
Hosted by Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, & Eric Wymore · EN

Most people think their financial advisor's job is picking winning investments. Jeb, Ethan, and Eric of Metcalf Money Moment want to change that. In this episode, they expose the silent tax bomb, the stealth costs that inflate your tax bill in retirement without warning. From capital gains tax on appreciated accounts to required minimum distributions that push you into a higher bracket to Medicare premium surcharges and the social security tax trap, the hosts walk through every major risk and the strategies that defuse them, including tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, and donor-advised funds. Your biggest lifetime expense is taxes. This episode shows you how to fight back.What you will learn in this Episode:How capital gains tax works inside non-retirement accounts, including the critical difference between long-term and short-term gains, and why holding mutual funds in a taxable account can trigger tax drag you never saw coming.Why required minimum distributions can silently push retirees into a higher tax bracket and how strategic early withdrawals, Roth conversions, and account sequencing can shrink that future burden before it hits.How the social security tax trap and Irma Medicare premium surcharges work together to punish higher earners in retirement, and why coordinating with your advisor on income timing is one of the most valuable moves you can make.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Retirement tax planning and the silent tax bomb concept 03:51 Ethan breaks down capital gains tax, long-term vs. short-term rates, and unrealized gains in taxable accounts07:02 How tax loss harvesting and asset location protect your non-retirement portfolio from unnecessary tax drag 10:13 Eric explains the three-leg retirement income model and how each bucket affects your tax-efficient retirement income 12:57 The required minimum distribution trap: how RMDs can spike your tax bracket and what to do before age 73 14:07 Social security taxation, Irmaa Medicare premiums, and why your income level determines your retirement costs 18:20 Jeb wraps up with Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and what to expect from a comprehensive wealth managerKEY TAKEAWAYS: Asset location matters as much as investment selection. Placing tax-inefficient assets, such as actively managed mutual funds, outside taxable accounts and using ETFs strategically within them can meaningfully reduce your annual capital gains tax exposure without changing your overall investment risk.The gap between ages 65 and 73 is your most powerful window for Roth conversion planning. Moving money from pre-tax accounts into a Roth before required minimum distributions kick in can dramatically lower your lifetime tax bill, even if it costs a little more in taxes today.Donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions are two underused tools that offer a double tax advantage, letting charitably inclined investors reduce both their taxable income and their embedded capital gains tax liability at the same time.DISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

Most business owners spend decades building something valuable and far too little time planning how to actually leave it. On Metcalf Money Moment, Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with Stephen Hilborn and Timothy Hosie of Planned Exit Partners to explore business exit strategy from every angle. Whether it is a private equity deal, an ESOP, or a management buyout, the guests reveal what truly drives business valuation, how to reduce key-man risk and customer concentration, and why starting exit planning at least 5 years out creates the most options and the most value.What you will learn in this Episode:Why business exit strategy planning should begin well before the five-year mark and how starting early opens up more exit planning pathways.How reducing key man risk and customer concentration directly increases your EBITDA multiple and makes your company more attractive to private equity buyers and strategic acquirers.What tools, like exit readiness assessments, business valuation reports, and discovery checklists, can help owners understand where gaps exist in their business transfer plan so they can close those gaps before going to market?Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Planned Exit Partners frame the conversation around exit planning03:45 Why starting exit planning early creates more options and better business valuation outcomes05:53 The team discusses the scale of business transfer demand and how the Exit Planning Institute data reveals owner readiness gaps07:00 Breaking down ESOP, management buyout, and family succession12:23 Private equity fund structure and why lower middle market buyers typically offer higher EBITDA multiples to business owners17:30 Breaking down the three risks that drive business valuationKEY TAKEAWAYS: Succession planning is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires years of intentional effort to strengthen management, improve financial reporting, and reduce owner dependency, so the business can stand on its own before it ever goes to market.Seller financing and installment structures are common across nearly every business transfer pathway, including private equity, family succession, and management buyouts, meaning structure and payment terms matter just as much as the headline valuation number.Enterprise value is built or lost long before the sale conversation begins. Owners who address customer concentration, document processes, and secure key leadership years in advance.ABOUT THE GUESTS: Timothy Hosie is the Founder and Managing Director at Planned Exit Partners, advising lower-middle-market business owners through exit planning and sell-side M&A transactions. With over eight years of experience across transportation, construction, marketing, and industrial services, Tim helps owners navigate the sale process with clarity while aligning outcomes to their financial and personal goals.Stephen Hilborn is Managing Director at Planned Exit Partners, supporting business owners through every stage of ownership transition. He leads sell-side, corporate development, and exit planning engagements, guiding owners through exit options, readiness assessments, and succession planning. His industry expertise spans aviation, construction, engineering, and manufacturing.Planned Exit Partners - LinkedInPlanned Exit Partners - WebsiteDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

