balanced portfolio is compelling, even though there are shorter periods where sharp see-saw patterns can lead to disappointing returns. However, in a year like 2022 that saw significant declines for both stocks and bonds, managed futures experienced large positive gains and were one of the only asset classes to provide meaningful downside protection. This research update serves to address many of the questions that we receive about this interesting investment strategy.

Investment Perspectives

Year-End 2022 Investment Commentary

Though global stock and bond markets saw positive returns during the fourth quarter, the year closed as one of the most difficult and volatile in the financial markets’ recent history. In this year-end commentary, we reflect on this past year and provide our investment outlook for 2023 and beyond. We cover opinions on the potential of recession, inflation and interest rate trends, global stock and bond market valuations, as well as potential return within our economic scenario analyses. We invite you to read this comprehensive review and reach out to your advisor with any questions.

Investment Perspectives

Research Update: Opportunities in Private Equity

Through in-depth due diligence that identifies high quality investment vehicles offering potential for long-term capital growth, attractive diversification and lower minimums, we have found effective ways for our clients to take advantage of PE investments.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Third Quarter 2022

Read our latest Insight Newsletter. Included this quarter is our recent investment commentary, an update on inflation-protected bonds, an overview of I Savings Bonds, cybersecurity protection tips, tax planning strategies, team announcements and more!

Investment Perspectives

Commentary from Our CIO—Third Quarter 2022

After a very difficult first half of the year, equity markets rebounded in July and August on investor hopes of an easing in inflation and a Fed pivot or pause. The reprieve was short-lived however, as stocks tumbled in late September amid further aggressive central bank rate hikes and statements of further tightening to come. In this investment commentary, our CIO, Jeremy DeGroot, comments on recent economic developments and provides an outlook for the financial markets as well as where we see opportunities.

Investment Perspectives

Our Perspective and Strategy During Turbulent Times

It’s been a difficult year, to say the least. As September comes to a close, we’ve weathered a disappointing month in the financial markets after a relatively benign August and a strong July. As is the case in any bear market, investors are braced for more to come. In this post we provide a summary on the forces that brought us here, how we’re responding, and what to expect going forward.

Investment Perspectives

With Inflation Rising, Why Have Inflation-Protected Bonds Declined?

As the outlook for inflation turned less “transitory,” treasury inflation-protected securities became interesting to many investors. But these bonds have shown they aren’t immune to broader bond market declines, leaving investors to wonder, “How can my inflation-protected bonds be down when inflation is on the rise?” In this post we explain how these bonds are impacted by different market variables, including inflation, and why we believe they are an important component of a diversified portfolio.

Investment Perspectives

I Savings Bonds Currently Offer a Generous Yield

With current yields over 9%, Series I Savings Bonds seem to offer a "free lunch". These bonds are issued by the U.S. Government and pay interest linked to current inflation rates, making them an attractive option for most savers and investors.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Second Quarter 2022

The latest Insight Newsletter is now available. Included this quarter is our recent investment commentary, a research update on the impact of inflation, some company and team announcements and more.

Wealth Planning

Living in a Higher Inflation World

Still a dominant theme in the financial media, the return of high inflation is not likely to prove transitory, as many had hoped early on. In this piece, we review the macroeconomic causes, outlook and investment impact of higher inflation along with the impact that it has on our individual financial lives including savings, investing and achieving one’s financial goals.
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Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Winter 2023

Our Insight Newsletter is now available. Included in this edition: Investment Commentary Research Update: Trend Following with Managed Futures Tax Planning Opportunities from

News & Updates

Gretchen Hollstein & Monica Muñoz Named as 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State

Litman Gregory Senior Advisors Gretchen Hollstein, CFP® and Monica Muñoz, CFP® have again been named by Forbes as Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for 2023. This year’s list spotlights 1,697 advisors nationwide who collectively manage $2.3 trillion for clients.

News & Updates

Litman Gregory Advisors In the News

We are proud to have had senior advisors Chris Wheaton and Gretchen Hollstein recently interviewed and quoted by both local and national news publications in stories about investment and charitable planning strategies. In this post we share their quotes and links to the articles.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—Second Quarter 2022

The latest Insight Newsletter is now available. Included this quarter is our recent investment commentary, a research update on the impact of inflation, some company and team announcements and more.

News & Updates

Lesley Cannan Earns Two New Designations

We are pleased to announce that Lesley Cannan has recently earned the CPWA® and AIF® designations.

News & Updates

We Walked From Larkspur to Paris to Celebrate the Anniversary of Joining iM Global Partner

Our employees logged 13.2 million steps in only 23 days to complete a firm-wide walking challenge to commemorate the anniversary of joining Litman Gregory and iM Global Partner. We were proud to partner with colleagues from different countries as we raised money for charities and celebrated our firm's expanded global footprint!

News & Updates

Chris Wheaton & Gretchen Hollstein Named as 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors

We are thrilled to share that Litman Gregory Senior Advisors Chris Wheaton and Gretchen Hollstein have been named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List for 2022, the third consecutive year.

Investment Perspectives

Insight Newsletter—First Quarter 2022

This quarter's client newsletter includes our investment commentary, an update on our firm's investment strategy, the latest Litman Gregory Wealth Management news, and more.

