Blog
We believe in facts. We also know they don’t work alone. Experience informs them. And they must be acted upon to achieve results. In this blog, we narrate the facts, sprinkled with our team’s wisdom, to inform your action.
We often share our insights with the media and the community too. To read more, visit our News page.
For updates on new content, follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn, or email "subscribe" to hello@bfsadvisorygroup.com.
Q1 Risks and Opportunities Report
Enclosed is our latest edition of Risks and Opportunities, our quarterly market report. This edition is chock full of the issues that seem to be on everyone’s minds these days – inflation, interest rates, the economy, the...
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Five Key Questions to Turn Your Tax Return Into Opportunities in Your Future Finances
This is what the personal touch looks like when it comes to taxes and your financial plan.
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Thanks to the Federal Reserve, Managing Cash is Fun Again (No, really!)
Over the last year, the Federal Reserve has raised the Fed Funds rate from 0% to the current target of 4.75-5.00%. The big headline that seems to have been missed is how individuals can benefit from higher rates on their cash.
Read More5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Looking for a Financial Advisor
Are you confident you know what to look for in a financial advisor? Discover five crucial questions to answer as you search for a financial advisor in Dallas.
Read MoreTwo of the Largest Bank Failures in US History Just Happened. What Does That Mean to You?
What happened, what to look out for, and what you can do now
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BFS Advisory Group Welcomes Erin Neece Back to the Team!
The team at BFS Advisory Group is thrilled to announce that Erin Neece, who led our Client Service team in 2017-2018, is returning to the BFS family as a specialist focused on unique financial planning opportunities and investment portfolio
Read MoreEntering a Brave New World: Q4 Risks and Opportunities Report
Since mid-2022, we’ve been predicting that 2024 will be the year the financial markets are healthy again – and we seem to be on course for that to happen. So what does that mean for 2023? This is our transition year...
Read MoreHow to Plan and Optimize Your Taxes Using SECURE 2.0’s Quirky New Rules
What do taxes and Taylor Swift have in common? They’re bringing together politicians in unique and unusual ways!
Read MoreThree Steps For Creating Family Budgets That Work
Managing your family’s money is crucial for ensuring a healthy financial future. Find out how to create a family budget that works in our latest post.
Read MoreThree Vital Steps for Protecting Multi-Generational Wealth
Mixing open communication, tax and estate planning and the right protective programs will preserve your wealth for generations.
Read MoreThree for 2023: Ready. Set. Go.
Many economists and financial pundits are predicting that 2023 will bring with it higher inflation and interest rates, as well as a potential recession. What does that mean for your financial plan?
Read MoreWhat Is Financial Planning?
Seeking the advice of a qualified financial professional, such as a Certified Financial Planner® Professional (CFP®), can improve your ability to meet your financial goals.
Read MoreFinancial Lessons and Observations From 2022
One of the most significant benefits of being a financial adviser is the experience of getting to know so many families, watching how people make decisions, and learning what they have learned about the choices they made.
Read MoreThree Powerful Year-End Tax Opportunities You Can’t Ignore
The tax year is almost over, but the big swings in the financial markets over the past two years have created some interesting opportunities. Get our top three tax strategies that we have used with our clients in 2022.
Read MoreThree Techniques for Building a Unique, Life-Changing Legacy
Establishing a strong foundation of financial literacy and multiple income sources will help provide for future generations.
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BFS Advisory Group’s Five Key Takeaways From Our Panel Discussion About Today’s Investing Landscape
The paradigm shift that every investor should understand and most are missing.
Read MoreBuilding Generational Wealth: Three Ways to Invest for the Future
Our world abounds with change. The past three years have given families a new perspective on life and all that we hold dear. For many of us, this has resulted in closer connections with those we love and care for, as well as possible...
Read MoreHow to Stay Focused on Your Longer Term Plan in a Time of So Much Uncertainty
An Update on the Economy and Financial Markets: How We Got Here, Where We Are Now, and Five Steps You Can Take for the Future
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North Texas Giving Day
NTX Giving Day Season is Officially Open, and We Want You to Join Us For the Largest One Day Giving Event in the World
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They came for the fashion, they stayed for the finance.
