Planning Insights

More than creating convenience, consolidating accounts can help you mitigate taxes, better manage your cash flow and more.

A first glance at the new budget reconciliation proposal, and what it means for taxpayers.

529 plans are useful tools for funding an education – but knowing which expenses you can use the funds on is crucial.

You never know when an unforeseen expense may come your way. Don’t let it catch you off guard – prepare an emergency fund.

When it comes to paying off your student loan debt, you may have more options than you realize.

Five vehicles that can help you make the most of saving for college.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when that first big medical bill arrives. Here are five dos and don’ts so you don’t pay more than you have to.

With inflation at 40-year highs, what moves should investors be considering? Here are six strategies to help protect against the corrosive effects of rising prices.

It’s important to plan for your parents just as much as your children. Here’s how to prepare to care for an aging parent.

Collectibles like art, classic cars, sports cards and even comic books have become an asset class of their own. Before you invest in them, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

Even with unpredictable or highly variable income, you can still create a secure future – it just takes thoughtful planning.

As you move from college to your first real job and your own home, these steps can help make sure you’re ready to succeed in the adult world.

You’ve spent your kids’ entire lives saving for their college tuition – so what happens when they say they want to go to grad school, too?

Advice for parents before they agree to take on college debt for their children.

How big a bite does the IRS take out of your bonus check – and what can you do about it?

Don’t just write a check to your favorite charity: These tax-advantaged strategies can give you more bang for your buck.

Your Medicare costs depend on a variety of factors and can even change after you begin the program. Here’s how you can keep your costs under control.

How do you offer money in a way that works for everyone?

With great wealth comes great responsibility. Here’s how to make smart, confident decisions with newfound money.

While an office ping-pong table would be nice, your more traditional employment perks might offer more than you realize.

Working overseas? You won’t escape the clutches of the IRS. But you may be able to ease the burden.

U.S. consumer credit card debt is over $1 trillion – here are five tips for getting your balance sheet back in the black.

Key questions to help you get started on funding your kids’ education.

Medicare is a program that includes several different forms of health care, some of which are provided by the federal government and some by private insurers. As a result, it can be a fairly complicated program to understand.

You may have bought a crib, car seat, diapers… but have you revisited your financial plan?

If left unchecked, debt can cost you both money and peace of mind. Here are 6 ways to get it under control and working for you.

The IRS has finalized its decision on inherited IRAs, with impacts to your overall tax strategy.

Which individual retirement account is right for you? It depends on your circumstances.

If making the max contribution to your 401(k) isn’t enough to make you comfortable about your retirement, here are some further options

If you aren’t eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, a backdoor Roth could be the key for you to take advantage of this retirement savings vehicle.

Before you hang it up for good, ask yourself these 7 questions.

RMDs can be a vital source of income in your later years. Here are key questions to help you get the most out of your assets.

The Social Security Fairness Act increased benefits for millions of retirees – how could it impact you?

What to consider before taking a withdrawal from your IRA.

While diversification doesn’t guarantee against loss, it is one of the most successful strategies for portfolio-building over the long term.

It’s not just for the ultra-wealthy. An estate plan can help you protect your assets, make things easier for your heirs, and minimize your taxes.

With a little planning, your HSA can do a lot more than fund short-term healthcare expenses.

With a well-planned gifting strategy, you can transfer wealth tax-free to your beneficiaries – while you’re still here to see them enjoy it.

“In looking back, I knew it all along.”

“Your money is like a bar of soap – the more you handle it, the less you’ll have.”

Consider these five tips before adding an investment property to your portfolio.

What does 2025 have in store, and how should you plan for it?

What to do with a 529 education savings plan when there’s no college left to spend it on.

If you start now, imagine the nest egg you could have decades into the future.

Data breaches have been steadily on the rise in recent years – here’s what to do if you find your personal information has been exposed.

Are you prepared for the financial impacts of untying the knot?

Start building your money and investment management skills in college with these practices.

How developing a strong plan for selling your business is key to a smooth adjustment into this new stage of life.

How to make your life – and your CPA’s life – go a little bit smoother as you prepare your returns during the coming tax season.

Here’s what you need to know about recently increased limits for gifting, retirement contributions, and more.

Strategies on maximizing the impact of your charitable donations while optimizing potential tax benefits.

