There’s been a lot of confusion this year, as we all file for the first time under the New Trump Tax Law. Some people are finding that their returns are lower, or that deductions they’ve always depended on have gone away. The biggest cause that we see for a lower return is a lack of tax strategy and planning in advance – most strategies have to be in place by the end of the tax year – not at filing time.
There are estate planning implications as well – for example, if you’re considering a ROTH conversion, which can be a great strategy, there used to be q “do-over” period you had in case something happened after the fact, or if you changed your mind. However, that’s no longer the case.
There are two parts to this; 1) being proactive, and 2) investing for tax efficiency, because taxes have the ability to take the largest bite out of your portfolio and your returns, and, it’s important to remember that it’s not what you make – it’s what you keep.
That means working with a team to build a portfolio that takes advantage of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts, understanding your tax bracket under the new law, and choosing investments that are tax-efficient, and, as much as possible, preparing you for the volatility and uncertainty that have been rampant in the markets.
While coordinating financial plans properly is always challenging, it is especially challenging today given with infighting across a divided Congress and under the Trump Administration. That’s why we’ll be hosting a complimentary panel discussion and dinner at Lockkeepers’ in Valley View on May 14th and 16th for those with a portfolio of $500,000 or more, but seating is limited.
During our time together, we’ll focus on helping you to avoid common mistakes such as Underestimating the Impact on Your Portfolio of the Economic Uncertainty Created by Trump’s Divided Policies, Neglecting to Help Safeguard Your Portfolio from a Possible Recession, and Not Taking Advantage of Comprehensive Tax Strategies.
Seating is limited, so if you are interested, please RSVP here.
Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
June 09, 2025
Category: Debt, U.s. Budget, Downgrade
Our team employs external financial research from many different economists, analysts and research firms. This research provides valuable input into how we actively monitor and manage your portfolio. Periodically, we share this research with you in addition to our own analysis and market commentary. Linked below is a piece from Brian Westbury at First Trust about the timely topics of the recent U.S. debt downgrade by Moody’s, and what it all means in relation to the U.S. fiscal situation. In our view, the current fiscal situation calls for both spending cuts and policies to spur economic growth and efficiency. We think Congress will eventually figure this out over the coming years, but the bond market may have to push them first. Enjoy the analysis from First Trust, and thanks for your confidence in our team at Lineweaver! Please click here to
Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
June 09, 2025
Category: Tax, Tax Strategy, Financial Strategy
By Mark Sipos, LFG Tax Director When it comes to building a smart financial strategy, understanding how your income is taxed is just as important as how you invest it. That’s where the concept of the three tax buckets comes in — a helpful framework used in tax-efficient investing and retirement planning to help you minimize your tax burden and maximize your income. The first tax bucket is ordinary income, which includes your wages, pensions, Social Security, and interest from CDs, high-yield savings accounts, and money market accounts. These income sources are taxed at your marginal income tax rate, meaning the more you earn, the more tax you pay. Many people don't realize that interest income stacks on top of other income, potentially pushing them into higher brackets. That’s why understanding after-tax returns is critical when evaluating fixed-income investments. The second bucket is for capital gains and qualified dividends. This includes gains from selling stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and real estate. Short-term capital gains (assets held under a year) are taxed at your ordinary income rate. Long-term capital gains (held for a year or more) are taxed at more favorable rates — 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income. Many married couples can earn over $100,000 and still pay 0% capital gains tax, thanks to the standard deduction. This makes capital gains a key part of any tax planning strategy. The third bucket is the tax-free income bu
Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
May 13, 2025
Category: Markets, Market Outlook, Market Commentary, Federal Reserve
By Chad Roope, CFA ®, Chief Investment Officer As expected, the Federal Reserve announced it would maintain the Federal Funds rate range at 4.25% to 4.5% on May 7, 2025, marking the third consecutive meeting without a change. This decision reflects the central bank’s cautious stance given current economic uncertainties, particularly those stemming from recent trade and tariff policies implemented by the Trump administration. In its official statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) highlighted increased risks to both sides of its dual mandate: maximum employment and price stability. The committee noted that while overall U.S. economic output appears solid; unemployment numbers are low and inflation data from March cooled some, the outlook for employment and price stability has become more uncertain due to trade policy developments. During the subsequent press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell elaborated on these concerns, emphasizing that the recent tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth. He pointed out that the first quarter GDP had edged down, partly due to businesses accelerating imports ahead of anticipated tariffs, which complicated economic assessments. Powell also addressed the potential for stagflation – a scenario characterized by rising inflation and unemployment coupled with stagnant demand. He acknowledged that if the tariffs remain in place, they could delay progress on reducing in
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