SJS Investment Services 10/14/25 SJS Investment Services 10/14/25

SJS Investment Services Recognized In CNBC's 2025 FA 100 List

SJS Investment Services is proud to be #11 on CNBC’s 2025 Financial Advisor (FA) 100 list , an annual ranking of registered investment advisory (RIA) firms within the United States.[1]

SJS Investment Services is proud to be #11 on CNBC’s 2025 Financial Advisor (FA) 100 list, an annual ranking of registered investment advisory (RIA) firms within the United States.[1]

“We are truly honored to be recognized by CNBC,” says SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage. “This is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to helping our clients achieve their financial goals and the trust they place in us.”

CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking of registered investment advisors for the 2025 FA 100 list. The methodology consisted of first analyzing a variety of core data points from AccuPoint Solutions’ proprietary database of registered investment advisors. This analysis started with an initial list of 40,563 RIA firms from the Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory database. Through a process by CNBC and AccuPoint Solutions, the list was eventually cut to 1,015 RIAs with those firms meeting CNBC’s proprietary criteria.

CNBC staff sent an email survey to all those firms that met the initial criteria to gather more details. SJS completed this survey in July 2025. The CNBC team verified various data with the SEC regulatory database. CNBC and AccuPoint also considered additional information including:

Advisory firm’s regulatory/compliance record
Number of years in the business
Number of certified financial planners
Number of employees
Number of investment advisors registered with the firm
Ratio of investment advisors to total number of employees
Total assets under management
Percentage of discretionary assets under management
Total accounts under management
Number of states where the RIA is registered
Country of domicile.

AccuPoint once again applied CNBC’s proprietary weighted categories to further refine and rank the firms, ultimately creating the list of the top 100 firms. CNBC receives no compensation from placing financial advisory firms on their list. Neither SJS Investment Services nor any of its employees provided any payment to CNBC or AccuPoint in exchange for rankings. Additionally, an advisor’s appearance on this ranking does not constitute an individual endorsement by CNBC of any firm. Further methodology information can be found on the CNBC website.[1][2]

If you would like to learn more about how we work with families, business owners, and organizations, please reach out to us. We are always here to listen and assist.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “CNBC’s Financial Advisor 100: Best financial advisors, top firms for 2025 ranked”. Kate Dore, Kelli Grant, 01-Oct-2025, cnbc.com.

[2] “How we determined CNBC’s Financial Advisor 100 ranking for 2025”. Kelli Grant, 01-Oct-2025, cnbc.com.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful.

Andrew Schaetzke, CFP® 10/9/25 Andrew Schaetzke, CFP® 10/9/25

Am I Eligible For Medicare & How Do I Enroll?

Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2025) is the time to review your current healthcare coverage and make changes for the year ahead.

By Senior Advisor Andrew Schaetzke, CFP®

Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2025) is the time to review your current healthcare coverage and make changes for the year ahead. Determining when you must enroll in Medicare can be complicated. Depending on your situation, you may be automatically enrolled or you may have to proactively enroll.

To help simplify the process, we’ve included two guides that outline key decisions and considerations, including:

Eligibility before age 65
Eligibility with fewer than 40 work credits
Applicable premiums
Impact of age on enrollment
Automatic enrollment events
Initial Enrollment Period rules
Coverage start dates

Please feel free to reach out to your SJS advisor at any time to support you in the process. We are happy to help talk through any questions so you can feel confident about your Medicare choices for this coming year.

Please click on the images below to view the PDF.

Flowchart for Medicare Eligibility Part A and B

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

This resource was created by fpPathfinder. SJS pays an annual subscription in order to license resources from fpPathfinder.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal professional or tax professional for specific advice.

SJS Investment Services Recognized In The Forbes / SHOOK 2025 List Of America's Top RIA Firms

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in the Forbes / SHOOK 2025 list of America’s Top RIA (Registered Investor Advisor) Firms.

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in the Forbes / SHOOK 2025 list of America’s Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms.[1]

“The fourth annual Forbes/SHOOK Top RIA list highlights firms with proven records of safeguarding and growing client wealth,” the publisher writes in its introduction to this year’s Top RIA Firms webpage.[1]

“This honor is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team. As we celebrate 30 years, we remain committed to guiding families and businesses with clarity and purpose,” says SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

As detailed on the methodology webpage, the Forbes / SHOOK 2025 list of America’s Top RIA Firms, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients.

Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive a fee in exchange for rankings. SHOOK Research received 50,063 nominations based on thresholds, invited 28,522 firms to complete their online survey, performed 24,647 telephone interviews, conducted 6,781 in-person interviews at advisors’ location, and conducted 1,596 virtual interviews. Additional information about the list methodology can be found on the Forbes website.[2]

In April and July 2025, SJS Investment Services responded to an email survey provided by SHOOK Research, providing quantitative information including AUM size, revenue, typical client relationship size, and minimum account size for new business. Neither SJS Investment Services nor any of its employees provided any payment to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for rankings.

If you would like to learn more about how the SJS team works with families, business owners, and institutions, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to listen and assist.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “America’s Top RIA Firms”. Sergei Klebnikov & SHOOK Research, 01-Oct-2025, forbes.com.

[2] “Methodology: America’s Top RIA Firms 2025”. R.J. Shook, 01-Oct-2025, forbes.com.

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market. Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

SJS Outlook: Q1 2025

SJS Q1 2025 Outlook includes a market update, team highlights, SJS book club insights and important information on the social security fairness act.

Please click on the image below.

Rae Navarre 4/1/25 Rae Navarre 4/1/25

SJS 2024 Annual Report

The SJS Annual Report provides updates on the SJS Team, MarketPlus Investing®, SJS purpose, mission, & values, multi-family office services, and SJS community involvement.

Please click on the image below.

Andrew Schaetzke, CFP® 1/13/25 Andrew Schaetzke, CFP® 1/13/25

Important Financial Planning Numbers For 2025

To help you financially plan for 2025, we provide this resource with important numbers for the year.

By Senior Advisor Andrew Schaetzke, CFP®.

When planning for the coming year, it can be hard to keep track of all of the new financial and tax information. There are many important financial numbers to be aware of for 2025, including:

Tax rates and brackets, such as for federal income tax, capital gains tax, Social Security tax, and estate tax
Certain tax deductions, exemptions, and credits
Retirement plan (401(k), 403(b), IRA, SIMPLE IRA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits
Required minimum distribution (RMD) table for certain tax-deferred retirement accounts
Medicare premiums & IRMAA surcharges

To help you financially plan for 2025, we provide the resource below. As always, we are here to help your family throughout your financial journey. We can provide resources, experience, and strategies that may be valuable to you. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Please click on the images below to view the PDF.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

This resource was created by fpPathfinder. SJS pays an annual subscription in order to license resources from fpPathfinder.

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience.

The Tale Of Two Curves: What The Yield Curve Means For You

The yield curve isn’t just an academic concept; it impacts real-life decisions.

By Senior Advisor Kirk Ludwig, AIF®.

In September 2024, the Federal Reserve started lowering interest rates after a long stretch of raising them to combat inflation. This marked a notable shift, as the Fed appears to have achieved a soft landing - taming inflation without derailing the economy. But here’s the catch: not all rates have followed suit. In fact, some rates are higher today than they were at the start of the year. Below is a graph of the Treasury yields along the maturity spectrum at the beginning of the year and the end of the year, known as the yield curve, and reflecting the changing market sentiment.

*Source: “Daily Treasury Par Yield Curve Rates”. U.S. Department of the Treasury, 02-Jan-2024 through 31-Dec-2024,* *treasury.gov. See Important Disclosure Information.*

At the start of the year, short-term interest rates were elevated due to aggressive Federal Reserve action to manage inflation. Over the year, inflation levels eased, and the Fed shifted to lowering rates, and short-term yields followed. But the longer-term rates have risen, incorporating expectations for growth, inflation, borrowing needs, and many other factors. This divergence tells us something important: while the Fed controls the Fed Funds rate, the market determines all other rates. The front end of the yield curve reflects what the market thinks the Fed will do next, while the back end reflects everything else into the future.

The yield curve isn’t just an academic concept; it impacts real-life decisions. If you’re watching your money market yields, you’ve likely noticed they’ve been dropping. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for a 30-year mortgage, rates have drifted higher. For investors, money market and short-term bonds are experiencing lower yields, while longer-term bonds are paying more income. That’s not to say that you should be shifting everything to longer maturities; it just simply means that the market is pricing future risk differently. Paying attention to maturity terms is critical, and that’s why we focus on the shift in all interest rates - not just the Fed Funds rate.

