Expert commentary and analysis to help guide informed financial decisions
Stay informed with our latest market commentary, investment insights, and wealth planning strategies.
War, Private Credit Worries and AI Anxiety Weigh on Stocks
Market volatility spiked in the first quarter of 2026. A surge in geopolitical tensions, growing concerns about potential stress in private credit markets, and fears that artificial intelligence (AI) may disrupt certain industries combined to push the S&P 500 moderately lower to start the year.
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Required Minimum Distributions: A Guide to RMDs
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, or similar plans once you reach a certain age. Understanding RMDs helps you plan for taxes, avoid penalties, support retirement income, and manage estate planning.
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Stocks Extend the Bull Market Run in 2025
The S&P 500 opened the fourth quarter by reaching a new all-time high in early October. However, market volatility increased later in the month amid renewed trade tensions between the United States and China.
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Trust Administration After Death: Common Mistakes California Families Make
The period immediately following a settlor's death is one of the most legally sensitive and emotionally challenging phases of trust administration. In California, post-death trust administration is governed by strict statutory requirements.
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Rate Cuts, Trade Deals, and Strong Earnings Power Stocks Higher in Q3
Stocks reached all-time highs in the third quarter as economic growth remained steady, tariff increases proved milder than feared, and the Federal Reserve initiated its long-awaited interest rate-cutting cycle.
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Introducing Parallel Trust Company of California
At Parallel Advisors, we have always believed that true wealth management extends beyond investments; it's about protecting what matters most to you and your family. Today we're proud to introduce Parallel Trust Company of California, our newly launched trust company designed to provide seamless estate planning, trust administration and legacy protection.
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Tariff Reduction and Solid Growth Power an Impressive Market Rebound in Q2
Market volatility spiked in Q2 as the S&P 500 fell sharply in early April following the announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs. However, those initial losses were gradually reversed over the quarter as tariff rates were reduced, economic growth remained resilient, and inflation stayed low.
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Equity Compensation: A Simple Guide to ISOs, NSOs and RSUs
Equity compensation provides an opportunity to build wealth by sharing in your company's success. Common forms include Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Each works differently, with unique tax implications, but all can help grow your savings if your company performs well.
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Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets in Q1
Volatility gripped markets in the first quarter, and the major U.S. stock indices saw moderate declines as chaotic U.S. trade and tariff policies caused a plunge in business and consumer confidence, which raised concerns that economic growth would slow and corporate earnings growth would disappoint.
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A Practical Guide To Divorce
"Divorce" refers to the legal process of ending a couple's relationship. Understanding divorce process options proves crucial for family well-being. Your chosen approach impacts personal welfare, parenting relationships and finances.
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Solid Economic Growth and Rate Cuts Fuel Further Gains in Stocks
The S&P 500 rose to an all-time high in Q4 and extended gains for 2024. The election results boosted expectations for tax cuts and other pro-growth policies in 2025, while the economy proved resilient with ongoing interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Read MoreCPA, CGMA, Tax Director
Double Down on Trickle Down: Tax Policy Following A GOP Election Sweep
Over the past fifty years, the battle over income tax policy has been a cornerstone of American politics, shaping economic discourse and influencing voter sentiment. In the twenty-first century, however, federal tax policy is increasingly temporary due to a combination of factors.
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Fed Rate Cuts and Solid Earnings Overcome Rising Economic Anxiety
Markets began the third quarter with a continuation of the year-to-date rally thanks to good Q2 earnings results and generally solid economic data. However, while the S&P 500 hit a new all-time high in mid-July, the second half of the month proved more volatile.
Read MoreDirector of Family Office Services
Why You Need a Social Media Policy
As a former Single Family Office Executive, I've had the privilege of experiencing life's many milestones alongside the families I've served. From welcoming new family members to organizing funerals and everything in between, one moment stands out: hearing the news that a family's child has been kidnapped.
Read MoreParallel Advisors Announces Appointment of David Canter to Board of Directors
Parallel Advisors, a premier independent wealth management firm, today announced the appointment of David Canter to its Board of Directors. Canter, a well-respected expert in the RIA industry, will be the first outside board member at Parallel Advisors.
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Expected Rate Cuts and Falling Inflation Push the S&P 500 to New Highs in Q2
While the S&P 500 ultimately hit new highs in the second quarter, the month of April was decidedly negative for markets. The catalyst was the March Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose 3.5% year over year, and came in higher than estimates.
Read MoreDirector of Family Office Services
The Strategic Advantage of Long-Term Thinking in Multigenerational Families
As the youngest of five children, I experienced firsthand the consequences of a family lacking a focus on the future. My parents built a thriving real estate business in Southern California, owning a brokerage firm with over 30 agents, a mortgage brokerage and more than 50 single-family rental properties.
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The First Quarter: Strong Fundamentals Propel Stocks to New Highs
The momentum from the 2023 rally carried into the first quarter of 2024, fueled by an investor-friendly blend of steady economic growth, falling inflation, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The year kicked off on a less positive note when the December Consumer Price Index declined less than expected.
Read MoreDirector of Family Office Services
Orchestrating Wealth: The Harmonious Symphony of Multigenerational Wealth Management
In the world of investment management, the notion of entrusting the role of Chief Investment Officer to an individual with a degree in music composition may appear unconventional. However, the unique skill set possessed by a music major could offer an invaluable advantage in wealth management.
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The Fourth Quarter: Summary and Market Outlook
Markets staged an impressive reversal in the fourth quarter, driven by a surprising dovish pivot by the Federal Reserve, coupled with solid economic activity and a continued decline in inflation. However, the strong fourth quarter performance obscured the fact that stocks and bonds were under significant pressure at the beginning of the quarter.
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Secure Act 2.0 And Future Changes in 2024
You may have heard about the passage of the SECURE Act 2.0 in December 2022, which introduced several changes to tax laws. Some of these changes have already taken effect, while others are scheduled for implementation in 2024 and beyond. Here is a summary of key modifications.
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The Third Quarter: Impact of Higher Interest Rates on Stocks
The S&P 500 began the third quarter on a positive note, mirroring its second-quarter performance with gains. However, concerns arose in August and September due to rising bond yields and worries about a potential economic slowdown. As a result, the S&P 500 ended the quarter with a modest loss, while still maintaining substantial gains year-to-date.
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Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP)
An Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is classified as a type of option program under tax law. An ESPP grants employees the right to buy company stock at a computed price, at some future date. Understanding the tax implications of qualifying and disqualifying sales is crucial for maximizing after-tax returns.
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Mid-Year Financial Planning Check-Up: Tips for a Stronger Future
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's a perfect time to conduct a financial planning check-up. Here are some essential tips to consider: revisit your spending, obtain your credit report, reevaluate retirement plan contributions, evaluate tax withholding, consider Roth IRA conversions, review insurance needs, review estate planning documents and map out your charitable giving plan.
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Declining Inflation and Resilient Growth Push Stocks Higher in Q2
Stocks in the second quarter experienced solid gains as inflation declined and growth remained resilient. The S&P 500 and other major indices performed well following the Federal Reserve's pause in rate hikes, better-than-expected corporate earnings, and the resolution of the U.S. debt ceiling extension.
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Chatting with AI: Can it review its own investment potential?
As each quarter-end approaches, we survey our colleagues for timely newsletter topics. I volunteered to write an article about the investment potential of artificial intelligence. In this unique piece, I asked ChatGPT to write about its own investment potential, then critically evaluated its responses.
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