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Last week, we wrote about the White House’s proposal to tax withdrawals from 529 plans, even if they are used for qualified education expenses. Facing pressure from politicians on both sides of the aisle, the White House abruptly withdrew the proposal this week.

President Obama recently proposed a change to 529 plan accounts that could have a significant effect on college savers. Under current law, amounts invested in a 529 plan account grow tax free and withdrawals also are not taxed as long as they are used for qualified higher education expenses.

Many of our clients come to us for advice on planning for specific large expenses that may be on the horizon. Whether it is college expenses, purchasing a new home, planning for a new baby or other large life expenses, it is essential to start early in preparing for the financial commitment.

This week, we distributed our latest quarterly market commentary, including a review of the markets in 2014 and our outlook for the markets in 2015. In short, we expect another year of solid returns from equity markets in 2015, as the combination of U.S. economic and corporate earnings growth, low interest rates, and accommodative central banks will support equity prices.

We have found that many 401(k) investors do not take full advantage of the benefits of investing through employer-sponsored 401(k)s.

Prices for crude have collapsed below $70 per barrel in the second half of 2014, the lowest level in over four years, due to a dislocation between supply and demand. The suddenness of oil’s decline surprised most market observers who had predicted that oil would trade around $100 per barrel this year.

While many Americans are ramping up their holiday shopping today on Black Friday in search of bargains, investors should continuously be on the hunt for stock bargains to boost investment returns. At RDM Capital, we employ a disciplined value-oriented investment strategy that has identified stock bargains over time.

We would like to wish all readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Recent surveys show that more than half of American adults do not have a will and many more do not have a power of attorney or living will to govern their affairs if they become incapacitated. The realization that an estate plan is necessary often only occurs when an individual dies or becomes ill – in other words, when it’s already too late.

The mid-term elections this week resulted in Republicans taking control of Congress for the first time in 8 years. The market’s reaction was mildly positive with stocks up about 1% in the two days following the election.