Building Your Wealth Bridge

In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, the team shifts to a quarterly market update, unpacking a volatile start to 2026 and the impact of recent geopolitical events on global markets. Financial Advisors William E. Will, CFA, and Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, provide perspective on recent headlines, historical context, and what it means for long-term investors.The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics:• Q1 2026 Market Recap: A breakdown of asset class performance, including the divergence between U.S. and international markets, and how a late-quarter selloff reshaped what had been a strong start to the year.• Geopolitical Shocks & Market Reactions: Insights into how events like oil shocks and global conflicts have historically impacted market, and why downturns are often short-lived despite heightened uncertainty.• Staying Invested Through Volatility: A reminder of how frequently market pullbacks occur, why timing the market is difficult, and how a long-term, diversified approach helps investors navigate periods of stress.• Long-Term Opportunities & Market Trends: A look at broader themes supporting future growth, including market broadening beyond mega-cap stocks, international momentum, AI investment, and evolving monetary policy.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.We hope this finds you well.Connect with us on LinkedIn: William Will, CFA : https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-will-cfa-5666811b3/Zac Morgan, CFA, CFP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-morgan-cfa-cfp%C2%AE-339745b1/The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.Registered Representatives offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory offered through AdvisorNet Wealth Partners. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 9480 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1, Mokena, IL 60448-8321

In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C McCabe, C.P.A, welcomes Kate and Charlie for an in-depth discussion on McCabe’s new property & casualty insurance partnership and why personal risk management has become an increasingly important part of protecting family wealth.George shares the origin story behind the partnership, explaining how growing client concerns around rising insurance costs, natural disasters, inadequate coverage, and evolving liability risks led the firm to explore this area more deeply. Kate then walks listeners through the behind-the-scenes process McCabe undertook to identify the right partner. One that is capable of serving clients across a broad range of wealth levels while delivering the high-touch service McCabe values.The conversation also explores how Charlie and his team approach personal insurance planning, why independent brokerage matters, and how proper policy design can help families protect against the catastrophic risks that can threaten an otherwise strong financial plan. From umbrella coverage and trust titling to multi-state properties and emerging lifestyle risks, the episode highlights why personal insurance can no longer be treated as a “set it and forget it” decision.The conversation includes a detailed discussion on the following topics:• Why McCabe Added a Property & Casualty Resource: How client questions around rising premiums, natural disasters, broker responsiveness, and liability exposure led McCabe to seek a specialized insurance partner.• The Partner Selection Process: Kate explains how McCabe evaluated whether to handle this work in-house, why outsourcing made more sense, and how a detailed RFP and interview process led to the selection of Charlie’s firm.• Independent vs. Captive Insurance Models: A discussion of the differences between brokers who represent one carrier versus independent advisers who can evaluate multiple companies and advocate for the client in both pricing and claims situations.• Why Insurance Needs Change as Wealth Grows: How increases in net worth can create new liability concerns, why many families may be underinsured, and why umbrella coverage often becomes more important over time.• The Importance of Annual Reviews: Why insurance should evolve as life changes—whether that means buying a home, adding trusts or LLCs, relocating to another state, renovating a property, or taking on new risks like home businesses or short-term rentals.• Today’s Personal Insurance Challenges: Charlie explains how inflation, severe weather, rebuilding costs, social inflation, and litigation trends have made personal insurance more nuanced and more important to review proactively.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in a future episode.We hope this finds you well.George is a Registered Representative of and securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through AdvisorNet Wealth Partners, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, AdvisorNet, and McCabe & Associates are not affiliated companies.Cetera Wealth Services LLC, exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not  provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representative may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. Kate Norris and Charlie Phillips are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by Kate and Charlie is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives.

