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Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past innovations such as the personal computer, the internet, and the smartphone.

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals.

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting

• Use SMART Goals for Clarity and Focus: Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Key Takeaways

• A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December.
• Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages.

Key Takeaways

• Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans.
• The number of family caregivers in the U.S.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduces sweeping tax and economic policy changes that will significantly influence commercial real estate (CRE) investment and development across the United States.

From a financial planning standpoint, OBBBA alters the investment landscape through expanded depreciation rules, permanent Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs), and enhancements to Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). While these changes create opportunities for wealth building and portfolio diversification, investors must remain alert to risks such as higher interest rates, deficits, and clean energy credit rollbacks.

On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law at a White House ceremony. This domestic policy bill extends the 2017 tax cuts set to expire this year, making some of those rules permanent. The bill also creates several new tax laws for individuals while addressing other tax issues for businesses.^1,2

The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement accounts to heirs.¹

While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of the major indexes that can help you put the numbers you hear in context.

You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel overwhelming. It’s a major life change, and having a clear strategy can help ease the stress.