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As we reflect on the previous year, we can’t help but feel thankful. Here are 7 things that we feel particularly grateful for in 2024: As a token of our appreciation, on behalf of our clients, we made a generous donation to Connecticut Foodshare. We are grateful to serve our clients and our community. 

Enacted in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly increased the unified lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amounts. As we enter 2025, the legislation will “sunset” or expire, unless Congress renews or extends the legislation. One important item, and a source of confusion, is that the TCJA formally expires on January 1st,…

As we begin 2025, we want to note the performance of the S&P 500 over the past two years, gaining over 20% in both 2023 and 2024. While we are pleased with these results, conflicting economic currents make for uncertainty in the new year.  The possibility of tariffs and pro-business policy stymieing the Federal Reserve’s…

As the bull market in stocks reaches its second consecutive year, we want to examine the health and underlying factors of this unique run. In finance years, this bull market is nearing middle age. Per Barrons, since 1949, the median length and percentage gain of a bull market is five years and 108%. From October…

With digital fraud on the rise, it is important to protect yourself from scammers and fraudulent transactions. Do not send sensitive information – account statements, social security numbers, Driver’s License -via email without encryption. Financial services and accounting firms often have secure portals to upload this information safely – when in doubt, ask. Fierston Financial…

As inflation cools, many consumers are wondering why prices haven’t fallen for certain goods and services. The broad trend in the US economy is disinflation – a declining, but still positive rate of inflation. In other words, prices are still rising, albeit at slower rates. Deflation refers to outright price reduction and is most common…

As our business continues to grow, we are thrilled to announce that Marissa Fierston has joined the firm as part of our family’s third generation serving FFG’s clients. A 2020 graduate of Elon University, Marissa arrives at Fierston Financial Group after spending four years with Vanguard in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon graduating Elon, she was…

As we enter another election season, we often field questions about how certain candidates will affect overall portfolio performance. We found the following data extremely interesting and hope it paints a broader picture of how politics affect market returns: The point is simple – don’t let emotions surrounding the election affect your investment strategy. Whether…

We are pleased to announce that Max Asnes has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification! Having satisfied the education requirement through his coursework at Bryant University, Max passed the six-hour examination in 2022, and completed his 6,000-hour experience requirement in March.  This fulfills a longtime dream for Max, and he is eager to assist FFG’s clients…

The Secure Act 2.0 is now law. That means starting in 2024, unused 529 funds can be rolled into a Roth IRA without incurring penalty. This is a distinct change from the previous system where 529 account holders typically had to change account beneficiaries or suffer income taxes and 10% penalty for a nonqualified withdrawal.…