Thanks to fashion stylists Reed Robertson and Liz Thrash, we learned about fall fashion trends and the role money plays in our lives – especially when you’re building your wardrobe.
Read MoreBFS Advisory Group presents Risks and Opportunities
The global economy had many obstacles, which became the theme for our second quarter market report. The good news is that some Q3 numbers are already showing improvement.
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An Economic Watch List for Business Owners
In D CEO’s Ask the Expert, we give our ideas on risks and opportunities for business owners in today’s economy.
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We Are Celebrating a Big Achievement by Team Member Sergio Garcia
BFS Advisory Group’s Sergio Garcia Receives Prestigious InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 Award
Read MoreBig Thanks to Team Members Seeking New Adventures
The last two years have encouraged many of us to be self-reflective and to consider what the next phase of our lives will be. For us, that means wishing two very capable women the best as they take new directions in their careers.
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Now Do You Believe in Diversification?
A few fascinating charts from your friendly financial nerds. (You really should pay attention to this.)
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BFS Advisory Group Welcomes Intern Reilly Webster
An internship can be the bridge between building strong knowledge in the classroom and developing professional skills for long-term success. We are investing in our internship program to provide opportunities for our profession’s future.
Read MoreWhy We’re Rooting for the Bipartisan SECURE Act 2.0 to Pass
Understanding what is in the new proposed legislation is essential for maximizing retirement savings and can also play a significant role in tax planning.
Read MoreReady for Tax Season to be Over? Consider An Intentional Year-Round Strategy Instead.
We have five key takeaways from the 2021 tax season that can help you in 2022.
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We Are Excited to Welcome Jack Barker, BFS Advisory Group’s New Financial Planning Analyst
Announcing Jack Barker, the latest addition to the BFS Advisory Group team! Check out our blog about Jack and the many capabilities he brings to our clients as a Financial Planning Analyst.
Read MoreFinancial Perspective on Ukraine – The Circumstances May Be New, but the Process Remains the Same
Challenging years like 2022 are what our clients truly hire us for – so we can use our process, experience, and resources to navigate an unprecedented and evolving environment.
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Five Ideas for Investors from Our Very Own Risk Laboratory
Risk assessment is a pesky challenge, and present-day humans are simply not that skilled at it.
Read MoreBegin with the End in Mind: How a Financial Plan Can Simplify and Motivate Your Decision-Making
The beginning of each new year beckons us to keep the good from last year and shed the bad. “New year, new you!” they say. What if you just want to remember how to make smart decisions? We’ve got answers for you.
Read MoreOur Top 5 Year-End Tax Planning and Giving Strategies
Wondering what you need to do before December 31? We’ve got your list right here.
Read MoreEntrepreneur Magazine Shares Our Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Thinking of joining the Great Resignation? Ready to live the life you want? In this article for Entrepreneur, we cover important ways to get your financial portfolio ready too. Read on for tips to start your new life right.
Read MoreEver so Thankful – A Love Letter to My Clients
I have many reasons to be thankful this year: our clients being one of them. When I was asked to chair a new national board, I agreed with one stipulation: my work had to improve the experience that investors have with our industry.
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Wondering if a Roth Conversion is Right for You? We’ve Got You Covered.
How much would you pay today for lower taxes tomorrow? We’re frequently asking that question these days, as conditions are ripe to consider a Roth conversion.
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Introducing Conversations with Smart People
Even the most successful leaders struggle to build the people and processes that support their growth goals and maximize the company’s value. Smart people can help.
Read MoreTax Reform is On the Horizon – Here’s What You Need to Know
Hearing about taxes a lot lately? Everyone with income has questions. We’ve got ideas for business owners, IRA owners, and philanthropic taxpayers.
Read MoreFinance May See Challenges for Women - We Choose to See Opportunities
Recent studies challenge the common misconception that women are more risk-averse than men and are therefore not as successful with investing. So do we.
Read MoreConfused About Taxes? We Get It. Here are Five Tax Changes That You Should Know About.
Minimizing taxes is one of the best ways to maximize your bottom line, but taxes can also be pretty confusing and complex. Sergio Garcia and Debra Brennan Tagg break it down and outline the five tax changes you should know about.
