In the press

First Fed rate hike in 3 years: Where to lock in top CD rates now→

On why CD rates move with the bond market rather than with the Fed alone: “To determine the path of CD rates, look no further than Treasury note yields, as they are and have been dragging CD rates higher.”

Digital vs. In-Person: How Advisors and Clients Decide What Makes Sense→

Ed on how often a client actually needs to be in the room. Quoted: “Afterward, getting together once a year or so, whether to meet or just grab lunch, is sufficient, as long as we continue to do an effective job of communicating throughout the year.”

Advisors think they’re good listeners. 12K AI-tracked meetings suggest otherwise→

Ed on how he runs a quarterly meeting. The magazine’s own caption: “Edward Mahaffy of ClientFirst Wealth, Legacy & Estate Planning pointedly avoids taking up time in quarterly meetings with his own ideas and instead listens to what clients have to say.”

With Warsh running the Fed, should bond investors be worried?→

On Fed independence under a new chair: “I'm not concerned about the erosion of Fed independence at the present time. Warsh seems to be of the opinion that AI will be disinflationary. He's waiting to see if there's evidence of that.”

As Bubble Fears Percolate, Advisors Are Bracing for a Crunch→

Ed on who a selloff actually hurts. Quoted: “If you are early in the wealth accumulation phase, you are able to continue accumulating shares at cheaper levels when a selloff occurs.”

All the hidden fees your adviser might be charging you: ‘If you don’t know your total cost, then you don’t know your total return’→

On costs a broker-dealer is not required to disclose when it trades as principal: “This is the case with fixed-income securities as well as structured notes.”

Short-term CDs are offering rates of 4% and up. What to know before you lock in→

On why the account matters as much as the rate: “Depending upon whether the particular account is tax-deferred or taxable, that can influence the recommendation. CDs are subject to state income tax, while Treasurys are not.”

Record RIA Dealmaking Isn’t Just About Assets Anymore→

Ed on staying independent while the acquisition offers arrive. The piece reports he fields at least two inquiries a week, and quotes him: “It’s a lot easier for me to compete against something like that than it is against another firm just like mine that’s willing to go the extra mile.”

Are Municipal Bond Investors Sitting on a Ticking Tax Bomb?→

Would You Rather Wait for a $3,000 Lump Sum, or Have $250 More a Month?→

Overwithholding generally provides a larger tax refund, but withholding less can increase a taxpayer's paycheck.

Own Muni Bonds? Make This Change Now to Avoid a Future Tax Surprise.→

With the fourth quarter kicking off, it’s time for investors to consider tax strategy. And, thanks to a rather obscure area of the tax code, there is a nice year-end tax planning opportunity for investors that own individual tax-exempt municipal bonds.

Webinar Recap: Navigating Tax Changes & Year-End Strategies→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy gives a high-level overview of ClientFirst's recent webinar, “Navigating the Sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Year-End Strategies." The webinar offered a good overview of potential changes to the tax law as well as some tax tips for year-end. Ashley Gill, J.D., Ron Myers, CPA, and Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC® offered their observations and recommendations on many actions to consider. Watch the entire webinar recording here .

Some Municipal Bond Investors Face a Hidden Tax. Are You One of Them?→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy explores a relatively obscure part of the tax code that creates ordinary income tax liability for certain “tax-exempt” municipal bonds—one that can easily go unnoticed. In this bylined article written for Barron's, Mahaffy explains that the de minimis rule has been around for many years and typically doesn’t present a problem until interest rates rise significantly after remaining low for an extended period.

6 Reasons Real Estate Is a Better Investment Than Bitcoin→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in Yahoo! Finance, discussing whether real estate is a better investment than Bitcoin. Mahaffy shares important questions to ask yourself before investing in real estate, “Will you have a mortgage? Do you intend to manage the property or pay a property manager? How important are certain tax benefits? How important is liquidity?”

Is Your RIA Independent? The Hidden Impact of Private Equity Ownership→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy looks at the recent uptick in private equity (PE) firms acquiring independent registered investment advisors (RIA) firms and what the means ultimately for the firm's clients in this article written for Retirement Daily by TheStreet.

