Blog Posts Filed Under retirement-planning
Estate Planning Mistakes That Cost DIY Investors $100K+
By Beth Stringer
Most DIY investors master wealth accumulation, but overlook estate planning, a mistake that can cost heirs $100K+ in unnecessary taxes. Discover the critical errors even sophisticated investors make with beneficiary designations, inherited IRAs, and the SECURE Act's 10-year rule. Learn how step-up in basis works, when Roth conversions save the most, and why your 401(k) beneficiaries might be outdated. This guide reveals investment-specific estate strategies that protect your legacy.
SECURE Act 2.0: Ongoing Implementation Updates
By Beth Stringer
SECURE Act 2.0 brings major retirement planning changes in 2025. Discover enhanced $11,250 catch-up contributions for ages 60-63, mandatory Roth catch-up rules starting 2026, and how the $145k income threshold affects your tax strategy. Essential guide for high earners maximizing retirement savings.
Q3: Back-to-School Financial Planning and College Funding
By Beth Stringer
This guide explores college funding strategies for high-income families who face the challenge of being ineligible for need-based financial aid while needing to fund $240,000 to $280,000+ per child in college costs. The article covers maximizing 529 plans, alternative strategies like Roth IRAs and taxable accounts, business owner approaches, navigating 2024-25 FAFSA changes, and integrating college planning with retirement and estate goals. It emphasizes coordinating multiple strategies and working with fee-only advisors for objective guidance.
The Hidden Costs of 'Free' Financial Seminars
By Beth Stringer
Uncover the hidden dangers of "free" financial seminars that target affluent professionals with complimentary meals and promises of guaranteed returns. This guide exposes the psychology behind these sales traps, reveals red flags like artificial urgency and fake credentials, and explains how seemingly educational workshops can cost tens of thousands through unsuitable high-commission products. Learn to distinguish legitimate financial advice from predatory marketing tactics and discover why that "free" steak dinner might be the most expensive meal you'll ever eat.
Advanced Tax & Estate Planning: Wealth Preservation Strategies (Part 3 of 4)
By Beth Stringer
Many fee-only and fee-based advisors often overlook advanced tax and estate planning strategies due to conflicts in interest. Learn how to preserve significant wealth through optimal trust planning, business structuring, and tax minimization, and ensure your financial strategies align with your family's best interests, not your advisor's compensation model.
Investment Management & Tax Strategies: Advanced Advisory Services (Part 2 of 4)
By Beth Stringer
Uncover how even fiduciary financial advisor fees quietly drain your wealth and why tax planning is often overlooked. This article reveals how a 1% AUM fee can cost you hundreds of thousands, while simple asset allocation and tax strategies could maximize your long-term wealth—especially for high-income earners.
What Every $250K+ Earner Should Demand From Their Financial Advisor (Part 1 of 4)
By Beth Stringer
For high-income earners exceeding $250,000 annually, ensuring your financial advisor provides truly comprehensive value is crucial. Discover the essential financial planning, investment management, and basic retirement planning services that distinguish a comprehensive financial advisor from an investment manager, offering practical examples and highlighting tax-efficient strategies vital for wealth growth.