Since our last ERISA Update, the Internal Revenue Service has published proposed regulations which provide guidance on the changes to hardship withdrawals made by the Bipartisan Budget Act.

Economic and Market Perspectives for 2017 from INTRUST Wealth, including economic themes, market implications, and portfolio implications.

INTRUST presents our 2018 Outlook for the global economy and markets, highlighting the potential effects of global fiscal policies and geo-political influences on investment markets and portfolio strategies.

On the heels of a historically quiet year in the markets, volatility appears to be returning to normal levels. Read our full perspectives on the economy and markets.

A chocolate cake. Pasta. A pancake. They're all very different, but they generally involve flour, eggs, and perhaps a liquid. Depending on how much of each ingredient you use, you can get very different outcomes. The same is true of your investments. Balancing a portfolio means combining various types of investments using a recipe that's appropriate for you.

Setting goals is a very important part of life in general and in financial planning in particular. Before you actually invest your money, you should spend some time considering and setting your personal financial goals. For example, do you want to retire early? Would you like to start your own business soon? Do you need to pay for your children's college education? Would you like to buy or build a new house?