wealth management Archives - Page 5 of 5

Benefits of the Right Amount of Active Management

jmuch2025-03-25T13:07:23-05:00April 29, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: investing, wealth management|

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. …

Estate Strategies – Critical Elements of an Estate Plan

jmuch2025-03-26T08:12:34-05:00December 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: estate planning, retirement, wealth management|

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 …

Pro VS. Solo Investing

jmuch2019-08-15T10:26:34-05:00August 15, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: financial planning, investing, wealth management|

Pro Vs. Self-Managed

In 2018, the S&P 500 was down -4.38% and the average investor lost -9.42%. (DALBAR) Emotional decision-making was a major factor, and we explored this topic in a recent article here. bit.ly/2Zmo1Vu

The Proust Questionnaire Journey Continues with Christopher Much

jmuch2025-03-26T09:02:29-05:00September 7, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: chicago, investing, wealth management|

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 …

Jonathon Much Takes the Proust Questionnaire

jmuch2025-03-26T09:16:35-05:00July 12, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: chicago, wealth management|

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 …

Choosing a Financial Advisor: What to Know Before You Invest

jmuch2025-03-26T09:18:46-05:00June 28, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: chicago, financial planning, taxes, wealth management|

Choosing a Financial Advisor: What to Know Before You Invest

Choosing a Financial Advisor: What to Know Before You Invest

Choosing a financial advisor may be one of the most important financial decisions that you’ll ever make, and the quality of this advisor’s advice could heavily influence your long-term financial success.

Choosing the right financial advisor is crucial. The advisor you select will influence key financial decisions, from investments to estate planning. It’s important to understand your needs, whether it’s retirement planning or tax strategy. Advisors often specialize in different areas, so make sure you find one with the right expertise for your goals.

Check the qualifications and experience of potential advisors. Professional certifications, such as CFP® or ChFC, can indicate a higher level of training and commitment. Use tools like FINRA’s BrokerCheck to verify credentials and review complaint history. It’s also helpful to interview multiple advisors to compare their experience, qualifications, and …

Active Management: A Potential Cure for the Volatility Blues?

jmuch2025-03-26T09:39:01-05:00April 27, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: investing, wealth management|

Active Management: A Potential Cure for the Volatility Blues?

Active Management: A Potential Cure for the Volatility Blues?

Even when markets seem to be steadily climbing, investors can find it difficult to maintain the discipline required to stick with a long-term investment plan. When markets become volatile, that discipline can be even more challenging.

Market volatility can challenge even disciplined investors, especially when it triggers emotional reactions. People often value stability and predictability, and during volatile periods, fear of loss can overwhelm the desire for gains. This natural tendency, called loss aversion, makes investors more sensitive to losses than gains. Unfortunately, during times of market turbulence, the constant barrage of media warnings and expert predictions can push people to make impulsive decisions, which often undermine their long-term strategies.

Despite common fears, market volatility is not inherently bad. In fact, market corrections are vital for the health of the stock market, acting as a …

Taking an Active Role in Your Family’s Wealth Management Process

jmuch2025-03-26T10:01:57-05:00October 25, 2017|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: financial planning, wealth management|

Taking an Active Role in Your Family’s Wealth Management Process: Four tangible steps to follow your family’s financial roadmap

Taking an Active Role in Your Family’s Wealth Management Process

Likely, your parents haven’t shared their financial goals, intentions and legacy wishes with you. A discussion of family financial values and wealth transfer plans is an inherently difficult, albeit necessary, conversation. While no one wants to have this conversation with their parents or loved ones, we think it’s a necessary step that can provide you with the roadmap you need to follow and thoughtfully execute your family’s financial plan.

A 2016 survey revealed that nearly half of wealthy baby boomers hadn’t discussed family financial values or wealth transfer plans with their adult children. While these conversations can be difficult, they are essential for understanding your parents’ financial goals and wishes for the future. At CTS Financial Group, we offer support to help …

Giving Back with Planned Philanthropy

jmuch2025-03-26T10:04:42-05:00September 14, 2017|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: philanthropy, wealth management|

Giving Back with Planned Philanthropy: What part does philanthropy play in planning a lasting legacy?

Giving Back with Planned Philanthropy

At CTS, we understand that success in life is about more than amassing wealth. It’s about the conscious legacy you leave behind for your loved ones, community, and society – the lives you’ve touched or perhaps even changed.

Philanthropic planning allows you to combine your charitable goals with your financial strategies. Many wealthy Americans are now more strategic about their giving, aiming to maximize the social impact of their donations. High-impact giving ensures your contributions are used effectively. By planning your giving, you can understand the causes you care about and build relationships with the organizations you support.

Philanthropic planning benefits both donors and charities. For donors, it allows you to set intentional goals for your giving, ensuring it aligns with your values. It also offers the potential for tax benefits and …

Rise of the Robots or a Relationship Renaissance?

jmuch2025-03-26T10:07:37-05:00August 30, 2017|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: financial planning, investing, retirement, wealth management|

Rise of the Robots or a Relationship Renaissance? Not so fast.

Rise of the Robots or a Relationship Renaissance?

Are we experiencing a rise of the machines or an opportunity for a relationship renaissance? When it comes to robo-advisors, CTS believes in forward-thinking technology but not at the expense of hands-on research and face-to-face interaction.

At CTS, we provide personalized financial advice that robo-advisors can’t match. While robo-advisors use algorithms to manage your money, we focus on getting to know you as an individual, tailoring strategies to your specific goals and needs. We keep you involved in the decision-making process, ensuring you understand your investments and feel confident in your choices.

We also act as your financial coaches, helping you stay accountable and adjust strategies as your life changes. Unlike robo-advisors, which offer minimal interaction, we provide access to a knowledgeable, local advisor who knows your situation. Beyond investing, we help with major …