Blog posts

The Quiet Risk of a Portfolio Nobody’s Watching

Most people believe the biggest investment risk is making the wrong call. Buying at the top. Selling at the bottom. Picking the wrong fund. Those mistakes are real. But they’re obvious. You see them. You feel them. The risk we see far more often is quieter. It’s the portfolio that was built correctly years ago […]

Markets Don’t Break Plans — Decisions Do

A January reminder on how we make decisions when markets are uncertain — and why coordination matters most when pressure increases. The past year was a reminder that markets rarely move in straight lines. Narratives shifted quickly, volatility resurfaced at times, and investors were repeatedly challenged to decide whether to react or remain disciplined. We […]

September Investment Update & Commentary

In recent weeks, the Federal Reserve made its first move of this year, cutting interest rates by 0.25%. Markets expect additional cuts in the coming months as inflation trends lower and signs of a cooling labor market emerge. The economy, however, continues to show resilience. Equities: U.S. stocks remain near record highs, supported by strong corporate […]

Understanding Investment Risk and When to Make Adjustments

Managing investment risk is one of the most critical elements of building and maintaining long-term wealth. At Canty Financial, we don’t see risk as something to avoid entirely; rather, we view it as a factor to balance based on your financial goals, time horizon, and comfort level. This article explains how we approach investment risk […]

Inheriting Investment Accounts: Understanding the Tax Implications

Inheriting an investment account can significantly impact your financial situation, but it also comes with important tax considerations. Whether you’ve inherited a regular brokerage account, an IRA/401(k), Roth IRA, or a trust, understanding the tax implications is crucial for managing your newfound wealth effectively. This article will guide you through the key tax issues related […]

The Benefits of Consolidating Your Investment Accounts

We frequently hear from clients who have a few scattered investment accounts or old employer retirement plans that they’ve left behind. These accounts often end up spread across different institutions, causing stress and concern about potentially forgetting about them and leaving money unclaimed. Managing multiple accounts can become overwhelming and stressful, but consolidating your investment […]

Tax Investment Mistakes: Real Examples We've Seen

It’s important to understand the tax implications of investment decisions because taxes can have a significant impact on your investment returns. Here are some real-life examples we’ve seen of tax investment mistakes. Misuse of IRAs and Roth IRAs There are several common tax mistakes associated with IRAs and Roth IRAs, including: Early withdrawal penalties: If […]

Rolling Over Your 401(k) When Changing Jobs for Better Management 

Changing jobs is a time of transition with a lot to do. Getting up-to-speed at your new employer is important and a top priority. When leaving a company, it’s crucial not to forget about your old 401(k) account. What to do with this retirement money is a critical decision to make during this period of […]

ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Which One is More Tax Efficient?

ETFs and mutual funds are the two main types of managed accounts for investors. The IRS tax treatment of ETFs and mutual funds is the same, however, the structure of ETFs can make them a more tax-efficient option for taxable accounts.  Let’s take a look at why ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds.  […]

Asset Location – What is it and Should I Be Using It? 

Asset location pertains to the types of investment assets that are best held in various types of accounts. Asset location is a tax minimization strategy that matches various types of investments with the type of account best-suited for that type of investment holding.  Asset Location Basics  Asset location is about strategically holding investments in accounts […]