Stock Market Predictions For 2025: What Is Coming Next Year?→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was featured in Forbes, sharing his prediction for the Stock Market in 2025. He has a bullish outlook, citing ongoing innovation in AI and falling interest rates; Mahaffy expects the S&P 500 will end 2025 up 14.5% to 19.6%.

Will the price of gold hit $3,000 in 2024? Here's what experts think.→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was featured in CBS News discussing the price of gold and if it will hit $3,000 before the end of the year, "It's doubtful that the price of gold will hit $3,000 by year-end [after already] climbing over 20%.”

Will Inflation Keep Going Down In 2025?→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in AOL sharing his thoughts on inflation and if it will keep going down in 2025, “Even if the CPI falls from here by another point or so, do not expect your cost of living to fall in tandem. The CPI is now hovering just above 3.0%, down from a high of 9.1% in June of 2022. Has your cost of living fallen by 6%? I doubt it.”

We Asked Investment Advisors What They Are Buying Now. Here’s What They Said.→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was featured in Barron's, sharing his best investment opportunities against the current market backdrop. “My thesis is that the Mag Seven, while those stocks are not going away, is not going to be the only game in town moving forward. We’ve got a friendlier backdrop for cyclicals now.”

Pros and Cons of Using a Fee-Only Financial Planner→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was featured in U.S. News and World Report, discussing the pros and cons of using a fee-only advisor. Mahaffy points out the struggles smaller accounts may have in the fee-only system but points to a potential solution, "One alternative is to retain a fee-only advisor for a project fee or one-time charge. This can be achieved by paying a flat fee for a financial plan and a lesser fee for periodic updates as needed."

A Look Behind Annuity Numbers as Sales Explode→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in Insurance NewsNet discussing the increase in annuity sales. He highlights that annuity contracts featuring “guaranteed returns” may sound nice, but “This guarantee can come at a huge price, namely capping the upside potential one would have if they simply maintained a balanced portfolio of cost-effective index funds of stocks and bonds.”

I’m a Financial Planner: 4 Top Money Scams I See Boomers Fall For→

While many people are aware of the potential for money scams and overall rise in cyberattacks, fraudsters have continued to evolve and trick people into giving over their hard-earned money. ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy spoke with GOBankingRates about money scams boomers fall for and how to avoid them. “Phishing efforts designed to obtain the information to successfully scam boomers exploded during COVID-19 as more people shopped online.”

High Gold Prices Are About the Dollar, but Recession Fears Can't Be Ruled Out→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in US News and World Report analyzing the forces contributing to the record-high price of gold. Mahaffy notes, "Gold serves as a hedge against inflation, protecting the purchasing power of those who own it in their local currency. Many people are currently fearful and seeking such protection, leading to a rapid sale of gold bars at retailers like Costco."

What Is a Living Trust?→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy helps explain living trusts in this article from Comparison Adviser, noting a living trust can “[prevent] the courts from controlling your assets during incapacity, and [give] you—as opposed to the court—control over the assets you leave to your minor children or grandchildren.”

Time to dump CDs? 6 Experts Share 6 Investing Moves to Make as the Fed Prepares to Cut Rates in September→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was featured in this Business Insider article looking at investing moves to make as the Fed prepares to cut rates. "Today's rates of approximately 4.15% for five-year Treasuries and 4.85% for high-quality corporate bonds will certainly look more attractive as rates fall."

Best Savings Rates Today -- APYs Remain High Ahead of Inflation Data→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in CNET Money discussing savings rates and what might trigger a rate cut, “Although the consensus is for the Fed to begin cutting rates in September if CPI and PPI fall appreciably, the Fed may cut rates at the July FOMC meeting.”

Quoted in CNN Underscored in July 2024→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in CNN Underscored on what to look for in a financial advisor, “Once you have determined the advisor has a clean regulatory record and a fiduciary duty to always act in your best interests, turn your attention to any respective professional designations they may have, such as certified financial planner or chartered financial analyst.”

