lebenthal

January is Financial Wellness Month

💵✨ January is Financial Wellness Month! ✨💵

After the hustle and stress of the holidays, it’s the perfect time to slow down and focus on your financial health. Let’s start the year strong by:

✔️ Reflecting on how you earn, spend, save, and invest.

✔️ Setting smart goals to prepare for a prosperous year ahead.

✔️ Building healthy habits to keep your finances on track all year long.

Take control of your finances today and set the stage for a successful year ahead!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #146: 2025 Estate Planning Playbook

On our first episode of 2025, Michael and Dominick welcomed back a client favorite, Harold A. Bollaci, esteemed attorney specializing in estate planning, elder law, and asset protection strategies. The episode dives into critical financial and legal topics, including updates to state tax laws, market performance in 2024, and the potential impact of a new administration's policies. The discussion emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing and updating estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, healthcare proxies, and beneficiary designations, to reflect current wishes and circumstances. Strategies for mitigating estate taxes were explored, including annual gifting and the use of trusts, with a focus on special needs trusts for beneficiaries with specific requirements. The team also delved into the distinctions between revocable and irrevocable trusts, Medicaid implications, and asset protection strategies to avoid government clawbacks. The episode concluded with actionable advice for listeners and plans for future collaboration with legal experts.

For more information, please contact Harold Bollaci, P.C. at (516) 538-9700.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #145: 2024 in Review and Looking Ahead to 2025

The final podcast episode of the year reflected on 2024's market resilience and set the stage for 2025. Michael and Dominick discussed strong performances in sectors like technology and communication services, the impact of AI on energy demand, and potential investment opportunities in natural gas and infrastructure. They emphasized actionable steps, including rebalancing 401(k)/403(b) accounts, monitoring geopolitical risks, and exploring opportunities in healthcare and small to medium-sized US companies. Looking ahead, they stressed the importance of adapting portfolios to evolving economic trends and Federal Reserve policies.

Thank you for tuning in to The Lebenthal Report throughout the year. We are optimistic about 2025 and encourage our listeners to approach the new year with confidence and a clear financial plan.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #144: Trump, Tariffs and Taxes

This week on The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick analyzed the stock market's performance, highlighting trends in the S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq, and the strength of smaller companies in the Russell 2000. They discussed the economic implications of tariffs, "America First" policies, and potential changes to tax laws, including estate taxes and capital gains as the 2017 tax law approaches its 2026 sunset. They also emphasized retirement plan composition, adapting portfolios to navigate the shifting political and economic landscape, and the importance of addressing the national debt and monitoring consumer spending.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #141: Election Preview with Macro Mike

On the latest episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick welcome back New York Life Global Market Strategist, Michael "Macro Mike" Logalbo, to discuss the potential economic and market implications of the upcoming U.S. election. The team dive into how policy shifts could impact tariffs, tax strategies, and the national deficit under different election outcomes. With Trump and Harris holding contrasting views on trade and tax policy, they explore the risks of an election sweep, including fiscal impacts and market reactions. They also emphasize that, despite political shifts, the resilience of the economy and consumer spending remain a key stabilizer. For more information or to access New York Life's research, feel free to reach out to us.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #140: Micro Skills for Big Results

On the latest episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick welcome Dr. Resa E. Lewiss and Dr. Adaira Landry to discuss their book, "MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact". Together they dive into how their book relates to wealth and financial planning, especially during significant life changes. The discussion also covers tackling overwhelming email communications and the importance of breaking tasks into manageable steps, highlighting emotional intelligence and situational awareness in personal and professional growth. Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with valuable takeaways on finance, productivity, and personal development!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #139: The History of Biotech with Tim Harris

This week on the Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick welcome molecular biologist, biochemist, and author Tim Harris. Together, they discuss the promising future of gene therapy, the biotech industry's evolution, and the role of technology in driving innovation. They explore the origins of biotechnology, from early breakthroughs like the cloning of the insulin gene to the pivotal moments that shaped the industry. The conversation also covers recent market trends, the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cut, and AI’s impact on drug development. Key topics include COVID vaccines, CRISPR technology, and the parallels between biotech’s early days and today’s AI landscape.

For more insights into the exciting world of biotech, be sure to grab a copy of Tim Harris' book "In Pursuit of Unicorns", which comes out tomorrow, September 17th!