News
Sept. 22, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this MarketWatch article on how to weigh whether locking in a higher CD rate is worth it. He noted that to gauge the path of CD rates, investors should look to Treasury note yields, which have been dragging CD rates higher.
Digital vs. In-Person: How Advisors and Clients Decide What Makes Sense
Mallika Mitra
Sept. 3, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on how advisors and clients choose between digital and in-person meetings. He noted that many clients, particularly retirees and those nearing retirement, want at least one initial in-person meeting as part of their due diligence, and are then comfortable with quarterly Zoom calls.
Digital vs. In-Person: How Advisors and Clients Decide What Makes Sense
Mallika Mitra
Sept. 3, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on how advisors and clients choose between digital and in-person meetings. He noted that many clients, particularly retirees and those nearing retirement, want at least one initial in-person meeting as part of their due diligence, and are then comfortable with quarterly Zoom calls.
Advisors Think They're Good Listeners. 12K AI-Tracked Meetings Suggest Otherwise
Sept. 2, 2026
Ed Mahaffy was featured in this article on advisor listening habits drawn from 12,000 AI-tracked client meetings. He described how he avoids taking up quarterly meetings with his own ideas, instead giving clients and prospects the floor to explain exactly what they need from a financial planner.
Advisors Think They're Good Listeners. 12K AI-Tracked Meetings Suggest Otherwise
Sept. 1, 2026
Ed Mahaffy was featured in this article on advisor listening habits drawn from 12,000 AI-tracked client meetings. He described how he avoids taking up quarterly meetings with his own ideas, instead giving clients and prospects the floor to explain exactly what they need from a financial planner.
Advisors Think They're Good Listeners. 12K AI-Tracked Meetings Suggest Otherwise
Sept. 1, 2026
Ed Mahaffy was featured in this article on advisor listening habits drawn from 12,000 AI-tracked client meetings. He described how he avoids taking up quarterly meetings with his own ideas, instead giving clients and prospects the floor to explain exactly what they need from a financial planner.
Should Bond Investors Worry With Warsh Running the Fed?
Aug. 31, 2026
Why Schwab Hiked Minimum Assets to $5M for Client Referral Program
Griffin Kelly
Aug. 25, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on Schwab raising its client-referral minimum to $5 million. "RIAs who have been spoon-fed referrals over the years may now be forced to spend more on marketing," he said. "Welcome to the jungle."
Why Schwab Hiked Minimum Assets to $5M for Client Referral Program
Griffin Kelly
Aug. 25, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on Schwab raising its client-referral minimum to $5 million. "RIAs who have been spoon-fed referrals over the years may now be forced to spend more on marketing," he said. "Welcome to the jungle."
As Bubble Fears Percolate, Advisors Are Bracing for a Crunch
Jeff Benjamin
Aug. 23, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on how advisors are bracing for a market pullback. He noted that for clients early in the wealth accumulation phase, selloffs can be blessings in disguise, letting them keep accumulating shares at cheaper levels.
Target-Date Funds Are Booming. But Are They Still Right for Your Retirement?
Kerry Hannon
Aug. 21, 2026
Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on whether target-date funds still fit investors' retirement plans. He explained the difference between "to retirement" and "through retirement" glide paths, cautioning that a "through" fund can leave investors underweight equities, and that a fund should not be chosen on its target year alone.
All the Hidden Fees Your Adviser Might Be Charging You
Aug. 20, 2026
Roughly 1 in 5 Financial Advice Seekers Are Turning to AI
Mallika Mitra
Aug. 11, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on the growing use of AI for financial advice. He said there can be a place for AI, especially for younger investors early in the wealth accumulation phase, rather than a choice between artificial intelligence and advisor intelligence.
Roughly 1 in 5 Financial Advice Seekers Are Turning to AI
Mallika Mitra
Aug. 10, 2026
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this article on the growing use of AI for financial advice. He said there can be a place for AI, especially for younger investors early in the wealth accumulation phase, rather than a choice between artificial intelligence and advisor intelligence.
Record RIA Dealmaking Isn't Just About Assets Anymore
Griffin Kelly
July 21, 2026
Ed Mahaffy, founder of ClientFirst Wealth Management, was quoted in this article on record RIA dealmaking. He said he receives at least two acquisition inquiries a week, and while he worries some private-equity buyers prioritize cost-cutting over client service, he sees opportunity for independent firms as competitors are acquired.
Pros and Cons of Using a Fee-Only Financial Planner
May 2026
Ed Mahaffy, president and portfolio manager at ClientFirst Wealth Management, was quoted in this article on the pros and cons of the fee-only financial planning model. He noted that management fees can be too high to make sense for small accounts, where a one-time commission may be more appropriate.
Are Municipal Bond Investors Sitting on a Ticking Tax Bomb?
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
May 8, 2026
Written by Ed Mahaffy, this article examines the de minimis tax risk facing municipal bond investors and the evolving role CPAs play in helping clients navigate it.
