Building Your Investment Policy Statement (IPS): The Fiduciary Approach to Strategy

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Fiduciary Blueprint for Your Portfolio In the world of institutional finance, every endowment, pension fund, and high-net-worth portfolio operates under a strict set of rules known as the Investment Policy Statement (IPS). The IPS is a written document that clearly … Read more

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Key Rules and Penalties after the SECURE Act

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Starting Age and the SECURE Act Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals that owners of certain tax-advantaged retirement accounts (such as Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other pre-tax contribution plans) must begin taking once they reach a specific age. … Read more

The Best M1 Finance Alternatives for Automated Investing

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Rise of Automated and Hybrid Investing M1 Finance pioneered the concept of DIY automated investing, allowing users to create custom “Pies” (portfolios) and then automate contributions and rebalancing. This platform sits in a unique space, bridging the gap between traditional … Read more

Understanding Expense Ratios: The Silent Killer of Investment Returns

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Invisible Drag on Your Portfolio In the world of mutual funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), the Expense Ratio (ER) is arguably the single most important metric for long-term investors. The expense ratio is the annual fee a fund company charges … Read more

How to Read an Insurance Policy: Decoding the Financial Jargon

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. Your Insurance Policy as a Legal Contract An insurance policy is a complex, legally binding contract that outlines the specific conditions under which the insurer (the company) agrees to protect the insured (you) against defined risks. It is structured into sections … Read more

The Hidden Cost of Annuities: Understanding Fees and Liquidity

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Complexity of Annuities Annuities are contracts between an individual and an insurance company, primarily designed to provide a steady income stream during retirement. They are often marketed as tax-deferred, risk-reducing instruments. However, annuities are among the most complex and fee-laden … Read more

Secured Credit Cards: Rebuilding Credit Wisely (Elijah Finn’s Step-by-Step Guide)

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. Your Path Back to Financial Health A low credit score or a past bankruptcy shouldn’t be a permanent barrier to financial stability. Secured Credit Cards are the most effective, ethical tool for rebuilding credit because they offer the functionality of a … Read more

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees: Your Guide to International Spending

Analysis by Elijah Finn, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Principal Analyst, Core Capital Report. The Hidden Cost of International Payments For U.S. travelers, whether for vacation or frequent business trips, few fees are as frustrating and unnecessary as the Foreign Transaction Fee (FTF). This is a surcharge levied by your credit card issuer (the bank) … Read more

Commercial General Liability Insurance Guide 2026: Protecting Your Business Assets

In the complex legal landscape of 2026, a single lawsuit can jeopardize the future of even the most successful enterprise. For small business owners and corporate executives alike, Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance is not just an optional expense; it is a foundational pillar of a robust risk management strategy. As inflation impacts legal costs … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Fast Invoice Factoring: Unlock Business Liquidity in 2026

In the modern financial landscape, liquidity is the lifeblood of any successful enterprise. However, for many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), a growing sales report doesn’t always translate to a healthy bank balance. The gap between delivering a service and receiving payment—often spanning 30, 60, or even 90 days—creates a “cash flow crunch” that can … Read more

Institutional Finance 2026: Navigating Investment Banking and B2B Liquidity Solutions

The corporate financial landscape of 2026 is defined by a shift from simple debt accumulation to surgical liquidity engineering. For high-growth enterprises and high-net-worth (HNW) founders, the standard banking relationship has evolved into a multi-layered architectural strategy. With the Federal Reserve stabilizing interest rates in the 3.50% – 3.75% range, the focus for 2026 has … Read more