This month we turn to one of the most enduring debates in wealth and investment planning: whether to deploy investable cash all at once (lump sum investing or LSI) or to stagger entry over time through dollar cost averaging (DCA). While the academic evidence tilts strongly toward lump-sum investing, the emotional calculus is more nuanced.

On July 4th, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, ushering in a mix of tax law extensions, new phaseouts, and planning opportunities. From new deductions, retained provisions from prior law, estate tax rules, and a new account type to save for children, here’s what pre-retirees and retirees need to know, why it matters and what to do.

For many approaching or in retirement, the portfolio becomes more than just a balance of stocks and bonds—it represents a cash flow lifeline and a potential legacy for future generations. So, it’s perfectly understandable to minimize anxiety, opting for stable returns and lower volatility. But what if that peace of mind comes at a cost? The cost of long-term financial opportunity? How can we balance these competing priorities?

This quarter’s market update from Chief Investment Officer Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, the JIC Beyond the Numbers blog “The Comfort of Conservative Investing: Balancing Peace of Mind with Long-Term Growth” by Managing Director of Northeastern Ohio Market and Senior Portfolio Manager, Anthony Kure, CFP®, and, as always, catch up on all of your JIC employee news.

CIO, Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, covers a whirlwind first half of 2025—from tariff shocks and geopolitical flare-ups to a major tax bill that could shape the years ahead. Despite the chaos, markets posted surprisingly strong returns, masking the risks still lurking beneath the surface. We also examine shifting investor sentiment and why now may be the time to stay alert, not complacent.

Jason Jackman, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Investment Counsel, presented the Patrick Chong Memorial Scholarship to two outstanding students, Melina Busken and Gretchen Phelps.

Current and former P&G employees can learn more about their Profit Sharing Trust (PST) distribution options during this informative webinar. Former P&G Finance/Brand Management employee, Mike Stanis, CFA, CFP®, MBA, is a Portfolio Manager and the Procter and Gamble (P&G) Retirement Plans Director at JIC. He spent 17+ years with P&G and will share what he learned about transitioning from P&G so that you can make the best decisions for your family.

For many nearing retirement, the decision to purchase an annuity isn’t about returns—it’s about peace of mind. But what are you really paying for that feeling of safety? With annuity sales reaching record highs, it's time to unpack the psychological tradeoffs, hidden costs, and key risks.

Johnson Investment Counsel is pleased to announce six new shareholders to the firm. The shareholders include: Joshua Basinger, CTFA®, Alex Bey, CFA, David Christian, CFA, CFP®, Christopher Godby, CFA, Joseph Henderson, CLU®, CFP®, and James Wineland, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®.

Timing your Social Security claim is a critical decision that impacts retirement cash flow, portfolio strategy, and long-term financial security. While delaying benefits can boost lifetime income, the right choice depends on personal health, lifestyle goals, and peace of mind—not just the numbers.