Tax Planning

How does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affect my taxes?

The OBBBA brought sweeping changes to the tax code that impacted almost every taxpayer. Key updates include an increased lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, an increased deduction for state and local taxes and a new deduction for seniors. Beyond these, the OBBBA also extends many Tax Cuts and Jobs Act-era rates and credits. We’re here to help you review your overall financial strategy to understand where these changes apply and update your wealth plan where needed.

How can I transfer wealth to my loved ones without incurring tax?

You can make tax-free gifts up to the annual IRS limit per person, per year ($19,000 in 2026). However, there is also a limit on how much you can transfer in your lifetime without tax ($15 million per person in 2026). Our team can help you work through the details of these rules to help ensure you take full advantage.

Philanthropy

How should I decide which type of charitable gift to make?

Deciding which kind of charitable gift to make depends on multiple personal and financial factors – like the assets you have available, your preference of one-time or ongoing gifts and the current tax landscape. We can help you review your options – like appreciated stock, a donor-advised fund or cash – and assess how timing and tax laws may affect your decision.

When is the right time to make a charitable gift?

The timing of a charitable gift can depend on factors like your cash flow needs, changes in tax law and even upcoming milestone life events. If you’re retiring soon, you may want to make your gift before your income decreases – but if you just sold your business, you could benefit from pairing your gift with the sale to help offset taxes. We’ll help you evaluate these scenarios and determine the timing that best fits your situation.

Retirement Planning

When should I file for Social Security?

You have three options for the timing of your Social Security filing: You can file early (as soon as age 62) and receive a permanently reduced benefit, you can file late and receive increased benefits or you can file at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year) and receive your benefits as normal. Deciding which route to take depends on your life expectancy, employment plans, healthcare and more – which we can help you analyze so you can make an informed decision.

What should I know about Roth conversions in retirement?

A Roth conversion occurs when you move money from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, which creates tax-free income later – but you pay taxes on the converted amount now. A few benefits of Roth IRAs are that the money grows tax-free, they have no RMDs and they can reduce Medicare premium surcharges that are tied to income. Our team can help you decide whether this is the right option for you.

How do I make sure I don’t run out of money in retirement?

Proactive, flexible planning is key for living confidently in retirement. By building savings early, adjusting your investment strategy as retirement approaches and regularly reviewing your spending, income sources and risks, you can help your savings last. Once you reach retirement, adjusting your withdrawals and balancing growth with preservation can help you stay on track – and our team will be here to guide you through every stage.

Where should my next dollar go: my child’s education fund or my own retirement fund?

While it’s natural to want to support your child’s education, remember that securing your own financial future can help benefit your family in the long run. Along with that, education costs can be managed through loans, scholarships and grants – but retirement relies on consistent, proactive saving. We’ll help you strike a balance that supports your family’s financial well-being.

Equity Compensation

How can I minimize my tax liability when taking advantage of equity compensation?

Different equity awards, like Restricted Stock Units and Incentive Stock Options, are taxed differently. Based on your particular situation, we can help you plan the timing of sales, strategically diversify your portfolio and so much more to help make your equity compensation plan tax efficient.

What will happen to my equity compensation plan if I retire or choose to leave my company?

The treatment of your plan will differ based on your plan’s rules and your vesting status. Before leaving, we’ll help you confirm your vesting schedule, exercise deadlines and any special provisions for retirement so you can avoid forfeiting your benefits.

Business Ownership

How can I successfully pass my business onto my family members?

Succession planning requires careful attention to both financial and emotional factors. Start by having open conversations with your family about roles and expectations before working with our team to develop a succession plan that addresses ownership structure and leadership transitions.

How can I prepare my business for a sale?

Once you know you’d like to sell your business, our team can help you get a business valuation and organize your financial records. Together, we’ll develop a transition plan, evaluate potential buyers and coordinate with legal and tax professionals.

Estate Planning

How can I distribute my assets to my heirs fairly?

Balancing emotional and technical considerations is vital. We work with you and your attorney to create a detailed estate plan that aims for equity—whether that means dividing assets equally or tailoring distribution based on each heir’s needs.

I already have a will. Is that all I need for my estate plan?

A will is vital, but it’s rarely enough. An estate plan should also include powers of attorney, healthcare directives and beneficiary designations to cover assets a will doesn’t control and ensure your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated.

Investment Management

How can I build my portfolio to sustain times of volatility?

Keeping your focus on the long-term and avoiding fear-based decisions during downturns is key. Diversifying asset classes can provide stability, and active management in volatile environments can help protect against losses. We help you proactively adjust your plan to weather market ups and downs.

Should I make frequent changes to my investment portfolio when the market is volatile, or is it better to leave things alone?

Frequently tweaking your portfolio in response to headlines can hurt long-term returns. History proves the average investor underperforms the market by trying to outsmart it. The key is maintaining a long-term mindset and working with our team to stay aligned with your goals.

Why should I pay you to manage my investments when I can do it myself?

While you can find advice via AI or articles, you’d be missing the human element of a professional advocate. In our practice, investments are just one piece of the puzzle. We anchor our practice on planning for your long-term goals and use your personalized investment strategy as the vehicle to help you get there.