Quarterly Perspectives - 1st Quarter 2024

As we enter the second quarter of 2024, we take a look at current events that could impact your portfolio. Our quarterly perspectives dives deeper into investing in election years, estate vehicle comparisons, keeping an eye on the future of taxes, and focusing on what you can control.

INVEST - Best ways to invest in election years

• Election years have had very little impact on long-term investors.
• Markets have been more volatile during primary season but tended to rise strongly after the election.
• Investors often sit on the sidelines during election years out of fear and uncertainty but that is rarely a winning strategy.
• Investors who were fully invested or made monthly investments tended to do better than those who stayed in cash.

ESTATE - Giving vehicle comparisons

• Cash and checkbook giving are some of the most common ways to donate to a charity. However, other giving vehicles may enable you to make a larger contribution to a charity while also potentially creating a greater tax benefit for yourself.
• You are not limited to using just one gifting vehicle. Many investors map out a charitable plan that leverages several of these vehicles together.
• Choosing the right gifting approach can help you give more effectively and efficiently.
• Note: INTRUST does not provide tax or legal advice. Be sure to consult your CPA, attorney, or other experts prior to making decisions.

TAX - Keep an eye on the future

• Without Congressional intervention, many key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will sunset (expire) in 2025, reverting to the rules that existed before the Act was signed into law. Investors should consider the following actions in preparation:
  • Gift assets now, particularly if your estate is above $6 million.
  • Discuss completing a Roth conversion. Your Advisor can provide advice on the benefits of completing a Roth conversion now, as income tax rates may increase.
  • Review your estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) to catch potential problems now.

PLANNING - Focus on what you can control

• Evaluate all the factors within your comprehensive retirement plan, but focus most of your attention on those factors you can control.
• Demographic data also suggests a direct correlation between health and wealth. Simply put, wealthier people tend to live longer than average.
• Not only are we living longer, but our spending needs will change as we get older.
• Even the most conservative investor should have a portion of their portfolio invested for growth to stay ahead of inflation.

The INTRUST Quarterly Perspectives are the consensus of the INTRUST Investment Strategy team and are based on third-party sources believed to be reliable. INTRUST has relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of this third-party information. INTRUST makes no warranties with regard to the information or results obtained by its use and disclaims any and all liability arising out of the use of, or reliance on, the information. The information presented has been prepared for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to participate in any investment strategy. The Quarterly Perspectives are not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any investment decisions. This information should not be construed as investment, legal, tax or accounting advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.