News and Commentary

Watch this video to learn about how at Ivybridge, we work with you to build personalized financial plans that grow and adapt with your life. We help turn your dreams into reality with guidance every step of the way.

Top misconceptions about divorce with Family Transitions founder Regina DeAngelis

Watch this video to learn about your options when leaving a job or retiring—should you keep your retirement plan where it is, take a lump-sum distribution (and face taxes), or roll it over to another account?

The financial world in 2025 is more complex — and more personal — than ever before. With AI-driven investment platforms, shifting retirement landscapes, and healthcare costs on the rise, choosing the right financial advisor can be one of the most impactful decisions you make for your financial future. It’s no longer about finding someone who just manages your money — it’s about finding a trusted partner who understands your values, listens deeply, and helps you build a plan that works for your life.

Strategies for Success: Gen Z & Millennials in 2025Gen Z is redefining financial success by prioritizing flexibility: 59% say they value the ability to work remotely and travel while saving. They’re also leading the charge on alternative investments (crypto, fractional real estate, AI-driven trading apps).Millennials are focused on balancing family expenses, housing affordability, and saving for retirement. With housing costs still high in 2025, many are embracing “co-investing” models with friends or family.Building Wealth Across Generations While approaches differ, constants remain:Live below your meansBuild a safety netDiversify investmentsSecure a steady income streamInterestingly, Gen Alpha’s parents (today’s millennials and Gen Z entering parenthood) are already prioritizing 529 college savings accounts at record levels — showing how lessons learned are immediately being passed down.Confronting Financial Challenges: Inflation & Rising Costs Though inflation has cooled from 2022 highs, Americans still face steep housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. Generations are adapting:Gen Z: Upskilling and gig work to increase income.Millennials: Prioritizing dual-income households and childcare cost-sharing.Gen X: Taking second careers or consulting work pre-retirement.Boomers: Downsizing homes to reduce costs and free up cash flow.Seeking Professional Guidance: The Universal Solution One truth remains: the role of a financial advisor is invaluable. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your legacy, expert guidance helps navigate both timeless principles and today’s evolving challenges.CTA: Don’t go it alone. Reach out today to start building your 2025 financial strategy — no matter what generation you belong to. Your future self will thank you.

Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about people. Behind every trust, will, or tax strategy is a family with goals, concerns, and a desire for clarity. To truly serve them well, legal and financial professionals must work together to provide comprehensive guidance that reflects both the letter of the law and the financial reality of life. When estate planning is approached as a team effort, clients gain confidence. They no longer have to navigate a maze of disconnected advice, but instead experience the peace of mind that comes from a cohesive, collaborative strategy. As professionals, we owe it to the families we serve to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and financial goals.

Recent events have put a spotlight on the critical topic of fiduciary responsibilities and the repercussions of violations within retirement plans. As stewards of these plans, understanding our obligations and the potential penalties for non-compliance is more crucial than ever.A fiduciary is anyone who exercises discretionary authority or control over a retirement plan's management or its assets, including anyone who provides investment advice to the plan. Failing to adhere to the principles of prudence, diversification, adherence to the plan documents, and acting in the best interest of the participants can lead to significant consequences.Violations can result in:Civil Penalties: The Department of Labor (DOL) can enforce actions to correct violations, including the restoration of losses to the plan and the implementation of necessary measures to prevent future breaches.Excise Taxes and Penalties: The IRS can impose excise taxes on prohibited transactions and other breaches of fiduciary duty.Personal Liability: Perhaps most daunting is the personal liability fiduciaries may face for breaches of their responsibilities, including reimbursing the plan for losses incurred due to the breach.These penalties underscore the importance of diligent plan management and the need for continuous education on the evolving landscape of fiduciary duty.Let’s use this as a reminder to review our practices, ensure compliance with ERISA standards, and seek expert advice when necessary. The responsibility is great, but so is the opportunity to positively impact the financial well-being of our employees.#RetirementPlanning #Compliance #HR #BusinessLeadershipThe concepts illustrated here have legal, accounting and tax implications. Neither Janney Montgomery Scott LLC nor its Financial Advisors give tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with the appropriate professional for advice concerning your individual circumstances. For more information about Janney, please see Janney's Relationship Summary (Form CRS) on www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest.

