Wed.May 07, 2025

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6 Discovery Meeting Questions To Find Clients’ (Real) “Why” And Set Goals That (Actually) Resonate

Nerd's Eye View

For many financial advisors, an early planning conversation often includes asking clients to identify financial goals. But when clients are still emotionally weighed down by an immediate pain point – the source of their stress or uncertainty that led them to seek out their advisor in the first place – their ability to articulate meaningful long-term goals may be limited.

Clients 204
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MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey

Calculated Risk

From the MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey Mortgage applications increased 11.0 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending May 2, 2025. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 11.0 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.

Economics 179
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At the Money: How to Change Careers 

The Big Picture

ATM: How to Change Careers Dr. Bill Bernstein (May 7, 2025) How often have you thought about making major change in your career? Full transcript below. ~~~ About this weeks guest: Dr. William Bernstein is the author of numerous books, including mostr recently, “ The Delusions Of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups. His firm, Efficient Frontier Advisors manages $400 million in client assets ($25m minimum).

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Leading Index for Commercial Real Estate Increased 1% in April

Calculated Risk

From Dodge Data Analytics: Dodge Momentum Index Increases 1% in April The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, grew 0.9% in April to 205.1 (2000=100) from the downwardly revised March reading of 203.1. Over the month, commercial planning grew 3.3% while institutional planning fell 4.2%. Despite an uptick in April, the bulk of the DMIs growth was driven by a surge in data center planning, while momentum in other nonresidential sectors lagged behind , stated Sarah Mar

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Live Demo - Supercharge your Month End Close

Automation generally supercharges any process and brings its value to the forefront. See how infusing automation such as ART (our month-end close solution), into your close can get you to the next level of closing. We will share a live demo of SkyStem's solution, ART and share the key elements of month-end close automation. Through ART, we'll take a look at: What month-end close automation entails Which process steps can and should be automated Benefits of achieving process automation, and Why i

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Walking the Tightrope: Trend Following’s Tricky Tradeoffs

Advisor Perspectives

Trend-following strategies can offer attractive, positively skewed returns, with large positive outperformance often coinciding with large equity selloffs, thereby offering tail protection.

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FOMC Statement: No Change to Fed Funds Rate

Calculated Risk

Fed Chair Powell press conference video here or on YouTube here , starting at 2:30 PM ET. FOMC Statement: Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.

Economics 147

More Trending

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Charitable Giving: Helping to Ensure Compliance and Maximize Impact

Carson Wealth

The Growing Role of Philanthropy in Wealth Planning People today are more interested than ever in finding ways to align their long-term financial goals and their personal values. According to a report from the consultancy Altrata , charitable contributions from ultra-high net worth individuals increased by almost 25% between 2018 and 2022 , illustrating a growing trend of philanthropic engagement.

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Markets Betting on Tariff Relief But Impact Still Lurks

Advisor Perspectives

Despite negative GDP growth in Q1 and global trade tensions, markets are showing surprising resilience. Investors are betting tariffs will not bite as hard as feared earlier in April and that deals will emerge to soften the blow.

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Animal Spirits: There Will Never Be Another Warren Buffett

A Wealth of Common Sense

Today’s Animal Spirits is brought to you by YCharts and Fabric: See here for YCharts new risk profiles Go to meetfabric.com/spiritsfor more information on life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life Get a random Animal Spirits chart here On today’s show, we discuss: The recovery in US stocks is all thanks to the riskiest kinds of companies Stocks are ignoring that terrifying U.S.

Retail 57
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A Tariff-Centric World Takes Shape

Advisor Perspectives

Roughly a month on from Liberation Day one thing is clear : While a ctual tariff numbers may not be set, m arkets have certainly been liberated from complacency.

Numbers 52
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The Hidden Science Behind Why Finance Teams Resist Change—And How to Fix It

Speaker: Kim Beynon, CPA, CGMA, PMP

The most overlooked, yet most critical, element of transformation is preparing people for change. Automation and AI aren't just technical upgrades, they’re cultural shifts which can challenge identities. That’s why change management isn’t a side project—it’s the foundation. In finance, where precision and process rule, navigating change can feel especially disruptive.

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Understanding Partnership Taxes: An Overview

Harness Wealth

When it comes to choosing a business structure , understanding the tax implications is crucial. A Partnership is a popular choice for many entrepreneurs due to its simplicity and flexibility. However, the tax treatment of a Partnership differs significantly from other business structures, such as corporations or LLCs, making it essential to grasp the fundamentals of partnership taxation.

Taxes 52
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Fed’s Interest Rate Decision: May 7, 2025

Advisor Perspectives

The Federal Reserve concluded its third meeting of the year by keeping the federal funds rate (FFR) at 4.25-4.50%, as expected.

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Understanding Partnership Taxes: An Overview

Harness Wealth

When it comes to choosing a business structure , understanding the tax implications is crucial. A Partnership is a popular choice for many entrepreneurs due to its simplicity and flexibility. However, the tax treatment of a Partnership differs significantly from other business structures, such as corporations or LLCs, making it essential to grasp the fundamentals of partnership taxation.

Taxes 52
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International Investing: A New Paradigm?

Advisor Perspectives

So what has caused such a surge in international returns versus the U.S. so far this year? Is it just short-term noise, reversion to the mean, or something more systematic? If the last few months were purely short-term noise, we will soon know, as U.S. stocks will resume dominance.

