Protecting & Preserving Wealth

Today we explain how basis works inside a traditional IRA and why accurate recordkeeping matters. IRA basis is not the same as cost basis in a taxable investment account. It represents money that has already been taxed before entering the IRA. When we fail to track that amount correctly, we may pay tax on the same money twice when it is withdrawn.

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In this episode, we talk through the inherited IRA rules that changed under the SECURE Act and why many families still feel confused about required minimum distributions. The old stretch IRA rules allowed many beneficiaries to take distributions over their lifetime. Now, for most non-spouse beneficiaries, inherited IRA money has to come out within 10 years. That shift makes planning much more important, especially when taxes, Roth ...

This episode focuses on how to maximize Social Security benefits by choosing the right claiming strategy. There is no single right age to claim. Health, income needs, savings, marital status, and long-term goals all matter. Some people may need to claim early because they do not have other income. Others may benefit from waiting, especially if they can afford to delay until age 70.

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In this episode, we look at the growing role of private investments* and why investors may need to rethink the way they build portfolios. The public markets have changed in a major way. Years ago, there were more than 8,000 publicly traded companies in the United States. Today, that number is closer to 4,200. At the same time, business creation is strong, and many large companies are choosing to stay private much longer than they u...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we talk about how market volatility can create planning opportunities, especially through in-kind Roth IRA conversions. The focus is on using market dips to move investments from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA at a temporarily lower value. The goal is to reduce the taxable amount of the conversion while allowing the rebound to happen inside the Roth, where future growth may be...

Lifetime gifting strategies are how financially successful families can pass wealth to the next generation while still alive. Gifting is not just for the ultra-wealthy. It is a practical tool for families who want to see their children benefit from their financial success in real time. Having a foundational financial plan allows us to determine how much can be gifted without putting retirement at risk.

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Today we discuss the idea of a foundational financial plan and explain why it is essential for anyone preparing for retirement or managing long term wealth. This is a comprehensive system that brings together multiple areas of financial life into one coordinated strategy. Without a clear plan, people are often guessing about their future instead of making informed decisions. At Hosler Wealth Management, the plan is broken down into...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we talk about the new Trump accounts and why grandparents need to be careful before trying to open one for a grandchild. The team is excited about the concept because these accounts could help young people learn about investing early, build long-term wealth, and become more financially aware. But the main warning is clear: grandparents should not rush to open these accounts thems...

In Episode 85 of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we continue the conversation about the widow’s penalty and how it can affect a surviving spouse after the death of a husband. The key issue is not that the widow’s income necessarily increases. It is that her tax status changes. While married, a couple can file jointly and benefit from wider tax brackets. After the year of death, the surviving spouse usually files as si...

In this episode, we introduce the concept of "the widow’s penalty" and explain why it is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, risks in retirement and estate planning. We focus primarily on taxes, income loss, and preparedness for surviving spouses, who are most often women. We begin by explaining that while couples are alive and filing taxes as married filing jointly, they benefit from significantly wider tax brac...

In this episode of Protecting & Preserving Wealth, we focus on estate planning—specifically, how often it is overlooked or improperly handled, and how good intentions can still lead to serious financial, tax, and family consequences. We walk through a real-life case involving a family that believed they had things mostly in order, only to discover after a parent’s death that the lack of proper planning created irrev...

Now that we are into 2026, we take a deep dive into several critical changes in tax law that will affect financial planning, estate strategy, and retirement contributions. At Hosler Wealth Management, taxes are a core focus of our work, and this episode unpacks the nuances and planning opportunities within four major updates.

📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k

We begin with the One Big...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into key updates around Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) for 2026. QCDs allow individuals age 70½ and older to make direct charitable donations from their IRA accounts, and this episode is especially relevant for clients looking to manage taxes effectively while giving charitably.

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In this episode, we explore the upcoming Trump Accounts and what they could mean for American families. These accounts, born from the OBBBA legislation, will officially launch on July 4, 2026. Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will automatically receive a $1,000 federal contribution into their Trump Account. But the scope is much broader—children under 18 will also be eligible to have these account...

In this episode, we explore the expanded flexibility and potential of 529 plans in light of recent legislative changes. We begin with a refresher on how 529s have traditionally been used to fund college expenses, but quickly shift to how these accounts now offer broader applications thanks to evolving tax law, including updates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the SECURE Act 2.0, and the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBB...

In this episode, we dive into a growing concern for high-net-worth families: the impact of the $38 trillion national debt on future taxes, estate planning, and wealth preservation. We don’t dwell in fear — instead, we focus on smart, proactive steps that affluent individuals and families can take now while tax rates are still historically low.

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In this episode, we tackle the reality of structurally higher interest rates and how they impact wealthy retirees. For years, investors operated under the assumption that rates would always return to near zero. That mindset no longer works. With federal debt now surpassing $38 trillion, persistent deficits, and political gridlock, rates are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future. We look at how this shift creates both...

In this episode, we continue our conversation about stablecoins and explore how they’re positioned to revolutionize the financial system. If you haven’t listened to part one, we strongly recommend going back for the foundational context. Today, we shift from theory to real-world applications, diving into the impact of stablecoins on everyday transactions, the infrastructure being developed around them, and the growing i...

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of stablecoins and why they matter for the future of digital finance. Bruce and Jason Hosler break down what stablecoins are, how they differ from other cryptocurrencies, and why the recently passed GENIUS Act is a game-changer for the space.

We begin by clarifying that stablecoins aren't just another cryptocurrency. Unlike cryptocurrencies,...