The yield curve has often been labeled the market’s crystal ball, supposedly predicting recessions and expansions. But a crystal ball might be giving it too much credit. A Magic 8-Ball is probably more fitting - you shake it and get a random answer like “Ask again later” or “Outlook not so good.” What the yield curve does exceptionally well is capture the collective thoughts of the market today. It’s a snapshot, not a prophecy, and tomorrow’s new information could change the picture entirely.

Important Disclosure Information:

Statements contained in this article that are not statements of historical fact are intended to be and are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements include expressed expectations of future events and the assumptions on which the expressed expectations are based. All forward looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

Bobby Adusumilli 1/6/25 Bobby Adusumilli 1/6/25

Planning Financially For The New Year

As we begin the new year, we have some ideas for concrete actions to start your new year on the right foot, financially.

By Advisor Bobby Adusumilli, CFA.

As we begin the new year, we have some ideas for concrete actions to start your new year on the right foot, financially.

Review retirement contributions and gifting goals: In 2025, the IRS is boosting retirement contribution limits to new highs, as detailed in the table below. The IRS is also increasing the amount you may gift to an individual recipient to $19,000 in 2025, without affecting lifetime gift tax exemptions.

2025 Select Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

*Source: “Retirement Topics - Contributions”. IRS, irs.gov. See Important Disclosure Information*

Notify your accountant: It is important to notify your accountant of any contributions or donations that may have a tax consequence, as your tax documents may not explicitly state all of your contributions and donations. For example, retirement plan contributions, charitable donations (particularly qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from your Traditional IRA if you are over age 70 1/2), and 529 plan contributions can all potentially help you save on taxes. Also, if you are invested in private funds, notify your accountant that you may not receive K-1 tax forms until later in 2025.
Keep SJS apprised of trusted advisor changes: We want to keep up with changes affecting your family, including changes to your attorney, accountant, or banker. Please let us know if you have made changes to the professionals you work with.
Update your estate plan: It is a good practice to regularly review your beneficiary designations to ensure they match your current wishes and align with your estate planning documents. Reviewing your estate planning documents periodically is also recommended, at least every five years or when there is a major change in your life.
Keep your wealth protected: Wealth accumulation is only part of the equation; the other piece is wealth protection. We strive to help keep your personal data safe, including avoiding sending personal information via email (unless encrypted) and reaching out to you to confirm that requests we receive from you are legitimate. Taking additional steps like adding multi-factor authentication and changing passwords periodically can help to keep your information safe.

As always, we are here to help you put your best foot forward. We are glad to meet with you to help keep you on track!

Important Disclosure Information:

Statements contained in this article that are not statements of historical fact are intended to be and are forward looking statements. All forward looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected.

What A Difference A Year Makes: SJS Puppy

SJS began sponsoring an Assistance Dog at The Ability Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Assistance Dogs help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence.

In 2024, SJS began sponsoring an Assistance Dog at The Ability Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Assistance Dogs help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence by aiding with the individual's daily needs.

SJS was tasked with naming a puppy born to a litter at The Ability Center. We recently visited Lira, who has grown by leaps and bounds. While still early in her training, we are hopeful that she will remain on track to become a service dog, skilled companion dog, or school facility dog. Training and placement is usually completed by age 2.

The trainers are gifted specialists and do a phenomenal job. The Ability Center is always grateful for the volunteers who step up to foster the dogs. Their need for volunteers never ends.

We are lucky to have such a great organization in our area. To find out more about The Ability Center, you can visit abilitycenter.org.

Letter Of Gratitude & Excitement

Stepping into 2025, SJS is filled with gratitude and excitement as we celebrate our 30th year serving you, our valued clients.

By SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

Stepping into 2025, SJS is filled with gratitude and excitement as we celebrate our 30th year serving you, our valued clients.

For three decades, we've had the privilege of being your trusted partner, empowering you to build a better life. While our fundamental commitment to your financial well-being remains unchanged, the way we pursue that mission today bears little resemblance to our methods of just five years ago, let alone when we first opened our doors in 1995. We're proud of our ability to continuously improve our methods to meet your evolving needs.

This milestone year holds special significance as SJS sees promising developments on the horizon. As market dynamics continue to evolve, we're optimistic about opportunities in emerging asset classes and our access to the best managers in these spaces. Through these new opportunities, we aim to continually build on our MarketPlus® Investing strategy. Our experienced team has successfully guided you through good markets and bad, and we're confident in our ability to navigate the future.

