エピソード

  • Why Own Bonds?

    Why Own Bonds?
    2026/07/15
    Why own bonds in your portfolio? Earlier this year, we did an episode explaining bonds. But we often hear that folks understand what bonds are; the question is why do I want them in my portfolio, especially if stocks have historically produced higher long term returns? The answer starts with understanding that stocks and bonds have different jobs. A successful portfolio is not built by choosing one perfect investment. It combines investments that support different goals. Stocks generally provide long term growth. Bonds can provide stability, income, and flexibility. Stocks have delivered stronger returns over many decades, but those returns come with greater risk. Markets have experienced severe declines, including the technology crash, the 2008 financial crisis, and the rapid decline in early 2020. It is easy to claim comfort with risk when markets are rising. That confidence can change quickly during a major downturn. Bonds can help reduce portfolio volatility and make it easier to remain committed to a long term plan. The current interest rate environment also strengthens the case for bonds. For many years after the financial crisis, bond yields were extremely low. Bonds offered limited income, even though they still helped control risk. Higher interest rates now allow many high quality bonds to produce more meaningful cash flow. This can be especially valuable for retirees who depend on their portfolios to fund living expenses. Bonds also help address the danger of selling stocks during a market decline. A retiree with an all stock portfolio may be forced to sell investments at depressed prices to cover withdrawals. Those sales lock in losses and leave fewer shares available to benefit from a later recovery. A portfolio that includes bonds and cash may give the investor another source for distributions while stocks recover. This issue is known as sequence of returns risk. Two retirees can earn the same average return over 25 years and still experience very different results. The investor who suffers major losses early in retirement may run into trouble because withdrawals occur while the portfolio is declining. Bonds can provide income and liquidity during those periods. For example, a retiree with 40 percent in bonds and a 4 percent annual withdrawal rate may have roughly ten years of potential distributions available from the bond allocation, even before considering growth or rebalancing. The unusual market environment of 2022 does not mean diversification stopped working. Stocks and bonds both declined as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively to control inflation. Diversification is not designed to protect investors during every short period. It is designed to improve the range of possible outcomes over time. The central lesson is that successful investing is not about earning the highest return every year. It is about creating the greatest probability of reaching financial goals while taking only the risk that is necessary. Bonds are not competitors to stocks. They are complementary tools that can provide income, stability, and flexibility when markets become difficult. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be ...
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    28 分
  • Scammers Are Getting Smarter - Are We?

    Scammers Are Getting Smarter - Are We?
    2026/06/29
    In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we talk about the growing risk of modern scams and why the old advice of “I would never fall for that” no longer works. Scams have become more polished, more personal, and much harder to spot. Fake emails now look professional. Text messages can seem legitimate. Phone calls can appear to come from banks, credit card companies, hotels, or utilities. With artificial intelligence, scammers can now create convincing language and even clone voices. The tools have changed, but the goal has not. Scammers still want people to act before they think. Alex shares two recent close calls that show how sophisticated these scams have become. In one case, he received what appeared to be a fraud alert from American Express. The caller ID looked legitimate, and the representative sounded real. The call only became suspicious when the questions became more specific, including requests for parts of his Social Security number. Alex hung up, called American Express directly, and confirmed the call was fake. In another case, he received a text about a real hotel reservation. The message had the correct hotel name, dates, and details, but it included a deadline to update payment information. Alex contacted the hotel directly and learned their system had been hacked. We also talk about why these scams are so effective. They are no longer built from complete fiction. Criminals use real information from hacked systems, public records, or social media, then insert themselves into real events. That makes the scam feel believable. Caller ID spoofing, email spoofing, fake websites, and AI voice cloning all make the problem worse. Ed explains the best defenses. Slow down. Verify independently. Do not click suspicious links. Call the number on the back of your card or go directly to the company’s website. Use multi-factor authentication where it matters most. Use strong, unique passwords, ideally with a password manager. Talk openly with family members, especially older relatives, about scams before they happen. The episode also covers the grandparent scam, where a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble and asks for money quickly. With AI voice cloning, these calls can sound even more convincing. The best response is to have a family plan. Verify with another family member before sending money. The main message is simple. You do not have to understand every new scam or every new technology. You just have to recognize pressure, urgency, fear, or confusion. Pause, breathe, and verify before acting. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices ...
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    22 分
  • Diversification: Domestic vs International Equities