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Want to Know Where Women Go to Learn About Money? The Aspen Society
BFS Advisory Group is teaching women about “Investment Strategies in Our New Normal” as part of The Aspen Society.
Read MoreWorking to Live, Not Living to Work - Why Employer-Provided Financial Planning is the New Perk
The Great Resignation is gaining steam and employers are scrambling for better ways to boost employee retention. Here's our take on what you can do to be proactive.
Read MoreKiplinger Explains Why Investors Should Want an Advisor Who is a Fiduciary
A recent article reinforces why professional credentials matter.
Read MoreIndependence Day: A New Twist on an Old Original
Start. Stop. Continue. A simple exercise for your July 4 weekend.
Read More4 Ways to Make Sure Your Business Survives the Unexpected
Entrepreneur Magazine shares our advice to business owners on the four variables that led to success during the pandemic.
Read MoreMoving Fast, But Leaving No One Behind
Can you believe it’s the end of June? We can’t either. We have been so busy launching our new brand, starting The Aspen Society for female investors, and adding team members, that we almost missed the latest issue of D CEO.
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BFS Advisory Group presents The Aspen Society: Financial Wellness for Women
BFS Advisory Group is launching The Aspen Society on May 13. Part webinar, part power lunch, 100% frank discussions about money.
Read MoreWe've Been Working on our BHAG
2021 is the perfect time and place for Big Hairy Audacious Goals.
Read MoreWe Proudly Announce BFS Advisory Group
At the end of last year, we mentioned big news on the horizon. Today, we get to announce it! Our financial planning and wealth management practice has a new name: BFS Advisory Group.
Read MoreTough Conversations About Benefits and Pay
Our mission is to help our clients invest for the lives they want. In fact, a big part of our DBT360 financial planning process is helping clients figure out what it is they want, then finding ways to go pursue it. Investing is one way...
Read MoreWe Were In Good Company: An End of Year Reflection
“Good, all things considered.” I said that a lot this year. How’s your family? Good, all things considered. How is the team? Good, all things considered. How is my portfolio doing? Really good, all things considered....
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Elections, Pandemic, Winners and Losers: Four Thoughts for Investors Entering 2021
This has been a year of uncertainties, but we can say with confidence that the 2020 election and promising news on the COVID-19 front will have implications on the equity and fixed income markets. We also know that political...
Read More2020 Year-End Tax Strategies, Especially If You Believe Tax Rates Will Increase
December is one of our busiest times, as all of the year's details come together for us to implement tax strategies for our clients. Here's what we're thinking this year.
Read MoreBetter Than Taco Tuesday! Or, How a Financial Team Shows Gratitude
Being grateful is a habit, just like tacos. Happy Thanksgiving.
Read MoreHow to Start a College Savings Plan…When You Don't Know How Much College Will Cost
Recent events cast much uncertainty on both the look and the cost of education. So how do parents best prepare to fund their children's education?
Read MoreThree Key Post-Election Portfolio Ideas
Emotions are running high during the election season. Here's Three Key Post-Election Ideas for Your Portfolio, and How we Plan to Help.
Read MoreTime Flies (Even with a Pandemic Mixed In)
This week we celebrate the five year anniversary of Portfolio Analyst Lindsay Zentner joining our firm. I met Lindsay serendipitously – a fellow Villanova alum asked me via LinkedIn to meet with a recent college graduate he knew...
Read MoreWe Should All Be in Good Company
It's time to do more. Be In Good Company.
Read MoreThe Importance of Data in an Emotion-Driven Election
Navigating the 2020 Election: What Investors Need to Know
Read MoreWhat Happens to an Experience Economy When There Is No Experience?
What happens when a pandemic changes "Fear of Missing Out" into plain-old Missing Out? There are some economic constructs that may help answer that.
Read MoreNew Regs, Same Service
The SEC has issued new regulations for our industry to raise transparency between investors and professionals- basically, what we've called "business as usual" for more than thirty years.
Read MoreTax Strategies for a Unique Moment in Time
Time to make lemonade from lemons- some tax strategies to consider during this coronavirus era.
