Asset managers are increasingly rolling out tax-managed products, with investments in these vehicles seeing notable growth. Assets in tax-managed separately managed accounts (SMAs) surged to over $500 billion, a 67% increase within 18 months, while tax-managed mutual funds grew by 22% to $73 billion, according to Morningstar. 

Direct indexing dominates tax-managed SMA assets, offering customized tax management by investing in individual stocks within an index, though other strategies like ETF model portfolios and active equity are gaining traction. 

Morgan Stanley’s Parametric leads this area, managing $245 billion, mainly through direct indexing. Morningstar anticipates direct indexing will stay prevalent, but asset managers like JP Morgan’s 55ip and AB are exploring alternatives, focusing on model portfolios and municipal bonds for tax advantages. 

Finsum: We may see more unified managed accounts, which integrate various investment types, creating more comprehensive tax management options.

Creating stylish storage in a living room is essential for both organization and enhancing the space’s overall aesthetic. A well-planned storage layout not only keeps clutter at bay but can serve as a focal point, adding elegance to the room.

Designers recommend focusing on details like unique hardware and luxurious finishes—think fluted wood or polished brass—to elevate cabinetry and shelving. Styling shelves with curated vignettes, such as decorative books, candles, and art pieces, brings an upscale, cohesive look to your storage units. 

Mixing vintage pieces with contemporary decor also introduces character and sophistication, making storage solutions feel more integrated and personalized. For a seamless luxury vibe, built-in storage is ideal, but freestanding pieces with unique textures can offer personality while staying budget-friendly.

Finsum: Let your interior space be defined by what reflects your own personality and interests to give a better since of your tastes!

Commonwealth Financial Network is enhancing its advisor platform with new tax-focused tools to improve efficiency and meet clients' evolving needs. This suite includes advanced planning solutions such as direct indexing, portfolio tax optimization, and unified managed accounts, providing advisors with tailored options for optimizing client portfolios. 

In 2025, advisors will also have access to a managed CTO service to streamline technology management, allowing them to focus more on client relations. Additionally, tools like the tax transition feature and automated tax-loss harvesting will support tax-efficient investing for clients. 

These upgrades are positioned to enable advisors to scale their businesses and better serve clients, particularly those with sophisticated financial needs.

Finsum: These types of innovations in wealth tech can vastly improve advisors options particularly with tax solutions.  

Switching broker-dealers can transform a financial advisor’s career, but it’s essential to approach the process with careful consideration. Start by evaluating potential firms' growth opportunities, ensuring they provide the resources and support needed to advance your practice.

Culture compatibility is equally important; a firm that shares your values and work style can enhance long-term satisfaction. Assess the depth of each firm’s capabilities to ensure they align with your business needs, particularly if you specialize in a unique niche. 

Also, consider the firm's brand and history, as a reputable and trusted name can positively influence your client relationships. Finally, trust your instincts after thorough research, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice for finding the best fit for your business’s future.

Finsum: Considering outside counsel for expert advice is a great way to get a better feel for a new BD. 

Outdoor winter workouts can be enjoyable with the right preparation for the elements. Dress in moisture-wicking layers to prevent heat loss from damp clothing, and choose outerwear you can easily remove as you warm up. 

Bright, reflective clothing is essential for safety, especially with shorter daylight hours and overcast skies. To keep hands and feet warm, wear insulated, waterproof shoes and gloves, and avoid mesh footwear to prevent snow entry. 

Traction aids, such as shoe grips, can reduce slipping on icy surfaces, while covering your head, ears, and face helps maintain body warmth. Finally, stay hydrated by drinking room-temperature or slightly warm water, even if you don't feel thirsty in the cold, because dehydration is a problem in the winter months. 

Finsum: There are plenty of ways to maximize your fitness experience outside even in winter months, but staying ahead in December can make those new years resolutions easier!

As major tech stocks like Meta and Microsoft face challenges from rising costs and AI investment, dividend stocks are gaining attention for their potential stability amid election-related uncertainty. 

