Whether it’s keeping up with financial news or market trends, MWM Planners is dedicated to delivering sound information to our clients. Our newsletters are a brief overview and provide key highlights in a short 7-10 minute read. 

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest market updates, economic perspectives, and educational events.

For investors, long-term success is not solely determined by total returns, but by how much of those returns are retained after taxes. As portfolios grow in complexity, tax drag can quietly erode their performance over time. Effective tax planning is therefore not just about avoidance, but about structuring investments in a way that is aligned with tax efficiency, timing, and an investor’s long-term financial goals. 

Entering 2026, almost every analyst forecasted that equity markets would experience a rise throughout the year. Will they be right?

Recent conflict in the Middle East has added new uncertainties for equity investors. When record highs continue to be exceeded and portfolios are reaching new levels, it’s easy to forget that market volatility is still possible and is very much a part of stock investing.

Tax planning should always be a key focus when reviewing your personal financial situation. One of our goals as financial professionals is to identify as many tax saving opportunities and strategies as possible for our clients. 

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help you pursue your financial goals. We look forward to our continued relationship with you and seeing what the year ahead will bring. The year 2025 was filled with many significant events, from ushering in a new president, to a brief but alarming market correction. Overall, it proved to be a great year for investors. 

Resilience illustrates the ability to withstand challenges or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Resilience can also be used to describe U.S. equity performance over the past year— including the third quarter, as markets surged past record highs despite numerous potential sources of volatility.

One of our main goals as holistic financial professionals is to help our clients recognize tax reduction opportunities within their investment portfolios and overall financial planning strategies. Staying current with the ever-changing tax environment is a key component to helping our clients benefit from potential tax reduction strategies.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a new bill that will change financial planning for millions of Americans. Referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)”, this complex bill includes a myriad of tax issues over hundreds and hundreds of pages. Most taxpayers have seen news, commentary, opinions, and reports about the OBBB, but many just want to know the answer to one question - How does this affect me?

Almost every investor has heard the saying, “equities are for long-term investors.” This philosophy was reinforced in the first half of 2025, which witnessed significant and historical changes in equity movements. If you left Earth on January 1 and returned on June 30, you would see that the S&P 500 started the year on a high note and achieved a new high on June 30. This is great news for investors. However, the first half of this year has also been one of the most volatile first halves ever, with the market experiencing a correction of nearly 20% before rebounding to reach a new high.

In today’s dynamic and challenging financial environment, many savers and investors are concerned about their ability to properly save and utilize their hard-earned money. Successful savers understand the value of revisiting key foundational strategies that are vital for helping achieve financial stability and long-term wealth.

Most analysts did not anticipate the volatility that investors would face in the first quarter of 2025. The equity markets started the quarter with strong momentum buoyed by President Trump's return to leadership of the world's largest economy and financial markets. After achieving impressive annual returns of over 20% in both 2023 and 2024, the equity markets reached another all-time high in February.

Tax planning should always be a key focus when reviewing your personal financial situation. One of our goals as financial professionals is to identify as many tax saving opportunities and strategies as possible for our clients.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! As we enter the new year, we will continue to stand by our commitment to supporting you on your financial goals journey.

In 2025, if you find yourself turning 60, 61, 62 or 63 years old, then you can do an extra “catch-up” for your retirement savings. In 2025, the annual contribution limit for employees age 50 and younger who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,500, up from $23,000.

If you heard that the war in Ukraine would continue, unrest would heighten in the Middle East, a former President would be shot during a contentious Presidential election season, and the Federal deficit would reach an all-time high, you might think that the equity market would struggle. Fortunately, for long-term investors, the first three quarters of 2024 have been recorded as the best first three quarters of any year in the 21st century.

One of our foremost goals is to help our clients try to optimize their tax situations. With major tax changes on the horizon for 2026, this report provides valuable suggestions and tax planning strategies that should be considered well in advance. By addressing these insights now, you can effectively prepare for the upcoming changes and optimize your financial strategy before the laws take effect.

Equity and bond markets began the second quarter of 2024 with a rough start, thanks to the Federal Reserve’s decision not to reduce interest rates due to stubbornly high inflation rates. However, strong performances from companies tied to artificial intelligence and a more favorable outlook on inflation numbers changed that perspective. Read more about the economy and market conditions in this newsletter.

Understanding the nuances between Traditional and Roth IRAs is crucial for planning your retirement strategy. In this newsletter, we'll delve into the distinct characteristics of each, from their tax treatment to contribution limits, empowering you to make informed decisions tailored to your financial goals.

Overall, the first quarter of 2024 brought strong equity returns and bolstered investor confidence. The Federal Reserve Board has maintained interest rates at a 23-year high as they continue to tackle inflation. We encourage you to review your investments and confirm they are still congruent with your time horizon, risk tolerance, and goals.

Communication and planning have always been essential when attempting to transfer wealth efficiently. 

Tax planning should always be a key focus when reviewing your personal financial situation.

2023 is in the books and the last quarter left investors looking forward to a bright and happy new year.

The labor market remained strong in the third quarter. The current demand for labor keeps pushing wage inflation, with real wages being higher than before the pandemic...

One of our main goals as holistic financial professionals is to help our clients recognize tax reduction opportunities...

The second quarter of 2023 tested even the most seasoned of investors...

For the last several months, talk of a recession has been making news headlines. Analysts and investors have been speculating if, when, and how bad of a recession the U.S. could experience...

There are numerous investment philosophies, but at the end of the day, almost all investors have a common goal...

The first quarter of 2023 had investors sitting on the edge of their seats as the equity markets took them for a bumpy ride.  In the end, the quarter did close on a good note...

Read the financial news today and it's highly likely you'll see the term...

Tax planning should always be a key focus when reviewing your personal financial situation. One of our goals as financial professionals...

It's probably a fair assumption to say that most investors are happy 2022 is in the books...

Happy New Year and welcome to 2023!