    Diversification: Domestic vs International Equities
    2026/06/11
    In this episode, we look at a question many investors are asking right now: why own international stocks when U.S. stocks have done so well for so long? We start with the reality behind the question. Over the past decade, the S&P 500 has far outpaced developed international markets, and that gap has made investors wonder whether international exposure still matters. Ed explains that this skepticism is understandable. Many large U.S. companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon, already sell products around the world and benefit from global growth. That makes it easy to think a U.S. stock portfolio already provides enough global exposure. But the other side of the issue is concentration. The U.S. market now represents roughly 60 to 65 percent of global market capitalization, which means a U.S. only investor is choosing to leave out about 35 to 40 percent of the global stock market. Now, this is not an anti U.S. argument. U.S. companies remain dominant, innovative, and important. The point is that diversification asks whether it makes sense to concentrate entirely in one country, even one as strong as the United States. The discussion then turns to history. Alex explains that market leadership is never permanent, even though it often feels permanent in the moment. Investors are shaped by what they have recently experienced. Today, many younger investors have only known an environment where U.S. equities beat international markets. That can make diversification feel unnecessary. But in earlier periods, international stocks, emerging markets, and even fixed income led for meaningful stretches of time. The lesson is not that international stocks are guaranteed to outperform next. The lesson is that no one knows what will lead next. Alex describes diversification as an exercise in humility. We do not diversify because we know what is going to happen. We diversify because we do not know. Trying to build a portfolio around yesterday’s winners can turn investing into performance chasing. That may work for a while, but history shows that trends change, valuations shift, currencies move, and leadership rotates. Our main takeaway is that diversification can feel frustrating during long periods when one asset class dominates. But its purpose is not to win every year. Its purpose is to build a portfolio that can handle many different market environments over time. International exposure remains part of that discipline because it adds different currencies, economies, industries, demographics, and market cycles to a long term investment plan. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed ...
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    29 分
  • Growth Stocks vs Value Stocks - What Are They, Really?

    Growth Stocks vs Value Stocks - What Are They, Really?
    2026/04/23
    In this episode, we break down what growth stocks and value stocks really are, why they behave differently, and why investors often get tripped up trying to choose between them. Alex starts with the basics. Growth stocks are companies that are expected to increase earnings or revenue faster than the overall market. These businesses usually reinvest heavily into expansion, new products, or new markets, which means they often pay little or no dividend. Investors are usually willing to pay more for these companies today because of what they may become in the future. That potential can create strong upside, but it also makes growth stocks harder to value and often more volatile. We then contrast that with value stocks. These are usually more established businesses that trade at lower valuations relative to earnings or fundamentals. They tend to have steadier cash flow, more mature business models, and in many cases they return profits to shareholders through dividends. Value investing is usually less about big future expectations and more about what an investor is paying for right now. These stocks can feel less exciting, but that stability and predictability are often part of the appeal. From there, we explain why neither style is always better. Growth tends to do well when interest rates are low, optimism is high, and investors are more comfortable paying for future earnings. Value tends to hold up better when rates are higher, inflation is a concern, and investors care more about present cash flow and valuation discipline. Market leadership rotates because the economic environment changes, investor sentiment changes, and pricing changes with it. The heart of the episode is the warning against trying to time those rotations. Often, investors chase whatever has been working recently, only to shift right before leadership changes. The last several years have shown exactly how quickly that can happen, with growth leading, then value, then growth again, and now value showing strength in early 2026. That kind of movement feels obvious only in hindsight. The main takeaway is simple. Instead of trying to guess which style will win next, we are better served by owning a mix of both. A balanced portfolio, combined with regular rebalancing, creates discipline. It helps trim what has recently run up and add to what has lagged. That reduces performance chasing and keeps the portfolio aligned over time. As always, successful investing is usually less about prediction and more about structure, patience, and staying diversified. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.Risk ...
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    20 分
  • What are Bonds, Really?

