Insights

5 Trends Influencing Legacy Giving

Manning & Napier — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:58:11 GMT

Legacy giving is often associated with the ultra-high-net-worth, but the truth is that it includes a far broader group of individuals. In reality, people from a wide range of financial backgrounds choose to leave a charitable legacy. They’re not just motivated by wealth, they’re driven by values, relationships, and long‑term impact.

Retiring Soon? What the Numbers Won’t Tell You

Manning & Napier — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:49:39 GMT

After years of careful planning, most people approaching retirement feel something they didn't quite expect. It’s not anxiety - more like curiosity and possibly some uncertainty. The numbers work. The plan is solid. And yet there's still a question underneath it all:

3 Costly Estate Planning Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Manning & Napier — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Estate planning is one of the most important – and often overlooked – areas of wealth management. The stakes are particularly high: not having an up-to-date, comprehensive estate plan can result in financial losses, family disputes, and a long, costly probate process. Regardless, many people continue to make avoidable mistakes that can profoundly affect their wealth and legacy.

Our May Perspective

Manning & Napier — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:32:27 GMT

What’s New

Major equity indices have quicky recovered from first quarter losses – despite little progress in resolving the conflict with Iran and the fact that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to tanker traffic. Even the oil futures market is reflecting optimism of a return to more normal conditions in the months ahead with October 2026 light crude contracts trading under $85 a barrel.

How Donor Events Can Drive Planned Giving

Manning & Napier — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For non-profit development teams, donor events are familiar territory and play a consistent role in strengthening relationships. Recently, we have seen organizations find success in shifting the use of donor events as long-term strategic levers rather than primarily near-term engagement tools.

Five Ways to Spring-Clean Your Finances

Manning & Napier — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Spring cleaning implies neglect – things that are left too long are finally addressed. That framing doesn’t quite fit when it comes to finances. In most cases, they are anything but neglected. They’re active, evolving, and layered with decisions made over decades.

Collective Investment Trusts – An Important Fiduciary Consideration

Manning & Napier — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In recent years, many employers have frozen their defined benefit plans as 401(k) and other defined contribution plans have grown to become the primary retirement savings vehicles. Given that popularity, the structure and cost of 401(k) plans has come under greater scrutiny, resulting in an increase in lawsuits – many focused on excessive plan fees. Since 2016, over 600 excessive fee and imprudent investment lawsuits have been filed against ERISA defined contribution plans. Some of these cases specifically mention the consideration of lower cost Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) as an alternative to mutual funds. CITs are often less expensive to create/maintain and may be more flexible than their mutual fund counterparts given that they are subject to a different regulatory framework. While this may be a benefit to their fee structure, it can also be challenging because CITs often suffer misconceptions when compared to mutual funds. Below are the most common misconceptions and frequently asked questions by fiduciaries.

Investment Stewardship: Two Areas Boards Should Focus On

Manning & Napier — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Non-profit boards devote significant attention to overseeing budgets, programs, and strategy. Yet another responsibility deserves equal focus: the stewardship of the organization’s investment assets.

Should I Do a Roth Conversion This Year?

Manning & Napier — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Roth IRAs are more than just retirement accounts; they are also a powerful tax-advantaged savings vehicle, making them a strategic tool for tax-planning. By creating a pool of assets that can grow and be distributed tax-free, Roth accounts add flexibility to how and when income is recognized. That flexibility can help manage tax brackets and Medicare premium surcharges in retirement, reduce the impact of Required Minimum Distributions, and enhance the after-tax value of assets passed to beneficiaries.

Why You Need to Stress Test Your Financial Plan

Manning & Napier — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Financial success is rarely the result of a single good decision, and instead is the culmination of disciplined planning, thoughtful risk management, and the ability to adapt as circumstances change.