In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP, welcomes Scott Bosworth, Head of the Speakers Bureau at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), for a behind-the-scenes look at Dimensional’s investment philosophy and history. Scott shares his nearly 30-year journey at Dimensional and explains why the firm has historically focused on working through professional advisors rather than direct-to-consumer marketing. The conversation also explores how Dimensional’s roots in academic research and evidence-based investing shaped its approach. An approach that differs from both traditional indexing and stock-picking active management.The conversation includes a detailed discussion on the following topics:• Who is Dimensional Fund Advisors? : Why do many clients see DFA on their statements but may not recognize the name, and how DFA’s advisor-focused model fits into a broader evolution toward holistic financial advice.• Dimensional’s Origins & the Indexing Story: A discussion of early index investing work (including the Wells Fargo era), the “Tune Out the Noise” documentary, and how Dimensional’s approach evolved beyond traditional index replication.• Indexing vs. Active vs. Dimensional’s Approach: How Scott frames the differences using a “prices, premiums, process” lens, and why Dimensional seeks to embrace market prices rather than ignore or disagree with them.• Implementation Matters: Why index reconstitutions can create trading challenges, and how Dimensional’s flexible and patient trading approach aims to improve execution and reduce costs.• The Role of Academic Research: Dimensional’s deep ties to University of Chicago finance research and how ongoing academic collaboration helps inform portfolio design and refinement.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in a future episode.We hope this finds you well.Scott Bosworth is not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by Scott Bosworth is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, or its registered representatives.Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP, 9480 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1Mokena, IL 60448-8321, 708.479.7755. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Service, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through AdvisorNet Wealth Partners, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

 In the latest episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe,CPA, Financial Advisor, is joined by Tim McCabe (Founder of McCabe & Associates) and Karlee Garcia (Private Client Relationship Manager at Black Cloak) for a practical, real world look at modern cybersecurity planning—especially for retirees and families navigating changing devices, routines, and risk. Tim shares his firsthand onboardingexperience with Black Cloak, and Karlee breaks down the key defensive tools & strategies and ongoing support members receive, including:• Privacy & Exposure Review: How Black Cloak helps identify where personal data iscirculating (data broker sites and dark web monitoring) and assists in reducing yourdigital footprint to help cut down risk—and even spam calls.• Home & Travel Security: A walkthrough of home Wi-Fi scanning for vulnerabilities,device risk defense, and using tools like a VPN to stay more secure on publicnetworks (airports, hotels, and beyond).• Everyday Threat Prevention Tools: Simple safeguards for modern habits, includingQR code scanning to detect malicious links and guidance on spam call blockers anddevice settings.• Action Items + White-Glove Concierge Support: Key defensive moves like freezingcredit and ChexSystems, setting up an IRS Identity PIN, using password managers,and upgrading MFA beyond text messages—plus 24/7 concierge help for incidents, suspicious messages, and proactive monitoring.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.We hope this finds you well.Karlee Garcia and Black Cloak are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services,LLC. Any information provided by Karlee Garcia and Black cloak is in no way related toCetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives. George and Tim McCabe areregistered Representatives of Cetera Wealth Services LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Theopinions contained in this material are those of the presenters, and not a recommendationor solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believedto be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Advisornet Wealth Partners, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 9480 ENTERPRISE DR STE 1 MOKENA, IL 60448 708-479-7755

In the latest episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, Ryan C. Gandurski, Financial Advisor, has a discussion with Lauren Bigham-Steele from Boomer Benefits.  Boomer Benefits is a firm that has been in business for over 20 years supporting clients across the country who are navigating the world of Medicare. The firm’s client service team offers assistance with all avenues of Medicare including going over different plan options, enrollment, claims and ensuring that clients are given accurate and resourceful information.Lauren explains how the Boomer Benefits team is able to provide a personalized experience for every client to ensure that his or her unique situation is carefully considered.Ryan and Lauren also dive into the differences between Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid plans.  They discuss what each plan is and some of the different services that are covered and not covered under each plan.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well

In the latest episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with Jonathan Tink, a loan officer at an independent mortgage bank, Compass Mortgage.  Jonathan explains the role of independent mortgage banks and joins George in a discussion on the following topics:· Factors loan officers look at to determine loan amounts, interest rates and what type of loan may be best suited for an investor· First-time home buyers· Different strategies to consider when purchasing a home including down payment percentage, mortgage insurance and monthly mortgage paymentsGeorge and Jonathan also discuss how debt can be viewed differently from person to person and how this may impact one’s approach to paying off a home.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well.

