Blog

The role of cash can be a complex topic because it serves many purposes in portfolios, financial plans, and in life. Holding too much cash, however, comes with real long-term costs. These are easy to overlook because cash feels safe, especi

The first half of 2026 tested investor discipline. In this video we discuss the key themes of 2026 so far and explore what has driven market performance year to date — and what those lessons could mean for the second half of the year.

A preliminary U.S.-Iran peace agreement has lifted markets and pushed oil prices lower. For investors, history shows that the best way to navigate geopolitical events is to focus on long-term trends and financial goals.

IPOs from high-profile private companies like SpaceX can generate a lot of headlines, so it's important to understand both the opportunities and the nuances involved...

Estate planning requires a coordinated approach designed to preserve wealth, reduce taxes, and ensure that assets reach the right people, in the right way, at the right time.

Major indices, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Nasdaq, have accelerated in recent months. Part of this strength can be described as a “relief rally.” Specifically, the conflict in the Middle East has had...

Equity markets have continued their advance in recent weeks, with the S&P 500 near a record high following a rare nine-week winning streak on strong AI-driven earnings and prospects for an Iran agreement. While the macro backdrop...

Growth is slowing (~2%) but supported by investment, AI, and strong jobs. Stocks have upside on AI yet face volatility from geopolitics/oil. Earnings remain strong. Bonds offer income appeal. Stay diversified and patient amid market swings.

Energy investing is rarely hard because the math is complicated, but because cycles mess with judgment. When oil is cheap and the sector is hated, it feels irresponsible to touch it. When oil is expensive and headlines are everywhere, it su

Starting in early 2025, President Trump issued executive orders to impose tariffs on goods from nearly all trading partners under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as well as targeting industries seen as critical...

Financial planning is the process that can help you pursue your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources.

Blockchain is a decentralized network of digital ledgers that contain all the transactional data associated with a cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology actually has applications well beyond cryptocurrency — the digital ledgers can track ac

Like most annuity contracts, indexed annuities have certain rules, restrictions, and expenses. Some insurance companies reserve the right to change participation rates, cap rates, and other fees either annually or at the start of each contr

A sustainable investment approach may screen securities or sectors based on pre-defined environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, or it may consider ESG factors alongside more traditional financial analysis. ESG-oriented strateg

When you open a Roth IRA for a minor, you're giving more than just an investment account; you're offering an opportunity to learn about important concepts that could provide a lifetime of financial benefits.

As the Iran conflict enters its second month, geopolitical stress continues to test investors. Historical stock market performance during geopolitical conflicts helps remind us that stocks are far more resilient than the moment may suggest.

The Iran conflict has disrupted global oil flows, pushing up fuel costs and adding pressure to inflation and markets. The U.S. economy remains resilient, and history shows markets often rebound after geopolitical shocks.

Foreign stocks lagged U.S. equities over the past 20 years but outperformed in 2025. Investors weighing global diversification should consider valuation differences, market risks, and the wide range of international fund options.

Long‑term investing requires patience and discipline. Staying diversified, avoiding emotional decisions, and focusing on long‑term goals can help investors navigate volatility and improve the odds of positive outcomes over time.

Joint airstrikes against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks have disrupted regional stability and temporarily spiked global energy prices, including a halt of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

As you have seen in the news, the U.S. and Israel have launched military strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership, military assets, and nuclear infrastructure. Iran's Supreme Leader is confirmed to have been killed, and Iran has...

Roth accounts offer tax‑free retirement withdrawals and no RMDs, unlike traditional plans. High earners can boost Roth savings through after‑tax 401(k) contributions and conversions when allowed, using the mega backdoor Roth strategy.

Build your child’s financial foundation early with Tax-Efficient savings, smart investing, financial literacy, trust planning, and guided independence—helping them manage, grow, and protect wealth for the long term.

January markets react to Kevin Warsh’s Fed nomination, easing inflation, and strong AI‑driven productivity. Earnings growth, tax refunds, and stable policy support a constructive outlook amid ongoing fiscal and geopolitical risks.

Understanding investment risk is essential to effective wealth management. At Topel Forman Wealth Management, we help align risk tolerance, diversification, and long-term strategy to support confident financial planning.

Reflecting on 2025

Dustin Mendenhall

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Stocks delivered another strong year in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of double‑digit gains despite significant challenges such as tariffs, high valuations, inflation, and concentrated market leadership. Stocks had another strong

As we move into 2026, investors should anticipate a continuation of many of the key themes that defined 2025.

The 60/40 portfolio. Pioneered by Harry Markowitz and his modern portfolio theory (MPT) framework in the 1950s, the 60/40 portfolio — comprised of 60% stocks and 40% bonds — argued that diversification among uncorrelated asset classes...