News & Updates

Gretchen Hollstein & Monica Muñoz Named as 2022 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State

Litman Gregory's Gretchen Hollstein, CFP® and Monica Muñoz, CFP® have been named by Forbes as two of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for 2022. This year’s list spotlights 1,377 advisors nationwide who collectively manage $1.9 trillion for clients.

News & Updates

Replay: 2022 Annual Outlook Webinar

In this webinar replay, Chief Investment Officer Jeremy DeGroot addresses client questions on the economy, financial markets, and our outlook for 2022, and provides an update on the key macroeconomic risks our investment team is monitoring. Senior Research Analysts Jack Chee and Kiko Vallarta also join to answer questions about Litman Gregory’s sustainable and ESG investing philosophy.

News & Updates

Insight Newsletter—Fourth Quarter 2021

This quarter's client newsletter includes our investment commentary, an update on the recent market volatility, a research post on real estate investing, the latest Litman Gregory Wealth Management news, and more.

News & Updates

Year-End Reflections

As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the past year and pause to extend a heartfelt thank you to our clients for their trust. Maintaining a spirit of ongoing innovation to meet our clients’ changing needs has always been an important part of Litman Gregory’s history – and this year was no different. Our organization continued to evolve, while keeping you, our clients, as our focus.
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Wealth Planning

Unpacking the Benefits of Property & Casualty Insurance

A regular review of the insurance that covers your property and general liability, before you need it, is an important step in protecting your financial assets. In this post, we review some of the topics that are beneficial to discuss with your advisor and property/casualty insurance professional.

Wealth Planning

Tax Planning Opportunities from the SECURE Act 2.0

The SECURE Act 2.0 was passed at the end of 2022 and expanded on the Secure Act of 2019 to give individuals even more opportunities to save for retirement. In this post we highlight some key changes resulting from the new legislation as well as other notable tax changes for 2023.

Wealth Planning

‘Tis the Season for Giving: Charitable Gift Planning

Giving Tuesday – a global day of philanthropy – is a fitting time to consider your charitable goals and how to maximize your impact on the causes and organizations most important to you. In this post, we share strategies that we find helpful in planning discussions with our clients, including how to engage your next generation in philanthropic giving.

Wealth Planning

Planning for One Thing That’s Certain: Taxes

With just a few months left in a year full of uncertainties, we wanted to share some timeless planning techniques for one of the year’s certainties: Taxes. This post covers strategies that Litman Gregory Wealth Management considers as we help our clients optimize the tax-efficiency of their overall planning as well as our portfolio management throughout the tax year.

Wealth Planning

3 Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Cybersecurity Risks

Cybercrime is still on the rise, so it’s more important than ever to take steps to combat cybercrime and protect confidential information and data. Here at Litman Gregory we implement practices to ensure that our clients’ data is secure, and we encourage clients and their families to take appropriate steps to protect their information. In this post, we share tips on how to safeguard your financial information and how to spot cyber fraud attempts.

Wealth Planning

Living in a Higher Inflation World

Still a dominant theme in the financial media, the return of high inflation is not likely to prove transitory, as many had hoped early on. In this piece, we review the macroeconomic causes, outlook and investment impact of higher inflation along with the impact that it has on our individual financial lives including savings, investing and achieving one’s financial goals.

News & Updates

Incorporating “Giving Tuesday” and End-of-Year Donations into Your Philanthropic Plan

Giving Tuesday shines a light on philanthropy and encourages you to maximize your impact on the causes and organizations most important to you. In this post, we share the tips and strategies that we find useful in our philanthropic planning with clients.

Wealth Planning

Replay: 2021 Year-End Wealth Planning Webinar

This time of year presents an opportunity to check in on your financial goals and revisit the strategies that best position you for year-end and the coming year. In this replay, Litman Gregory Senior Advisors cover a variety of important financial planning topics to guide your planning, including tax strategies and estate planning.

Wealth Planning

Tax Planning for All Seasons

While we await final details of the “human infrastructure” spending bill and any incorporated tax law changes, we share some timeless tax planning techniques and ways that we seek to optimize the tax-efficiency of our client portfolios during the tax year.

News & Updates

Advisor Showcase: Guiding Clients Through Post-Recession Uncertainty

The North Bay Business Journal asked our local Litman Gregory advisors to respond to their Wealth Manager Survey by providing opinions on the financial markets, investment opportunities, risks and inflation, as well as lessons learned through the pandemic-induced recession. This post provides a collection of our team's responses.

Wealth Planning

Finances & Aging: Tips for Planning Ahead

In this interview with Senior Advisor Gretchen Hollstein, we uncover several tips for families as they navigate the issues of financial management that often come with aging. Gretchen explains why this is so important, and how she and the advisors at Litman Gregory work with clients to follow the steps involved in planning ahead.

Wealth Planning

Advisor Q&A: Tax Planning and the American Families Plan with Senior Advisor Chris Wheaton

The American Families Plan was recently released by President Joe Biden and includes many of the provisions outlined during his campaign. We asked Litman Gregory Senior Advisor, Chris Wheaton, to answer some questions about key proposed tax law changes, and related tax planning ideas for our clients to consider in 2021 and beyond.
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