Is Your RIA Independent? The Hidden Impact of Private Equity Ownership

Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
October 24, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy looks at the recent uptick in private equity (PE) firms acquiring independent registered investment advisers (RIA) firms and what the means ultimately for the firm's clients in this article written for Retirement Daily by TheStreet.

Stock Market Predictions For 2025: What Is Coming Next Year?

Catherine Brock
October 23, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was featured in Forbes, sharing his prediction for the Stock Market in 2025. He has a bullish outlook, citing ongoing innovation in AI and falling interest rates; Mahaffy expects the S&P 500 will end 2025 up 14.5% to 19.6%.

Will the price of gold hit $3,000 in 2024? Here's what experts think.

Matt Richardson
October 14, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was featured in CBS News discussing the price of gold and if it will hit $3,000 before the end of the year, "It's doubtful that the price of gold will hit $3,000 by year-end [after already] climbing over 20%.”

Will Inflation Keep Going Down In 2025? 

Nicole Spector
October 10, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in AOL sharing his thoughts on inflation and if it will keep going down in 2025, “Even if the CPI falls from here by another point or so, do not expect your cost of living to fall in tandem. The CPI is now hovering just above 3.0%, down from a high of 9.1% in June of 2022. Has your cost of living fallen by 6%? I doubt it.”

_{Note: Data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.}

We Asked Investment Advisors What They Are Buying Now. Here’s What They Said.

Steve Garmhausen
October 9, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was featured in Barron's, sharing his best investment opportunities against the current market backdrop. “My thesis is that the Mag Seven, while those stocks are not going away, is not going to be the only game in town moving forward. We’ve got a friendlier backdrop for cyclicals now.”

Pros and Cons of Using a Fee-Only Financial Planner

Kate Stalter
October 7, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was featured in U.S. News and World Report, discussing the pros and cons of using a fee-only advisor. Mahaffy points out the struggles smaller accounts may have in the fee-only system but points to a unique solution, "One alternative is to retain a fee-only advisor for a project fee or one-time charge. This can be achieved by paying a flat fee for a financial plan and a lesser fee for periodic updates as needed."

A Look Behind Annuity Numbers as Sales Explode

Doug Bailey
August 13, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in Insurance NewsNet discussing the increase in annuity sales. He highlights that annuity contracts featuring “guaranteed returns” may sound nice, but “This guarantee can come at a huge price, namely capping the upside potential one would have if they simply maintained a balanced portfolio of cost-effective index funds of stocks and bonds.”

I’m a Financial Planner: 4 Top Money Scams I See Boomers Fall For

Jake Safane
August 9, 2024

While many people are aware of the potential for money scams and overall rise in cyberattacks, fraudsters have continued to evolve and trick people into giving over their hard-earned money. President Ed Mahaffy spoke with GOBankingRates about money scams boomers fall for and how to avoid them. “Phishing efforts designed to obtain the information to successfully scam boomers exploded during COVID-19 as more people shopped online.”

High Gold Prices Are About the Dollar, but Recession Fears Can't Be Ruled Out

Matt Whittaker
August 6, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in US News and World Report analyzing the forces contributing to the record-high price of gold. Mahaffy notes, "Gold serves as a hedge against inflation, protecting the purchasing power of those who own it in their local currency. Many people are currently fearful and seeking such protection, leading to a rapid sale of gold bars at retailers like Costco."

What Is a Living Trust?

Brandon Canonica
August 2, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy helps explain living trusts in this article from Comparison Adviser, noting a living trust can “[prevent] the courts from controlling your assets during incapacity, and [give] you—as opposed to the court—control over the assets you leave to your minor children or grandchildren.”

Time to dump CDs? 6 Experts Share 6 Investing Moves to Make as the Fed Prepares to Cut Rates in September

Williams Edwards
July 31, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was featured in this Business Insider article looking at investing moves to make as the Fed prepares to cut rates. "Today's rates of approximately 4.15% for five-year Treasuries and 4.85% for high-quality corporate bonds will certainly look more attractive as rates fall."

Best Savings Rates Today -- APYs Remain High Ahead of Inflation Data

Liliana Hall
July 9, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in CNET Money discussing savings rates and what might trigger a rate cut, “Although the consensus is for the Fed to begin cutting rates in September if CPI and PPI fall appreciably, the Fed may cut rates at the July FOMC meeting.”

The Best Financial Advisors of July 2024

CNN Underscored Money
July 9, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in CNN Underscored on what to look for in a financial advisor, “Once you have determined the advisor has a clean regulatory record and a fiduciary duty to always act in your best interests, turn your attention to any respective professional designations they may have, such as certified financial planner or chartered financial analyst.”