Society’s views on prenuptial agreements are evolving. Here’s how prenups can make your relationship stronger.

Retirement isn’t a monolithic stage of life – it has its own seasons, each with its own financial considerations.

Tim Steffen highlights key moves to make to ensure you make the most of year-end.

Wire fraud is one of the most frightening types of theft that can happen to you. Here’s how you can ensure your transactions are secure.

Between online commerce and social media, we’re all spending more time on the internet these days. So are cybercriminals. Learn to protect yourself from their most common scams.

There’s a lot to consider when appointing a trustee for your estate. Here are 3 questions to ask when making the decision.

In our September Wealth Strategies webinar, Baird Wealth Planner Ron Johnson discusses how to get the most out of your coverage.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to carry out mass phishing attacks, making it crucial for you to recognize these threats.

Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your personal information away from prying eyes.

Don’t let a feeling of apathy keep you from investing for the long term.

In an era of AI-generated content, how do you separate fact from fiction?

Provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to sunset in 2025, resulting in implications for you and your tax planning.

It’s not just for retirement – discover how everyone can benefit from a plan for their wealth.

Why succession plans are key for preparing to sell or transfer ownership of your business – and five ways you can do so.

Focus too much on day-to-day market performance and you could miss the larger trend.

Six strategies for an underappreciated but crucial component of retirement planning.

When you face health issues, you might seek a second opinion to confirm your plan. Why not do the same with your finances?

Trying to “time the market” is both highly risky and incredibly difficult.

In our February 2024 Wealth Strategies webinar, Baird’s experts explain the basics of Social Security planning.

Today’s historically high exemption creates a unique and temporary opportunity to thoughtfully plan for your family and estate.

Mike Antonelli and Ross Mayfield share what investors need to know to have a successful year in 2024.

Executing a loved one’s estate can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide of important tasks to help you stay on track.

What does 2024 have in store – and how should you plan for it?

Not all debt is created equal. From mortgages to credit cards, here’s how to think about some common types of debt.

Senior Tax Strategist Kelsey Clair provides useful tax planning tips as we head into year-end.

Here’s what you need to know about recently increased limits for gifting, retirement contributions, and more.

Marriage is a new chapter that comes with lots of financial considerations. Here’s how to start off on the right foot when walking down the aisle.

Wealth management and trust experts discuss how to secure a legacy while deepening familial bonds.

Because of the up-front costs, you need to evaluate whether or not a Roth conversion is in your best interest.

Certain kinds of insurance plans can be a valuable strategy to enhance your executive or key employee benefits and ensure the longevity of your business.

Scott Grenier of Baird’s Wealth Solutions Group and Jonathan Raymon from Baird Trust explore options in charitable giving.

During this year’s open enrollment season, take some time to make sure your benefits choices are aligned with your overall financial plan.

Donating appreciated securities to charity can help both you and your favorite nonprofits – if you do it thoughtfully.

Student loan payments are set to resume in the fall – here’s what you can do to get ready.

Corliss Taylor and Will Hobson, Trust Strategists with Baird Trust, discuss how different types of trusts can fit into your overall financial plan.

Baird Senior Wealth Planner Sascha Schreiber examines strategies around maximizing your Social Security benefits.

As your world changes, so do the strategies that can protect your assets.

Your lifestyle will almost certainly change when you enter retirement – so should how you think about money.

Baird Wealth Planner Zach Chamberlain highlights five ways to ensure your retirement needs align with your retirement resources.

Had a spike in income last year? These tax strategies can help you maximize it – without incurring trouble with the IRS.

Five strategies to navigate difficult conversations around succession planning and help bring a family together.

While inflation can increase the risk of a down market early in retirement, you might have some options.

How you structure your business can impact taxes, fundraising and what you’re responsible for if things go wrong.

Tim Steffen explains the basics of Roth IRAs and how they could work in your best interests.

Common wisdom holds that when stocks go down, bonds should go up – but what if they both go down at the same time?

Want to preserve your financial legacy for future generations? Consider these simple strategies for protecting your assets from your heirs’ creditors and lawsuits.

Family wealth is measured in ways not found on a spreadsheet or portfolio statement.

The newly passed bill offers changes to RMDs, new Roth rules and other tactics to take advantage of.

Online assets need to be protected just like your financial ones.

