We’ve all heard the statement that If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, we’ve become so conditioned to ignoring items that fall into this “free found money” category that we cross the line from skeptical to cynical. Skepticism is healthy, cynicism is not. Even the statement itself contains the word “probably.”

What I’m referring to here is the unclaimed property accounts all states have. You may have seen articles or ads telling you there might be money in your name, and all you must do is fill out a form to get it. It definitely sounds like one of those too good to be true proclamations. However, in this case it isn’t. Here's why it may be worth your while to look into it.

The S&P 500 ended the first quarter of 2023 with a solid gain as hopes for an economic “soft landing” gave confidence to investors that enough damage had been done to stock prices in 2022 and that the Federal Reserve would soon stop moving the interest rate “goal posts.” However, stock and bond markets were volatile during the period as investors wrestled with the Fed’s ongoing proclamations regarding the timing and magnitude of further interest rate hikes. Despite the biggest bank failures since the financial crisis taking place during the quarter, Fed Chair Jerome Powell maintained his hawkish position regarding inflation and the need to further tighten financial conditions to curb consumer demand for goods and services. Read more from Senior Investment Strategist Dave Nolan on his 1Q2023 market recap and what may lie ahead in the remainder of 2023.

Chatter abounds in the world of finance law since the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0 became law on December 29, 2022. Built upon the work that was started in the original SECURE Act of 2019, the sequel creates further enhancements that impact how individuals and families may prepare for the lives they envision in retirement, as well as how they navigate that dream once it is achieved.

Among the enhancements introduced in the bill are additional benefits for those retirees who are engaged in giving back to their communities through charitable gifts. Here are some new considerations that may help you increase the impact of your charitable donations.

Every nonprofit organization knows that having more available resources equates to having a greater community impact. Thriving organizations usually empower a finance committee to act as their fiduciary and invest their excess funds. What's the best tool to help them achieve their goals? Learn how a strong Investment Policy Statement (IPS) will prepare your nonprofit for investment success.

The term “endowment” is often used loosely and in reference to an organization's investable assets. However, there are distinct differences among endowments depending on their purpose and use. Learn more.

Protecting your home and auto assets is an important piece to your LifePlan. But finding the right Homeowners and Auto insurance can seem overwhelming. Do you just go with what's easiest and choose someone you know? One way people navigate this complexity is by talking with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents are licensed to sell insurance products from multiple companies instead of being direct employees of just one company. Learn more.

With the new year comes reflection on what we achieved in the prior year. Did we fall short? Or did we succeed and want to continue our momentum?

If your New Year resolution involves relieving "money stress" by creating a financial plan in partnership with a professional advisor, you're not alone. Learn how to get started, and let 2023 be the year you begin your journey toward financial autonomy.

The importance of reviewing all beneficiary designations is best told by actual stories of beneficiary designations gone bad. We asked those who handle corporate retirement plans, and particularly the processing of beneficiary claims, about beneficiary designations gone bad. Here's what they shared about bad situations left behind for unsuspecting heirs to navigate.

Easing inflation pressures and a resolution of the fiscal turmoil in the United Kingdom fueled a strong rally in stocks and bonds early in the fourth quarter, but hawkish Fed guidance, disappointing economic data, and rising global bond yields weighed on markets in December and the S&P 500 finished the fourth quarter with only modest gains that capped the worst year for the index since 2008. Learn more about 2022, what actions we took on McKinley Carter portfolios, and our outlook for 2023.