In the realm of benefits administration, fostering high participation in retirement plans is not just a goal—it's a mission. As Plan Administrators, you hold the key to unlocking the full potential of your workforce's future financial stability. The challenge? Engaging every eligible employee and guiding them toward a secure retirement.Here’s how you can make a tangible impact: Effective CommunicationPersonalized Outreach: Craft messages that speak directly to the unique needs and aspirations of different employee demographics. Understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for everyone.Diverse Channels: Utilize a mix of emails, intranet announcements, informational webinars, and face-to-face meetings to reach employees where they are most comfortable. Empower Through EducationFinancial Wellness Workshops: Offer sessions that cover the basics of retirement savings, investment principles, and the benefits of early enrollment.Easy-to-Understand Resources: Break down complex retirement plan details into digestible, engaging content formats like videos, infographics, and quick-read guides. Data-Driven StrategyGather Insights: Use surveys and feedback tools to understand common barriers to participation. What misconceptions or obstacles are keeping employees from enrolling?Tailor Plans: Analyze workforce data to customize retirement plan options that align with the diverse needs of your employees. Simplify the Enrollment ProcessStreamlined Sign-Up: Ensure the enrollment process is as easy as possible. Consider online platforms that offer a seamless signup experience.One-on-One Support: Provide personalized guidance for employees who need assistance understanding their options or the enrollment process. Highlight Benefits and IncentivesShowcase the Value: Regularly communicate the tangible benefits of participating in the retirement plan, including employer match contributions, tax advantages, and compound interest.Success Stories: Share real-life examples of how participating in the retirement plan has positively impacted employees within your organization. Encourage Early and Consistent ParticipationStart Early: Emphasize the importance of starting retirement savings as early as possible to maximize the benefits of compounding.Consistency is Key: Encourage employees to contribute consistently, even if it's a small amount, to build a substantial retirement fund over time. Leadership AdvocacyEngagement from the Top: Have organizational leaders actively promote and participate in the retirement plan, sharing their personal experiences and the value they’ve found in participating.Visibility Matters: Leverage leadership influence in company-wide meetings, newsletters, and other communications to underscore the importance of retirement planning. As Plan Administrators, you have a pivotal role in shaping the future financial well-being of your employees. By deploying targeted strategies, simplifying the complex, and championing the cause at every level, you can drive meaningful participation in your retirement plans. Work to ensure every eligible employee is on the path to a secure, prosperous retirement.You can build a future where every employee has the opportunity to retire with dignity and security.#RetirementPlanning #FinancialWellbeing #EmployeeEngagement #HRLeadership

As a small business owner, you're no stranger to the myriad challenges that come with entrepreneurship. From managing finances to driving growth, every decision you make plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of your business.In this article, we'll delve into the importance of setting proper financial goals and how doing so can pave the way for success. Understanding the Significance of Financial GoalsStrategic Alignment: Proper financial goals serve as a compass, guiding your business in the right direction. By aligning your financial objectives with your broader strategic vision, you create a roadmap for success that ensures every decision contributes to your overarching goals.Resource Optimization: Setting smart financial goals enables you to optimize resources efficiently. Whether it's allocating budgets, prioritizing investments, or streamlining expenses, a clear understanding of your financial objectives empowers you to make informed decisions that maximize returns and minimize risks.Performance Measurement: Adequate financial goals provide measurable benchmarks for assessing your business's performance. By defining specific targets, you create accountability within your organization and establish metrics to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements along the way. The Components of Smart Financial Goals#1 SpecificityEffective financial goals are specific and clearly defined. Avoid vague aspirations and instead, articulate precise targets that address key areas of your business, such as revenue growth, profitability, cost reduction, or market expansion.#2 MeasurabilityTangible metrics are essential for gauging progress and success. Ensure your financial goals are measurable, whether in terms of revenue figures, profit margins, market share, customer acquisition rates, or other relevant KPIs that align with your business objectives.#3 AchievabilityWhile it's important to aim high, setting realistic goals is equally crucial. Consider your business's current capabilities, market conditions, and industry benchmarks when establishing financial targets to ensure they are attainable within a reasonable timeframe.#4 RelevanceYour financial goals should align with your broader business strategy and priorities. Ensure they address key areas of concern or opportunity within your organization and contribute to the overarching vision and mission of your business.#5 Time-BoundSetting deadlines or time frames for achieving your financial goals adds a sense of urgency and accountability. Establish clear timelines or milestones to track progress and keep your team focused on meeting objectives within specified deadlines. Tips for Setting Adequate Financial GoalsConduct a Financial Assessment: Start by evaluating your business's current financial health. Review income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and other financial records to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.Identify Key Priorities: Determine the most critical areas where financial improvement or investment is needed. Whether it's expanding into new markets, launching new products or services, or improving operational efficiency, prioritize goals that align with your business's strategic objectives.Involve Your Team: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including managers, employees, and financial advisors, when setting financial goals. Encourage open dialogue and brainstorming sessions to gain diverse perspectives and insights that can inform goal-setting decisions.Monitor and Adjust: Establish a system for monitoring progress towards your financial goals and regularly review performance metrics. Be prepared to adapt and adjust goals as needed based on changing market conditions, emerging opportunities, or unforeseen challenges.Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements along the way to keep morale high and motivation levels up. Whether it's reaching a revenue milestone, achieving a target profit margin, or surpassing sales projections, acknowledging successes reinforces the importance of goal-setting and encourages continued effort. In conclusion, setting proper financial goals is not just a strategic exercise; it's a cornerstone of small business success. By defining clear objectives, adhering to smart criteria, and leveraging actionable tips, you empower your business to thrive and prosper amidst uncertainty and competition. Embrace the power of financial goal-setting as a catalyst for growth, and watch as your business charts a course towards sustainable success and prosperity.