PUBLICATIONS
INSIGHTS
Our Insights are published online on a regular basis. In them, we share our insights ranging from the macroeconomy to our personal interests.
Beyond that, we also publish our reports on a quarterly basis, in which we share our perspective on the state of the financial markets and our thoughts on investing.
Google: The AI Company: The Complete History and Strategy
21 November 2025 by Jeb Breece
In Google’s 2015 Founder’s letter, CEO Sundar Pichai, presciently stated “looking to the future…we will move from a mobile first to an AI first world.” And while AI has quietly shown up in Google’s products for years, it wasn’t until the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 that the average consumer could see this future.
As the on-ramp to the internet for most of the world, there is a lot at stake for Google in this transition. In a recent episode of the podcast “Acquired”, the hosts did a deep dive on the evolution of AI at Google, the challenges presented by its incumbent position and Google’s opportunities to win. We recommend listening to “Google: The AI Company: The Complete History and Strategy”, but for those who don’t want to commit four hours to it, we’ve included a summary…generated by Gemini, of course.
The Job Market’s Quiet Countertrend
21 November 2025 by John Raggio
Media is rife with stories about the threat AI poses to job security. “Which Workers Will A.I. Hurt Most” wondered the New York Times in July. A recent article in Variety was less circumspect: “Rise of the AI Job Killing Machines”. Companies from Ford and UPS to Shopify and Duolingo have stated that AI is likely to reduce headcount. Yet, some employers in essential sectors are struggling to fill positions. A number of hospital systems and other businesses have begun building hiring pipelines by working directly with high schools. New York State’s largest private employer, Northwell Health, is among them. Cannell and Spears partner, John Raggio has been a volunteer at Northwell for over ten years. Here he shares his perspective on this creative way of nurturing and training a workforce for the future.
Ready, Set… Give!
21 November 2025 by Alina Carlson
This year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is changing the deductibility of charitable donations for both itemized filers and those who take the standard deduction. Therefore, charitable giving is one of those items that warrants staying on the 2025 to-do list, particularly for those who itemize their deductions. While the primary driver for charitable giving should inherently be about supporting an organization that one cares about, taxpayers who itemize have the added advantage of some tax savings.
The industrial revolution 2.0
10 october 2025 by Joe werner
Our partner, Joe Werner, has been at the forefront of investing in the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He is of the school of thought that the transformative impact of the AI revolution that is now upon us draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, which dramatically changed society and the economy. In his letter, "The Industrial Revolution 2.0", dated October 10, 2025, Joe expresses his thoughts about AI and its impact on his investment decisions.
CASH BALANCE PLAN
20 August 2025 by John Raggio
At Cannell & Spears, most of our clients share the same big goals—grow their wealth, minimize taxes, and invest wisely for retirement. One of the most effective tools we use to help them get there is the cash balance plan. These plans are widely used by successful small business owners, professional practices, and high-income earners who want to accelerate retirement savings and manage their tax burden.
What joe werner did on his summer vacation…
20 August 2025 by Joseph Werner
On a recent trip to England, Joseph Werner visited the Salisbury Cathedral where one of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta is on exhibition. The Magna Carta was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law. It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power and placed limits to royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.
ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT
20 August 2025 by William Herrman
With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, there are some notable provisions. We want to bring your attention to some that are likely to impact discussions with your tax advisor and Cannell & Spears.
Keeping your affairs in order
30 Oct 2024 by Jennifer B. Lynn
We work closely with our clients across the various stages of their life, and we've observed a common challenge: when facing deeply emotional situations, such as a serious illness or the loss of a loved one, families are often burdened with a significant number of administrative tasks.
To ease this transition, we’ve put together the following checklist of key documentation and information you (and you spouse/partner, if applicable) should have up-to-date and at the ready to help prepare for life’s inevitable changes.
Roth IRAs: To Do or Not to Do
16 Oct 2024 by Alina Carlson, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
While speaking to many of our clients, I've found Roth IRAs have been somewhat of an enigma. What's not often discussed are the potential ways in which a Roth IRA can be used as a tool for yours/your children's long term financial success. Depending on multiple factors, you may be able to lessen your overall tax burden and contribute more tax-friendly dollars.
Grandparents: Gold In your Hearts & Maybe in your Pockets
31 July 2024 by Rob Raich
16 October 2024 by Michele Cleary & Rob Raich (Podcast)
Recently, one of our team members at Cannell & Spears became a first-time grandparent, an incredibly special experience. Today, after decades of stock market and home value appreciation, grandparents are often able to give more than just the gold in their hearts – they can be a big financial help as well.
We often get questions from new grandparents about the best way to help. While everyone’s circumstances are different, these are some ideas.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
The 10 Financial Decisions to Make the Most of your 20s
05 june 2024 by Jennifer B. Lynn
25 July 2024 by Jennifer B. Lynn & Aashumi Mody (Podcast)
Personal finance in your 20s can lay the ground for your financial success and stability, but it can be a little overwhelming to navigate at the outset. What do you do with that first paycheck? Should you contribute to your 401k? When should you start investing? In what stocks?
The questions to consider and actions to take are plenty, so we’ve put together a guide to help you begin your financial journey. The most important rule? Get started.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
How we think about Stocks
10 April 2024 by Paul Wartman
07 June 2024 by Bob Morgenthau & Jeb Breece (podcast)
Clients sometime ask why we don’t own a particular stock; usually the stock in question is a highflyer that has been in the news and just made an enormous move in price. Or they might ask if we are considering the purchase of a fallen angel, a revered company that the market believes has lost its way.
To answer, it is important to note that a “good company” does not always make for a “good stock” just as a “bad stock” does not always make for a “bad company”. It is really a discussion of Price vs Value.
We explored this topic in further detail in our Beyond Dollars Podcast. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Inherited IRA 2024s: The Pros, Cons & Considerations
28 March 2024 by Will Herrman & Alina Carlson
We dived deeper into the topic of Inherited or Beneficiary IRA's with our very own: Will Herrman & Alina Miska Carlson, CFP®. We go over some of the changes in the Secure Act since 2019, potential advantages, items to verify and key considerations. Please note, this topic is particularly sensitive to individual circumstances, so please consult your advisory team accordingly.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Personal Finance: IRa “Cheat SHeet”
13 February 2024 by Will Herrman & Alina Carlson
Given the evolving nature of IRA regulations, we’ve created our own “cheat sheet” on things to remember. As always, each of these will depend on individual circumstances, so please consult your advisory team accordingly.
investing, tax and estate planning
15 APRIL 2022
Perspectives on investing, tax and estate planning for 2022 with Cannell & Co. and Fiduciary Trust Company International.