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These are financial topics we have discussed both amongst ourselves and with our clients. We found them interesting, enlightening, or thought-provoking and want to share these topics with you.

Stablecoin Cryptocurrencies

Spinelli Financial Advisors | August 2025

Stablecoin Cryptocurrencies have been a hot topic in the finance industry lately. What is this new and growing technology rapidly gaining interest and what does it do?

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Are Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) Right For Your Retirement Account?

Spinelli Financial Advisors | August 2021

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are a type of Treasury security issued by the U.S. government. TIPS are indexed to inflation in order to protect investors from a decline in the purchasing power of their money, but are they right for you, right now?

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This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. This content does not contain any solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Spinelli Financial Advisors or any third party to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction.

Stablecoin cryptocurrencies

Spinelli Financial Advisors | August 2025

What are stablecoins? 

With the passing of the GENIUS Act of 2025 under the current administration, stablecoins have become a buzzing topic in the finance industry. The act iself establishes a legal framework for stablecoins, which functionally are cryptocurrencies tied in value with an asset backing it. For example, every 1 US stablecoin will be backed by $1 in real US assets such US Treasury securities. Since stablecoins are required to be backed by actual assets under the GENIUS Act, they can be redeemed with the cryptocurrency issuer for the asset they are backed by.

Cryptocurrencies themselves are digital assets that can be freely exchanged in near real time between senders and recipients without downtime like a traditional market. Rather than being maintained by a traditional central market with operating hours, stablecoins instead are maintained with computerized blockchain technology among all users of the stablecoin itself. This technology can have significant implications in how business is conducted.


What is the point of a stablecoin tied to the US Dollar?

Theoretically, widespread adoption of a US Dollar stablecoin will indirectly increase demand for US treasuries. As demand for stablecoins increase due to usage more stablecoins will need to be issued to meet than demand. As more US stablecoins get issued, more US Dollars will need to be purchased in order to provide backing for newly the issued US Stablecoins. 

Generally, in international business, currencies are commonly transacted and exchanged between countries to sell and purchase goods. However, the US Dollar has a special status as the global reserve currency as it is the most widely used currency for international trade. Establishment of a US stablecoin can provide businesses another medium to transact in US Dollars with less friction and downtime traditional foreign currencies have, thus further cementing the US Dollar’s status as the global reserve currency by strengthening the demand for US Dollars. 

What effect can this have on existing companies and businesses?

There are effects stablecoins can have on payment processing companies as such as Visa and Mastercard. Payment processors typically charge a fee and derive significant revenue for processing payments on behalf of businesses when a customer uses a credit card or debit card. US Stablecoin issuers have a significant opportunity to undercut payment processors leveraging by blockchain technology in terms of fees and clear payments in real time which is much faster than traditional payment methods like credit cards and debit cards. This can present significant value to businesses as an alternative payment method by reducing costs while at the same time providing faster access to liquidity as businesses operate.

Closing Remarks

There is no doubt stablecoins can catalyze a paradigm shift in the way money is transacted for businesses in the future. As physical cash slowly but surely becomes a relic of the past and digitization continues to progress, stablecoins can potentially be the payment method of the next generation. 

This is one of the many countless current topics we at Spinelli Financial Advisors consider as we invest and manage money for our clients. We hope that you will consider us as your financial advisor. Please contact us at the following link https://spinfa.com/contact-us/ or call 732-564-9404.

About the Author | Spinelli Financial Advisors

We are a fiduciary financial advisor based in Warren, NJ providing objective, fee-only financial planning, investment, and tax services. We strongly value lasting relationships with our clients and their families so we can focus on their goals and objectives.

This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. This content does not contain any solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Spinelli Financial Advisors or any third party to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction.

ARE TREASURY INFLATION PROTECTED SECURITIES (TIPS) RIGHT FOR YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT?

Spinelli Financial Advisors | August 2021

Why might you consider adding Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) to your fixed income portfolio?

Why might you consider adding Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) to your fixed income portfolio? And what types of investing environments and accounts are most conducive to holding TIPS? TIPS shine during periods of higher inflation than anticipated. With the current regulatory environment focused on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation rates have risen steeply when compared to the recent past[1].

Why might TIPS be attractive investment vehicles in the near-term?

Our view is that current stimulus measures created a natural buoyancy for inflation that will not dissipate in the near term. TIPS, which adjusts based for anticipated price changes, may prove to be an integral part of a well-diversified retirement portfolio due to the ability to help offset higher-than-anticipated inflation.

We can help

If you would like to discuss your current tax, investment, or retirement plans and evaluate weather TIPS or another investment is suitable for you, please feel free to contact us through our website or give us a call at 1-732-564-9404.

