Encompass Advisors, Ltd.

08/29/2026

07/30/2026

A 2023 study from Northwestern Mutual found that 66% of Americans felt that they needed to improve their financial planning. And that was on the coattails of COVID. Today’s financial reality is even more uncertain.

But why isn’t general advice more effective? There are a few reasons. This advice is

✅ Outdated
✅ Based on ideal hypotheticals
✅ Designed on specific demographics (namely high-earning white families)
✅ Written to driven commissions Outdated
✅ Based on ideal hypotheticals
✅ Designed on specific demographics (namely high-earning white families)
✅ Written to driven commissions

For high-income individuals, the disconnect is event greater. Here are for examples when generic advice completely misses the mark:

General financial advice rarely overlaps with individual portfolios. I imagine that Americans see the need for a deeper understanding of the markets and financial planning.

07/28/2026

Looking to move abroad during retirement? Before applying for your golden visa, consider these 6 questions:

1. What is the currency exchange rate?
2. Will you be able to access and transfer your investments?
3. Are there tax treaties in place?
4. What is the quality of local medical care?
5. How can you make cross-border payments?
6. How does the new country define residency?

Read more here: https://www.encompassadvisors.com/post/questions-before-you-retire-abroad

07/23/2026

Deciding when to start your social security benefits can be confusing, especially as you transition from work to retirement.

Because there are so many moving pieces to your finances, it’s important to sit down and weigh the pros and cons of waiting until 70 or applying once you hit 62.

Consider these key factors before making a final decision:

Social security averages your income over your working life and distributes that amount to you. But how much you get depends on when you file your social security claim.

07/21/2026

Inflation is on the rise in May, and it’s not just gas prices.

Here’s the thing about inflation: It’s an immediate problem. Prices are up. But it’s also a long-term problem, because as inflation goes up, the purchasing power of your savings drops.

There are several investments people make to offset the rising costs. When interest rates are high, short-term CDs and leaving cash in high-interest savings accounts is often preferred. It’s also common for people to continue to invest in the market, hoping that holding investments long-term will be fruitful.

How you preserve your wealth differs on your goals and objectives. When when doubt, ask a professional: https://www.encompassadvisors.com/contact-us

07/16/2026

I’ve written much about how investing today isn’t the same as in previous decades. And it’s not just because of the technology.

So much has changed, from domestic fiscal policy to geopolitical risk and every shift affects how you build your portfolio.

A diverse set of geopolitical and geoeconomic threats make investing and diversification more challenging, especially for ESG investors.

Read the full analysis on balancing risk and growth in an era of increased risk here:

I’ve written much about how investing today isn’t the same as in previous decades. And it’s not just because of the technology. So much has changed, from domestic fiscal policy to geopolitical risk and every shift affects how you build your portfolio.

07/14/2026

Are low interest rates always good?

Interest rates are a lever in the economy. They can be positive. Higher rates promote savings accounts. Lower rates incentivize spending.

But a BFI working paper on “Low Interest Rates, Market Power, and Productivity Growth” from Ernest Liu, Atif Mian, and Amir Sufi found that the closer the interest rate gets to zero, the fewer benefits.

In fact, it’s possible that low, close-to-zero interest rates may slow the economy instead of jump start it.

When does it work? Lower interest rates work best when there is increased competition and businesses are about the same size. But the fewer the companies and the bigger they are, the more likely lower interest rates will undercut smaller businesses.

There are many more variables that can change the dynamic. Yet, this principle makes it easier to understand what happens in the economy when interest rates rise and fall.

Continue learning about economic fundamentals in today's economy on our blog:
https://www.encompassadvisors.com/post/why-low-interest-rates-signals-slowdowns-not-growth

07/09/2026

“Could you get me a higher return with no risk?”

That is the most common question I get as an advisor.

Normally my answer isn’t just a few words, it’s a walk-through, a snapshot of my research and experience.

Every investment comes with risk. There’s no way to avoid it. Without risks, it’s impossible to have high returns. It’s that gap in the middle where we make our fortunes or lose them.

It’s much more helpful for my clients and my work if I know their specific risk tolerance and capacity. How much are they willing or able to lose?

With that answer, it’s easier to determine which investments offer a balance of risk and reward.

Want a second opinion? Book a call with me today: https://www.encompassadvisors.com/contact-us

07/07/2026

I’m a fiduciary, so I can’t give advice on the internet. Sometimes I wish I could.

It would be easy to say “buy this stock” or “this index fund is set for success.”

But that’s not the best process for investment advice or financial planning.

(I would also argue such general advice is designed to fail.)

Is a stock good for your portfolio, your goals, and your acceptable risk? Those are the real questions.

And I can’t know that until we talk.

If you’ve been looking for a second, objective opinion on your portfolio, book a complimentary call with me today: https://www.encompassadvisors.com/

06/25/2026

A trust, usually a living trust, is a common choice to protect assets. Yet, selecting the initial wealth preservation vehicle is the beginning, not the end, of the process.

Trust structure, funeral considerations, and family communication all factor into a robust legacy plan that reflects your values and desires long after your passing.

And it can get complicated.

Read more here:

It’s easy to think about legacy planning late in life.