We’re grateful to our colleagues, Mike Rarey, CFA, CAIA, Molly Powers, CFP, and Carrie Shapiro, CFP, for leading this educational program and sharing their insights on the many different financial strategies to consider using before their 2025 deadline – 12/31/2025 or 4/15/2026 – depending on the specific strategy and IRS deadline.
Mike opened the discussion by reviewing the market’s performance for the year, the impact of interest rate cuts, and identifying some of the key drivers of the economy and markets for the year ahead. He also reinforced the benefits of having a well-diversified portfolio to manage risk and market volatility.
Molly and Carrie highlighted the financial benefits and opportunities to save, invest, gift, and give in 2025, and reviewed various plans, their IRS limits , and deadlines. The fourth quarter is a critical time to ensure you are taking advantage of opportunities to make tax-efficient decisions and optimize your finances. It’s also typically the annual re-enrollment period for many employer benefits, including executive benefits and health plans.
Staying aligned with your partner/spouse is essential – whether you’re reviewing your benefits, fine-tuning your financial plan, preparing for your annual advisor meeting, or navigating a life transition like retirement. Consistent, honest conversations about money should be non-negotiable. It helps you understand your complete financial picture, manage risks more effectively, and avoid uncertainty that can lead to stress or surprises later.
REMEMBER: Everyone should have a financial plan, because a goal without a plan is just a wish!
Below is the replay and a year-end checklist to get you started!
KEY PROGRAM TAKEAWAYS
The illustration below highlights some of the year-end actions that were discussed, as well as practical ways to save, invest, and reduce taxes. Set aside a moment to review each category and consider which strategies might serve you best, along with the action you want to take. And don’t forget to contact your advisor(s) to discuss your decisions before taking action.
IT STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION…
We hope this program empowers you to take action. We also hope that it encourages you to confirm that you are maximizing your financial opportunities so you can pursue financial freedom and create peace of mind.
If you’re ready to review your plan, start fresh, or talk through how these opportunities support your goals, reach out to your SageView Advisory Group contact. Our commitment is to help ensure your financial strategy is working for you and moving you toward the outcomes that matter most.
It all starts with a conversation.
OUR SPEAKERS
Mike Rarey, CFA®, CAIA®, is a Managing Director based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, where he oversees investment research and portfolio management. He also helps to design and oversee asset allocation analysis, tactical investment framework, risk tolerance assessments, investment strategies, and economic consulting. Mike is passionate about building a deep understanding of economic and financial market trends and drivers.
Mike manages the firm’s Institutional MAS services, working directly with clients on the oversight of their endowments, foundations, reserves, and operating accounts.
He has diverse experiences meeting with institutional clients and leading conversations to help clients and their boards effectively manage and oversee various pools of assets.
Before joining SageView in 2025, Mike was a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at CAP STRAT. Mike oversaw the CAP STRAT’s investment research and portfolio management and co-headed the CAP STRAT Investment Committee. He led the development of CAP STRAT’s investment framework, which informs all strategic and tactical allocations within Private Wealth and institutional portfolios.
Mike is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Chicago. He graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business with Honors and a bachelor’s in finances and accounting.
Molly Powers, CFP® is a Wealth Advisor based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, where she works with individuals and families on various topics related to retirement and wealth accumulation and preservation.
Before joining SageView in 2025, Molly was a Private Wealth Advisor at CAP STRAT. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports, and tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Carrie Walters Shapiro, CFP® is a Wealth Advisor based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, where she advises individuals and families on various topics related to retirement and wealth accumulation and preservation.
Prior to joining SageView in 2025, Carrie was a Private Wealth Associate at CAP STRAT. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology, and a Certificate in French, from the University of Wisconsin’s College of Letters and Science.
Please let us know if you would like to have a conversation with us. Email the CAP STRAT Women’s Forum with any questions at womensforum@capstratig.com! Or call us at 630.320.5100.