For some, going straight from high school graduation to college makes a lot of sense – but it might not be the best path for everyone.

Melanie Schmieding, CTFA, offers six ways to help your children become good stewards of family wealth.

As your family expands, a governance plan can help keep your vision, values and mission on track.

It’s never too soon to start teaching your kids about money.

How can families take on new perspectives and ideas without sacrificing their deeply held beliefs?

These small-business strategies can help your healthcare practice grow and your headaches shrink

5 strategies on how to talk with your family about wealth and your legacy.

Buying a house? Moving to a new state? There are many good reasons to take another look at your will and estate plans.

While recent law changes limit the deduction, in some cases the losses can still reduce your tax bill.

Discussions around family wealth can be uncomfortable, but they’re critical to preserving your wealth across generations.

Communication among family members is the key to successfully transitioning your wealth.

From credit cards to a HIPAA waiver, here’s how to get your son or daughter started on the right foot as an adult – while keeping some control for yourself as a parent.

A wise use of trusts can keep your heirs from the hassle of probate court.

Mike Antonelli and Ross Mayfield discuss the perils in letting the upcoming election influence your portfolio strategy.

You can’t rely on Medicare for some basic elements of your healthcare in retirement, like hearing aids or prescription drugs. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered.

While it might not turn lemons into lemonade, tax-loss harvesting can help you make the most of some poor market performers.

Even in a down market, you can still have the retirement you’ve been dreaming of – you just need to be proactive.

Yes, there are more IRS agents in the Inflation Reduction Act, but there are also credits and opportunities for you to take advantage of.

The pandemic and inflation have been hard on America’s small business owners. Here are a few ways to help you make it to the next new normal.

Whether it’s a downturn in the market or planning to cut your heirs’ tax bill, here’s five reasons a Roth IRA conversion might make sense for you.

Inflation impacts different people in different ways. Here’s how to calculate its effect on your budget and financial plans.

In all the emotion following a layoff, it can be hard to know how to protect and maximize your options.

Worried about what a bear market might mean for you? Here are a few financial points to consider.

Lessons from an age when inflation was anything but groovy.

Life insurance can be a critical part of comprehensive wealth management plan – if you consider it thoughtfully.

Recessions might be inevitable – it doesn’t mean you need to take them lying down.

There’s nothing wrong with staying young at heart – just make sure you plan for the added complications and expense that come with getting older.

To be sure, investing would be easier if the stock market only went up. However, even down markets can benefit investors in unexpected ways.

With house prices soaring, these tips can help you get the home you want without sacrificing your future.

Concerned about interest rates or inflation as a young investor? Here are five key points to consider for your investments and financial future.

From inflation to semiconductor chip shortages, the decision to finance or lease your next car has become much more complicated.

Branch Manager Sue Bellehumeur discusses her career journey and what drew her to financial services.

Why you might benefit from a business valuation, when to get it, and other common questions.

Timing the market can be difficult – timing the market in a panic can be devastating.

Worried about how volatility in the markets and the economy will affect your financial plans? Here are some moves to help protect your assets.

It’s your most valuable asset. So make sure you maximize its value before a sale or other business transition.

A conversation with Baird Market Analyst Mike Antonelli about investing at this moment in history.

If the market’s sudden moves have you thinking about getting out, here are some investment strategies to reassure you. Most important: Keep your focus on the long term.

With so much of our business happening online these days, it’s no surprise that hackers put a great deal of effort into trying to access your information. What can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few real-world strategies to keep in mind:

After 20 years, the IRS has updated its life expectancy tables – which means the Required Mimimum Distribution from your retirement account each year is also changing.

With a little planning, you can avoid leaving money on the table as you switch jobs.

Be still, sad heart! Into each life some rain must fall.

It’s no secret that we’ve had a volatile start to 2022—in the financial markets and in the real world. Strategas Chairman and CEO Jason Trennert discusses recent geopolitical volatility, what it means for inflation and the Fed, and his outlook for equities for the rest of year.

Branch Administrative Supervisor Sheenah Tonga reflects on how she started her career at Baird and her experiences with fertility treatments.

How divorce or the death of a spouse affects a woman’s 401(k), Social Security and other sources of retirement income.

Baird Women Advisors offers five tips for women jumping back into the workforce.

If you’re thinking of buying a vacation home with a family member, here are some ground rules to consider before making it legal.