An industry-leading investment approach has always been foundational to SJS, along with meeting your daily needs, all the time, every time. We are selectively growing the team, improving systems, and exploring new technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). Just as the internet, years ago, seemed daunting and changed much, AI also offers efficiencies and enhancements to how we work. At the same time, at the top of my worry list is cybersecurity and threats to our information systems. One of the best ways I believe we can fight this growing threat is to know our clients by name and by voice, which reduces the risk that a bad actor can successfully come between us.

As we celebrate our 30th year, we're particularly excited about strengthening our community engagement, charitable initiatives, and expanding our service offerings for clients and their families. We believe that informed clients make better choices. SJS is dedicated to providing you and your family with the insights and resources needed to not only navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, but to feel a sense of empowerment and greater purpose while doing so.

I would like to conclude with a personal note. As a pioneer in the registered investment advisory (RIA) industry (yes, that means I am an elder!), I’ve watched with concern as many of my competitors have chosen to sell or merge their firms with private equity-backed organizations. In my opinion, these decisions prioritize shareholder returns over long-term client and employee relationships. While these transitions may maximize a RIA owner’s bank account in the short run, it is my opinion that over time it will come at the cost of client satisfaction and employee dedication - which have been pivotal to building a firm like ours. Let me be clear: this is not the future of SJS. We are steadfastly committed to remaining independent and focused on what matters most - working on the same side of the table as you and supporting our dedicated employees and their families, for generations to come.

Cheers to another 30 years of friendship, growth, innovation, and success. At the end of the day, our goal is your peace of mind.

*SJS Team at* *Brookwood Metropark in Toledo, Ohio.*

Important Disclosure Information:

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

SJS Outlook: Q4 2024

This Outlook includes a letter from Scott J. Savage on gratitude and excitement, what the yield curve means for you, planning financially for the new year, SJS puppy, and looking forward to Q1 2025.

Please click on the image below.

SJS Investment Services Recognized In CNBC's 2024 FA 100 List

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in CNBC’s 2024 FA 100 list, an annual ranking of registered investment advisory (RIA) firms within the USA.

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in CNBC’s 2024 FA 100 list, an annual ranking of registered investment advisory (RIA) firms within the United States.[1]

“The faith, commitment, and loyalty you have demonstrated as clients over the last 29 years has made this recognition possible! Thank you!” says SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking of registered investment advisors for the 2024 FA 100 list. The methodology consisted of first analyzing a variety of core data points from AccuPoint Solutions’ proprietary database of registered investment advisors. This analysis started with an initial list of 40,896 RIA firms from the Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory database. Through a process by CNBC and AccuPoint Solutions, the list was eventually cut to 903 RIAs with those firms meeting CNBC’s proprietary criteria. CNBC staff sent an email survey to all those firms that met the initial criteria to gather more details. The CNBC team verified that data with the SEC regulatory database. CNBC. CNBC and AccuPoint also considered additional information including the advisory firm’s regulatory/compliance record, number of years in the business, number of certified financial planners, number of employees, number of investment advisors registered with the firm, the ratio of investment advisors to total number of employees, total assets under management, percentage of discretionary assets under management, total accounts under management, number of states where the RIA is registered, and country of domicile. AccuPoint once again applied CNBC’s proprietary weighted categories to further refine and rank the firms, ultimately creating the list of the top 100 firms. CNBC receives no compensation from placing financial advisory firms on their list. Neither SJS Investment Services nor any of its employees provided any payment to CNBC or AccuPoint in exchange for rankings. Additionally, an advisor’s appearance on this ranking does not constitute an individual endorsement by CNBC of any firm. Further methodology information can be found on the CNBC website.[1][2]

If you would like to learn more about how we work with families, business owners, and organizations, please reach out to us. We are always here to listen and assist.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “FA 100: CNBC ranks the top-rated financial advisory firms of 2024”. CNBC.com Staff, 02-Oct-2024, cnbc.com.

[2] “Here’s how we determine the FA 100 ranking for 2024“. CNBC.com Staff, 02-Oct-2024, cnbc.com.

SJS Investment Services Recognized In The Forbes / SHOOK 2024 List Of America's Top RIA Firms

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in the Forbes / SHOOK 2024 list of America’s Top RIA (Registered Investor Advisor) Firms.