    What are Bonds, Really?
    2026/03/25
    What are bonds? This is the next part of our ongoing breakdown of core investing building blocks, following stocks and gold in January and February, respectively. Bonds are often misunderstood, but at their core they are simple. Ed starts us off with the basics. A bond is a loan. When we buy a bond, we lend money to a government, corporation, or municipality. In return, they pay us interest over time and return our principal at maturity. Unlike stocks, we are not buying ownership or growth. We are buying predictability and stability. Next, the key components of a bond: We cover principal, which is typically $1,000 per bond, the coupon, which is the interest payment, and maturity, which is when we get our money back. Longer maturities usually come with higher interest because they carry more uncertainty. We also highlight a critical concept. Bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. When rates rise, bond prices fall. When rates fall, bond prices rise. This helps explain why bonds struggled in 2022 and how they can recover when rates decline. Why do bonds exist? From the issuer’s side, they are a way to raise money for spending, projects, or refinancing debt. From the investor’s side, bonds provide steady income, lower volatility than stocks, and diversification within a portfolio. They help create balance and reduce overall risk. Alex then explores different types of bonds. We cover U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds. Treasuries are considered the safest. Municipal bonds can offer tax advantages. Corporate bonds provide higher yields but come with more risk. Further, within corporate bonds, we distinguish between investment grade and high yield, or junk bonds, which carry greater default risk but higher potential returns. We also explain the risks involved. These include credit risk, interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, and inflation risk. While bonds are more stable than stocks, they are not risk free. Understanding these risks is essential for proper portfolio planning. Finally, we emphasize the role bonds play in a portfolio. They provide income, stability, and psychological comfort during market volatility. They help investors stay disciplined and avoid emotional decisions. Bonds may not be "exciting," but they can be a key portfolio piece for balance and long term success. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.Risk Considerations:There are special risks associated with investing with bonds such as interest rate risk, market risk, call risk, prepayment risk, credit risk, reinvestment risk, and unique tax ...
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    28 分
  • What IS Gold, Really?

    What IS Gold, Really?
    2026/02/20
    In a follow up to our last episode, we explore a simple but important question: "What is gold, really?" We begin by revisiting our broader discussion about understanding what we actually own in our portfolios. Last month we talked about stocks as ownership in real businesses. This month we shift our focus to gold and examine how it differs. We start with the history. Gold did not become valuable because governments declared it so. It became valuable because of its unique characteristics. It is scarce, durable, divisible, and universally recognizable. For thousands of years, these traits made it an effective store of value and a medium of exchange across cultures. Paper currency originally represented claims on physical gold under the gold standard. Over time, most countries moved to fiat currency, which is backed by trust in the issuing government rather than a physical asset. Even after that shift, gold remained part of the financial conversation because it exists outside the political system. It does not rely on promises. It simply exists. We then clarify a key distinction. Gold preserves value, but it does not create value. Unlike stocks, gold does not generate earnings, innovate, or grow. It does not produce income. Its price is largely driven by perception, including inflation expectations, interest rates, confidence in institutions, and fear. We discuss how gold peaked around $850 per ounce in 1980 and then took decades to recover that level. That example highlights that gold can experience very long periods of weak performance. At the same time, gold can also have strong years, especially during times of uncertainty. We explain that gold is best viewed as a tool, not a core growth engine. Because it often has a lower correlation with stocks, a small allocation can help reduce portfolio volatility. In many cases, that allocation may range from 1 to 5 percent. The purpose matters. Are we hedging inflation, extreme uncertainty, or simply seeking confidence? When used thoughtfully, gold can provide diversification and emotional stability during downturns. Every holding in a portfolio should have a purpose. Gold is not a magical solution, but it is not useless either. Understanding what we own and why we own it remains central to long term investment success. Note: Gold is subject to the special risks associated with investing in precious metals, including but not limited to: price may be subject to wide fluctuation; the market is relatively limited; the sources are concentrated in countries that have the potential for instability; and the market is unregulated. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest...
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    23 分
  • What Are Stocks, Really?