In episode 10 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with Tim Sanders, the owner and proprietor of Silent Donor. Silent Donor is an anonymous and user-friendly donation platform geared towards individuals who are interested in donating to charity in an anonymous way that maintains their privacy. Tim analyzed common grievances and privacy concerns shared amongst non-anonymous donors and realized the assistance that an anonymous donation platform could offer to all sorts of donors. The company was launched in 2019 and has since been able to help thousands of individuals, families and corporations send millions of dollars to charities around the world.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future. We hope this finds you well.

In episode 9 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, discusses filing for social security.  In the episode, he goes over three real life case studies he encountered in the last year which led to the recommendation of three different filing strategies.  Below are a few of the other topics he dives into:· Common reasons why individuals may choose to file for social security and begin collecting as early as possible, as late as they can or somewhere in between· The importance of understanding your options even before reaching early retirement filing age· Different factors advisors will look at and analyze for clients to better assist them with making a filing decision· Questions and concerns George has received from clients regarding social security As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well. This information may not be relied on for the purpose of determining your social security benefits or eligibility, or avoiding any federal tax penalties.  You are encouraged to seek advice from your own tax or legal professional.

In episode 8 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with Becky Thompson and David Haughton from “Wealth.com” to discuss the importance of estate planning, the “Wealth.com” platform and the technology solutions they offer to help clients navigate the process and feel confident in their estate plan.  Below are a few of the topics they dive into:·         Common reasons why people may not have an official estate plan in place·         The advantages of having your financial advisor involved in your estate  planning·         How “Wealth.com” strives to make estate planning more accessible, comprehensible and less of a burdenAs always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well.Becky Thompson and David Haughton are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.  Any information provided by Becky or David is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives.  GEORGE MCCABE offers Securities through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory Services offered through AdvisorNet Wealth Partners a registered investment adviser.  Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.Cetera Wealth Services, LLC exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, account or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

In episode 7 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, Financial Advisor, and William E. Will, CFA, Financial Advisor, sit down to recap the first half of the year in the markets and go over what can be expected during the second half of the year.  Below are a few of the topics discussed:• Performance of the U.S. and international stock markets during the first half of the year• The benefits of diversification within your portfolio• How the new Big Beautiful Bill may impact the markets going forwardAs always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well.A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.  The opinions are those of the writer/presenters, and not the recommendations or responsibility of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its representatives.Visit our Website: https://tcmccabe.com/New Client Inquiries and Second Opinion Service:https://tcmccabe.com/new-client-inquiry/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: William E. Will, CFA, Financial Advisor:   / william-will-cfa-5666811b3  Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, Financial Advisor:   / zac-morgan-cfa-cfp%c2%ae-339745b1  

In episode 6 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with BlackCloak, a third-party company that specializes in cybersecurity. Below are a few of the topics discussed:• Simple and effective measures individuals can put in place right away to help protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and become less of a target• The definition of cyber crime and examples of what information can be used to trick us, our devices, and third-party companies that we use• Red flags to look out for on our devices and next steps to take when necessary• Cybersecurity planning for high-net-worth families and executivesAs always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.  We hope this finds you well.BlackCloak is not affiliated or registered with Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.  Any information provided by them is in no way related to Cetera Advisor Networks LLC or its registered representatives.  Any information provided is that of BlackCloak.

In Episode 5 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, our advisors discuss the following:• William E. Will, CFA, Financial Advisor, speaks on the recent tariffs making headlines and offers some historical perspective on news events of the past and how they have impacted the stock market.• Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP, Financial Advisor, dives a little deeper into market corrections, the importance of diversification and where the U.S. and international markets stand today as we enter the second quarter of 2025.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future. We hope this finds you well.