A life insurance policy might accomplish more than you realize.

In the latest installment of our Women Talking Wealth series, Associate Branch Manager Ana Geller discusses her own financial journey and her advice for aspiring leaders.

In the latest installment of our Women Talking Wealth series, Education Planning Consultant Jeannette Haen discusses the importance of goal setting.

When mapping out your financial future, don’t minimize the impact stock compensation can have on accumulating wealth.

One data point out of context doesn’t tell you the full story.

When do you know? And when do you know you’re ready?

Six tips on taking advantage of today’s housing market.

When a down market can be a blessing in disguise.

Looking to help your grandkids with their education? Here are some tips.

Keeping your financial documents organized might feel like a chore, but it can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

To meet your financial goals requires keeping all your assets and accounts coordinated. New tools make it easier for you to keep your eye on the big picture.

Record numbers of young adults are living at home with their parents. Here are five steps you can take to pursue your own independence.

Are we in for a spate of inflation? If we are, how can you protect yourself? Baird’s John Taft and Mike Antonelli offer their perspectives on the future of your assets.

After a year of working from home and fearing this market, Ross Mayfield reflects on what the pandemic has taught millennials about investing.

In the latest installment of our Women Talking Wealth series, Business Development Consultant Kathy Cobb discusses her personal financial journey.

Make sure your budget is in line with your – and your child’s – expectations and level of interest.

The best way to maximize your outcomes is to maximize your choices.

The fiduciary standard offers protection for investors, but that’s not the whole story.

Are the current sky-high stock market valuations sustainable? Baird’s John Taft and Mike Antonelli discuss whether we’re in a bubble, and how investors should deal with it.

Now that you’re out of your parents’ house and on your own, here’s how to build a solid financial footing for yourself.

In addition to the relief checks, the new Covid-19 stimulus package contains adjustments to such things as charitable giving provisions, tax credits and unemployment.

As many have learned in 2020, your finances affect your mental well-being, and vice-versa. Acknowledging this is the first step toward conquering the stress.

Baird’s John Taft and Chris Merker on how ESG is evolving and what investors should watch for.

4 tips on how to financially prepare for widowhood.

With donor-advised funds, you can respond to a natural disaster in a way that fits your broader financial plans.

Investing isn’t only for the wealthy. Here’s how you can turn a weekly muffin and latte into a proper nest egg.

Women make 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Here’s how – and why - that happens.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many people into retirement earlier than they expected. Here’s how to handle the key decisions.

When do you know you’ve crossed the line from “the right amount” to “too much?”

A majority of American women say they would like to be more engaged with their finances. Here’s how you can remain in control of your money.

Thinking about a home improvement? Here are a few that could actually pay off when you go to sell your home.

Where should you retire? From low taxes to high culture, here’s a quick survey of the factors to consider in choosing where you’ll spend the rest of your life.

With companies reducing grants of options or restricting company stock in their 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plans are emerging as powerful investment vehicles.

Mike Antonelli and John Taft take on conventional wisdom behind the aging investor.

Stock options are always tricky from a tax standpoint. Here’s one way to make them work for you.

Reg BI raises the bar for investor protection while preserving individuals’ ability to choose who they work with, the products that best suit them, and how to pay for them.

Sudden wealth can be a blessing – or a curse, if not managed thoughtfully.

Mike Antonelli and John Taft turn to investing legends past and present to help make sense of these turbulent times.

Equity compensation can be complex, but don’t let your benefits go on autopilot. Here’s why it’s important to factor them into your broader wealth management plans.

Financial planning for blended families can be uncomfortable at best, but life insurance can also help you deal with the special problems of a second family.

The volatility of the last few weeks has been unprecedented and unrelenting. This puts younger investors in an interesting and even enviable position.

A financial plan must evolve with your goals, family and income level. Here's a look at how three key areas of your financial decision-making change as you move through life.

John Taft and Mike Antonelli discuss their experiences and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Life isn’t experienced on a balance sheet – it’s about experiencing what the world has to offer.

Medicare coverage begins at age 65 – so if you’re thinking of retiring early, you’ll need to bridge the healthcare gap until then. Here are some ideas.

Making smart financial choices while raising kids on your own can require additional planning and discipline.

The average American wedding costs roughly $30,000 these days. If that number gives you cold feet, here are some practical ways to help you keep that special day under control.

