First Citizens Wealth

Getting married? For business owners, protecting what you've built can be an important part of planning for the future. In this clip from Building More Than Business, co-host Ann Lucchesi, CFP® shares how one owner wanted to rely on a separate property trust instead of a prenup. She and co-host Nerre Shuriah, J.D., LL.M, CMAA, CBEC® explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach. In the full episode, they examine four real-world situations and discuss how prenups, postnups and other planning strategies can help protect business owners and their assets. Listen here: http://spr.ly/6047BHlJac #PrenupsforBusinessOwners #FirstCitizensBank

Despite higher interest rates and persistent inflation, economic growth and corporate earnings have remained resilient. Listen in as Brent Ciliano, CFA and Phillip Neuhart discuss the forces shaping today's investment landscape, from strong earnings and AI-driven investment to potential opportunities in fixed income and the outlook for interest rates. http://spr.ly/6047BH9uLF

Can you sign a will electronically in New York? Yes, starting December 12, 2027. The New York Electronic Wills Act allows a will to be signed, witnessed and filed electronically. While the law applies only in New York, it reflects a broader shift toward digital estate planning. Supporters point to benefits such as greater convenience, easier document updates and improved accessibility for individuals who may have difficulty attending an in-person signing. Read our breakdown: http://spr.ly/6040BHZwwI

Many business owners face limits on how much they can contribute toward retirement each year. An institutional consultant can help evaluate strategies to build and preserve wealth more efficiently over time. Explore more ways to accelerate your retirement savings: http://spr.ly/6040BHMyYw

What happens when co-founders experience conflict? In this episode of Building More Than Business, Venturous Counsel founding partner Aravinda Seshadri (she/her) joins co-host Ann Lucchesi, CFP® to examine the root causes of co-founder miscommunication and the proactive steps that protect both the relationship and the business. Listen to their conversation here. http://spr.ly/6045BGfMCS

Our New York-based Wealth team recently hosted clients for The Midterms & the Markets: Navigating What’s Next, an evening of timely conversation and connection. Special guest speaker Daniel Clifton of Strategas Asset Management and our own Phillip Neuhart and Katia Friend shared insights on how policy developments and the upcoming midterm elections may influence investment and capital markets – and potential implications for investors. Thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined us for an engaging discussion and memorable evening overlooking the NYC skyline!

A renewed Federal Reserve tightening cycle, persistent inflation, and a resilient economy pushed global interest rates higher in Q3, driving a substantial decline in fixed income assets over the last three months. Read our Quarterly Market Review for more information. http://spr.ly/6047BGQXgP

Today’s conditions support higher interest rates in a way they haven’t in decades. The 10-year Treasury, the world’s most important financial asset, yielded over 5% last week, its highest level since 2007. Higher rates can act as a headwind for some borrowers and markets. But they are also a sign that fixed income is once again offering meaningful yield, restoring a role in portfolios that was difficult to fill during the era of near-zero rates. Get our thoughts in this month’s issue of Basis Points: Worth the rate. https://lnkd.in/e6DaGSJX

Is your second home the next tax target? A new tax on certain high-value second homes took effect in New York this year, and similar proposals are gaining attention elsewhere. The tax applies to some New York City properties that aren't used as a primary residence, including certain properties held in trusts and other ownership structures. Learn who may be affected and how evolving tax policies could influence wealth planning decisions. http://spr.ly/6041BGp0jW #WealthPlanning #EstatePlanning #TaxPlanning

The Federal Reserve announced a 0.25% increase in its overnight federal funds rate to 3.75-4.00%, the first rate hike since 2023 and cementing the market’s view since May that hotter inflation and a stronger economy necessitate higher interest rates. The move was widely expected, and the Fed’s updated projections reinforced market expectations that additional rate hikes are in the pipeline. http://spr.ly/6042BGTINn