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Tax Basics

Tax Planning Article

Before You Sell Your Home, Consider This Tax Strategy

Converting your home to a short-term rental before you sell can pair a cost segregation study with the Section 121 exclusion. Here’s how it works.

Retirement Guide

Retirement Tax Planning: A Year-Round Guide to Help Keep More of What You’ve Built

A comprehensive retirement tax planning guide covering Roth conversions, RMDs, IRMAA, Social Security taxation, QCDs, and tax-loss harvesting strategies for retirees.

Tax Planning Article

How Much Money Do You Need To Work With a Wealth Manager?

Firm minimums vary widely, but a better question may be whether your financial complexity warrants professional coordination.

Tax Planning Article

The New Math of Charitable Giving Tax Deductions

New 2026 charitable giving tax deduction rules changed the math. Learn how the AGI floor, the 35% cap, and DAFs reshape your year-end giving strategy.

Retirement Article

Catch-Up Contributions 2026: What’s New for Savers

SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules are in effect for 2026. New limits, a higher Roth threshold, and final IRS guidance change how older savers should plan.

Financial Planning Guide

The Inheritance and Sudden Wealth Playbook: First 90 Days + 12 Months

When you inherit a significant amount of wealth, the decisions you make in the first year can define outcomes for decades. Here’s your step-by-step playbook.

Estate Planning Article

Illinois Estate Tax: What High-Net-Worth Families Need To Know

Illinois’ $4 million estate tax exemption, far below the $15 million federal threshold, can expose high-net-worth families to unexpected state tax bills without proactive planning.

Estate Planning Guide

The Family Guide to Estate Planning: Helping To Protect What You’ve Built Across Generations

Explore wills, trusts, beneficiary traps, POAs, estate tax changes, inherited IRAs, gifting, and family conversations in one comprehensive planning guide.

Tax Planning Guide

Tax Filing Is Not the Same As Tax Planning

You may think you’re managing your taxes effectively when you file each spring, but are you sure? Learn the difference between tax preparation and proactive tax planning.

Couple talking about finances.
Retirement Article

The DINK Financial Advantage: Building Wealth Together

Dual income, no kids (DINK) couples have a rare financial window. From backdoor Roth IRAs to early retirement, discover strategies to help protect and grow your wealth.

Estate Planning Article

Maryland Estate and Inheritance Tax

Maryland is the only state levying both an estate tax and inheritance tax. Understand thresholds, exemptions, and strategies to protect your estate.

Older couple meeting with advisor.
Retirement Article

RMD Rules for Retirement Accounts: What You Need To Know

Learn how RMDs work — from start ages and calculation methods to Roth account rules, inherited IRA requirements, and tax-smart planning strategies.

Listen
Investment Management Podcast

Episode 522 – Are You a Do-It-Yourself Investor?

Discover the blind spots DIY investors miss — tax alpha, asset location, withdrawal sequencing, and concentrated positions — and how a financial plan ties it all together.

FAQs
Tax Planning FAQ

Is a cost segregation study worth the cost for a converted home?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How does this compare with holding the home for a step-up in basis?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How does converting a home to a rental compare with selling it directly?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

What’s the difference between the Section 121 exclusion and a 1031 exchange?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How do I report depreciation recapture when selling a converted rental property?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Where do I check whether short-term rentals are allowed at my address?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Where can I find help evaluating a home conversion tax strategy?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Do I have to manage the rental myself?

See the answer

Further Learning

Investment Management Article

Insights from Our CIO: Diversify Broadly, Both Across and Within Global Asset Classes

The economic science behind why diversifying broadly across and within global asset classes is a core investing principle at Mercer Advisors.

Financial Planning Article

What Comprehensive Financial Planning Can Do for You

Learn what comprehensive financial planning is and how connecting cash flow, taxes, investments, retirement, estate, and insurance can help you reach your goals.

Listen
Retirement Podcast

Episode 527 – Trump Accounts

Bryan Strike joins us to explain Trump Accounts: eligibility, the $1,000 seed, contribution limits, and how they compare to 529 plans for kids’ futures.

Ship in canal
Market Commentary Article

Insights From Our CIO: The Iran War’s Impact on Markets Six Months In

CIO Don Calcagni shares an overview of how long-term investors should view the Iran war after six months.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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