Investing amid uncertainty is the focus of this week's Metcalf Money Moment, as Jeb, Ethan, and Eric unpack what the data say about market volatility during wars and elections. Across 20 major geopolitical events since World War II, stocks recovered in an average of 47 trading days. Election year investing also shows surprising strength, with 83% of presidential election years producing positive S&P 500 returns. The team explores how to protect your portfolio during geopolitical uncertainty and why staying the course almost always beats reacting to headlines.What you will Learn in this Episode:✅ How investing during uncertainty has historically played out across major conflicts, including the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and 9/11, and why stock market recovery tends to happen faster than most investors expect.✅ Why election year investing is less about which party wins and more about the market cycle itself, and what the data shows about midterm elections and the strong performance that typically follows them.✅ Practical steps for managing market volatility, including opportunistic rebalancing, building a cash allocation buffer, and why dollar cost averaging can smooth your entry point during turbulent periods.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to investing during uncertainty, war, and what markets historically do during geopolitical risk03:41 Eric reviews stock market recovery patterns across the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Gulf War10:07 Jeb breaks down election year investing data, party performance, and the truth about political impact on the S&P 50013:50 What the midterm election cycle means for portfolio management and why 2026 may see a significant market drawdown16:18 Discussion of diversification, rebalancing, risk and the importance of cash allocation22:45 The team tackles the question of market timing and why dollar cost averaging versus lump sum investing matters25:01 Why compound interest and disciplined savings rates build more wealth than trying to time or predict the marketKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 History shows that geopolitical risk creates short-term fear, but investor emotions are often the biggest threat to long-term wealth. The average drawdown across 20 major conflicts was just 5%, and markets recovered within an average of 47 trading days.💎 A well-structured financial plan aligned with your risk tolerance is your best defense against volatility. Clients who maintain a stable asset allocation for one to two years rarely need to react when markets drop.💎 Compound interest and disciplined saving rates build more wealth over time than any attempt at market timing. The most financially successful people focus on what they can control, not on predicting the next crisis.DISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutcheson - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

What if the most important investment you make before retirement has nothing to do with money? On Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with longevity coach Chad Derowitsch of KCFITCLUB to talk about healthy aging, muscle mass, and why your body is your greatest asset. Chad breaks down how strength training, smart protein intake, and the right supplementation, including creatine, can transform your retirement years. Whether you are 45 or 70, this episode delivers a practical, data-driven roadmap to staying strong, sharp, and independent for the long haul.What you will Learn in this Episode:Why muscle mass is considered your most important longevity organ and how strength training just two to three times per week can protect your independence as you age, reducing the risk of entering a sedentary, disease-prone lifestyle in retirement.How protein intake powers protein synthesis, fuels your metabolism, and why older adults actually need more protein than younger people to maintain lean body mass, making nutrition the true foundation of healthy aging.How creatine supplements and other key supplements like omega-3s, probiotics, and magnesium play in filling nutritional gaps, supporting brain health, improving sleep recovery, and keeping your body performing at its best after 50.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Chad introduces holistic wellness and his role as a longevity coach at KCFITCLUB. 03:22 Muscle mass is your longevity organ, strength training slows age-related loss, and nutrition being 80% of an active lifestyle05:34 Discussion of the importance of supplements, the biggest nutrition mistakes people make 10:20 Chad's five steps for easing into healthy aging with consistency14:20 The role of sleep recovery, mobility training, and inflammation recovery in a complete fitness programKEY TAKEAWAYS: Body composition matters far more than scale weight. Chad explains why shifting focus from pounds lost to body fat percentage and lean muscle mass gives a far more accurate picture of your true health and long-term vitality.Nutrition accounts for roughly 80% of your fitness results. Undereating, skipping protein, or relying on low-carb strategies strips away the very muscle mass your metabolism depends on, leading to yo-yo weight cycling and long-term decline.Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. From journaling and faith to the natural release of hormones through strength training, guarding your mind is just as critical as fueling your body for a thriving retirement lifestyle.ABOUT THE GUEST: Chad Derowitsch is a longevity and metabolic health coach and the founder of KCFITCLUB. With over 20 years of coaching experience and a background in Exercise Science and business (MBA), Chad specializes in helping busy professionals improve muscle mass, metabolic health, and long-term physical independence. His approach combines strength training, body composition analysis, and structured nutrition strategies to help clients stay strong, energetic, and capable as they age.Chad Derowitsch - LinkedInKCfitclub- FacebookChad Derowitsch - InstagramKCfitclub - WebsiteDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

