The New Capital JOURNAL
Financial news, views, advice, and guidance.
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3 Reasons to Boost Your Charitable Giving in 2025 Before Tax Law Changes
Maximize your charitable impact before 2026’s tax changes. Accelerate gifts this year, donate appreciated stock, or use a donor-advised fund to lock in full deductions now while spreading grants over time, boosting both tax efficiency and your philanthropy’s reach.
529 Plans and the OBBBA: What You Need to Know
The OBBBA significantly expands the flexibility of 529 and ABLE accounts, raising K–12 withdrawal limits, broadening qualified expenses, and adding coverage for credential programs. These updates give families and advisors more versatile tools for education and lifelong learning.
Small Caps Have Done Better Than You Think
US small caps have actually performed near their long-term average, while the S&P 500’s decade of outsized gains—driven by mega-cap tech—looks far less typical. The contrast suggests investors may be questioning small caps when large caps are the real outlier in the market.
How to Navigate Rising Medicare Costs
Medicare costs will rise in 2026, with higher premiums and deductibles for Parts A, B, and D and a slight increase to the out-of-pocket drug cap. With Medicare Advantage and Part D plans also shifting, beneficiaries should review coverage during Annual Enrollment.
Protecting Your Inner Circle From Financial Fraud
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5B to fraud in 2024, up 25% from 2023. Scammers often target those under stress, using secrecy and unusual financial requests. Watching for behavioral red flags in loved ones can help protect their assets and prevent losses.
Sometimes It Helps to Pay Less Attention
While market swings and tariff headlines grab attention, sometimes the best response is to tune them out. Focusing on long-term trends rather than daily movements reveals a smoother, steadier climb, reminding investors that patience often outperforms reaction.
5 Tips for Giving Smarter at Year-End
With new tax rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s time to rethink your year-end giving. Smart moves—like donating early, itemizing, or gifting appreciated assets—can help you save on taxes and amplify your impact in 2025.
6 Ways to Give Your Kids a Financial Head Start
Start early to set your kids on the path to financial independence. With options like Roth IRAs, HSAs, 529s, and custodial accounts, parents can teach the value of saving, investing, and planning, helping the next generation build lasting wealth.
Government Shutdowns and Investors
A government shutdown is here, halting nonessential services while core functions remain. History shows markets usually take these in stride, though longer standoffs can weigh on growth.
Quarterly Review: Stocks Hit Fresh Highs, and the Fed Makes a Cut
Stocks extended gains in Q3, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching record highs after the Fed’s first rate cut since 2024. Small caps outperformed, emerging markets led globally, and bonds advanced as yields eased, signaling broad momentum across markets.
Rate Cuts Are Here
The Fed cut rates by 0.25% in September, citing a softer labor market. While tariff-related inflation may still emerge, more cuts could follow depending on jobs and prices. Lower rates may weigh on savers but could support stocks if the economy avoids recession.
Are NVIDIA’s Earnings Big Enough for You?
NVIDIA’s earnings rose more than 60% over the past year, far outpacing the S&P 500, yet its shares slipped as high valuations left little room for upside. With nearly 8% of the index but about 4% of its earnings, the stock shows how markets price future expectations.
AI Is Everywhere, Including Your Portfolio
AI is reshaping business, and your portfolio can ride the wave. Major AI ETFs cover hundreds of companies, from tech leaders to unexpected names. Diversified exposure helps investors access AI opportunities without gambling on a single winner.
Stagflation: Not the 1970s
Inflation remains steady while growth shows signs of slowing, raising stagflation concerns. Unlike the 1970s, today’s economy faces different energy and labor dynamics, but investors may still manage risk with diversified portfolios and selective bonds.
One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): Impact On charitable Giving
Charitable giving rules shift under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. From new deductions for non-itemizers to limits for high-income donors, 2025 changes make it essential to rethink timing, mix of gifts, and strategies to maximize impact and efficiency.
Is a Long-Term Care ‘Hybrid’ Policy Right for You?
Stand-alone long-term care insurance is declining as hybrid policies gain popularity. These combination products provide a death benefit or lifetime income even if care isn’t needed, though complexity, lump-sum costs, and opportunity considerations remain key factors.
5 by 5 Power in Trust - What You Need to Know
Estate planning meets flexibility with the 5 by 5 Power in Trust. Beneficiaries can access Trust assets annually, balancing immediate financial needs with asset protection and long-term tax efficiency.
What the New Tax Laws Mean for Your Retirement Plan
Assessing the new over-65 deduction and its implications for Social Security taxation, as well as new rules for charitable giving and the SALT deduction.
The Power of Human Ingenuity
Markets rise not because predictions are right, but because people innovate, adapt, and persevere. David Booth argues that investing is a long-term bet on human ingenuity—and history shows it's a powerful one.
10 Things to Look for Before Choosing the Best Home Care Assistance
Choosing the right home care means evaluating services, caregiver credentials, and flexibility to ensure a safe, supportive fit.