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When Will the Fed Begin to Cut Interest Rates? It’s a Mystery

CEO Kathleen Grace shared her perspective with Bryan Mena of CNN Business ahead of the Fed's May meeting. Pointing to stubbornly high inflation, she stated it is "unlikely we will see a rate cut until July or September." Her analysis highlights the complex factors the Fed must weigh as it determines the appropriate timing for potential rate cuts.

Fed Holds Rates Steady at 23-Year High: What the Experts Are Saying

CEO Kathleen Grace shared her perspective on the Federal Reserve's current challenges with Dan Burrows of Kiplinger. She stated, "The Fed has been surprised and humbled by the persistent inflation data and the resilience of the economy and consumer." Her insights highlight the difficulty of adjusting economic policies in a context where strong labor markets and solid growth might push rate cuts further into the future.

Retirees: Here’s How to Be Smart About Bonds

In a recent conversation with Elizabeth O'Brien of Barron's, CEO Kathleen Grace highlighted the unique investment opportunities in today's municipal bond market. She noted, "It has been a long time since we've seen rates this high," while discussing individual bonds yielding around 4.5% to 5%. Kathleen's insights illuminate a strategic approach to navigating today's fixed income landscape, advocating for selecting bonds that can offer both stability and attractive returns.

Thwarting Kidnappers and Cyber Crooks: When Advisors Go Above and Beyond for Clients

"Our type of client isn't just looking for great investment advice; they need critical thinking," shared CEO Kathleen Grace with Steve Garmhausen of Barron's Advisors. Kathleen's account of resolving a client's unique crisis highlights the indispensable role of advisors as not only financial experts but also as problem solvers.

May CPI Comes in Soft: What the Experts Are Saying About Inflation

"The Fed has quite a bit to consider given today's CPI report coming in flat from the month prior," says managing member and CEO Kathleen Grace . Kathleen emphasizes the market’s positive reaction to the inflation data but also highlights the Fed's challenging position. She shared with Kiplinger that if the Fed delays rate cuts for too long, sectors already experiencing slowdowns might slip into recession.

A New Approach to Serve Female Investors

By 2030, women are set to control the majority of the $30 trillion being transferred from the baby boomer generation. In an article on WealthManagement.com, CEO Kathleen Grace shared her insights into how financial advisors can better serve the female investor. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue, taking a collaborative, process-oriented approach to planning, as well as advising on how solutions will help your female clients achieve their goals.

Nervous About the Election? Here’s What Financial Pros Have to Say About That

CEO Kathleen Grace was featured in Barron's discussing investment strategies during the election season. Kathleen states, "We know from experience that market gyrations create an emotional response that typically leads investors to make poor timing decisions." She emphasizes the importance of focusing on long-term goals and avoiding reactionary moves.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell Faces a Precarious Balancing Act Amid Criticism from Republicans and Democrats

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell faces political pressure from both parties regarding interest rate decisions, but he remains committed to data-driven policy. Despite differing views, Powell emphasizes decisions will be based solely on economic data. CEO Kathleen Grace underscores this by stating, “Fed rate movements take eight to 12 months to have a widespread economic impact, but consumers typically see immediate market reactions to policy changes.”

How to Plan for Retirement if You’re Behind on Saving in Middle Age

Retirement can feel daunting, especially for those in their 40s and 50s who haven't saved enough. In a recent discussion with Hannah Miao of The Wall Street Journal, CEO Kathleen Grace offered insights on how to make impactful changes by automating savings & using catch-up contributions. "There’s no magic in saving for retirement. You have to have the determination and you’re going to have to make sacrifices along the way," she says.

Mixed August CPI Report Seals September Rate Cut: What the Experts Are Saying

“The general consensus on the street is that the Fed is behind in beginning its easing cycle,” said CEO Kathleen Grace. Following the release of the August CPI report, Kathleen shared with Kiplinger that the odds of a recession increase every day that we have rates at these levels. She highlighted the actual time it takes for a rate cut to have an impact on the overall economy — economists say 8-10 months.

The Ultrawealthy Use Trusts to Pass on Wealth and Motivate Their Kids—And So Can You

CEO Kathleen Grace, CFP®, CIMA® spoke with Alicia Adamczyk at Fortune, highlighting how trusts can serve as motivational tools to help beneficiaries build responsibility and wealth. She explained, "Most folks wonder how much is enough to give to their kids, and how do I give them not just money but the responsibility behind it to be good stewards of that money."

What You May Not Know About The Great Wealth Transfer

CEO Kathleen Grace spoke with Crain Currency about legislative uncertainty amid the great wealth transfer. The real focus, Grace believes, will be on income tax revenue to pay for the incoming party’s legislative agenda and, of course, balance the budget. She sees the estate tax and similar measures as potential bargaining tools in a broader political agenda. “Is this a critical political issue?" she said. "I don’t think so, but both sides have used sunsets as a bargaining tool in exchange to pass other legislation in the past, and they will in the future.”

Empowering Young Women Key to Preserving Family Wealth and Legacy

CEO Kathleen Grace, CFP®, CIMA® recently contributed an article to Crain Currency, highlighting the growing need for family offices to empower their female members in order to ensure effective wealth preservation and the cultivation of a lasting legacy.

As women are set to control the majority of the $30 trillion wealth transfer by 2030, she cited the importance of concerted financial education for young women as a key tool in building investment confidence, as well as actionable strategies and the long-term benefits of giving women a seat at the family table.