About the Author | Spinelli Financial Advisors

We are a fiduciary financial advisor based in Warren, NJ providing objective, fee-only financial planning, investment, and tax services. We strongly value lasting relationships with our clients and their families so we can focus on their goals and objectives.

[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Consumer prices up 5.4 percent in 12 months ended July 2021.”

Investment in securities always involves the risk of loss. Past performance is never a guarantee of future returns. Information provided in blog posts is believed to be accurate at the time of posting and is not considered investment advice.

This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. This content does not contain any solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Spinelli Financial Advisors or any third party to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction.

Estate Executor

A client approaches SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS seeking guidance as the executor of his deceased family member’s will.

They are beginning to feel overwhelmed with responsibilities such as probating the will, taking inventory of assets, paying taxes, paying bills, consolidating accounts, retitling assets, and distributing assets according to the provisions of the will. They want to ensure that the estate is settled properly and that they are not held financially responsible for any mistakes.

The Spinelli Plan

We would set up initial meetings to locate and probate the will. We would then proceed to navigate all accounts to calculate the gross estate. We would ensure all necessary taxes are paid, debts are settled, and assets are distributed to beneficiaries accordingly. We would also create and notarize statements of release and refund for all beneficiaries in order to protect the executor financially.

Comapny Founder

A business owner has decided to retire and plans to sell their company. They reach out to SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS to establish a plan for protecting their wealth.

They have worked long and hard to get to this point, and they want to create and maintain a lasting financial legacy for their three children, who have established lives of their own. They want their hard work to benefit future generations while also avoiding complications within the family.

The Spinelli Plan

After getting to know our clients and understanding what is important to them, we would create a trust structure that aligns with their overall goals. We would look for ways to utilize their assets by analyzing the tax implications while identifying potential challenges. We would examine the timing of distributions and accessibility to additional funds and then execute those plans. We would also coordinate discussions about the family’s wealth to improve communication, reduce family conflict, and guide the next generation on a successful path.

Young Professionals

A newly married couple contacts SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS seeking help with developing a financial plan for their future.

They are both career-oriented professionals who are seeking advice for achieving their short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals. This includes savings for children’s education, mortgage and home-buying navigation, retirement planning, student loan refinancing, and life insurance and estate guidance.

The Spinelli Plan

We would set up a series of meetings to learn their goals and associated timelines. Once solidified, we would conduct a cash liquidity study based on current and expected future incomes, expenses, and savings. From there, we would develop a comprehensive plan to lay out target savings, expected spending, and budgeting for each life event and time horizon. We would also build an aggregate investment portfolio that fits their needs.

Medical Professional

A doctor with a successful practice reaches out to SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS to help with retirement, business, and tax planning.

They have dedicated their time and career to helping others and built a successful business doing so, but now they realize they need professional help handling the financial aspects of their life and business.

The Spinelli Plan

We would begin with getting to know our client’s personal financial goals, as well as learning the ins and outs of their practice. From there, we would develop a retirement plan in order to maintain their lifestyle in retirement. We would also develop a tax-efficient plan for the practice to ensure their work and passion translates to maximum financial returns. With retirement and tax strategies in place, they can devote their full time to their patients while remaining confident in their financial future.

Senior Citizen

The child of an elderly widow reaches out to SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS seeking management of their parents’ finances, care, estate, and household.

The child is a busy professional with young children, and the mother’s affairs now require more time and attendance than they are able to provide with their busy schedule.

The Spinelli Plan

First, we would determine the mother’s needs and the child’s needs during initial meetings. We would then develop a plan that includes estate and trust planning and distributions, income planning, medical and daily care selection and administration, and investment portfolio management. We would track monthly, daily, and yearly expenses and ensure the bills were paid on time and in full. Our plan would also include coordination of services for property and household management as needed or requested, giving both child and daughter assurance that their financial, personal, and medical needs are being carefully managed.

Corporate Executive

An executive approaches SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS looking to create an investment and tax strategy.

They have a high income and high net worth but have never been concerned about the details of compensation or developed a comprehensive plan for their wealth and estate. They own multiple properties and have benefits such as stock options, restricted stock options, and deferred compensation plans. They have built a successful career thus far and are now focusing on building a successful financial future for generations.

The Spinelli Plan

First, we would work with them to learn their financial goals and quantify them into a comprehensive and time-specific plan. We would work to coordinate their salary, savings, and executive benefits into a tax-efficient strategy that meets the education funding need for children, financing needs for new properties or moves, and target spending by amount and time horizon. We would also develop a full trust and estate plan laying out asset distribution objectives while minimizing estate taxes.

Widow

A widow approaches SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS seeking guidance after her husband passes.

