CAPTRUST - December 2025

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVESTING IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

AI (artificial intelligence) stocks are garnering a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. In late 2022, the technology sector saw a breakthrough in large language models, allowing AI to learn and respond in conversational language. And in 2023, when Nvidia, which makes processors that power AI technology, delivered second-quarter sales drastically higher than expected, it unleashed a fervor of excitement*. In the days that followed, mega-cap technology stocks rose sharply, propelling the entire S&P 500 Index upward. Since then, AI-related company stocks have seen huge gains and some huge dips as well. Although mass adoption is distant, AI has the potential to unlock productivity in a host of different industries, and companies across

sectors are now investing heavily in related infrastructure. This means AI also has enormous potential to generate wealth. Despite this potential, it is important to remember that AI is still a nascent technology, and investing will be risky. AI stocks are likely to be volatile. It will be difficult to predict winners and losers, and investors could lose everything. That’s why it’s critical to do your due diligence. Make sure you or someone with AI-specific knowledge is vetting the opportunity set on your behalf and never invest more than you can afford to lose. If you do decide to invest in AI, consider a diversified approach: either a portfolio of AI stocks, a mutual fund, or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). These can offer better diversification than individual stocks alone. As with any investment, risks abound, and AI strategies will not be right for everyone. A financial advisor can help you understand how AI investments may fit into the larger context of your investment portfolio and how much risk might be appropriate.

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*Source: nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-announces-financial- results-for-second-quarter-fiscal-2024

The Cost of Clutter How Minimalism Can Save You Thousands

We’ve all been there: staring at a closet full of clothes and thinking, “I have nothing to wear.” Or paying rent for a bigger apartment just to store things we barely use. Clutter isn’t just a space problem; it’s a money problem. Every unused subscription silently chips away at your finances. The good news is that minimalism offers a way out. Far from being about deprivation, it’s about reclaiming control of your space, spending, and savings. The Hidden Price of ‘Stuff’ Every purchase comes with two price tags: the sticker price and the hidden costs. That $50 gadget isn’t just $50; it might also mean higher credit card interest if you’re carrying debt, or another box in the attic eating up storage space. The more we accumulate, the more we pay to maintain, store, clean, and eventually replace those

items. That’s where minimalism comes in. It forces us to ask: “Do I really need this, or is it just clutter in disguise?” Quality Over Quantity Minimalism doesn’t mean buying nothing. Instead, it’s about buying better. One high-quality pair of shoes can last for years, while three cheap pairs wear out quickly and cost more in the long run. Choosing durability and timeless designs over impulse buys protects your wallet and reduces waste. Simplifying Finances Clutter can even creep into your bank account. Old subscriptions, overlapping accounts, and unused memberships all nibble away at your budget. By canceling what you don’t use and streamlining your finances, you save money and reduce the mental load of tracking your bills.

Downsizing Expenses One of the biggest financial wins of minimalism comes from downsizing. A smaller home or apartment doesn’t just mean lower rent or mortgage; it also slashes utilities, maintenance, insurance, and even property taxes. More Space for What Matters A clutter-free environment frees up mental bandwidth. With fewer distractions, you can focus on what truly matters: building a side hustle, nurturing relationships, or enjoying a calmer, more intentional life.

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