wealth management

  • Alternative Investments - Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

Alternative Investments – Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

2025-03-25T12:27:44-05:00February 13, 2022|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , , |

Alternative Investments – Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

In our new infographic below, we examine a unique alternative investment category — luxury collectibles.  Along with the infographic, download our latest article on alternative investments here – https://bit.ly/3gKB4KM

Alternative Investments: Luxury Collectibles as a Growing Asset Class

In the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown and the uncertainty of the global pandemic, investors have increasingly turned to alternative investments. Concerned that traditional stock markets no longer offer reliable capital preservation, many have sought new opportunities. Luxury collectibles, such as fine wine, art, jewelry, and watches, have become popular asset classes, offering low correlation to the market and potential for high returns.

Fine Wine

Investing in fine wine has gained traction as an alternative investment, particularly in times of market instability. After the 2008 crisis, the Liv-Ex 100 Index saw a remarkable 40.5% return. Even more recently, fine wine prices have continued …

  • Woman Drinking Coffee On Bench With Dog At Her Side, 9 Crucial Steps to Ensure You’re Prepared for Retirement

9 Crucial Steps to Ensure You’re Prepared for Retirement

2025-03-25T12:40:57-05:00March 26, 2021|Categories: Resource Center, Weekly Update|Tags: , , , |

9 Crucial Steps to Ensure You’re Prepared for Retirement

As retirement approaches, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth transition. The pre-retirement checklist is an essential tool to help you assess how ready you are. By breaking down key elements, you can better understand your goals and progress. Start by determining your goals—consider when and how you want to retire, your desired lifestyle, and where you plan to live. Whether you plan to downsize your home, travel, or enjoy a more relaxed pace, defining these aspects will shape your retirement.

Health insurance, long-term care, and Medicare strategies are also important considerations. Since 52% of people turning 65 will require long-term care, planning ahead is essential. Similarly, understanding your health coverage options and preparing for potential medical costs is vital. When it comes to finances, reviewing your spending and budget is crucial. Assess your current savings and …

  • Person Rock Climbing, Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

2025-03-25T13:07:23-05:00April 29, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

For years, the debate has been whether active or passive management investing was ideal.

When it comes to investing, many people fall into one of two extremes: being too passive or too active. Passive investors often rely on tools like target date funds or robo-advisors, which can be risky during market volatility due to their equity-heavy portfolios. On the other hand, too-active investors may fall into emotional traps like market timing or buying and selling based on fear of missing out, which often leads to underperformance compared to the broader market.

A balanced approach is ideal, and this is where professional financial advice can make a significant difference. A trusted advisor provides active management that goes beyond stock picking. They help assess your risk tolerance, ensure proper diversification, and tailor investment strategies based on your long-term goals. …

  • Three People on Edge of the River, Estate Strategies, Estate Strategies - Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

2025-03-26T08:12:34-05:00December 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , |

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

Taking steps to protect your estate is an important financial decision. Proper strategies can maximize opportunities and reduce stress for your loved ones. Yet, around 50% of people over 50 don’t have a will, even though almost 60% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance. By creating an estate plan, you can put your financial house in order and save money. Documenting your wishes ensures that your family won’t face a costly and lengthy probate process, and it helps make sure your legacy is honored.

A will is essential for outlining how your assets will be distributed, naming an executor, and designating guardians for minor children. However, wills can be contested in court, which is why additional documents like a letter of intent can be helpful to clarify your intentions. A power of attorney …

  • Christopher Much Proust Questionnaire

The Proust Questionnaire Journey Continues with Christopher Much

2025-03-26T09:02:29-05:00September 7, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , |

The Proust Questionnaire Journey Continues with Christopher Much

The Proust Questionnaire Journey Continues with Christopher Much

Christopher Much steps up to the Proust Questionnaire plate today, giving us some visibility into what makes him tick. Did you know that when he’s not crunching numbers and consulting with clients, Chris throws on a Gi and can be found studying the art of jiu-jitsu?

Maxim Lukawski, Director of Tax Services, enjoys financial planning because it blends data analysis with helping clients. He feels fulfilled when he sees the relief in clients’ eyes as they create a solid plan.

He views his greatest trait as tenacity, though his wife might call it stubbornness. He never gives up on tough tasks and pushes forward until he succeeds. Maxim values generosity in his friends. He believes it’s essential for being a good person.

Maxim admires Batman for his skills and humility, and Bruce Lee for his contributions to martial …

  • Jonathan Much Takes the Proust Questionnaire

Jonathon Much Takes the Proust Questionnaire

2025-03-26T09:16:35-05:00July 12, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Jonathan Much Takes the Proust Questionnaire

Jonathan Much Takes the Proust Questionnaire

In the late 1800’s, the Proust Questionnaire emerged as a popular parlor game and a way for friends and associates to better get to know one another.

The CTS Vice President values the balance between work, family, and martial arts training. He finds happiness in watching his daughters grow and spending time with his family. His biggest fear is not having enough time to visit every country he wants to see with his wife. He admires Bill Gates for his work as a technologist and philanthropist, and he strives to be loyal and respectful.

He also values loyalty and respect in others and dislikes being late. He treasures his grandparents’ wooden and glass bookcases, which are rare and irreplaceable. He doesn’t see any place better than Chicago and believes life without love would be unbearable.

In terms of talents, he’d like to …

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