Would You Rather Wait for a $3,000 Lump Sum, or Have $250 More Per Month?
Apr. 21, 2026
Ed Mahaffy, a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant, was quoted in this article weighing a larger tax refund against more take-home pay each month. He noted that overpaying means the government holds your money interest-free throughout the year.
Should You Choose a $3,000 Tax Refund or $250 More in Each Month's Pay?
Apr. 21, 2026
Ed Mahaffy, a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant, was quoted in this article weighing a larger tax refund against more take-home pay each month. He noted that overpaying means the government holds your money interest-free throughout the year.
Why Long-Term Bond Yields Are Resisting Fed Rate Cuts
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
Jan. 19, 2026
In this article, Ed Mahaffy explains why long-term bond yields have resisted Federal Reserve rate cuts and what it means for fixed-income investors.
Are Municipal Bond Investors Sitting on a Ticking Tax Bomb?
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
Nov. 14, 2025
In this article, Ed Mahaffy examines whether municipal bond investors are exposed to a hidden de minimis tax and how to manage the risk.
6 Reasons Real Estate Is a Better Investment Than Bitcoin
Dec. 7, 2024
Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this GOBankingRates article outlining reasons real estate can be a stronger long-term investment than bitcoin.
Pros and Cons of Using a Fee-Only Financial Planner
Oct. 7, 2024
Ed Mahaffy, president and portfolio manager at ClientFirst Wealth Management, was quoted in this article on the pros and cons of the fee-only financial planning model. He noted that management fees can be too high to make sense for small accounts, where a one-time commission may be more appropriate.
I'm a Financial Advisor: Why You Shouldn't Rely Too Much on Mutual Funds
June 24, 2024
Ed Mahaffy was quoted in this GOBankingRates article on why investors should not rely too heavily on mutual funds.
Inflation and Your Fixed-Income Investments
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
Mar. 27, 2021
In this article, Ed Mahaffy looks at how the threat of rising inflation affects fixed-income investments and how investors can respond.
ClientFirst Wealth Management Is Now A CPE Sponsor!
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
Aug. 11, 2020
ClientFirst Wealth Management Is Now a CPE Sponsor!
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
Aug. 1, 2020
ClientFirst Wealth Management announces it is now a CPE sponsor, in this update from Ed Mahaffy.
The Benefits Of Adding Comprehensive Financial Planning To A CPA Practice
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
July 16, 2020
The Benefits of Adding Comprehensive Financial Planning to a CPA Practice
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
July 8, 2020
In this article, Ed Mahaffy outlines the benefits for CPAs of adding comprehensive financial planning to their practice.
How to Protect Your Wealth During a Recession or Depression
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
July 9, 2020
Worried About Your Financial Plan? Schedule a Q&A Call Today
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
June 30, 2020
The Most Important Question to Ask Your Financial Advisor
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
June 29, 2020
First Fed rate hike in 3 years: Where to lock in top CD rates now
Andrew Shilling
September 17, 2026
Bank competition is sweetening top-tier certificate of deposit returns across all maturities. Here is what experts say about timing the market and securing the best yield.
Would You Rather Wait for a $3,000 Lump Sum, or Have $250 More a Month?
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
March 17, 2026
Overwithholding generally provides a larger tax refund, but withholding less can increase a taxpayer's paycheck.
Own Muni Bonds? Make This Change Now to Avoid a Future Tax Surprise.
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
September 29, 2025
With the fourth quarter kicking off, it’s time for investors to consider tax strategy. And, thanks to a rather obscure area of the tax code, there is a nice year-end tax planning opportunity for investors that own individual tax-exempt municipal bonds.
Webinar Recap: Navigating Tax Changes & Year-End Strategies
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
December 26, 2024
President Ed Mahaffy gives a high-level overview of ClientFirst's recent webinar, “Navigating the Sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Year-End Strategies." The webinar offered a good overview of potential changes to the tax law as well as some tax tips for year-end. Ashley Gill, J.D., Ron Myers, CPA, and Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC® offered their observations and recommendations on many actions to consider. Watch the entire webinar recording here.
Some Municipal Bond Investors Face a Hidden Tax. Are You One of Them?
Ed Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®
December 20, 2024
President Ed Mahaffy explores a relatively obscure part of the tax code that creates ordinary income tax liability for certain “tax-exempt” municipal bonds—one that can easily go unnoticed. In this bylined article written for Barron's, Mahaffy explains that the de minimis rule has been around for many years and typically doesn’t present a problem until interest rates rise significantly after remaining low for an extended period.
6 Reasons Real Estate Is a Better Investment Than Bitcoin
Angela Mae
December 7, 2024
President Ed Mahaffy was quoted in Yahoo! Finance, discussing whether real estate is a better investment than Bitcoin. Mahaffy shares important questions to ask yourself before investing in real estate, “Will you have a mortgage? Do you intend to manage the property or pay a property manager? How important are certain tax benefits? How important is liquidity?”
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.”