Eclectic Associates

If you have a living trust, you may have been told to name it as the beneficiary of your retirement accounts. The reasoning sounds logical: The trust already has instructions for who gets what, so why not run everything through it?

In practice, it's not always the right move. We've put together a clear breakdown of how to think through this decision, including what usually makes sense for different family situations and what questions are worth asking before you finalize any designation.

https://bit.ly/4n0LyXC

Think Twice Before Naming Your Trust as Beneficiary — Eclectic Associates, Inc. We updated our guide on naming your trust as a retirement account beneficiary. Learn when it helps and when a simpler approach may serve you better.

Q1 had a lot to absorb: conflict overseas, gas prices near 2022 highs, and a stock market that pulled back from last year's gains.

We've published our first quarter letter to share where things stand. The takeaway? Diversification matters. Staying the course matters. And having a plan built for moments like this one, not just the good ones, matters most of all.

If you'd like to talk through your financial plan, we're here.

https://bit.ly/3O2IJZ9

2026 First Quarter Letter — Eclectic Associates, Inc. We share our Q1 2026 investment perspective, including thoughts on market volatility, geopolitical risk, and why a disciplined long-term approach matters.

Roth conversions can create meaningful tax advantages, but the details matter more than most people expect.

There is an opportunity to reduce lifetime taxes and gain flexibility, especially when timing and income are carefully considered.

The challenge is navigating rules, unexpected tax interactions, and decisions that cannot be reversed.

With thoughtful planning, a Roth conversion can become a cornerstone of a stronger retirement strategy.

https://bit.ly/46VB5py

7 Roth Conversion Pitfalls — Eclectic Associates, Inc. Roth conversions can save you thousands, but only if done right. Discover seven costly pitfalls to avoid before making your next conversion.

2025 reminded us that market leadership can shift, sometimes quietly.

While a few well-known tech names lagged, sectors like industrials, utilities, and financials stepped into the spotlight.

Global stocks surged as the dollar softened, and bond funds delivered steady, positive returns.

Strong earnings and a resilient consumer helped keep momentum going.

Looking back, it wasn’t just a good year. It was a different kind of year.

https://bit.ly/4a2AzXv

2025 Fourth Quarter Letter — Eclectic Associates, Inc. A look back at 2025’s resilient markets, highlighting equity returns, global growth, valuation trends, and what today’s bond yields could mean going forward.