A budget can be the first step toward achieving your financial goals. But it doesn’t work if it’s not realistic. Here are some steps to help get your finances under control.

You should manage your Social Security like any other investment. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t, and may be missing out on as much as $100,000 in benefits. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of Social Security.

The primary purpose of life insurance is to cover the financial needs of loved ones after you’re gone. How much is enough for your family? This guide from Baird can help.

Service members who reach their ETS date or retire from the U.S. military are eligible for a host of financial benefits. Here’s how you can take advantage of them.

Don’t assume that all your problems are over. Sometimes more money can create issues you didn’t see coming. Here are some simple steps to take to protect your Mega Millions.

More than 50 million Americans have some sort of special needs that their families are coping with? Here’s how to start addressing the financial challenges that these families are facing.

How do kids learn to handle their money? From watching you! Here are a few steps you can take to show them, by example, to be responsible savers and consumers.

We all want what’s best for our kids, but you want them to learn the value of money too.

Wealth management is about more than stocks or annuities. For Mike Antonelli, it’s about driving your beat-up old station wagon 2,000 miles to your happy place.

When a parent is approaching the end of their days, there are a lot of uncomfortable decisions to be made. Here’s a guide to help organize and clarify your thinking at this difficult time.

Bull and Baird blog author Mike Antonelli and John Taft, author of the blog Finance for the Greater Good, discuss the most important question they get from Baird clients.

Five of the most common money mistakes people make – and how to avoid them.

Financial considerations you should keep in mind as you plan for care.

For many caregivers, this can be a very difficult choice. This article can help you with both the practical and emotional sides of this decision.

More than two thirds of us are likely to need some form of long-term care in our lives. Will you be able to cover that expense? The time to start getting prepared for it is right now.

Four questions to ask yourself before signing on the dotted line.

Consolidating or refinancing your student loans could save you time and hassle – and even reduce your monthly payments. But is it the smart decision?

Thinking about taking the financial plunge and combining your finances? Here are six relationship-saving strategies to consider before merging your accounts.

In addition to being an incredibly loving gesture, paying for a grandchild’s education is a substantial investment in their future. Baird has thoughts about how you – and they – can get the most out of it.

As a Millennial, you’ve probably read a million social media posts trying to tell you who you are and where you’re going in life. Let us help you prove them wrong.

How is landscaping like investing? For Baird’s Mike Antonelli, they’re both things he’s happy to pay a professional to do for him.

Falling interest rates have many homeowners taking a second look at their original loans.

While investing is instrumental to achieving the future you want, you don’t have to sacrifice your principles along the way.

Inheriting a lump sum of cash is a relatively simple process. Inheriting a noncash asset, though, like a vacation home or a stock portfolio, can present a whole different set of issues.

Not everyone wants a traditional retirement, but it can be tough to visualize a different path when society seems to expect you to work for four decades and bow out when you’re eligible for Social Security.

No matter how a concentration position develops, if your portfolio is overweighted in any one position, you’re exposed to undue risk.

Receiving shares of stock in the company you work for as part of your compensation is an excellent way to share in the success of the business, and can be very lucrative. But stock awards can be tricky to manage.

The rise of socially responsible investing lets investors put their money where their values are. This is the first in a two-part series on Socially Responsible Investing.

Whether "someday" is coming up soon or still a couple years down the road, you can benefit from learning about the process and the financial decisions you'll need to make.

Hindsight may be 20/20, but investing is about looking forward.

It’s critical you identify the right retirement plan for your business.

A new feature that helps readers tackle their most pressing wealth management concerns.

Tips for women looking to maximize their Social Security benefits.

Keeping a financial resolution starts with practicing good habits every day, all year long. Here’s are a few easy steps you can take to follow through on some of the most common financial resolutions:

Understanding the way our innate tendencies affect the decisions we make can help you be a smarter investor in any environment.

Just engaged? Here’s how to financially plan ahead for marriage, a house and kids.

In December 2008, on the heels of the Great Recession, the Federal Reserve attempted to stave off deflation by lowering interest rates to near 0%. It took seven years before the Fed would raise rates again, but now – eight rate hikes later with more seemingly on the way – most economists agree we’re in a rising rate environment.

How you can make conversations with your parents about their finances easier and more productive.