Read MoreFind Your New and Improved Normal
My latest article in Forbes concentrates on how we can use the COVID backdrop to focus us on creating the future we want to live. Click through to find six questions to help you establish your new (and improved) normal.
Read MoreNo, It's Not 2008 All Over Again
It's human nature to look to the past for guidance, but the 2020 economic turmoil is not a repeat of 2008. And not just because we have Netflix.
Read MoreHow to Master the Art of Negotiation While Working From Home
We appreciate the opportunity to write for Forbes, especially on a topic that is near and dear to my heart: negotiation. During this time where the only thing that seems to be certain is that the future will be different from today, we...
Read MoreIt's Already Mother's Day?
Shelter-in-place has definitely changed the course of this spring. Time to reassess the idea of "work-life balance" and grow during this pandemic.
Read MoreLife. Liberty. Pursuit of Happiness.
We do get to decide what the history books will say about this time.
Read MoreInformation? At a Time Like This?
While most of my blogs are written about the philosophy or strategy behind the role that money plays in your life, this is strictly informational and will provide the details of most of the major changes that the government has ordered.
Read MoreNot Just Any Friday
Today is National Employee Appreciation Day, and it's time to realize that workplace culture and employee engagement are far more important than you once thought.
Read More20/20 Vision: Pick Just One
Wishing won't do it: The next step in your 20/20 Vision for 2020 is to select and then prioritize the one goal that will impact your life the most.
Read MoreThe Importance of the New SECURE Act and What You Need to Know
Our Congress and President worked together last year to pass into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, providing sweeping (and mostly beneficial) changes to retirement plans...
Read MoreThe Team Gets Stronger
Congratulations to teammate Joseph Meylor, who became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional in December!
Read More20/20 Vision: Focus Your Intention
Focus on this: 2020 brings a new decade and a fresh opportunity to put your 20/20 vision to work on your most important financial goal.
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Very Truly Yours
To open our new office in Preston Center, we wanted to bring the foundation that my dad built with us, even as we struck out in a new direction for our firm. We engaged with a local artist to create an image that would tell our story.
Read MoreThe Holiday Spirit and Your Money Personality
While the holiday season may mean different things to different people, it also shines a bright light and magnifying glass on your "Money Personality." Intentional actions will help you avoid unintended consequences.
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Aging: It's Not About Dying, It's About Living Well to the End
Aging is a part of life. Our recent client event spoke to both caregiver and cared-for, helping entire families to better cope with the challenges and make thoughtful decisions for their futures.
Read MoreCongratulations! Hard Work Wins
Congratulations to teammate Lindsay Zentner, who became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder last month.
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Somebody's Watching (not just a Halloween tale)
Halloween may have better costumes, but October is also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this message should help you with your more rational fears.
Read MoreThe Lost Art of the Working Teenager
The financial and personal lessons that teenagers learn through a part-time job go way beyond the dollars in pocket.
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Everything is Bigger in Texas- Even our Hearts
Choosing your favorite thing about Dallas may not be easy, but the generosity of its citizens has to be high up on any list. Our recent Family Service Day has us inspired for the upcoming North Texas Giving Day with CFT.
Read MoreScore One for the Little Guy
Big News just got Bigger. It's not David v Goliath 2, but we're very proud all the same.
Read MoreA Call to Action Disguised as an Award
Being a finalist for D CEO's 2019 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Award is an incredible honor, but it also reminds me that to whom much is given, much is expected.
Read MoreSome Reading for Your Ears
My negotiation speech from the national W Forum is now available as a podcast. Follow the links to have a listen.
Read MoreDads are Changing, Even if the Jokes Aren't
The Dads that I meet when planning for families don't look much like Ward Cleaver or the Saturday Evening Post. And that's a good thing.
Read MoreInvest In Others
Invest in Others wanted to discuss tips for raising financially sound (and charitably minded) children. Here's the product of our recent chat.
Read MoreA Few Words About Technology for Investors
I tell everyone that asks to be cautious and educated when using online tools to review their investments and finances. Somebody from US News and World Report asked, and I told him as well...
