In November, markets experienced a brief period of volatility that affected many asset classes. While major indices have delivered strong year-to-date returns across stocks, bonds, and international investments, investors continue to worry about artificial intelligence-related stocks and the path of Fed rate cuts. At the same time, the government shutdown delayed the publication of key economic reports, making it more difficult to judge how the economy is doing.

A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill is that "it is more agreeable to have the power to give than to receive." The holiday season is a natural time to reflect on charitable giving and the role it can play as part of a comprehensive financial plan. Thoughtful charitable planning can not only support philanthropic goals, but increase tax efficiency as well. The question isn't just whether to give, but how to give in ways that maximize both the impact on causes you care about and the benefits to your overall financial plan.

As the holiday season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate what we have, both in our personal and financial lives. This is particularly important since investors tend to focus on what could go wrong rather than what has gone right. At the moment, with markets performing well, it’s helpful to reflect on the past year to gain perspective as new challenges and opportunities emerge.

The stock market continued its strong performance in October despite uncertainty from a government shutdown and renewed trade tensions with China early in the month. Many major indices reached new all-time highs after recovering from a brief period of volatility. Bonds also contributed positively to portfolios as interest rates declined, fueled partly by the Federal Reserve's second consecutive rate cut.

For retirees and those approaching retirement age, there is no goal more important than ensuring their savings will support a long retirement. This challenge has been compounded by inflation over the past several years, which has eroded the purchasing power of cash savings. Today, prices remain elevated for the key spending areas affecting retirees the most, including healthcare, housing, and everyday necessities.