Artificial intelligence investing is no longer a concept of the future. It is reshaping wealth management today. Jeb, Ethan and Eric break down the key AI stocks and players driving this revolution, from model builders like OpenAI and Anthropic to infrastructure giants like Nvidia. They explore how portfolio diversification remains essential as AI transforms industries, including healthcare, logistics and finance. They also discuss real risks, such as hype cycles and market volatility, and share how their firm uses AI tools to serve clients better. This episode is your guide to navigating the AI era with confidence.What you will Learn in this Episode:Who the major artificial intelligence investing players really are, from foundational model builders like OpenAI and Anthropic to infrastructure leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft, and how they each fit into the broader AI stocks landscape that is transforming the global economy.How AI productivity gains are already delivering measurable results across wealth management, healthcare, logistics and retail, and why companies that adopt AI early are gaining a significant competitive edge over those that do not.Why portfolio diversification remains your most powerful tool in the AI era, and how to avoid the common mistakes of chasing hype or making concentrated bets in a fast-moving investment strategy environment.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Artificial intelligence investing overview and why AI is the biggest topic in business today03:08 Real-world AI applications in wealth management: Jump AI and wealth.com tools explained06:00 Key AI stocks and players: model builders, semiconductor stocks, and cloud infrastructure12:00 The AI gold rush analogy and how AI productivity is improving margins at Walmart and Costco17:23 Market volatility, regulation, economic disruption, and investment strategy for the next decade23:46 There will be job disruptions in certain industries as a result of AIKEY TAKEAWAYS: You do not need to buy individual AI stocks to benefit from the artificial intelligence boom. Broad index investors already have significant exposure through the Magnificent Seven, which accounts for nearly 50% of the S&P 500's weighting today.Artificial intelligence investing is not only about tech companies. AI is quietly improving profit margins across healthcare, logistics, retail and finance, meaning almost every sector in a diversified portfolio stands to benefit from wider adoption.The professionals who embrace AI productivity tools will outpace those who do not. As Jeb, Ethan and Eric note, the financial advisor who refuses to use AI is the one most at risk, not the profession itself.DISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedInSomething big is happening in AI by Matt Shumer