Planning the Perfect Family Vacation with Ed Mahaffy: Fiduciary Voices Summer #FinLit Series

Fiduciary Voices
July 9, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy joins Fiduciary Voices Summer FinLit Series Host Rebekah Law to share tips on vacation planning and budgeting. He highlights a recent family trip to Costa Rica to show how families can plan and save for their adventure, balancing fun activities like rainforest tours, whitewater rafting, and zip lining with practical financial strategies.

Timeless Investing Wisdom: 10 Quotes to Navigate Market Ups and Downs

Rahul Kumar
June 25, 2024

In the fast-paced investing world, some kernels of timeless wisdom are valid regardless of whether the market is soaring or sinking. ClientFirst's President, Ed Mahaffy, shares some of his favorite money quotes in this article from The United Business Journal.

I’m a Financial Advisor: Why You Shouldn’t Rely Too Much on Mutual Funds

Angela Mae
Jun 24, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy spoke with Yahoo Finance about why you shouldn’t rely too much on mutual funds. “You can obtain very similar exposure to a diversified equity portfolio through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) featuring much lower operating expenses.”

These Are the 6 Worst Times To Sell Your Stocks, According to Financial Advisors

Heather Taylor
June 12, 2024

News of the stock market dropping or interest rates falling can create anxiety in investors, which may manifest in taking action to sell stocks, an impulse decision that typically hinders investors in the long run. ClientFirst’s President Ed Mahaffy was recently quoted in this GOBankingRates article looking at some of the worst times to sell stocks.

How to Lock In High Yield Before the Fed Cuts Interest Rates

Kate Stalter
June 6, 2024

While the timing of future Federal Reserve rate cuts remains a big question mark, it's not too soon to plan ways of locking in yield for the long term. In this US News and World Report article, ClientFirst’s President Ed Mahaffy shares ways to lock in yield ahead of any rate cut without worrying about fluctuations that could affect your retirement planning.

Stock Rally Tamed By Stagflation Fears—What Is Next?

Panos Mourdoukoutas
May 13, 2024

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this International Business Times article looking at what's next after stagflation fears look to have tamed stock rallies. "One thing is certain: With 6 trillion on the sidelines, any sign of inflation abating could ignite one heck of a rally."

Muni Bonds Are Having a Moment. How to Get In.

Ed Mahaffy
August 14, 2023

While financial news channels continuously display yields for U. S. treasury securities of various maturities and street signs for community banks flash their CD rates, identifying the yields for tax-exempt municipal bonds can be more challenging. While higher yields are a welcome relief for fixed-income investors, paying attention to tax treatment and expenses can lead to higher net returns. President Ed Mahaffy discusses how to take advantage in this article written for Barron’s.

Muni Bond Boom Is Sputtering as Interest Rates Rise

Heather Gillers
April 11, 2022

As interest rates rise, falling prices have attracted some buyers who own municipal bonds until maturity, collecting interest payments along the way. “I have been waiting for an opportunity like the one we are now experiencing,” said ClientFirst President Ed Mahaffy.

Small Investors Ruled the Municipal-Bond World for a Few Days in March

Heather Gillers
May 7, 2020

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this Wall Street Journal article looking at how a rough stretch in the municipal-bond market in March turned out to be a golden opportunity for some household bondholders. “I had never seen it rain that much that hard for that long ever.”

How the Muni Market Became the Epicenter of the Liquidity Crisis

Heather Gillers
April 2, 2020

President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this Wall Street Journal article looking at how the muni market became the epicenter of the liquidity crisis. “If they’re gobbling up the bonds on the way up, it’s a two-edged sword. When people want to exit, the reverse is going to happen.”

3 Things to Consider Before Switching to a New High-Yield Savings Account as Interest Rates Drop

Laura Grace Tarpley
March 23, 2020

In this Business Insider article discussing things to consider before switching to a new high-yield savings account, President Ed Mahaffy reminds you to be mindful and not to switch accounts just because your rate drops, "If your competition's at 0.26%, you could drop down to 0.62% and still be competitive.”

You Might Have Noticed Your High-Yield Savings Account Interest Rate Falling, but it's Only Temporary

Laura Grace Tarpley
March 22, 2020

If you have a high-yield savings account, you may have noticed your APR has decreased since you set up the account. In this Business Insider article looking at what is causing these rate President Ed Mahaffy looks at what is influencing The Fed, "The Federal Reserve's actions have certainly been influenced by the coronavirus and the impact on the economy and the perceived impact of what it will be on the economy.”