Market Update

Market fluctuations are an inherent aspect of the investment landscape, and 2025 has proven no different despite positive year to date returns in almost every category. Fluctuations in the market—including sell-offs triggered by trade policy concerns—may cause discomfort, but do not forget these are also opportunities to purchase quality assets at lower prices. Conversely, when markets rebound and achieve new peaks (such as now), it's normal to experience apprehension despite solid fundamental performance. 

In either case, we believe for the long term investor it's not wise to try to time or predict the "top" or the "peak" as more times than not investors get it wrong. History proves that in the longer term investors win more predictably staying fully invested even in an expensive bull market (which is what I would argue we are in now).

As we move into the final stretch of the year, our team is busy behind the scenes helping you stay on track with important year-end action items.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are RMD eligible, Steph has reached out to you to confirm your status and action plan for your 2025 distributions - whether those funds will be withdrawn in cash, reinvested, or directed to charity as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

If you’re of RMD age and hold other qualified accounts (such as IRAs outside of BridgeQuest), please be sure those distributions are taken by year-end. If you need help coordinating or confirming these, let us know—we’re happy to assist.

Year-End Planning Checklist

Now is also a great time to prepare for year-end financial opportunities and deadlines. Before the calendar turns, consider whether you need to update or make any changes to your situation and year-end tax planning. If you aren’t sure or if anything has changed in the following areas, let us know.

✅ IRA or Roth IRA contributions

✅ Roth conversions

✅ 529 plan contributions for education funding

✅ Charitable donations or QCDs

✅ Harvesting investment gains or losses

✅ Employer retirement plan deferrals (401(k), SEP, SIMPLE)

✅ Employer workplace benefits (open enrollment)

As you know, we work on these year-end items with you to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. If you need to discuss further any of the above items or explore any additional tax-saving ideas, just reach out to us.  

Thank you to everyone who attended our Jack Stack client appreciation event! We loved getting to connect and see so many familiar and new faces who stopped by!

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Matt Gazaway, CFP®  |   Greg Dillard, CFP®

(913) 276-7110

matt@bridgequest.com | greg@bridgequest.com

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