In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, is joined by colleagues Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, Financial Advisor, and Ryan Gandurski, Financial Advisor, for a comprehensive start-of-the-year planning discussion. With 2024 in the books, the team outlines how investors can use January as a strategic reset! Reviewing investments, refining tax strategies, strengthening cybersecurity, and preparing for the most important decade of retirement planning.The conversation moves beyond market headlines to focus on the broader financial picture! Helping both retirees and wealth builders prioritize what truly matters as a new year begins.The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics:• Your January Financial Planning Checklist: George walks through five key areas to revisit at the start of each year—investment rebalancing and RMD planning, early retirement account contributions, proactive tax review, estate plan updates, cybersecurity safeguards, and insurance coverage adjustments.• The Case for Global Diversification: Zac analyzes global market capitalization data and recent performance trends to explain why concentrating solely in U.S. stocks can create unnecessary risk, highlighting historical examples like Japan’s multi-decade recovery and the importance of owning companies worldwide.• The Psychology and Strategy of Retirement Distribution Planning: Ryan explores the shift from saving to spending in retirement, outlining key age milestones (59½, 62, 65, 70, and 73), safe withdrawal considerations, and why the 60–70 window is one of the most critical, and emotionally challenging financial planning periods of an investor’s life.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.We hope this finds you well.9480 Enterprise Dr, Suite 1Mokena, IL 60448708-479-7755Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Service, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through AdvisorNet Wealth Partners, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

 In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with Chris Quandt (from Nitrogen, formerly Riskalyze) to explore how technology can help investors and advisors build a clearer, more confident approach to managing portfolio risk. Together, they unpack Nitrogen’s origin story and why the firm is focused on creating a “common language” around risk—so clients can make informed decisions in the short term while staying committed to their long-term plan. The conversation highlights how tools like Nitrogen can turn abstract risk labels into practical, personalized insights—helping investors understand what “normal” portfolio performance can look like, especially during volatile markets. The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics: • Building a Common Language Around Risk: Chris explains why Nitrogen was created— to translate vague terms like “conservative” or “aggressive” into a clear, shared framework advisors and clients can actually use. • The Risk Number + 6-Month Range Framework: The discussion breaks down Nitrogen’s “Risk Number” (1–99) and how the six-month performance range helps set realistic expectations for upside and downside—reducing fear-driven decisions when markets get choppy. • Stress Tests and Ongoing Client Check-Ins: George and Chris discuss how scenario testing (e.g., 2008-style downturns) and automated check-ins help clients stay engaged, communicate concerns early, and avoid reactive moves during market swings. As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future. We hope this finds you well. 

In episode 2 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, the team continues their conversational format with a timely discussion on two themes showing up often in client conversations: investing during an election year and gifting strategies for family support. George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, is joined by colleagues William E. Will, CFA, Financial Advisor and Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, Financial Advisor, to share historical context and practical planning insights.The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics:• Election Years & Market Reality: A look at long-term market history across different administrations—and why investment decisions shouldn’t hinge on political outcomes.• Volatility, Investor Behavior, and Cash: How uncertainty can drive investors into money markets, why market timing is difficult, and what shifting rate expectations could mean for portfolios.• Diversification Over Time: Why time horizon matters, how stocks and bonds behave differently, and how a diversified approach can reduce the “range of outcomes.”• Gifting & Estate Planning Basics: Annual gifting rules, when gift tax returns apply, strategies for helping children (including home purchases and intrafamily loans), and why potential 2026 exemption changes are on some families’ radar.As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future.We hope this finds you well. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a decline market. The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that is accurate or complete. 9480 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1 Mokena, IL 60448-8321. 708-479-7755.

 Episode Description: Diversification & Beneficiary Planning In episode 1 of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, the team debuts a new conversational format designed to pull back the curtain on the financial planning topics they discuss week in and week out at the office. George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, is joined by colleagues William E. Will, CFA, Financial Advisor and Zachary B. Morgan, CFA, CFP®, Financial Advisor, to dive deep into investment strategies and essential estate planning safeguards. The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics: • The Reality of Diversification: Will analyzes asset class returns from 2009–2023 to show how a diversified "middle path" creates a smoother, more successful longterm investment experience. • The S&P 500 vs. Global Allocation: Zac explains how a global 60/40 portfolio can outperform the S&P 500 over 20 years by minimizing losses during market downturns. • Common Estate Planning Pitfalls: George identifies frequent beneficiary mistakes, such as the high tax costs of naming a trust as an IRA beneficiary. • Protecting Your Legacy: The team examines the "fine print" of beneficiary forms, highlighting how Per Stirpes designations can protect your assets for future generations. As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future. We hope this finds you well.