SJS Investment Services has been recognized in the Forbes / SHOOK 2024 list of America’s Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms.[1]

“The faith, commitment, and loyalty you have demonstrated as clients over the last 29 years has made this recognition possible! Thank you!” says SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

In its introduction to this year’s Top RIA Firms webpage, the publisher affirmed, “The third annual Forbes/Shook Top RIA list highlights firms that have strong track records when it comes to stewarding client wealth and preserving it for the long term.”[1]

As detailed on the methodology webpage, the Forbes / SHOOK 2024 list of America’s Top RIA Firms, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive a fee in exchange for rankings. SHOOK Research received 46,212 nominations based on thresholds, invited 25,103 firms to complete their online survey, performed 21,417 telephone interviews, conducted 5,246 in-person interviews at advisors’ location, and conducted 1,545 virtual interviews. Additional information about the ranking methodology can be found on the Forbes website.[2]

In May 2024 and August 2024, SJS Investment Services responded to an email survey provided by SHOOK Research, providing quantitative information including AUM size, revenue, typical client relationship size, and minimum account size for new business. Neither SJS Investment Services nor any of its employees provided any payment to Forbes or SHOOK Research in exchange for rankings.

If you would like to learn more about how the SJS Team works with families, business owners, and institutions, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to listen and assist.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “America’s Top RIA Firms”. Sergei Klebnikov & SHOOK Research, 08-Oct-2024, forbes.com.

[2] “Methodology: America’s Top RIA Firms 2024“. R.J. Shook, 08-Oct-2024, forbes.com.

Election Time

Every four years, we get the same question (whether you have asked it, or you are thinking it) – how will the election affect my portfolio?

By Chief Investment Officer Tom Kelly, CFA.

It is that time again. Political ads inundate your commercial breaks and news feeds. Elections are about a month away, with the focus being the battle for the White House. Every four years, we get the same question (whether you have asked it, or you are thinking it) – how will the election affect my portfolio?

For SJS, this is the eighth time we have been through this cycle and our answer has not changed – we do not know! It is not that we do not care, we just rely on the core fundamentals of MarketPlus® Investing as our guide:

Markets are efficient and are priced fairly.
Speculating is futile.
Global markets have rewarded investors over the long term.
Portfolio design matters most.

The markets – stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, you name it – are all considering millions of data points, such as growth prospects, geopolitical challenges and opportunities, and yes, even who holds the White House and how that might affect the markets. But all that information is incorporated in the prices, both the prospects of risk and reward. That does not mean that prices are always right, but that you are being fairly compensated for the risk you take. Over time we believe investors are rewarded, and assuming appropriate portfolio design and diversification, this can assist in achieving your investing goals.

As things stand, the election odds for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are roughly 50% / 50%, but come November 5th, those odds will end at 100% / 0% or 0% / 100% (barring some undetermined swing states). We will likely see some volatility leading up to and potentially even after the election, as markets weigh new developments. Take courage along the way, knowing we have designed your portfolios to navigate any political environment, and we will be there to adjust whenever the time comes.

Source: Morningstar, as of September 30, 2024. There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market. Indices are not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect the expenses associated with management of an actual portfolio. Index performance is measured in US dollars. The index performance figures assume the reinvestment of all income, including dividends and capital gains. The S&P 500 Index is a free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. See Important Disclosure Information.

Important Disclosure Information:

Statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact are intended to be and are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements include expressed expectations of future events and the assumptions on which the expressed expectations are based. All forward looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

Bobby Adusumilli 10/8/24 Bobby Adusumilli 10/8/24

Financial To-Dos Before The End Of The Year

As we approach the end of the year, we want to highlight some important financial items to review before the new year.

By Investment Associate Bobby Adusumilli, CFA.

As we approach the end of the year, we want to highlight some important financial items to review before the new year:

Contributing to workplace retirement plans, health savings accounts, and 529 plans for education: Each of these accounts help you to save and potentially invest in tax-advantaged ways, though all contributions need to be completed prior to December 31st.
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax retirement plans: For those age 72+ who need to take RMDs from retirement accounts such as a Traditional IRA, ensuring that your RMDs are satisfied prior to December 31st can help you avoid a potential financial penalty from the IRS.
Charitable donations as well as gifting to loved ones: Particularly in a positive return investment year, it may be advantageous to donate appreciated securities from a taxable account. Additionally, for those age 70.5+, you are able to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) directly from your Traditional IRA worth up to $105,000 prior to December 31st. For those gifting to individuals, you can gift $18,000 per beneficiary without being subject to gift tax.
Private fund tax forms: For those investing directly in private funds, you may have received K-1 tax forms relating to your investments, which may need to be included as part of your taxes due by October 15th.