Most families don't think about home care services until a crisis hits. On Metcalf Money Moment, Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome Brad Haag of A Place at Home to guide families through the often-confusing world of senior care planning. Brad shares the telltale signs that a loved one needs help, from fall prevention concerns to early dementia care symptoms, and explains how to fund care through long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and smart financial planning. Whether you are the sandwich generation or planning for yourself, this episode delivers clear, practical answers that could protect your family and your finances.What you will Learn in this Episode:✅ What home care services actually include and how non-medical home care differs from skilled home health services so that you can make the right choice for your aging loved one without confusion.✅ How to spot the early warning signs that a parent needs help, including fall prevention red flags, dementia care symptoms, and changes in daily behavior that signal it is time to take action. Recognizing the Signs for Needed Care - When to Step in with Aging Parents✅ The funding options available to cover senior care planning costs, including how long-term care insurance policies work, when veterans' benefits apply, and why most home care services are private pay.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to non-medical home care services and how A Place at Home customizes care for each client's needs05:28 The credentials behind home care staff and what families should expect from certified caregivers entering the home07:15 Why reviewing power of attorney paperwork early is one of the most critical steps in senior care planning11:21Brad Haag shares how falling is one of the first warning signs families notice in aging parents and why it matters13:55 Breaking down long-term care insurance, Medicare benefits, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits as funding options for home care18:47 Real-life example of long-term care insurance paying out and the importance of understanding your policy benefitsKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Power of attorney paperwork can quickly become outdated. Brad discovered his own parents had documents more than 20 years old naming an attorney who had since retired, leaving the family without legal decision-making authority in a medical crisis. Review and update these documents now, before an emergency forces the issue.💎 Long-term care insurance is frequently misunderstood. Many families believe these policies apply only to nursing home placement, but they can also cover home care services.💎 Funding senior care rarely comes from a single source. A smart combination of private pay, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and creative financial planning can make quality care achievable and sustainable without draining family resources.ABOUT THE GUEST: Brad Haag is a healthcare and business professional with nearly 30 years of leadership experience. He owns and operates A Place At Home Kansas City South, a non-medical in-home care provider serving seniors in the Kansas City area. A Kansas native, Brad holds an undergraduate degree from the University and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. His passion for compassionate care was sparked while working with hospice patients, where he recognized the need for better in-home support for both seniors and caregivers. That insight led him to open A Place At Home in Overland Park, where he aims to deliver professional, people-centered care to the community.In-Home Senior Care & Support for Kansas City South FamiliesRecognizing the Signs for Needed Care - When to Step in with Aging ParentsMetcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedInDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

Jeb, Ethan, and Eric from Metcalf Money Moment reveal why the personal CFO model is transforming wealth management. Rather than segmenting your financial planning into separate silos, a personal CFO integrates investment management, tax planning, and estate planning into one cohesive strategy. Learn how Roth conversion timing affects Medicare premiums, why tax-efficient investing matters as much as returns, and how proper beneficiary designation protects your legacy. The hosts share actionable strategies, including opportunistic rebalancing during market volatility and coordinating life insurance with your overall financial picture for maximum family protection.What you will Learn in this Episode:How a personal CFO coordinates investment management, tax strategies, and estate planning to create a comprehensive wealth management approach that goes far beyond traditional financial advice and maximizes your family's long-term financial goals.Advanced tax management techniques, including Roth conversions, capital gains harvesting, and tax-efficient asset location strategies that reduce your tax burden now and create tax-free legacy wealth for your beneficiaries in the future.Why understanding your portfolio risk tolerance and implementing opportunistic rebalancing during market volatility matters more than chasing returns, and how proper risk tolerance alignment eliminates anxiety during market corrections.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 What is a personal CFO, and a discussion of the three pillars of comprehensive wealth management04:00 Tax management strategies beyond April filing07:36 Mindset shift: supporting real-life financial goals over chasing portfolio returns10:33 Understanding portfolio risk through Nitrogen scoring and managing market volatility14:50 Estate planning essentials: beneficiaries, life insurance, disability insurance, and legacy tax planningKEY TAKEAWAYS: A personal CFO acts as your financial quarterback, coordinating all aspects of your wealth management, including investment management, tax strategies, and estate planning.Strategic tax management requires year-round planning, not just April meetings. Implementing Roth conversions, tax loss harvesting, and capital gains management during optimal windows can save thousands annually and create tax-efficient legacy wealth for heirs.Proper estate planning extends beyond wills and trusts to include beneficiary designations, life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care planning.DISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