Read MoreDBT Negotiation Initiative is Catching On
What began as a Money + Mindset seminar from last year is gaining steam: Debra's recent speech encouraging and teaching women to negotiate for better opportunities is garnering more national attention.
Read MoreHappy Mother's Day: A Short Note for the Hyper-Busy
Moms are plenty busy, but take a minute to read this blog, and another few to take care of your financial future.
Read MoreCalling All Superheroes
Even outside the Marvel Universe, superheroes come in all different shapes and sizes. Ultimately, it's their impact on others that is their legacy. What's yours?
Read MoreCapital Gains- Don't Get Caught Unaware
Tax time is nearly upon us, and while the advances in the market are usually good news, they are also resulting in capital gains (and taxes) being passed on to investors. Here are some tips to avoid unnecessary surprises.
Read MoreKey Financial Data for 2019
Here is our 2019 Key Financial Data, full of information to help you to make well-informed decisions about your money this year. Download the Report, and review this summary to answer critical questions for your finances.
Read MoreIt's Already February: Do You Know Where Your Budget Is?
We're already a month into your New Year's Resolutions. Time to check in on your budgeting goals and jump start your financial plan.
Read More19 For 19: Personal Finance Tips for the New Year
With January upon us, It's time for this year's resolutions. Here are 19 ways to help you reach your financial goals in 2019.
Read MoreTax Bunching to Help Your Fellow Man
Hopefully your thoughts turn to helping your fellow man around the holidays. Learn how you can "bunch" your charitable efforts to maximize your personal tax deductions while helping others.
Read MoreA Cost of Living Gift For the Holidays
A bit of good news for 2019- there's a cost of living increase coming for the amount that you can invest for retirement. It may not be a shiny new toy with pretty wrapping, but it is a long term gift of great value.
Read MoreSome Quick (And Important!) Facts About Medicare
Medicare is an important part of anybody's retirement planning. Here's a quick reference guide and some notes about changes to be aware of for the upcoming year.
Read MoreA Blog Post for Your Ears
My very first podcast was released last week! Click through to hear my guest appearance on Plaid for Women, covering the roles money plays in our lives.
Read MoreMoney + Mindset: Women and Negotiation
Getting more of what you deserve begins with asking for it, but it doesn't end there. The next Money + Mindset event focuses on the art and science of successful negotiation.
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A Note of Thanks and a Shameless Grab for More
Thank you to everyone that joined us in preparing meals for our neighbors in need at Brennan Financial Services Family Service Day. And Thank You in advance to each of you considering a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.
Read MoreBack to School? Back to Paying For It.
Changes to the Rules of 529 Plans Shouldn’t Change How Smart Investors Use Them. Take advantage of the benefits of long-term compounding growth rather than dipping in early for the expenses of today.
Read MoreGet Ready for the 2018 BFS Family Service Day
Join us for this year’s Brennan Financial Services Family Service Day, to be held on September 15, working with family, friends and clients to prepare food packages for North Texas families in need through the North Texas Food Bank.
Read MoreBest Practices for a Mid-Year Check on your Money
The dog days of Summer are a good time to check in on your finances (and hide in some air conditioning). Here are a few tips to check performance.
Read MoreHappy Independence Day
Independence Day each year offers a chance for gratitude, as well as the fireworks and BBQ...
Read MoreLegacy- A Fathers' Day Tribute
This Fathers' Day, I will be reflecting upon the concept of what makes a person's legacy.
Read MoreThe Royal Wedding: "I Do....Now What?"
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will tie the knot this Saturday in one of the most watched wedding ceremonies of all time. And then what? Couples new and old face similar financial hurdles without planning.
Read MoreSummer is the Time to Teach Kids to be Smart with Money
I don’t know about your house, but we are counting down the days until summer. Ah, summer. The time of year that school and its trappings fall off the calendar, along with structure, discipline, a schedule… Hmmm. Maybe...
Read MoreSmall Business Week- Top Six Challenges for Entrepreneurs
I am a small business owner, so I understand that this is a week to celebrate with many of my clients who are also entrepreneurs. My clients and I know the joy and challenges of making sure employees are happy. We know the big picture...