As always, we would be happy to assist you in reviewing your finances to help ensure you are achieving your financial goals.

Important Disclosure Information:

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

Scott Savage 10/4/24 Scott Savage 10/4/24

SJS Outlook: Q3 2024

This Outlook includes our discussion of election time, financial to-dos before the end of the year, new SJS Perrysburg office, SJS Team updates, and looking forward to Q4 2024.

Please click on the image below.

SJS Investment Services Recognized in Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2024 Registered Investment Advisor Ranking

“Thank you, Financial Advisor Magazine, for recognizing SJS Investment Services again this year in the RIA ranking. It is a true honor and speaks loudly to the care we deliver to our clients, as well as their continued faith and trust in our firm, in our MarketPlus® Investing process, and in our Team,” says SJS Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

Financial Advisor (FA) Magazine’s 2024 RIA Survey & Ranking is a ranking based on assets under management as of December 31, 2023. FA Magazine orders firms from largest to smallest, based on AUM reported by firms that voluntarily complete and submit FA Magazine’s survey by the given deadline. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisors and file their own ADV statement with the SEC, and provide financial planning and related services to individual clients. The survey did not apply to hybrid RIAs and corporate RIAs. SJS completed the survey in April 2024 using data as of December 31, 2023. There is no fee to apply or to secure placement within the ranking. Additional information regarding the 2024 RIA Survey & Ranking can be found on the Financial Advisor Magazine website.[1][2]

If you would like to learn more about how we work with families and organizations, please reach out to us. We are always here to listen and assist.

Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “FA RIA Survey & Ranking 2024”. Financial Advisor Magazine, July 2024, fa-mag.com.

[2] “2024 RIA Survey & Ranking: RIAs Confront Their Own Success”. Eric Rasmussen, 12-Jul-2024, fa-mag.com.

Hyperlinks to third-party information are provided as a convenience.

40 Years Of Trust

As I approach my 40th anniversary as a financial advisor, I can't help but look back on the road I've traveled.

By Founder & CEO Scott J. Savage.

What is life but a series of transitions?

As I approach my 40th anniversary as a financial advisor, I can't help but look back on the road I've traveled. You have traveled it with me, perhaps for many years. Have I thanked you lately for that early trust? Well, a thank you may be overdue.

Like so many young professionals, I was eager to build a career 40 years ago and provide for my family by taking care of my growing list of clients. And by "taking care," I mean advising. After all, my title was financial advisor.

Along the way, a few wise mentors taught me to listen first. I took their advice, and with every client, I translated what I heard into investment strategies. How many days and nights did I worry as the market rose and fell and rose again? I spent countless hours rebalancing assets and optimizing investment portfolios as the opportunities presented themselves.

For many years, I thought that my only role was to make sure that clients were compensated for the risks they were taking. It was a high-stakes game I took very seriously, just as we do now. It took years for me to realize how much more there was to this career as a financial advisor and the real value of that role. The time I spent talking with clients, learning about their families and businesses, and helping them navigate the milestones became the most meaningful hours of my day. Especially when we could work through those big and bigger life and business events that come with uncertainty. These meetings became welcome breaks from the unending undulations of the Dow.

As SJS grew, we built a team to manage the investments and all that goes with them. I found myself in the room among very smart people. That allowed me to spend more and more time helping long-time clients I had come to know as they navigated their lives. We had a shared history and earned trust. I steadily listened even more and talked even less as conversations went well beyond seeking to understand financial goals. They moved to deeper conversations about what’s really important in life. I heard countless times, "You’re the only person I can talk to about this." When I say it is my honor, I mean it.

My clients taught me that being an advisor was more about trust than it was about advising. "Adding value," which has always been our company’s mantra, began to manifest through more than just the investment performance. It came through being a trusted advisor.

Life does not stand still, and over the last 10-plus years, "adding value" has transitioned to "adding meaning." Today, when I advise people and institutions, the focus is on family or institutional dynamics, health challenges, life and death, family office issues, philanthropy, and legacy. These are topics that occupy bigger and bigger parts of my day. Many times, the issues are messy and filled with difficult dynamics, ambiguity, and complexity. They are puzzles of intense meaning that ignite a fire in me - a fire to solve, or resolve.

Here I am, 40 years into this career, and I still love my job. It has transitioned from advising about finances to helping people discover and frame their legacy, and, ultimately, what their life is all about. It is an experience that truly goes beyond words.

As I get ready for the next day of my life, I know more transitions are in store. I have a feeling that as I continue to help families and institutions, trust and meaning will remain a part of the mix. So will gratitude.

Thank you for 40 years and your gift of trust.

*SJS 20-Year Club:* *Kirk Ludwig*, *Kevin Kelly*, *Meredith Sleet*, *Scott J. Savage*, *Jeff Yost*.

Important Disclosure Information:

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

Earning More Interest On Your Cash

While people commonly hold their cash within checking and savings accounts, we want to highlight three short-term, interest-bearing investments that can be held within your investment account.

By Investment Associate Bobby Adusumilli, CFA.

One of our roles as advisors is to look for opportunities to allow your money to work better for you. Cash is often one of the most overlooked assets when it comes to improving someone’s investment returns. People may have large amounts of cash for a variety of reasons: emergency fund, saving for a house down payment, planning to buy a new car, etc. We often see people accumulating cash in their checking account without really thinking about it. Particularly today, with short-term U.S. Treasury bonds paying upwards of 5% interest on an annualized basis, we view this as a missed opportunity to earn more interest.

There are many ways to potentially increase the amount of interest you receive on your cash savings while still investing in something that is low risk and readily transferable to your checking account within a few business days. While people commonly hold their cash within checking and savings accounts, we want to highlight three short-term, interest-bearing investments that can be held within your investment brokerage account:

*Sources: Average Interest-Bearing Checking Account and Average Savings Account: "Bankers Resource Center: National Rates and Rate Caps". FDIC, 20-May-2024,* *fdic.gov. Schwab Value Advantage Money Fund (SWVXX): "Schwab Value Advantage Money Fund® - Investor Shares". Charles Schwab, 31-May- 2024,* *schwabassetmanagement.com. One-Month Treasury Bill: "Daily Treasury Par Yield Curve Rates". U.S. Department of the Treasury, 31-May-2024,* *treasury.gov. Dimensional Ultrashort Bond ETF: "DUSB: Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF". Dimensional Fund Advisors, 31-May-2024,* *dimensional.com. Yield will not necessarily equal realized returns. See Important Disclosure Information.*

Money market fund: A mutual fund that continually invests in ultrashort-term (around one-month on average), high-quality bonds. Money market funds accrue interest daily (interest is typically paid monthly) and are not expected to fluctuate in price. As a mutual fund, they are subject to an expense ratio. A good proxy to determine how the interest rate of a money market fund may change over time is to take the interest of a one-month Treasury bill and subtract the expense ratio.
U.S. Treasuries: Treasury bills, notes, and bonds (Treasuries) are issued directly by the U.S. government for terms ranging from one month to thirty years, as detailed in the chart below. They are subject to federal income tax, but not state or local income tax. Treasury bonds are often cheaper to buy and hold than money market funds, though you have to decide what you want to do with the money when the Treasury matures. You can sell Treasuries before they mature, though the value does fluctuate if sold before maturity. You can buy Treasuries through most major investment brokerage platforms including Charles Schwab.
Ultrashort bond ETF: An ETF (exchange traded fund) that continually invests in ultrashort-term, investment-grade bonds. Ultrashort bond ETFs typically range in average maturity from three months to one year. Compared to a money market fund, ultrashort bond ETFs usually invest in slightly longer-term bonds and have more exposure to corporate bonds, though any additional risk is typically accompanied by higher expected interest. Many ultrashort bond ETFs have lower expense ratios than various money market funds. It is important to note that ultrashort bond ETFs will fluctuate in price to some degree.

With interest rates rising over the last few years, we have had a lot of conversations about cash with clients. If you would like to discuss ways you can earn more on your cash, please feel free to reach out to us.

Important Disclosure Information:

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.

Scott Savage 7/2/24 Scott Savage 7/2/24

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