Beyond One Stock Wonders: Why Portfolio Diversification Matters

Beyond One Stock Wonders: Why Portfolio Diversification Matters

I’ve been asked numerous times throughout my career about the importance of diversification in a portfolio. After all, why not just buy the “hottest stocks” or the hottest sector, as evidenced most recently by the “Magnificent 7” (Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla)? This portfolio would have had a 1,3-, and 5-year annualized return of 20.9%, 46.22% and 37.98%, respectively.  

One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A Financial Planner's Perspective

One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A Financial Planner's Perspective

On July 3, Congress passed a major tax-and-spending bill that Republicans call the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4. While this legislation doesn't radically change the tax landscape like the 2017 overhaul, it does bring new planning opportunities and potential pitfalls depending on your income level.

The Mid-Year Reset: 5 Strategic Moves to Transform Your Financial Future

The Mid-Year Reset: 5 Strategic Moves to Transform Your Financial Future

As we cross the halfway mark of 2025, the coming months present a crucial window for strategic financial decisions. While many focus on summer plans, forward-thinking investors are laying the groundwork for sustained growth. Here are five key investment areas we consistently address with HIGHLAND clients. 

What I Did On My Sabbatical – Prioritizing Your Time

What I Did On My Sabbatical – Prioritizing Your Time

One of our primary responsibilities as wealth advisors is helping clients navigate the delicate see-saw of life’s two most precious resources – time and money. While financial planning often takes center stage, I’ve found that conversations about how people spend their time can be just as impactful, if not more so. After all, money can be earned, saved, and invested—but time, once spent, is gone for good.

Keep More of What You Earn: 5 Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies

Keep More of What You Earn: 5 Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies

As a financial advisor, I often remind clients that investment returns are only part of the story—the after-tax returns are what truly matter. Without careful planning, taxes can erode your gains year after year. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to reduce your tax liability and grow your wealth more efficiently.

What Baking a Cake Can Teach Us About Building a Better Investment Portfolio

What Baking a Cake Can Teach Us About Building a Better Investment Portfolio

Have you ever tried eating raw flour? What about a spoonful of baking powder or a stick of butter? Each one on its own doesn't taste great—but mix them, bake them, and you've got cake. I would say that's an enjoyable experience for someone who likes cake. 

One Big Bill, One Big Question: Are Your Taxes Going Up?

One Big Bill, One Big Question: Are Your Taxes Going Up?

One of the most critical pieces of legislation we're watching is how Congress will address the sunsetting provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). In 2017, President Trump passed the TCJA, which delivered broad tax relief, but many of its key provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025. What happens next could impact your income, deductions, and overall financial plan very realistically, especially regarding taxes. 

Your Dream Summer Vacation Without the Financial Hangover

Your Dream Summer Vacation Without the Financial Hangover

Summer vacation season brings excitement, but it shouldn't derail your long-term financial objectives. As a Certified Financial Planner®, I regularly help people navigate the challenge of enjoying meaningful travel experiences while staying committed to their retirement savings, emergency funds, and debt reduction goals. The key lies in strategic planning and making your travel budget work within your overall financial framework. 

5 Ways to Ensure Your Investments Are Tax Efficient

5 Ways to Ensure Your Investments Are Tax Efficient

For high-net-worth families, investing wisely is only part of the equation. Preserving wealth through tax efficiency is just as critical. Tax planning can dramatically affect long-term returns, especially when compounded over decades. Here are five strategies to help ensure your investments are working as hard after taxes as they are before. 

What To Do With Your Paycheck

What To Do With Your Paycheck

You've just received your paycheck. Now what? Instead of watching your money disappear with no clear plan, consider following this structured approach to take control of your finances, remain free of credit card debt, and build savings toward your future goals. 

The Ultimate Guide to Life Insurance for Dental Practice Owners

The Ultimate Guide to Life Insurance for Dental Practice Owners

Life insurance is critical to financial planning, yet many dental practice owners overlook its importance. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a group practice, having the right life insurance policy can protect your family, business, and financial legacy.

Mid-Year Financial Check-In: Assessing Your Progress on Savings, Debt, and Investments

Mid-Year Financial Check-In: Assessing Your Progress on Savings, Debt, and Investments

May is a great time to step back and take stock of your personal finances. The rhythm of tax season is behind you, and there's still plenty of time left in the year to make strategic adjustments. Whether working toward long-term goals or simply staying organized, a thoughtful financial check-in can help ensure you're on track and making the most of your resources. 

When Should You Recalibrate Your Retirement Savings Strategy?

When Should You Recalibrate Your Retirement Savings Strategy?

As a financial advisor, one of the most important conversations I have with clients is not just about saving for retirement—it's about evolving their strategy over time. Individuals often treat retirement planning as a "set it and forget it" exercise. Your savings strategy should be dynamic, adapting to reflect the inevitable shifts in your life and the broader financial landscape. 

What If We Planned for What Could Go Right?

What If We Planned for What Could Go Right?

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker. That quote captures precisely how we should approach financial planning and life. When we take a proactive, hopeful approach, we give ourselves the ability to shape our future rather than just brace for it.

The Long-Term Implications of Trump's Tariff War

The Long-Term Implications of Trump's Tariff War

As we reflect on the recent market developments, it's crucial to maintain realistic expectations during this volatile period. While the stock market opened positively last Friday, the situation remains fluid, and conditions can quickly shift. 

The Fast Track to Zero: Supercharge Your Debt Repayment Strategy

The Fast Track to Zero: Supercharge Your Debt Repayment Strategy

Tackling debt can feel like climbing a mountain, but with the right strategy, you can reach the debt-free summit faster than you might think. Whether dealing with credit cards, student loans, or other forms of debt, implementing a structured approach can save you thousands in interest and free you from financial burden sooner.

Why Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs Shook the Markets to Their Core

Why Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs Shook the Markets to Their Core

As fiduciary financial advisors, we strive to remain objective and apolitical in our advice. Political bias can lead investors to make poor decisions, and our role is to offer clear guidance grounded in facts. With that in mind, we offer a measured explanation of the market’s response to President Trump’s newly implemented tariffs.

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Why Updating Your Beneficiaries is Critical for Your Estate Plan

Avoid Costly Mistakes: Why Updating Your Beneficiaries is Critical for Your Estate Plan

As a financial advisor, one of my most important recommendations to my clients is to review and update their beneficiary designations regularly. Life changes and your estate plan should evolve to reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Failing to update beneficiaries on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and wills can lead to unintended consequences, potentially leaving your loved ones in a difficult situation.

Tax Planning for the Self-Employed: Deductions You Shouldn't Miss

Tax Planning for the Self-Employed: Deductions You Shouldn't Miss

Being self-employed comes with plenty of perks—flexibility, control over your income, and the ability to shape your career. But it also comes with responsibilities, including staying on top of taxes. One way to reduce your tax burden is by taking advantage of every deduction available to you.