Read MoreTop 7 Things You Need to Know About the New Tax Law
Here's our latest stab at deciphering the new Tax Law: “Back Door” Roth IRA: The “back door” Roth IRA is a strategy that has been used with fingers crossed because there has never been clear acceptance of it by...
Read MoreKey Financial Data for 2018
Here it is for 2018: Our Key Financial Data - information you need at your fingertips so you can make well-informed decisions about your money.
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More from the Winter Games- Check Your Alignment
Both Olympians and investors need their motivations, priorities and behaviors aligned in order to achieve best results.
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2018 Winter Olympic Games- Run Your Race
Success isn't the same for everyone. An honest inventory of your skills and goals is essential for making sure you're running a race you can win.
Read MoreWhat I Learned About Life During a Year of So Much Death
Last year brought a lot of loss, and finding a good story or lesson from all of it isn't easy, but I think I'm on my way.
Read MoreNothing Quite Like Tax Legislation for the Holidays
Not enough time to finish holiday preparation AND digest the new tax bill? We’ve got you covered.
Read MoreTesting Your Life Insurance Know-How
We see a lot of ‘ballpark’ life insurance coverage when we work with clients on their financial plans. They might say, “I have two times my salary at work.” Is ‘two times’ enough? Too much? Is a...
Read MoreWhat does a Financial Planner actually do?
There is a line in one of my favorite movies, Office Space, where a consultant named Bob is grilling an employee about his role at the company. The employee keeps evading the questions and finally at his wit’s end, Bob asks the...
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Identity Theft and the Equifax Breach
The recent breach of data by hackers who stole 143 million sets of personal information from Equifax is a reminder to us all that our personal information simply is not safe in the digital age.
Read More3,125 Meals Packed for School-Aged Children…And They Still Need Your Help
Thanks to our friends and family, colleagues and clients, who joined us August 19 for the 2017 Brennan Financial Services Family Service Day.
Read MoreDebra's Market Report 2Q 2017
Here's Debra's latest Market Report, providing her insight and commentary on the financial markets for the Second Quarter of 2017, as well as thoughts on the rest of the year.
Read MoreFamily Service Day 2017
Each year, Brennan Financial Services spends a day with the North Texas Food Bank, helping serve those most in need in our neighborhoods. Please consider joining us this year.
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What I learned about leadership from a man in a feathered cap and sparkly pants
Gord Downie is the leader of the Tragically Hip, one of Canada's greatest treasures. And in his final days, he's revealing what leadership can and should be.
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“Do I need a power of attorney?” ...And other stimulating ways to start a conversation
You might be right that Powers of Attorney don't make for exciting conversation. But you'd be wrong if you think that you don't need one.
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Best Practices for National 529 College Savings Plan Day
Review Debra's Top 6 Best Practices for 529 College Savings Plans in honor of National 529 College Savings Plan Day. It's already on your calendar (5/29)!
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Be Careful Who Your Joneses Are
It's time to reevaluate your measures of success. There's always another Jones to chase, so focus on your own goals.
Read MoreThe 2017 First Quarter Market Report is Live
We've added our Quarterly Market Report to the front page of www.debrabrennantagg.com, replacing the webinar series that we've held for the past several years.
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A Guide to Loving Your Millennial Employee
Your workplace and potential employee pool are increasingly populated with millennials. Getting beyond the generational gap to fully benefit from this opportunity requires a fresh perspective on employee relations.
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How Can I Spend Less? Save More? The MONEY Budget Explained
Budgeting is more than cutting expenses. The MONEY Budgeting system challenges users to view money as a tool, rather than a goal, to enable better saving and spending decisions.
Read MoreKey Financial Data for 2017
As you review your income and taxes for last year and plan ahead for 2017, attached is our Key Financial Data update for this year. We include information for all ages and stages of life, including tax rates, deductions and exemptions,...
Read MoreJoin Us for the Next Market Webinar: February 1st at 3:30pm
2016 started off as the worst year in US stock market history, and ended with a surprising post-election gain in the US stock market. During this webcast we’ll tell you what happened in between, as well as how the other financial...
Read MoreLong Term Care- You May Not Need a Policy, but You Need a Plan
When people imagine retirement, they tend to conjure images of themselves as being healthy, happy, and fully capable of doing what they want to do. However, as people live longer and longer, we know that sometimes our bodies start to...
