Top 10 Articles of 2022

Thank you, Research & Insights readers!

We appreciate your intellectual curiosity and interest in staying abreast of the latest in the global economy and capital markets as well as financial planning, estate planning, tax, banking and charitable giving strategies.

Here is a recap of the most popular articles of 2022. To see what was trending in 2021, see last year’s Top 10 articles.

If you missed any of these, be sure to subscribe to our Weekly Reads email.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year!

10. Giving Tuesday: Bunching Charitable Gifts

If charitably inclined, planning your giving over multiple years and bunching the gifts in one tax year can be a powerful way to ensure you’re realizing the full value of charitable tax deductions. Pairing this strategy with gifts to a donor-advised fund enables you to deduct the full gift in the tax year in which it was made and make requests for distributions to the charitable causes most important to you at a future date. LEARN MORE

9. Earth Day 2022’s Theme Is “Invest In Our Planet.” What Will You Do?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 provided a real-world impetus for governments to reconsider their strategic energy policies and could hasten the deployment of climate investments. Indeed, business and individual behavior is shifting with the capital markets increasingly merging traditional financial and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investment goals. LEARN MORE

8. Webinar Replay: Playing to Win

In September 2022, AMG Chairman Earl Wright moderated a discussion on China’s economic power and global influence—and its potential investment implications—with Dr. Minxin Pei and Dr. Jonathan Moyer. To better understand how savvy investors should consider China’s future economic and political path, WATCH THE DISCUSSION.

7. Inflation & Recession—Today’s Reality & Tomorrow’s Possibilities

In July 2022, AMG’s investment and research team discussed the hot inflationary environment and the potential for a recession, given the Federal Reserve (Fed)’s efforts to tame it. The gist was to not panic at recent markets’ downturn and to remember that context matters. Be patient and watch for signs of inflation slowing and a subsequent change in the Fed’s policy stance that might warrant a shift from bear to bull. LEARN THE SIGNS

6. Leverage Your Long-Term Investments for Cash Now: The ILOC

5. AMG Named Top-Performing Bank by Independent Banker Magazine

In 2022, AMG was recognized as a top-performing bank in Colorado by Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). EXPLORE THE CRITERIA

4. Notes on the Economy – Q3 2022 Summary

“The Fed’s not bluffing” was the key message summarizing AMG’s 24-page research report, Notes on the Economy, published in September 2022. The Federal Reserve has a full house of policymakers determined to bring inflation down. Interest rates will continue upward, we believed—even at the risk of recession. REQUEST REPORT

3. Colorado Secure Savings: Small Businesses Get Ready!

In 2023, Colorado will join a growing list of states requiring most businesses to offer an employer-sponsored retirement savings program, like a 401(k) plan or Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP), or to enroll those without access into a state-sponsored one called Colorado SecureSavings, which uses Roth IRAs. LEARN MORE: 401(k) vs. Roth IRA

2. Hedge Funds Gobbling up Single-family Housing

Traditional homebuyers and real estate investors have been getting squeezed out by hedge funds with piles of cash aiming to buy and convert single-family homes into rentals. Increasing housing inventory could help, yet in a rising interest-rate environment cash is still king, giving the buying advantage to the hedge funds. READ MORE

1. Saving for a Grandchild’s Education Expenses

Helping to pay for college can be a particularly satisfying opportunity for grandparents. With the recent FAFSA Simplification Act, grandparent-funded 529 plans became more attractive as their distributions no longer influence financial aid opportunities. DOWNLOAD FREE REPORT