Insights

The Wealthstream Advisors team is pleased to share that we have been named one of the “Top Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Firms to Work For” by Financial Planning magazine.

If you have a long-term care policy, especially an older one, you may eventually receive a letter stating that your premiums will increase. While this change may be an unpleasant surprise, you will likely have several options for moving forward, and there is no reason to panic.

With so much of our lives online nowadays, knowing the top cybersecurity tips significantly reduces the risk of fraud or falling victim to a cyber attack. From phishing to malware, those attempting to steal your private data or gain access to your personal assets have more methods than ever to do so.

Summer has officially turned to fall and we have entered Q4 2024 (hard to believe, right?). With the last few months of the year approaching, the CPA in me starts to shift more focus onto a pivotal part of any good financial plan – year end tax planning. 

Moving abroad means new complexities for personal investments, and it is important for those planning an international move to recognize that “staying the course” with existing investments is not always a wise (or even viable) choice.

When it comes to estate planning, our discussions with clients typically revolve around the Federal estate tax. Our clients are less aware of the careful planning and consideration needed to address their estate tax on the state level. For instance, as of 2024, 12 states and the District of Columbia levy estate taxes on estates over a certain value – and New York is one of them.

I am going to be taking a break from work for the whole month of April 2025. At Wealthstream Advisors, we created a sabbatical program similar to one that is offered to partners at one of the big four accounting firms. We have seen how their sabbatical program is not only good for morale but also good for business. The partners return more refreshed, more centered, and more productive. Their experience makes them more well-rounded and more attuned to the world.

An international move is an extraordinary opportunity to pursue new life experiences, and planning proactively for the associated financial transition can go a long way toward achieving a positive experience abroad. 

While inflation has receded from its historic 40-year peak in 2022, and a volatile equity market has recovered and reached all-time highs (as of June 2024), many investors remain concerned about the potential for a long-lasting inflationary environment and are eager to find attractive investments where they can safeguard their money without it losing value.

For some, that could mean a high-yield savings account or Treasury Bills. As of June 2024, interest rates of high-yield savings accounts are over 4% and 1-12 month T-Bills are paying over 5%. For others, I bonds could be the right option for protecting against inflation.

For the fourth year in a row, Wealthstream has been named as a 2024 finalist for the University at Buffalo’s UB Fast 46 list.