--- title: News description: Offering you expert advice to help you prepare for your financial future. --- ![header shape](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CPS_Investment_February2023/images/header-shape.png) ![header illustration arc](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CPS_Investment_February2023/images/header-arc-shape.svg) [![CPS Invest](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/hubfs/CPS_Investment_February2023/images/header-logo.svg) ![CPS Invest slogan ](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/hubfs/CPS_Investment_February2023/images/header-logo-slogan.svg)](https://cpsinvest.com/) [CLIENT PORTAL](https://login.orionadvisor.com/) - - - - [About](https://cpsinvest.com/#) - [Who We Are](https://cpsinvest.com/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://cpsinvest.com/our-team/) - [Our Community](https://cpsinvest.com/our-community/) - [Recognitions & Awards](https://cpsinvest.com/recognitions-awards/) - [Business 401(k) Plans](https://cpsinvest.com/business-401k-plans/) - [Services](https://cpsinvest.com/services/) - [CPAlliance®](https://cpalliance.com/) - [News](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/) - [Contact](https://cpsinvest.com/contact/) # News ## [Announcing Our New President](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/announcing-cps-investment-advisors-new-president) #### By CPS Investment Advisors | January 6, 2025 As CPS Investment Advisors marks its 50th anniversary, the firm is proud to announce the promotion of Michael A. Riskin, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MST, to President. [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/announcing-cps-investment-advisors-new-president) ## [Tax Considerations for Effective Estate Planning](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/tax-considerations-estate-planning) #### By Derek M. Oxford | **CFP®, AEP®**Financial Advisor December 11, 2024 In the financial planning community, there's a saying: “Don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.” This phrase humorously illustrates the idea of a dog’s tail wagging the dog, rather than the other way... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/tax-considerations-estate-planning) ## [Financial Year End Checklist](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/financial-year-end-checklist-2024) #### By Sterling J. Searcy, Jr. | **CPA**Financial Advisor November 27, 2024 Welcome to the final months of 2024! Before we close this year, let’s make sure we optimize your finances with the following checklist. Please, contact your advisor for specific guidance. [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/financial-year-end-checklist-2024) ## [Positioning Your Portfolio for Policy Changes](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/positioning-your-portfolio-for-policy-changes) #### By Patrick E. Gauthier | **CFP®, MSAPM**Chief Investment Officer November 26, 2024 Investors are no strangers to the ripple effects of policy changes. Whether it’s new tax laws, shifts in monetary policy, or regulatory adjustments, these changes can stir uncertainty in the markets.... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/positioning-your-portfolio-for-policy-changes) ## [Year-End Financial Planning: Focus on What You Can Control](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/year-end-financial-planning-focus-on-what-you-can-control) #### By Patrick E. Gauthier | **CFP®, MSAPM**Chief Investment Officer November 25, 2024 As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to get distracted by news cycles, elections, and policy speculation. However, the most successful financial plans are built on consistent, disciplined actions,... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/year-end-financial-planning-focus-on-what-you-can-control) ## [Obtaining an Estimate of Your Social Security Benefits](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/obtaining-an-estimate-of-your-social-security-benefits) #### By Richard D. Bernard | **MBA, CFP®**Financial Advisor Government Pensions November 24, 2024 It’s important to know what your income will be when you retire, and for many of us, an important part of that income will be our Social Security retirement benefit. Your monthly benefit will be... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/obtaining-an-estimate-of-your-social-security-benefits) ## [The Social Security Crisis: How Did it Happen?](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/the-social-security-crisis-how-did-it-happen) #### By Richard D. Bernard | **MBA, CFP®**Financial Advisor Government Pensions November 23, 2024 Most of us have heard the news about the challenges facing Social Security. Since 2010, tax and other noninterest income have not fully covered program costs, and since 2021 benefits paid have... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/the-social-security-crisis-how-did-it-happen) ## [Understanding Probate: How to Avoid It and Protect Your Assets](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/understanding-and-avoiding-probate) #### By Derek M. Oxford | **CFP®, AEP®**Financial Advisor November 9, 2024 Whether or not you know it, you have a lifetime exemption that protects your estate from paying taxes on assets you owned in life below a certain threshold. Assets exceeding this exemption may be... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/understanding-and-avoiding-probate) ## [The Social Security Crisis: The Shrinking Trust Fund](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/the-social-security-crisis-the-shrinking-trust-fund) #### By Richard D. Bernard | **MBA, CFP®**Financial Advisor Government Pensions November 4, 2024 There has been much talk lately about the projections that the Social Security system may have to slash benefits in 2034 when the current $2.7 trillion Social Security Trust Fund is exhausted. This... [Read More](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/the-social-security-crisis-the-shrinking-trust-fund) ## [Estate Planning: 4 Essential Steps To Get Started](https://blog.cpsinvest.com/4-essential-estate-planning-steps) #### By Derek M. Oxford | **CFP®, AEP®**Financial Advisor October 8, 2024 If you've experienced a family member passing without a proper estate plan in place, you understand the challenges surviving relatives face when trying to unravel finances, final wishes, and more.... 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