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This Month’s Trending Topics

 

Estate Planning Tip: Transferring Your Vehicle at Death (TOD) in Ohio

Adding a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation to your vehicle title in Ohio is a simple step that can help your heirs avoid probate, making the transfer faster, easier, and less expensive. Here's how it works:

  1. Visit your local Clerk of Courts Title Office (this is different from the BMV license branch, although they're often located nearby).
  2. Bring your current vehicle title and a valid government-issued photo ID.
  3. Complete the Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation/Removal Affidavit.
  4. Pay the required title fee (generally around $15, plus any applicable taxes or fees).
  5. Receive your new title showing the TOD beneficiary designation.

A few important points:

  • You remain the sole owner during your lifetime. The beneficiary has no ownership rights until after your death.
  • You can change or revoke the designation at any time by applying for a new title.
  • Upon your death, the vehicle passes directly to the named beneficiary, allowing it to avoid probate.

Most people remember to name beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other financial assets. Vehicles, however, are often overlooked and may unnecessarily become part of the probate process. If your vehicle is titled solely in your name, adding a TOD designation is a simple estate planning step that can make things easier for your loved ones.

Trump Accounts

Trump Accounts, created as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, became available on July 4, 2026. They are designed to encourage long term investing for children and provide families with another way to save for a child's future.

Key Points

  • Eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 receive a one-time $1,000 government contribution (no income limits apply).
  • Family and friends can make additional contributions, subject to annual limits.
  • Investments grow tax-deferred.
  • Funds are intended to help pay for future expenses such as education, buying a first home, or starting a business.

Is a Trump Account Right for You?

A Trump Account may be an attractive option for families with young children who want to take advantage of the $1,000 government contribution and begin saving for the long term. However, because the accounts have contribution limits, investment restrictions and rules governing withdrawals, they may not be the best fit for every family. Depending on your goals, other savings options, such as a 529 plan or other investment accounts, may provide greater flexibility. As always, the right choice depends on your family's goals and unique circumstances. Please let us know if you’d like to discuss the particulars.

 

First Half of 2026 Market Recap

The first half of 2026 has been marked by significant headline-driven market uncertainty, from geopolitical events and trade policy to inflation concerns. Given the steady stream of negative news, many investors may have expected stocks to be lower at the midpoint of the year. Instead, the S&P 500 has delivered positive returns, reaching multiple new all-time highs during the first half of the year, supported by continued strength in corporate earnings. While there were periods of volatility along the way, investors who were able to look past the headlines and remain focused on their long-term investment plan have been rewarded.

Key takeaways from the first half of the year:

  • Stocks continued to move higher overall. Despite periodic pullbacks, the market remained resilient and was supported by solid corporate earnings and a healthy US economy.
  • Technology and artificial intelligence remained major drivers. Technology and companies involved in artificial intelligence continued to lead much of the market's gains as investors remained optimistic about AI-related growth.
  • Earnings mattered more than headlines. While news surrounding tariffs, interest rates, inflation and global events created short-term market swings, company earnings continued to be one of the biggest factors supporting stock prices.
  • International stocks showed encouraging strength. After trailing US markets for several years, many international markets posted solid results, highlighting the benefits of maintaining global diversification.
  • Bonds provided income and stability. Although interest rate expectations shifted throughout the first half of the year, bonds continued to play an important role by generating income and helping reduce overall portfolio volatility.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the second half of the year, uncertainty remains. Investors continue to watch inflation, interest rates, corporate earnings, government policy and geopolitical events. While these factors may lead to periods of volatility, history has shown that markets have successfully navigated many different economic and political environments over time.

As summer continues, remember to spend more time enjoying family, friends, vacations and the experiences that matter most with less time worrying about the day-to-day movements of the market. Short-term headlines will always come and go, but your financial plan is designed with the long term in mind. We'll continue monitoring your investments and making thoughtful adjustments when appropriate, so you can focus on enjoying life and the financial future you've worked hard to build.

 

This material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only.  Views expressed in this newsletter may not reflect the views of Osaic Wealth, Inc.  It is our goal to help investors by identifying changing market conditions.  However, investors should be aware that no financial advisor can accurately predict all of the changes that may occur in the market.   This material should not be relied upon as investment advice.  Investors should note that there are risks inherent in all investments, such as fluctuations in investment principal.   There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will outperform a non-diversified portfolio in any given market environment. This article contains forward looking statements and projections.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Neither Osaic Wealth, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax or legal advice.  If you don’t wish to receive marketing emails from this sender, please reply to this email with the word REMOVE in the subject line.