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2025 Industry Index: How Top Advisors Are Scaling Smarter (and Faster) This Year

Where are top advisors focusing in 2025? AcquireUp’s 2025 Industry Index reveals it all. Based on insights from 200+ financial professionals nationwide, discover why 74% say seminars and referrals deliver the best ROI, how automation is helping advisors scale faster, and why only 8% are tapping into niche marketing (a major growth opportunity!). Whether you're refining your client acquisition strategy or scaling your practice, this report gives you the real-world data, benchmarks, and action ste

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What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax

Darrow Wealth Management

What is a capital gains tax? When you sell an asset like a stock or a home, your gain could be taxable. The tax rate will depend on several factors, such as your holding period, type of asset, and your taxable income for the year. Depending on your income, it’s possible to sell a long-term investment and ‘pay’ tax at a 0% rate. To manage your tax bill, it’s important to understand how capital gains taxes work and how income tax and capital gains tax work together.

Taxes 78
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US Stocks Rise on China Trade Talk Hopes Ahead of Fed Decision

Advisor Perspectives

US stocks jumped at the open Wednesday as investors were encouraged by news that the US and China are set to start trade talks this weekend, even as traders awaited the Federal Reserve policy decision later in the day.

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Trusts 101: How to Protect Wealth and Simplify Inheritance for Your Kids

Harness Wealth

Many families believe trust funds are exclusively for the wealthy, preventing them from securing their children’s financial future. This misconception overlooks how trust funds serve families across all economic levels, providing essential protections regardless of inheritance size. This article explores how trust funds shield assets from creditors, minimize taxes, and give parents control over inheritance distribution.

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“Resistance Is Futile” – For Both Bulls And Bears

Advisor Perspectives

Over the past two weeks, the market has had a furious nine-day rally, the longest winning streak in 21 years.

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Data Talks, CFOs Listen: Why Analytics Are Key To Better Spend Management

Speaker: Claire Grosjean, Global Finance & Operations Executive

Finance teams are drowning in data—but is it actually helping them spend smarter? Without the right approach, excess spending, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities continue to drain profitability. While analytics offers powerful insights, financial intelligence requires more than just numbers—it takes the right blend of automation, strategy, and human expertise.

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What’s the Experience of Mothers in Advisory Firms?

Wealth Management

Ownership and female leadership are key to career satisfaction for mothers in wealth management, according to a new Ensemble Practice study.

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First Quarter Gold Demand at Highest Level Since 2016

Advisor Perspectives

Record gold prices drove first-quarter demand in 2025 to the highest level since 2016.

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Allworth, Focus Financial Add Growth Leads

Wealth Management

Former Triad Wealth President Sara Baker will be head of M&A for Allworth, while Focus Financial Partners has made former network RIA President Zinovy Iosovich chief growth officer.

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Gold Has Many Buyers

Advisor Perspectives

Most economists and portfolio managers are cautious when discussing gold. Its handling and transaction costs are high, and it pays no interest or dividends.

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What Your Financial Statements Are Telling You—And How to Listen!

Speaker: David Worrell, CFO, Author & Speaker

Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.

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ETF Issuers Try to Benefit from the Berkshire Hathaway Stardust

Wealth Management

Berkshires iconic brand, long track record, and differentiated exposure relative to the largest value ETFs has encouraged smaller asset managers to piggyback off its success with new launches.

Assets 250
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OpenAI Can't Have Its Money Both Ways

Advisor Perspectives

Sam Altman’s reputation for spin was out in full force this week in a published “letter to employees” announcing that he was abandoning plans to turn OpenAI into a for-profit company. Instead, it will “continue to be overseen and controlled” by its nonprofit board.

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Explaining the Need for Trusts to Merely Well-to-Do Baby Boomers

Wealth Management

Talking points for a successful conversation with baby boomers about funding trusts.

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Wholesale Used Car Prices Increased in April; Up 4.9% Year-over-year

Calculated Risk

From Manheim Consulting today: Wholesale Used-Vehicle Prices Increased in April Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were much higher in April compared to March. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) increased to 208.2, an increase of 4.9% from a year ago and also higher than March levels by 2.7%. This is the highest reading for the index since October 2023.

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How to Avoid Pitfalls In Automation: Keep Humans In the Loop

Speaker: Erroll Amacker

Automation is transforming finance but without strong financial oversight it can introduce more risk than reward. From missed discrepancies to strained vendor relationships, accounts payable automation needs a human touch to deliver lasting value. This session is your playbook to get automation right. We’ll explore how to balance speed with control, boost decision-making through human-machine collaboration, and unlock ROI with fewer errors, stronger fraud prevention, and smoother operations.

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Advisor Recruiter Mindy Diamond Steps Down as CEO, Names Son Successor

Wealth Management

Louis Diamond is now the CEO of the wealth management recruiting and consulting firm, Diamond Consultants, with his brother Jason Diamond becoming president.

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Thursday: Unemployment Claims

Calculated Risk

Note: Mortgage rates are from MortgageNewsDaily.com and are for top tier scenarios. Thursday: At 8:30 AM ET, The initial weekly unemployment claims report will be released. The consensus is for initial claims of 223 thousand, down from 241 thousand last week.

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Buffett Successor Is a Billionaire Without Many Berkshire Shares

Wealth Management

Greg Abel, Berkshire's incoming CEO, holds only $175M in company shares, representing 18% of his $1B net worth, unlike Warren Buffett's massive $160B stake.

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1st Look at Local Housing Markets in April

Calculated Risk

Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: 1st Look at Local Housing Markets in April A brief excerpt: This is the first look at several early reporting local markets in April. Im tracking over 40 local housing markets in the US. Some of the 40 markets are states, and some are metropolitan areas. Ill update these tables throughout the month as additional data is released.

Marketing 147
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Book of Secrets on the Month-End Close

Based off SkyStem's popular e-Book, the book of secrets to the month-end close will be revealed in this one-hour webinar. Learn leading practices when it comes to building a strong and sustainable month-end close that has room to grow and evolve. Learn about the power of precise estimates, why reconciliations are critical to closing the books, how and when to automate, and how the chart of accounts play into your close process.