The S&P 500 Index delivered another strong year in 2025, achieving a 17.88% total return and extending a multi-year stretch of gains. Along the way, markets navigated volatility driven by tariff uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, a government shutdown, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. Despite an 18.9% decline following the [...]
We're excited to share that Robert Finley, Principal at Virtue Asset Management, was recently quoted in NerdWallet's comprehensive guide, "6 Fast Ways to Simplify Your Finances in 2026." As a certified financial planner serving Chicago-area families, Robert shared practical insights that can help you streamline your financial life in just [...]
High-net-worth investors in Chicago are often given conflicting advice about portfolio construction. Some wealth management firms emphasize traditional, long-only investment strategies focused on pre-tax returns. Others highlight tax-aware investing approaches designed to manage taxes alongside market exposure. So which approach is better? The reality is that neither strategy is universally [...]
Summary New in 2026: a 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions and a top rate drop from 37% to 35% may reduce your deduction value. In 2025, QCDs can satisfy RMDs, keep income off your return, and may help with AGI-based items—but funds must reach charities by December 31. Additional [...]
When you're searching for financial guidance in Chicago, the term "fiduciary" should be at the top of your priority list. But what exactly does this mean, and how do you identify a true fiduciary advisor among the hundreds of financial professionals in the Chicagoland area? A fiduciary financial advisor is [...]