    What Are Stocks, Really?
    2026/01/20
    In this first episode of 2026, we dive deep into a foundational concept that often gets lost in the noise of day-to-day market headlines: what stocks actually are. We begin by reframing the way we view stocks—not as just numbers or tickers on a screen, but as tangible ownership in real businesses. Ed kicks off by breaking down what owning a share really means. When we buy stock, we're not just speculating—we’re becoming part-owners in companies that employ people, generate revenue, and make real-world decisions. From baristas at Starbucks to corporate CEOs, all of them are working to create value for us—the shareholders.We explore how the value of a stock isn’t just about its current price but about future earnings, innovation, and profitability. Markets move fast because they reflect new expectations instantly. But over the long haul, real business performance determines value. This is why Ed emphasizes that the stock market isn’t a casino—it’s a tool for owning productivity, growth, and innovation. He uses the analogy of starting a pizza shop to illustrate how raising capital and sharing ownership is the core concept behind public companies.We also talk about dividends—those are simply profits being shared with us as owners. Whether a company reinvests or pays out those profits depends on its growth opportunities. Tech companies tend to reinvest, while utilities often return more to shareholders.Alex then zooms out and takes us through a historical lens on how stock ownership evolved. We trace it from the 1600s Dutch East India Company to today’s frictionless investing via apps like Robinhood. Initially reserved for elites, ownership became more widespread with the founding of exchanges, government regulations after the Great Depression, and eventually the creation of 401(k)s in the 1970s. That move away from pensions put the responsibility—and opportunity—of investing into the hands of everyday people.We reflect on how tools like mutual funds, index funds, and fractional shares have opened access even further. Today, over 60% of American households own stocks, mostly through retirement plans. Alex reminds us that the clients who succeed financially aren’t necessarily the best investors—they’re the best savers. Understanding that owning stock means owning real companies helps people stay grounded during market volatility and make smarter decisions.This episode is all about clarity—clarity in what we own, why we own it, and how the system evolved to work for more than just the elite. We’re not just watching prices move—we’re participants in the system of capitalism itself. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates ...
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    27 分
  • Are 529 Plans Still Worth It?

    Are 529 Plans Still Worth It?
    2025/12/18
    In our final episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom for 2025, we take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of education and what that means for families planning ahead. College isn't what it used to be, and as we head into 2026, we unpack how demographic shifts, cost pressures, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping higher education—and what families can do to stay ahead of the curve.Alex explains how college enrollment has been declining steadily since its peak in 2010. While part of that is due to lower birth rates post-2007, we focus on the bigger shift—young people increasingly turning toward trade careers, certifications, and alternative learning paths. Fields like HVAC, welding, and nursing are growing in demand, and students are seeking out stable, well-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.For those who do choose college, we’re seeing a clear shift in preferred majors. STEM fields like engineering, computer science, and data science are growing, along with healthcare and business, while traditional liberal arts majors are shrinking. Rising costs are a huge part of the conversation, with many families questioning whether a $320,000 undergraduate degree truly delivers a return on investment. This economic pressure has pushed many toward more flexible paths like community college, online programs, or hybrid models that offer practical value without the high price tag.We also examine how universities themselves are evolving—sometimes in the wrong direction. From luxury dorms to reduced tenure-track faculty, schools are spending more to attract students but aren’t always investing in what really matters: quality education. Alex shares a personal story from his alma mater, Washington University that perfectly illustrates this disconnect.Next, we turn to the financial side. Ed walks us through how 529 plans remain one of the best tools families can use, even in this uncertain educational landscape. These plans are far more flexible than many realize—they now cover trade schools, certifications, online degrees, and even some K–12 costs. Plus, any leftover funds can be rolled into a Roth IRA, offering tax-free growth and long-term retirement benefits for beneficiaries. The ability to change the plan’s beneficiary and the favorable tax treatment make 529s an incredibly versatile, powerful savings option.Even if the future of education is less predictable, we agree the cost will still be significant. That’s why saving early and often—while staying flexible—is more important than ever. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices...
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