Highland Consulting Associates, Inc.

The Federal Reserve Bank has dominated financial headlines lately. And you may be tired trying to predict how the Fed may push or prod markets with its tools. What's the cure for this Fed fatigue? Look to fixed income investing and this thought-provoking and practical article by Mark Baker, CFA, ASA to explore your options. https://lnkd.in/eJxCVwRy #HighlandConsultingAssoc #fixedincome

Highland encourages our associates to pursue professional credentials that boost our ability to serve clients better. We also enjoy the journey as a team. Highland associates took part in the 2024 Harry W. Millis Golf Outing at Canterbury Golf Club on July 22, in support of the CFA Society Cleveland. #HighlandConsultingAssoc

Ernest Hemingway asked this question through a key character in his book “The Sun Also Rises.” The question was: “How did you go bankrupt?” The answer: “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” The response, “gradually then suddenly,” is a great encouragement and a caution to us. In what ways? Randy Fairfax, CFP® latest article explains. https://lnkd.in/ep2tgTNy #HighlandConsultingAssoc #Saving #Family #Relationships

Buckets of federal spending are swamping conventional inflation fighting tools. The idea of fiscal dominance challenges the traditional view that monetary policy, controlled by central banks through interest rate and balance sheet adjustments, is the primary and most effective tool for managing inflation. Fiscal dominance suggests that when a country's debt and deficit levels become sufficiently high, monetary policy loses its effectiveness in curbing inflation. Why and what are the implications? Learn what plan sponsors should know in Highland’s latest Insights article, “Fiscal Dominance: How Pension Plan Sponsors May Have to Adapt.” https://lnkd.in/ea4QQjXG #HighlandConsultingAssoc #fiscaldominance

Members of Highland's Client Service Team enjoyed a fantastic team-building outing at the Guardian's baseball game on June 20! Despite the heat wave, we had an amazing time cheering on the Guardians as they won 6-3 against the Mariners. Team spirit and great memories all around!

Associates from Highland were pleased to volunteer their time at MedWish International last week, Thursday, June 20. After a brief introduction/orientation, the group was put to work sorting and storing medical supplies to eventually be shipped to needed locations around the world. Since 1993 MedWish International has been rescuing usable medical surplus from landfills to provide healthcare institutions around the world with much-needed medical supplies. This not-for-profit organization has shipped to primarily in- and outpatient clinics and hospitals located throughout Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central and South America. An enjoyable activity for a worthy cause. Thanks to all who participated! #volunteer #MedWish #HighlandConsultingAssoc

The burden of student loan debt is hindering retirement savings. Learn how the SECURE ACT 2.0 is applied to student loan relief by a matching student debt loan provision in this latest Insights articles by Highland's Matt Foster. https://lnkd.in/e5jTxUSF #HighlandConsultingAssoc #studentloandebtrelief #SECUREACT

Thanks to all who participated in Highland’s “Let’s Talk” lunch session on June 4th. This ongoing series is meant to be an enjoyable forum for education and discussion on issues related to wealth, transition, generosity, and family. During this second session, we continued our discussion of “Transitioning Well,” reflecting on some of the practical tools and techniques needed to achieve your objectives, as well as guidelines for communicating your objectives to the appropriate people in your life. As always, it was delightful to share perspectives, stories, and a lovely meal with our guests. Looking forward to the next “Let’s Talk” session! #Highlandconsultingassoc #FamilyWealth #LetsTalk #TransitioningWell

Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. hires interns each year from a pool of more than 100 applicants from schools throughout the Midwest. Highland’s interns receive experience working with the research and business development teams while completing projects dealing with institutional retirement plans and family wealth. We are very happy to have Jimmy McCrone with us this summer, and thank you to our associate, Suzanne, for coordinating the program! #Highlandconsultingassoc #Highlandinterns

Happy 5/29 Day! Today we celebrate the 529 Plan, a way for college savers to accumulate tax-free dollars to spend on college costs (with a few restrictions). A 529 plan typically offers several investment options for savers. Target enrollment / age-based portfolios provide a one-stop shop investment option that resembles target date funds found in 401(k) plans. These diversified portfolios reduce risk as savers get closer to their first year of enrollment. Ownership of a 529 account is flexible and allows for a change in beneficiary (as long as they are related to the original beneficiary). A recent development from the SECURE 2.0 Act is that up to $35,000 of a 529 balance can be rolled into the beneficiary’s Roth IRA after 15 years of ownership. A recent development for this coming school year, as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, is the so-called “grandparent loophole,” by which grandparent-owned 529 accounts for grandchildren will not adversely affect a student’s application for student aid. In previous years, these assets significantly penalized the amount of aid received in the year following a distribution from a grandparent 529 to a grandchild. Starting with the 2024/2025 FAFSA applications, grandparents are able to use a 529 plan to fund a grandchild’s education without having any impact on the student’s financial aid eligibility. The bottom line is that a little can go a long way; that’s why these accounts are encouraged with tax benefits. Putting just $10 a month into a 529 and letting it grow tax-free at 6% for 18 years would allow the beneficiary to withdraw $3,874 as they head off to college. This may seem like a small amount relative to today’s higher education costs, but the impacts can be substantial at higher balances. Want some more details and an example? Check out the full article on our website. https://lnkd.in/em4M2Rej #529plan #collegesaving #grandparentloophole #Highlandconsultingassoc Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the conviction that companies and individuals could be better served with integrity, impartiality, and stewardship. Today, Highland is 100% owned by a team of owner-associates galvanized around this promise: As your Investor Advocates®, we are Client First. Every Opportunity. Every Interaction. Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer of solicitation for the sale or purchase of specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.