Insights

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.

Marriage is more than just a romantic relationship—it’s also a financial partnership. If you’re planning on getting married, you and your future spouse are probably focused on planning your wedding and honeymoon. But planning for your future financial life—and for what happens if your marriage doesn’t last forever—is just as important.

 As financial planners, we get to assist people on a quest. Simply put, our job is twofold. 

Equity-based compensation is a wonderful way to potentially share in the profits and appreciation of your company. Getting the most out of your equity compensation requires understanding key concepts, terms, and conditions related to this equity. It is also important to understand the tax implications and to make decisions with a long-term financial plan in mind. Not fully understanding what you have been granted or not having a plan can easily lead to mistakes, lost opportunities, and even outright losses.

In this Insight, we explain Monte Carlo analysis (also commonly called Monte Carlo simulation), how it works, and how it can be a powerful tool when projecting a family’s long-term financial future. 

Wealthstream Advisors has recently added to our team’s growing list of professional designations, Global Financial Planner (USA), or GFP (USA). We sought out this additional expertise because we know from experience that individuals and families who have lived in more than one nation have unique needs from a financial planning perspective.

Being a small business owner or partaking in a side hustle can be a rewarding experience. You can be your own boss, have the freedom to work as you please and can provide products and services that you are passionate about. However, with these freedoms also comes additional responsibilities. You must keep accurate records of all the income and expenses of your business and ensure you are paying taxes on time, which can be a daunting task.

If you have a long-term care policy—especially an older one—you might receive a letter one day saying your premiums will increase. Don’t panic. You have options.

Your relationship with your financial advisor should be grounded in trust, competence, and mutual interest. As an investor, your expectations are that your wealth management firm offers the sort of guidance that delivers you the best possible outcome—even if that outcome means they receive fewer commissions or fees.

Last month, we were joined by our friend and guest, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger, for a webinar focused on your questions about the pandemic and what it means for your financial plans going forward. We covered everything from financial news and the stock market to college tuition and the upcoming presidential election. If you missed the webinar, here are 10 takeaways: