Career change has become one of the defining characteristics of the modern workforce, leading to a significant issue for millions of Americans: the potential loss of 401(k) funds through oversight or lack of information. The reality for those with various employers is that untracked retirement savings might lead to missed financial growth opportunities and instability. Diligent oversight and management of these retirement accounts is essential for anyone aiming to build a solid financial foundation for a comfortable and secure retirement. The Reality of Unclaimed 401(k) Funds Bankrate shared t ..read more

Signed into law in 1956 by then President Dwight Eisenhower, the Federal Highway Act created the Interstate Highway System, which would become the largest and costliest public works project in history.  Measuring almost 48,000 miles in total distance, the Interstate Highway System was completed only in 1992, more than three decades after work began, and for a total cost in today’s dollars of more than $500 billion. (source:  Wikipedia Commons)   Inspired in large part by the German Autobahn, President Eisenhower envisioned a coast-to-coast network of high-quality paved highways ..read more

Small business owners are always on the lookout for strategies to not just survive but thrive in Kansas City. One powerful tool that might not be on every entrepreneur’s radar — but definitely should be — is a 401k plan. Aside from just being a retirement savings option, a 401k for small business owners can be a game-changer that offers benefits extending well beyond your future financial security and that of your employees. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or are seeking ways to strengthen your business’s financial footing, understanding the multifaceted advantages of ..read more

Will you end up paying too much in ordinary income taxes for company stock in your 401(k) plan?  As a seasoned employee with a diverse array of financial commitments, Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) within your 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) offers a pathway to significant tax savings and aligns perfectly with your multifaceted financial goals. Whether your objectives include paying off a mortgage, funding a college education or preparing for significant family events, understanding and utilizing NUA can greatly enhance your financial strategy, providing immediate and l ..read more

“What makes a rock pit valuable is that nobody else can compete with it.  The nearest rival owner from two towns over isn’t going to haul his rock into your territory because the trucking bills would eat up all his profit.  No matter how good the rocks are in Chicago, no Chicago rock-pit owner can ever invade your territory in Brooklyn or Detroit.  Due to the weight of the rocks, aggregates are an exclusive franchise.  You don’t have to pay a dozen lawyers to protect it.” -Peter Lynch in One Up On Wall Street, 1989 What Peter Lynch observed thirty-five years ago is sti ..read more

For human resource (HR) managers, curating a benefits package that resonates with the workforce boosts talent attraction, enhances employee retention and fosters a thriving organizational culture. Who would want to leave a company that takes care of its people? The strategic management of employee benefits is vital in creating an outstanding workplace. Additionally, this strategy offers tangible benefits to the company, including enhanced productivity, a stronger employer brand and potential financial incentives like tax benefits. How can HR professionals craft a benefits strategy that aligns ..read more

From 1998 through 2022, revenues for the domestic pest control industry have grown at around 6%, a rate roughly 50% higher than nominal GDP over the same period: What’s more, the industry has proven resilient, showing year-over-year growth despite such economic headwinds as the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, the COVID19 pandemic, and so on: In the episode of The Preferred Shares Podcast, we discuss the birth and evolution of the modern pest control industry as experienced by Orkin, the first pest control company with first a regional, then national, presence. Please check out Ep ..read more

Privately held Mars Incorporated is one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, yet relatively little is known about the highly secretive company.  Please enjoy this episode of The Preferred Shares Podcast as we discuss the history of Mars Incorporated, the life and legacy of founder Forrest Mars, and lessons learned from this fascinating corporate story.   Link to the podcast episode and shownotes: Mars Incorporated: Inside America’s Most Secretive Consumer Goods Empire     Disclaimer All opinions expressed by Preferred Shares hosts and guests are solely thei ..read more

The yield on the ten year Treasury note briefly passed 5% recently, the highest yield on the ten year note since before the financial crisis of 2007 – 2009.  This surge in yields has led some commentators to argue that bonds now appear attractive relative to stocks, given that a 5% yield on government backed bonds compares favorably to the S&P 500, which now has an earnings yield (the inverse of the P/E ratio) of ~5.5% if you use a forward earnings yield, or ~5% if you use a trailing earnings yield. Put another way, does the surge in interest rates of the last couple years make bonds ..read more

Please enjoy Episode 2 of The Preferred Shares Podcast which discusses the story of Simplicity Pattern, a simple sewing company started just before the Great Depression that rose to great heights during the Nifty Fifty period:   From Great Depression to Nifty Fifty:  The Little Known Story Of Simplicity Pattern   Disclaimer All opinions expressed by Preferred Shares hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of their respective employers. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon ..read more