Sevasti Balafas managed money for friends who went through a messy seven-year divorce. Once the divorce was final, she dropped the husband as a client. "There were a lot of things I saw behind the scenes on how he was treating her, and I didn't want to be in that situation,†says Balafas, the 46-year-old chief executive of GoalVest Advisory, based in New York City. "I didn't need that emotional burden.†...

Core Viewpoint - WTW is set to announce its financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2025 on February 3, 2026, before market opening [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a conference call scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 3, 2026 [2] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on WTW's website, and an online replay will be accessible shortly after the call [2] Company Overview - WTW provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk, and capital, serving 140 countries and markets [3] - The company aims to help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance resilience, motivate their workforce, and maximize performance [3] - WTW collaborates closely with clients to uncover opportunities for sustainable success [3]

As the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average continue their record-breaking ascent into early 2026, financial advisors are facing a classic concentration conundrum. Following the first full trading... ...

Many of us made resolutions this past New Year’s, and the resolution to improve one’s finances was as popular as ever. Maybe you decided that 2026 would be the year you excel in shedding significant debt, become a strong investor or learn new skills to get a better-paying job. To stay true to any New Year’s resolution, you need to adopt new healthy habits. What habits should those be when it comes to money matters? We asked financial advisors, “What is your No. 1 habit you recommend to people who want to ...

Core Insights - Lazard, Inc. reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of approximately $254.3 billion as of December 31, 2025, reflecting a market appreciation of $2.2 billion, foreign exchange appreciation of $1.5 billion, and net outflows of $0.3 billion [1][2] AUM Breakdown - As of December 31, 2025, the AUM consisted of: - Equity: $199,256 million, up from $196,171 million in November 2025 - Fixed Income: $45,642 million, an increase from $45,351 million in November 2025 - Other: $9,402 million, rising from $9,307 million in November 2025 - Total AUM: $254,300 million, compared to $250,829 million in November 2025 [2] Company Overview - Lazard, founded in 1848, is a leading financial advisory and asset management firm with a global presence across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The firm provides advisory services on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring, and asset management solutions to a diverse clientele including institutions, corporations, and high net worth individuals [2]

Core Insights - Teneo has agreed to acquire PwC New Zealand's Business Restructuring Services unit, further expanding its Financial Advisory business in the Asia-Pacific region [1][4] - The acquisition will involve 22 employees from PwC New Zealand, including key partners and an executive director [1][2] - The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of next month, pending standard closing conditions [3][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will enhance Teneo's capabilities in restructuring and insolvency matters, focusing on both domestic and cross-border situations [4] - Teneo's CEO Paul Keary emphasized that this acquisition is a significant milestone in the company's global growth strategy [4][5] - Teneo previously acquired PwC Australia's Business Restructuring Services unit in July 2025, indicating a strategic trend in expanding its advisory services [5] Group 2: Operational Impact - The New Zealand team will continue to provide advisory services in business restructuring, corporate insolvency, and related areas [6] - Teneo currently employs over 1,800 people globally, with its Financial Advisory business growing to nearly 650 staff [5] - The acquisition aligns with Teneo's commitment to invest in the Asia-Pacific region and expand its range of advisory services [5][6]

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Financial advisory practice Loveday Caruso Wealth Management Group recently joined the independent channel of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) from LPL Financial with $120 million in assets. The practice, based in Littleton, Colo., is led by private wealth advisor Sean Loveday, ChFC®, CLU®, and includes financial advisor Sarah Caruso and administrative assistant Lori O'Halloran. The team's decision to join Ameriprise was driven by their commitment to enhancin. ...

Core Insights - Choosing a financial advisor is a critical decision that impacts investment strategies, tax management, and long-term financial plans [1][2] Group 1: Importance of Personal Referrals - Personal referrals from trusted individuals often lead to better satisfaction with financial advisors compared to online searches [3] - Insights from friends, family, and colleagues can reveal an advisor's responsiveness and clarity in communication during market fluctuations [3] Group 2: Professional Referrals - Professional referrals from accountants, attorneys, and bankers provide valuable insights into an advisor's operational effectiveness over time [4] - Inquiries should focus on the reasons behind successful relationships and the advisor's problem-solving capabilities [4] Group 3: Credentials and Standards - Financial advisors have varying standards, and while credentials do not guarantee quality advice, they indicate a commitment to training and ethical practices [5] - The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation is a strong indicator of professionalism, requiring education, experience, and adherence to fiduciary standards [5][6]

Group 1 - Research from Vanguard indicates that working with a qualified financial advisor can enhance net returns by approximately 3% over time, potentially leading to over $1.3 million in additional growth on a $50,000 retirement portfolio over 30 years [1][4] - The 4% rule is a common guideline recommended by financial advisors, suggesting retirees withdraw only 4% from their savings annually to ensure funds last for 30 years [3][12] - The average annual expenditure for individuals aged 65 and older is reported to be $61,432, while the median income for those aged 65 to 69 is $68,860, dropping to $47,790 for those aged 75 and older [4][5] Group 2 - By 2030, it is projected that around 20% of Americans will be 65 or older, and by 2034, older adults will outnumber children in the U.S. for the first time [5] - A Northwestern Mutual survey found that Americans believe they need approximately $1.26 million to retire comfortably, although this figure may not be realistic for everyone [12] - Diversifying investments, such as through a gold IRA, can provide tax benefits and reduce volatility compared to the stock market, especially during market downturns [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Jim Wyckoff has extensive experience in the stock, financial, and commodity markets, contributing to his insights and analysis in these areas [1][2]. Group 1: Professional Background - Jim Wyckoff has over 25 years of experience in financial journalism, covering various futures markets in the U.S. [1]. - He has worked as a technical analyst for Dow Jones Newswires and served as the senior market analyst at TraderPlanet.com [2]. - Wyckoff is the proprietor of "Jim Wyckoff on the Markets," which offers analytical, educational, and trading advisory services [2]. Group 2: Educational Background - Jim Wyckoff holds a degree in journalism and economics from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa [2]. Group 3: Current Engagements - Jim provides daily market roundups and technical analysis on Kitco.com [3].