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Year-Round Tax Planning

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Financial Planning Article

What To Do With the Money You’re Not Going To Spend

When your retirement projections show you have more than enough, the question shifts from saving to spending. Explore strategies for surplus wealth.

Listen
Tax Planning Podcast

Episode 530 – Year-End Financial Planning Checklist

John Walker and Jason O’Meara discuss key year-end planning steps: maxing retirement contributions, taking RMDs, managing inherited IRAs, and Roth conversions before Dec. 31.

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Retirement Podcast

Episode 529 – Retirement Misconceptions

We debunk widespread retirement misconceptions about Social Security, long-term care, taxes, and the myth of a magic retirement number.

Tax Planning Guide

Tax-Loss Harvesting for Investment Portfolios: Direct Indexing and Beyond

Direct indexing may help investors generate tax alpha through tax-loss harvesting, often cited in the range of 1% to 2%  while also supporting wash sale rules and tax-efficient charitable giving strategies.

Estate Planning Article

Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption: Why Using It Now Could Offer Advantages Over Waiting

For taxable estates, using your lifetime exemption now can shelter future growth from estate tax. See how timing, trusts, and GST planning may shape the outcome.

Family having conversation wiht advisor.
Financial Planning Article

A Family Office for Your Family: A Wealth Tradition Within Reach

The sophisticated, time-tested family office approach used by many ultra-high-net-worth individuals to help manage their financial lives is now accessible to more families.

Retirement Article

Retirement Tax Planning: Your Lowest-Tax Window May Be Open

Retired but not yet taking RMDs? You may be in your lowest-tax window. Learn how Roth conversions and smart withdrawal sequencing can cut lifetime taxes.

Retirement Article

What To Handle Before Dec. 31 and What Can Wait

A year-end financial checklist sorted by whether you’re employed, retired, or taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). Plus the items that don’t have December deadlines.

Retirement Article

Roth Conversion Strategy for Low-Income Years

A Roth conversion strategy during low-income years may help you shift pretax savings to tax-free growth. Learn how to coordinate conversions with IRMAA, ACA, and Social Security.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs
Financial Planning FAQ

How does a Roth conversion compare to keeping money in a traditional IRA?

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Financial Planning FAQ

What’s the difference between a direct gift and a 529 plan gift?

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Financial Planning FAQ

Should I start gifting to my family if I have surplus retirement wealth?

See the answer
Financial Planning FAQ

What is surplus wealth in retirement?

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Estate Planning FAQ

Where can I learn more about tax-free gifting options?

See the answer
Estate Planning FAQ

Can I use my exemption and still keep access to the assets?

See the answer
Estate Planning FAQ

Which is better: a GRAT or a sale to a grantor trust?

See the answer
Estate Planning FAQ

Should I gift appreciated assets if my heirs lose the step-up in basis?

See the answer

Further Learning

Couple discussing finances
Financial Planning Guide

Social Security: When To Claim, How To Help Maximize, and Common Mistakes To Avoid

A comprehensive guide to Social Security claiming strategies, including when to start benefits, six ways to help maximize your monthly payment, and seven common mistakes to avoid.

Couple moving
Tax Planning Article

Planning a California Residency Change Before Your Liquidity Event

Changing California residency before a liquidity event requires careful planning. Learn the two-year timeline, safe harbor rules, and strategies to help reduce your tax exposure.

Woman at desk in front of computer
Women & Wealth Article

Financial Planning for Women Business Owners: Beyond the Business

Women business owners may face distinct financial planning challenges. Learn how to coordinate investments, tax, estate, and insurance strategies that go beyond the business.

Market Commentary On-Demand Webinar

Q4 Market Outlook: The Fed, Deficits, Energy, Valuations, and More

Mercer Advisors CIO Don Calcagni and Partner Kara Duckworth break down inflation, the Fed, deficits, AI valuations, and housing in this Q4 market outlook webinar.

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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