For their 40 years of marriage, her husband had managed their finances. She is now trying to unravel multiple accounts, insurance claims, tax filing, and income sources but finds herself overwhelmed and without the time. She needs somebody she can trust to manage these assets.

The Spinelli Plan

We would work with her to make key decisions during this emotional time. After taking time to learn her needs, we would organize all accounts and any associated tax implications, then develop an investment strategy that will allow her to maintain her standard of living. We would also create a financial plan with a spending level her portfolio can sustain. Our team would also help plan for long-term health care needs to ensure next of kin remain unburdened and her wealth maintained.

tax

We take a proactive approach to minimize taxes you pay.

For most of us, taxes will be our largest lifelong expense. Often, taxpayers overpay their taxes without realizing it simply because they or their preparer do not know the deductions they are eligible for. Knowing which questions to ask to maximize deductions can have large implications on the taxes you pay.

We have decades of experience preparing both individual and business tax returns. We handle the most complicated situations with expertise, and we know the correct questions to ask to minimize your tax liability.

Now it is more important than ever to consider the tax implications on your wealth and investments!

We provide the following services:

  • Individual, business, estate, trust, and gift tax preparation and filing.
  • Year-round tax planning and implementation – not just during “tax season.”
  • Tax efficient legal business entity selection and creation.
  • Tax controversy resolution and representation.
Estate & Trust

We handle the details so your wealth transfers smoothly.

Our team works on each step, from transfer planning, document creation, and revisions to follow-through. We are committed to safeguarding your assets and providing the guidance and oversight that your executor or trustee needs to properly carry out your plans.

We provide the following services:

  • Advisor or agent to executor, including full administration.
  • Advisor or agent to trustee, including compliance and accounting.
  • Estate and trust tax return preparation and filing, including New Jersey inheritance tax returns.
  • Recommending and executing estate planning and transfer strategies.
  • Recommending revisions to trusts and estate planning documents, including ensuring changes are made.
Financial Planning

Our goal is to safeguard and grow your wealth so you can focus on living your life.

By examining your finances and goals, we distill the elements of investment management, risk management, tax planning, and estate planning down to those most important to you. 

We provide the following services:

  • Cash flow management and net worth planning.
  • Bill payment, including credit card and debt review.
  • Divorce consulting and support.
  • Retirement planning.
  • Gift tax planning.
  • Family office responsibilities.
Investment Management

We start with a conversation and end with investments aligned with your individual goals.

Your life is not static, and your portfolio shouldn’t be either. As changes in marital status, the number of children, windfalls, and health alter your life goals, your advisor should work with you to keep your investments aligned with your plan. We proactively manage your portfolio and provide guidance and coaching for the dynamic events that shape our lives.

We provide the following services:

  • Individually managed portfolios that provide control, customization, tax efficiency, separate reporting, and maximum transparency.
  • In-house research, analysis, and monitoring of publicly traded companies.
  • Risk management and constant portfolio monitoring.
  • No product sales – we develop solutions based solely on your needs.
  • Fee-only management – we do not make any commissions or sell any products that compensate us.
Senior Care

We can find you personalized and quality care.

We provide personalized and quality care for your needs, both personal and financial. We aspire to be the family that looks after you or your loved one’s needs, no matter how big or small.

We provide the following services:

  • Caregiver selection and administration.
  • Financial management and income planning.
  • Property and household management.
  • Bill management and payment.
  • 24/7 availability and response.
Troy Janson

Troy joined SPINELLI FINANCIAL ADVISORS in 2021. Previously, he worked as a finance and business analyst for a Fortune 500 company. Troy is currently enrolled in CFP certification coursework.

Troy graduated Cum Laude from Villanova University with a BA in Economics and a minor in Finance. He was a member of the Villanova Rugby Football Club during his time there.

Troy grew up in Fairfield, NJ, and attended West Essex Regional High School.

Dennis Tan CPA

Dennis graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

He specializes in financial planning and taxation.

Dennis grew up in Warren Township, attending Central School, Warren Middle School, and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School.

Yiming "Amanda" Luo CFA, CPA, CFP®

Yiming specializes in private wealth investment and taxation. She joined the firm in 2013.

She graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Accountancy from Simon Graduate School of Business, University of Rochester, and received her undergraduate from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Yiming is a member of the New Jersey Society of CPAs and an active CFA® Charterholder. Yiming is also fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Mark "George" Spinelli CFA, CPA, CFP®

Mark, aka “George” Spinelli, attended Rowan University and worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers in New York City.

He specializes in investment and wealth management, with more than 30 years of experience.

Mark is a past president of the Watchung Warren Rotary Club and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accounts. Mark is also an active CFA® Charterholder and member of the Warren Police Benevolent Association.