Looking to find financial success in 2025? No matter what that means for you, start here with answers from financial professionals on your top questions.
How to Reach Financial Success in 2025
How Does Asset Allocation Differ Today, and How Do You Approach Diversification in the Current Market Environment?
We continue to recommend that our clients remain invested, as we maintain a long-term perspective on the market. Our diversified portfolios are specifically designed to withstand periods of volatility and market downturns.
Our investment focus remains on large U.S. companies with strong cash flows and stable dividends, diversified across a wide range of industries. Over the past year, we have taken a more defensive stance by trimming exposure to the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks and reallocating toward essential sectors such as healthcare, food production, and industrials.
On the geopolitical front, it appears the Trump Administration’s overarching strategy is to bring countries to the negotiating table to establish fair trade agreements. However, the execution of this strategy has been inconsistent, and the lack of clarity continues to unsettle the markets. As a result, we are witnessing heightened volatility, particularly surrounding tariff discussions.
Despite this uncertainty, we continue to identify opportunities during market swings, focusing on high-quality companies trading at attractive, discounted valuations. We accomplish this by selecting individual stocks in a diverse group of industries and laddered individual bonds for our portfolios. We remain cautiously optimistic. Schenley Capital would welcome the opportunity to schedule a time to meet with you to discuss your individual situation. 412-445-9956.
-Elizabeth Genter President, Founder M.S., Shenley Capital Inc
What Should Investors Remember During Market Volatility?
Our market has remained persistent and resilient over time. The private enterprise system thrives on hard work and innovation, even when times get tough. With flexibility and a focus on innovation, businesses can keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
Headlines are often designed to make money, not to help you think critically.
Despite the uncertainties that may cloud the horizon, history has shown that periods of heightened volatility often give rise to innovative companies and transformative technologies that can reshape the investment landscape.
–Hunter Associates, Member of FINRA & SIPC
Given the Current Economic Volatility, How Do You Manage Market Downturns and Mitigate Risks in My Investment Portfolio?
At YTS Wealth Management, we manage market downturns by focusing on risk control, strategic diversification, and consistent alignment with your long-term goals. We don’t react emotionally to volatility—instead, we rely on disciplined portfolio design, active monitoring, and smart rebalancing when needed. In times of uncertainty, we also look for tax-loss harvesting and value-driven opportunities. Most importantly, we keep you informed, ensuring you understand what’s happening and why. Our goal is to protect your progress while positioning you for long-term success, no matter the market cycle. You can count on us to stay steady and proactive when it matters most.
I Hope to Retire in the Next 10 Years. What Can I Do to Help Keep My Retirement Savings Safe?
As you get closer to retirement, it’s important to protect your savings from market ups and downs while planning for the income you’ll need. Sitting down with an agent or advisor to build a personalized retirement strategy is a smart first step.
One option to consider is GBU Life’s Defined Benefit Annuity. It helps you plan with confidence by outlining your income needs, projected interest rates, and how much to set aside each month. You’ll get growth potential, protection from market losses, and the ability to turn your savings into a guaranteed lifetime income.
-Lesley Mann, Executive Vice President/CMO, GBU Life
What is Your Strategy for Managing Tax Implications Within My Investment Portfolio, and Are There New Tax-Efficient Strategies I Should Consider?
You don’t spend your portfolio’s pre-tax returns—what matters is what you keep. We help clients improve after-tax performance through strategies like tax-loss harvesting, donating appreciated assets, using tax-efficient investments, and optimizing asset location (placing the right investments in the right accounts). Tax planning strategies in retirement, such as Roth IRA conversions or qualified charitable distributions, also can serve to lower the client’s lifetime tax liability.
A thoughtful, proactive approach to tax management can significantly reduce the tax drag on your portfolio’s performance—allowing you to keep more of your return and helping you meet your financial objectives.
-Chad E. Hileman, CFA, CFP®, Director of Investment Research, Partner, Gibson Capital
With the Growing Complexities of Estate Planning, How Do You Distinguish Between the Need for a Will Versus a Trust in Today’s Market?
When planning your estate, you might wonder: do I need a will, a trust, or both? A will outlines how your assets are distributed after death but must go through probate, which can be lengthy and public. A trust, by contrast, offers greater control and privacy, avoids probate, and allows for planning in case of incapacity— something a will doesn’t address. Trusts are especially useful for larger estates or complex family situations, offering more flexibility in managing and distributing assets. Ultimately, consulting our firm can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and preserves your legacy.
-Ryan D Very, Equire, Very Law
How do you assess and adjust a client’s risk tolerance – with recent market volatility?
A well-crafted Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is essential for every investor, whether you are experienced or just starting out – especially during times of market volatility. An IPS defines your financial goals, risk tolerance, asset allocation, constraints, and the timeline for reviewing your portfolio and the IPS itself.
Great outcomes begin with solid planning. Before investing, create an IPS by answering key questions. What are my financial goals in terms of time and money? How much will I need, and when? Next, assess your risk tolerance – how much risk can you handle without losing sleep? Consider the worst-case decline in both percentage and dollar terms. From there, determine your asset allocation. Aggressive investors may lean toward equities, while conservative portfolios might focus on fixed-income options like CDs, bonds, or money market funds.
Risk tolerance is the cornerstone of your IPS. By making rational decisions about risk during stable times, you will have a clear guide to follow when markets turn turbulent. Regularly review your portfolio every three to six months, making small adjustments to optimize performance or mitigate risk. Thoughtful planning and consistent reviews pave the way for successful investing outcomes.
-Ward L. Garner, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Bill Few Associates, Inc.
“CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.”
Can You Help Me With Retirement Planning, Including Forecasting Potential Expenses and Income Needs as Market Conditions Change?
Markets will always fluctuate. But whatever way they move, a comprehensive financial plan is one of the best strategies to stay on track toward your retirement goals. Your UBS Financial Advisor monitors the current environment and will work with you to ensure your retirement plan and your portfolio reflect changing conditions. Volatility may be unsettling, but with a long-term plan in place, you can feel more confident about the future.
-Walnut Wealth Management Group, UBS Financial Services Inc., Lee Oleinick
Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. For our client relationship summary disclosures, please visit ubs.com/relationshipsummary. UBS Financial Services Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.
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Photo by Scott Graham
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