Investment Planning, Retirement
Why “Living Off the Income” Isn’t Always the Safest or Prudent Retirement Strategy One of the most common retirement strategies people ask about is the idea of “living off the income” generated by a portfolio or using dividends from stocks and interest from bonds or CDs while never touching principal. At first glance, the strategy…
Two topics are dominating market conversations right now: energy prices and the long-awaited SpaceX IPO. We’ll start with energy, since it’s making its presence known in inflation data and at the pump. The conflict in Iran is now entering its fourth month, and ceasefire talks have not made meaningful progress. That matters because of one…
Welcome to our May 2026 Viewpoints, a monthly bulletin from PDS Planning to our valued clients and friends. Our goal with each issue of Viewpoints is to provide you with a wide variety of perspectives on life and wealth. Feel free to share with others. Small Wins to Great Success From 1928 through 2024, the stock…
High-net-worth families have more flexibility than ever to approach wealth transfer strategically. With higher estate, gift, and GST exemptions now in place, the focus is no longer just on reducing taxes. It is on building a transfer plan that supports family goals, preserves control where needed, and creates a lasting legacy. The challenge is no…
Beyond Your Finances, Our People, Retirement
At PDS Planning, we believe some of the best financial lessons come from real life experiences. Alyssa Troyer, Director of Operations and Paraplanner at PDS, recently reflected on completing her 14th half marathon while balancing life as a working mom of two young children. Her experience serves as a thoughtful reminder that both running and…
Before I talk about oil prices and inflation scenarios following recent military conflict involving Iran and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, I want to focus on some of the market positives. After a lousy March, the S&P 500 recovered quickly and is up over 8% year-to-date. International…
Welcome to our April 2026 Viewpoints, a monthly bulletin from PDS Planning to our valued clients and friends. Our goal with each issue of Viewpoints is to provide you with a wide variety of perspectives on life and wealth. Feel free to share with others. Look on the Bright Side Markets are up this year, but…
Beyond Your Finances, Our People
Podcast Transcript Summary Financial planning is often thought of in terms of numbers—portfolios, returns, and projections—but in reality, it’s much more personal than that. Behind every decision is a story, a goal, or a moment in life that requires clarity and confidence. In this episode of From Planning to Prosperity, we sit down with Beth…
What Is Direct Indexing—and When Does It Make Sense for High-Net-Worth Investors? Direct indexing has gained attention in recent years as technology, like automation and ample liquidity, has made it more accessible. It offers a way to combine passive investing with more flexible tax management and portfolio customization. That can sound appealing, but like most…
Volatility remains in vogue to begin the month of April. The war in Iran continues to change shape with the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz just underway after peace talks fell through. And by the time you read this, it may already be old news. Traders are watching every headline, trying to determine…
It’s that time of year! The clocks move forward, wardrobes shift, garages get cleaned, and we prepare for longer nights on the patio. As you wrap up your tax return and organize important documents, why not take the opportunity to spring clean your finances? In this article, we review four key areas to focus on…
Welcome to our March 2026 Viewpoints, a monthly bulletin from PDS Planning to our valued clients and friends. Our goal with each issue of Viewpoints is to provide you with a wide variety of perspectives on life and wealth. Feel free to share with others. The World and Oil At this stage of the US war…
Many companies—both public and private—use equity compensation such as restricted stock and stock options to attract, reward, and retain employees. These awards can become a significant part of your net worth, which makes it essential to understand how they work, how they are taxed, and how they fit into your overall financial plan. Your equity…
Summary: Tax planning goes beyond annual tax preparation by proactively structuring income, investments, and giving to reduce lifetime taxes. The article explains five core principles and shows how retirees, business owners, and high-income professionals can look beyond tax preparation and leverage tax planning strategies to keep more wealth compounding toward their goals. A smart tax strategy is one…
As war in the Middle East escalates, investors are confronted with the reality of a world that is becoming more dangerous. With markets reacting minute by minute to the news, it’s helpful to take a step back and consider events in a broader context, suggests Capital Group political economist, Talha Khan. “The death of Iran’s…
