BW Wealth Management

11/06/2026

October brought a mixed bag for North American markets. The S&P 500 declined 0.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 5.30 percent amid pressure on technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, gained 1.70 percent. In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite rose 1.09 percent. As November gets underway, inflation and developments in artificial intelligence remain important stories to watch. And with the giving season approaching, this month's By the Numbers takes a look at charitable generosity and GivingTuesday. From market performance to seasonal giving, there's plenty to explore in this month's Monthly Market Insights.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 5.30 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.70 percent. The S&P/TSX Composite gained 1.09 percent.1,2

11/06/2026

Medicare is an important part of retirement planning, but it does not cover all health care expenses. Many retirees are surprised by the additional costs that can arise even with coverage in place. Understanding these gaps ahead of...

11/02/2026

We're pleased to announce that Steve Boeckmann has earned his Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) designation from the Exit Planning Institute!

This designation strengthens his ability to help business owners navigate the complexities of business succession, ownership transitions, and long-term financial planning.

Whether preparing to sell a business, transition it to the next generation, or maximize its value for the future, having a thoughtful exit strategy is an important part of the planning process.

Congratulations, Steve!

10/22/2026

Charitable Giving Can Be Part of Your Tax Plan
As we get closer to the holidays, charitable giving often becomes part of our year-end plans.
If you're planning to make charitable donations, it's worth looking at them as part of your overall tax planning, too.
The way you make a charitable gift can affect the tax benefits you receive. Depending on your circumstances, you may have several options beyond simply writing a check.
For example, you may be able to:
• Donate appreciated investments
• Make a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA if eligible
• Contribute to a donor-advised fund
• Make a cash contribution
The right strategy depends on factors such as your income, age, tax situation, the assets you own, and how much you plan to give.
If charitable giving is part of your year-end plans, October is a good time to start looking at your options.

10/20/2026

I had the opportunity to volunteer with Make-A-Wish this weekend, and I’m glad I could be a part of the work they do for children and families facing critical illnesses.

It’s a great organization, and I have a lot of respect for the people who put their time and energy into making these wishes possible.

If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community, Make-A-Wish is a wonderful organization to support.

10/19/2026

Charitable Giving: There Are More Ways to Give Than Cash
If you plan to make charitable contributions before the end of the year, it's worth knowing that cash isn't your only option.
Depending on your circumstances, you might consider:
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
For those who are eligible, a QCD allows money to be transferred directly from an IRA to a qualified charity and can count toward the year's RMD.
Appreciated Securities
Donating appreciated investments may allow you to support a charity while potentially avoiding capital gains tax on the donated shares, subject to the applicable rules.
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund can allow you to make a charitable contribution now and recommend grants to charities over time.
Cash Contributions
For many people, a straightforward cash donation is still the right choice.
There isn't one charitable giving strategy that works for everyone. Your age, income, tax situation, investments, and charitable goals all play a role.
If giving is part of your year-end plans, it's worth discussing your options before December arrives.

10/16/2026

Not all market downturns have the same impact in retirement. One of the most important but least understood concepts is sequence of returns risk. This refers to the danger of experiencing poor investment returns early in retirement,...

10/15/2026

The Season of Giving
As the holidays get closer, many of us start thinking about family, traditions, and the organizations and causes that mean something to us.
If charitable giving is part of your year-end plans, October is a good time to start thinking about it.
Your charitable gifts don't necessarily have to come from your checking account. Depending on your age, income, tax situation, and the assets you own, there may be different ways to make a gift.
For example, some people may consider giving appreciated investments, making a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA, or using a donor-advised fund.
The right approach depends on your individual situation, but planning ahead can help you make the most of the gift while supporting the causes that matter to you.

10/08/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials.

10/02/2026

A financial emergency binder is a simple but powerful tool that helps your loved ones step in quickly if something unexpected happens. It reduces confusion, delays, and stress during already difficult times. The goal is to keep key...