Protecting & Preserving Wealth

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we continue our discussion on estate and legacy planning, focusing on the critical role of beneficiary designations. Beneficiary forms take precedence over wills and trusts for certain assets, including retirement accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, life insurance policies, annuities, and pensions. Bank and brokerage accounts also allow for direct beneficiary designations throu...

In the second installment of our estate and legacy planning series, we highlight the critical role of beneficiary designations in securing and managing wealth. Estate planning goes beyond wills and trusts; proper beneficiary designations on accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, and life insurance determine where assets go upon death, often bypassing wills and trusts altogether.

I emphasize the nuances of Individual Retirement Acco...

In this Protecting and Preserving Wealth episode, we’re kicking off our six-part series on estate and legacy planning. We dive into the critical steps of preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer—an estimated $84 trillion passing to the next generation by 2045. Of that, $72 trillion will go to heirs, making proper planning essential.

We talk about the importance of being ready for this transition. Will your heirs be prepared to manage...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into managing the challenges posed by concentrated stock positions. When individuals hold significant investments in a single stock, such as Apple, Nvidia, or Tesla, they may face considerable capital gains taxes and financial risk. To address these concerns, we explore a range of tax-efficient diversification strategies to help reduce risk and optimize income without inc...

In this episode, we continue our discussion on the economic implications of a second Trump administration, focusing on interest rates, tax policy, government efficiency, and immigration’s impact on the economy. With Bruce Hosler, Alex Koury, and Jason Hosler, we explore how these factors might shape financial decisions for individuals and businesses.

We begin by analyzing the Federal Reserve's approach to interest rates amidst stron...

In the first part of our two-part series, we discuss the economic implications of Donald Trump's second presidential term, focusing on markets, regulation, energy, and inflation. With the election concluded, markets have responded positively to the reduced uncertainty, reflecting a renewed sense of clarity. We highlight how a Republican-controlled House and Senate could further enhance this stability. Drawing from Trump's first pre...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into the changes introduced by the SECURE Act 2.0, which has made significant modifications to IRA and trust regulations.  Bruce Hosler and Alex Koury from Hosler Wealth Management explain the complexities and implications of these new regulations.

The conversation begins with Bruce explaining the updated requirements for trusts designated as IRA beneficiaries. Previously,...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into donor-advised funds (DAFs) with Bruce and Jason Hosler from Hosler Wealth Management. With the end of 2024 approaching, DAFs are a timely and powerful tool for those who are charitably inclined, particularly those looking to manage tax liabilities while contributing to causes they care about.

Bruce explains that a donor-advised fund allows individuals to donate highly...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into the upcoming changes to Medicare for 2025, focusing on critical issues that affect both current Medicare recipients and those who have yet to claim it. Bruce Hosler and Alex Koury from Hosler Wealth Management discuss Medicare enrollment, premium penalties, and significant updates coming in the next few years.

We start by addressing the complexities surrounding Medica...

It’s true, and in this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we focus on this crucial aspect of estate planning: converting your IRA to a Roth IRA before passing it to your children.  We discuss the importance of making this conversion while you're alive because your children cannot convert an inherited IRA to a Roth IRA after your death.  I will share an example of a client who could have benefitted from starting the conver...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we delve into the updated 10-year IRA rule for beneficiaries, finalized by the IRS on July 18, 2024.  Under the old Strech IRA rules, beneficiaries could stretch out Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over their lifetimes, creating a favorable tax strategy for passing on wealth. However, with the finalization of the SECURE Act regulations, the 10-year rule now applies, requiri...

In part two of our series with estate attorney Jon Linford, we dive into crucial estate planning considerations as we approach the 2026 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The primary focus is on the significant changes to the estate tax exemption that will occur when the current law sunsets, reducing the exemption from $13.6 million per person to an estimated $7 million.

We discuss the implications of this change and the urgency f...

In part 1 of our Estate Planning Podcast Episodes, I welcome Jon Linford, a seasoned estate planning attorney from Morris Hall. We delve into the complexities and critical considerations of estate planning, a topic of utmost importance for anyone concerned about their financial future. Jon, who has been practicing law since 2011, transitioned from civil litigation to estate planning, driven by a passion for protecting clients' asse...

In this episode of "Protecting and Preserving Wealth," we continue our discussion from our previous episode, starting with interest rates and the Federal Reserve's actions. Bruce notes that the 10-year treasury rate has risen to 4.44%, highlighting the market's control over this rate rather than the Federal Reserve. Despite predictions of a recession, we don't foresee it occurring this year. The Federal Reserve faces pressure to lo...

Today, we are taking a midyear look at the financial markets for 2024, focusing on key metrics and trends influencing our investments and financial decisions.

As of our recording date of July 2nd, the S&P 500 has impressively risen over 15%, currently standing at 5,495. Bruce explains that the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is at 20.99, indicating a slightly higher but not alarming level compared to historical averages. Jason adds tha...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth,' we dive into Bruce Hosler's article, "Moving to Tax-Free: Eight Steps You Can Take for Success." We are joined by Bruce Hosler and Alex Koury, who walk us through these crucial steps to achieve a tax-free retirement.

We begin with the importance of sourcing and engaging trusted advisors. A team consisting of a tax planner, financial planner, estate planning attorney, and wealth a...

In this episode of 'Protecting and Preserving Wealth,' we delve into the significant changes to the Roth Stretch IRA, resulting from the SECURE Act, that came into effect on January 1, 2020. This Act drastically altered the landscape, as it now requires inherited IRAs to be fully withdrawn within ten years, eliminating the lifetime benefit that was once the key feature of the Roth Stretch IRA. 

I explain that the Roth Stretch IRA wa...

This episode of "Protecting and Preserving Wealth" discusses the stock market's behavior during the presidential election years and its implications for investors. As the November 5th, 2024, presidential election approaches, many investors are concerned about market performance under different administrations and the potential for a market crash if the "wrong" president is elected.

Around $5 trillion is currently sitting in cash due...

In this episode of "Protecting and Preserving Wealth,"  Jason Hosler and I discuss the firm's commitment to protecting their clients' financial futures. I begin by underlining the company's longstanding dedication to protecting and maintaining money during global volatility, something many overlook.

Delving into my new book, "Moving to Tax-Free," I underscore the practicality of tax protection in wealth preservation. Taxes, a signif...