Planning the Perfect Family Vacation with Ed Mahaffy: Fiduciary Voices Summer #FinLit Series→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy joins Fiduciary Voices Summer FinLit Series Host Rebekah Law to share tips on vacation planning and budgeting. He highlights a recent family trip to Costa Rica to show how families can plan and save for their adventure, balancing fun activities like rainforest tours, whitewater rafting, and zip lining with practical financial strategies.

Timeless Investing Wisdom: 10 Quotes to Navigate Market Ups and Downs→

In the fast-paced investing world, some kernels of timeless wisdom are valid regardless of whether the market is soaring or sinking. ClientFirst's President, Ed Mahaffy, shares some of his favorite money quotes in this article from The United Business Journal.

I’m a Financial Advisor: Why You Shouldn’t Rely Too Much on Mutual Funds→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy spoke with Yahoo Finance about why you shouldn’t rely too much on mutual funds. “You can obtain very similar exposure to a diversified equity portfolio through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) featuring much lower operating expenses.”

These Are the 6 Worst Times To Sell Your Stocks, According to Financial Advisors→

News of the stock market dropping or interest rates falling can create anxiety in investors, which may manifest in taking action to sell stocks, an impulse decision that typically hinders investors in the long run. ClientFirst’s President Ed Mahaffy was recently quoted in this GOBankingRates article looking at some of the worst times to sell stocks.

How to Lock In High Yield Before the Fed Cuts Interest Rates→

While the timing of future Federal Reserve rate cuts remains a big question mark, it's not too soon to plan ways of locking in yield for the long term. In this US News and World Report article, ClientFirst’s President Ed Mahaffy shares ways to lock in yield ahead of any rate cut without worrying about fluctuations that could affect your retirement planning.

Stock Rally Tamed By Stagflation Fears—What Is Next?→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this International Business Times article looking at what's next after stagflation fears look to have tamed stock rallies. "One thing is certain: With 6 trillion on the sidelines, any sign of inflation abating could ignite one heck of a rally."

Ep 133: The Art of Fee-Only Financial Advising→

Ed’s interview on the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, hosted by Seth Greene. Fifty-two minutes on fee-only advising.

Muni Bonds Are Having a Moment. How to Get In.→

While financial news channels continuously display yields for U. S. treasury securities of various maturities and street signs for community banks flash their CD rates, identifying the yields for tax-exempt municipal bonds can be more challenging. While higher yields are a welcome relief for fixed-income investors, paying attention to tax treatment and expenses may improve after-tax outcomes. ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy discusses how to take advantage in this article written for Barron’s.

Muni Bond Boom Is Sputtering as Interest Rates Rise→

As interest rates rise, falling prices have attracted some buyers who own municipal bonds until maturity, collecting interest payments along the way. “I have been waiting for an opportunity like the one we are now experiencing,” said ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy.

Small Investors Ruled the Municipal-Bond World for a Few Days in March→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this Wall Street Journal article looking at how a rough stretch in the municipal-bond market in March turned out to be a golden opportunity for some household bondholders. “I had never seen it rain that much that hard for that long ever.”

How the Muni Market Became the Epicenter of the Liquidity Crisis→

ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this Wall Street Journal article looking at how the muni market became the epicenter of the liquidity crisis. “If they’re gobbling up the bonds on the way up, it’s a two-edged sword. When people want to exit, the reverse is going to happen.”

3 Things to Consider Before Switching to a New High-Yield Savings Account as Interest Rates Drop→

In this Business Insider article discussing things to consider before switching to a new high-yield savings account, ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy reminds you to be mindful and not to switch accounts just because your rate drops, "If your competition's at 0.26%, you could drop down to 0.62% and still be competitive.”

You Might Have Noticed Your High-Yield Savings Account Interest Rate Falling, but it's Only Temporary→

If you have a high-yield savings account, you may have noticed your APR has decreased since you set up the account. In this Business Insider article looking at what is causing these rate ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy looks at what is influencing The Fed, "The Federal Reserve's actions have certainly been influenced by the coronavirus and the impact on the economy and the perceived impact of what it will be on the economy.”