For beginner investors, choosing effective dividend stocks and ETFs remains an essential consideration as dividend growth has historically outpaced inflation over the long term. In one case, a dividend investor on Reddit turned an initial $60,000 retirement account into $1.2 million over 27 years through a disciplined investment approach, later shifting his focus to high-yield dividend ETFs. 

His portfolio, which generated around $9,495 monthly, included holdings like JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF and Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF, along with tech-focused funds like Invesco QQQ Trust. With investments like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Ares Capital Corporation, the portfolio reflected a mix of income-generating ETFs and steady-growth investments.

Finsum: If rates stall out look to dividends to supplement income streams particularly with ETFs.

Several Western and Midwestern cities, including Boise, Idaho, and Stockton, California, are projected to join the "million-dollar club" in median home prices over the next decade. 

Realtor.com's forecast estimates Boise’s median price will rise from about $464,000 to $1.2 million by 2033, following a strong growth trend seen in previous years. Other cities expected to cross the million-dollar mark include Salt Lake City, Portland, and Colorado Springs. Stockton’s proximity to costly Bay Area markets is driving its prices, with an anticipated median of $1.4 million by 2033. 

Denver and Sacramento are also projected for substantial gains, reaching approximately $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. These forecasts hinge on continued demand and limited supply, but a surge in new construction could temper these projected gains.

Finsum: One key aspect of this to watch is how fast wages are growing in these cities as this is a strong indicator of future home price growth

National brokerage firms are now sharing updates to financial advisors' compensation plans for 2025, a yearly event that often brings new requirements for earning bonuses or changes to how firms prioritize client segments. 

Merrill Lynch's 2025 plan, announced Wednesday, surprised many by largely maintaining the current structure, which has been rewarding advisors for onboarding new clients and encouraging existing ones to use Bank of America banking services. Merrill reported 5,500 new client relationships in the third quarter, with client assets reaching $3.5 trillion, an 18% increase from last year. 

The only notable adjustment for 2025 is a reduced banking growth award threshold, dropping from 55% to 35% for advisors operating without a nearby Bank of America branch. Other large brokerages, also introduced modest 2025 updates, such as reduced pay on smaller accounts and increased incentives for internal referrals, respectively. 

Finsum: These incremental changes reflect the industry's focus on stability while selectively encouraging growth and broader client relationships.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management has partnered with GeoWealth to deliver customizable, open-architecture investment models for registered investment advisors (RIAs). These models, accessible through GeoWealth’s unified managed accounts (UMA) platform, include SMAs, ETFs, direct indexing, mutual funds, and alternatives, allowing RIAs to tailor them to clients’ unique goals and tax considerations. 

Starting with mutual fund and ETF models, Goldman plans to expand offerings to include equity SMAs, fixed-income solutions, and direct indexing in the coming months. Responding to demand from RIAs for scalable, personalized portfolio solutions, the partnership aims to streamline account management, simplify paperwork, and boost operational efficiency. 

Goldman’s multi-asset solutions team will power these custom models, leveraging the firm’s capabilities with API integrations across 42 tech vendors. 

Finsum: These solutions can increase flexibility greatly for RIAs and provide a streamlined process for clientele. 

Vanguard's ETFs offer excellent options for investors seeking both passive income and diversification. The Vanguard Value ETF, one of the largest value-oriented funds, holds mainly large-cap stocks with solid dividend payouts, keeping its top 10 holdings at around 21% of the portfolio. 

For a more concentrated approach, the Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF focuses on mega-cap companies, leaning toward value-heavy sectors like healthcare and energy, which tend to fare well in economic downturns. Investors aiming for higher yield might consider the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF, which offers broad exposure to 537 holdings and a nearly 3% yield without overemphasizing any single sector. 

Although these funds have lagged the tech-driven S&P 500 recently, they have shown significant long-term growth, nearly tripling in value over the last decade. 

Finsum: These ETFs suit different needs, whether one prefers a focus on industry giants or broader diversification for consistent passive income.