Read MoreHow Much Can I Contribute to My 401(k)? Better Question: How Much Should I Contribute to My 401(k)?
My clients are like an extension of my family, and I focus my energy on helping them get to a place where they are confident in their plan. So when I see study after study that says that Americans aren’t saving enough to reach...
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions Help IRA Owners to Avoid Taxes
As we begin to wind down the year, many Americans are looking for ways to donate to charities, and their tax and financial advisors are looking for ways to lower their tax burden. IRA owners over the age of 70 ½ need to fulfill...
Read MoreProtect Your Data and Yourself Around the Holidays
With the holidays on the horizon, you might be considering shopping online and traveling. We all know that hackers are on the prowl day and night these days, especially as more and more of our information is uploaded to the cloud and...
Read MoreDebra's Market Report: Q3 2016
Does anyone remember how this year started in the financial markets? We began 2016 with a sharp downturn in oil and stocks – indeed it was the worst start to a calendar year that the S&P 500 has ever had. Not only have we...
Read MoreFeeling Hopeless? Put in an application
Feeling hopeless about our country? Dallas Police Chief David Brown says, “Put in an application.” I am lucky to live in Dallas, a city that doesn’t sit idly by for very long when it sees an opportunity to really get...
Read MoreA Favor? From the IRS?
Every now and then, the IRS does investors a favor. And every now and then, investors think about their estate. While IRS rulings and estates may seem like boring reading, anyone who is married to a spouse with a retirement account...
Read MoreWhy I Became a CFP® Professional after 15+ Years as a Financial Advisor
Our industry is strange and unnecessarily complex for most “consumers” (i.e. people who need help with their money) to understand what to look for when they hire a financial planner. In our industry, someone can have zero...
Read MoreGet Thee to a National Park
The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, and that is but one of the many reasons that I am talking about national parks to everyone I know these days. I wish I could say that I mandated national park visits in our annual...
Read MoreGratitude and Leadership, Where Have You Gone?
An open letter from a heartsick but hopeful Dallas citizen Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Leadership: A practical skill encompassing the ability of an individual or...
Read MoreBrexit- A Quick Look at the Impact
Britain voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union, which has sent global markets into temporary turmoil, and has caused the British pound to plummet. Here is what you need to know from a financial perspective: While the polling...
Read MoreFirst Quarter Market Report - 2016
As a supplement to my Webinar last week, here's an abridged version of my analysis and reaction to the first quarter of 2016. Earnings season is upon us We are knee-deep in earnings season, and all I can think about is what a...
Read MoreWhat We Can Learn from the Villanova Men's Basketball Team
What we can learn from the Villanova Men’s Basketball Team (Or, how to get ready for your “One Shining Moment”) As a not-so-recent graduate from Villanova, I always get vaguely interested in sports when the NCAA...
Read MoreIt's Consumer Protection Week- Best Practices to Protect Your Information
It may be Spring Break for many, but it’s also Consumer Protection Week, which is a great opportunity to highlight how you can protect your personal information. Our firm and our industry take information security very seriously,...
Read MoreKey Financial Data for 2016
Tax season has begun, and while you look back over your financials for 2015, we would like to help you plan moving forward. Here are some highlights from our 2016 Key Financial Data, which should help as you make financial decisions...
Read MoreSocial Security- An Important Update for 2016
The changes that are coming for this year, and how they may affect you. Social Security has two changes on the horizon, and it is important to understand them, especially if you or your spouse is between the ages of 62 and 66 and have...
Read More10 pallets, 300 boxes, 4,650 pounds, 3,875 meals
10 pallets, 300 boxes, 4,650 pounds, 3,875 meals packaged in only two hours! Thanks to all who joined us January 30th for the 2016 TeamDBT Brennan Financial Services Family Service Day. We put our hands to work with clients, colleagues...
Read MoreSeriously? You Don’t Have a Will?
Seriously? You Don’t Have a Will? And Other Must-Haves for Executive Families I work with clients on financial planning and investment management. Unfortunately, most people think they are the same thing. Financial planning is...
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