What if you could cut your property tax bill by hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars? Eric Owens from Swartz + Associates reveals the insider tactics that most property owners never discover. On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric dive deep into real-world victories, including a stunning $10 million reduction on a Florida hotel and a $600,000 savings on Connecticut retail property. You'll learn why Jackson County's 2025 assessment chaos devastated businesses with 10x increases, how triple net lease tenants often miss their appeal rights, and the exact documentation strategy that wins cases. Whether you manage a multimillion-dollar portfolio or own a single investment property, Eric breaks down the appeal process from informal negotiations to district court settlements, plus reveals the critical mistake that causes new buyers to go underwater financially within their first year of ownership.What you will Learn in this Episode:Master the art of property tax appeals by gathering comparable sales data from your neighborhood and focusing exclusively on valuation evidence.Navigate state-specific assessment year cycle requirements, including Kansas's annual January 1st effective valuation date versus Missouri's odd-year schedule, ensuring you meet critical filing deadlines for informal and formal board of equalization hearings.Understand how sale price disclosure laws in both Kansas and Missouri trigger automatic valuation increases after property purchase, potentially rendering investment properties unprofitable when buyers fail to account for reassessment impacts on cash flow projections.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Property tax consultant Eric Owens discusses the services of Swartz + Associates02:45 Examples of clients for whom a property valuation reduction occurred06:07 Business property owners versus residential homeowners and discussion of Jackson County property tax increase crisis10:31 Appeal process stages: informal appeal process through the board of equalization to district court appeals settlements14:48 To lower valuations, documentation is essential for winning casesKEY TAKEAWAYS: Evidence trumps emotion in property tax appeals. County assessors require comparable sales data, financial projections, and documented reasoning tied to the effective valuation date, not complaints about rising tax bills or payment hardships.Contingency fee basis consulting eliminates upfront risk. Firms like Swartz and Associates only collect payment when they achieve actual real estate tax reductions, making professional representation accessible even when appeals stretch over years through the district court.Sale price disclosure requirements in Kansas and Missouri automatically trigger reassessments. Investment properties purchased without factoring in next year's valuation increase relative to the purchase price can quickly become unprofitable cash flow disasters.ABOUT THE GUEST: Eric is a licensed Certified General Appraiser and serves as a Director for Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI). SAI is a full-service property tax consulting firm that specializes in the review, analysis, and appeal of commercial real estate and business personal property tax valuations. SAI has experience across a wide range of property tax matters and serves multiple industries.Eric Owens - LinkedInSwartz + Associates - WebsiteDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Eric Owens, and Swartz + Associates, inc is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial and Metcalf Partners Wealth Management.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

Understanding the gift tax exclusion is essential for anyone looking to transfer wealth to family members. On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric break down the most popular gifting strategies, including UTMA accounts, 529 college savings plans, and structured gifting through trusts. Learn how married couples can gift up to $38,000 per person annually without gift tax reporting, explore the new Trump savings accounts that offer government contributions, and discover how to use purpose-based distributions to maintain control over gifted assets. Whether you're funding education through a 529 plan with Roth IRA rollover options or setting up a revocable trust with age-based distributions, this episode covers everything you need to know about tax-free gifting strategies.What you will Learn in this Episode:How the annual gift tax exclusion allows you to gift up to $19,000 per person ($38,000 for married couples) without any tax reporting requirements or liabilityThe differences between UTMA accounts, 529 college savings plans, and new Trump savings accounts, including contribution limits, FAFSA impact, and withdrawal rulesHow to use revocable trusts with age-based distributions and purpose-based distributions to maintain control over gifted assets and prevent large windfalls to young adultsThe Roth IRA rollover strategy that allows up to $35,000 from a 529 plan to be transferred tax-free into a retirement account for the beneficiaryTune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Gifting strategies and common questions and answers about gift tax exclusion05:00 Deep dive into UTMA accounts and UGMA accounts, including ownership rules, FAFSA impact08:50 The new Trump savings accounts with government-matched contributions12:26 Comprehensive overview of 529 college savings plans, including contribution limits, beneficiary designation flexibility, and the Roth IRA rollover option for unused funds21:03 How to structure gifts using revocable trusts with age-based distributions and purpose-based distributions24:32 Addressing the common concern of overfunded UTMA accounts and how to transition them into trusts with beneficiary consent for better long-term controlKEY TAKEAWAYS: The new Trump savings accounts launching in 2026 offer a $1,000 government contribution for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, with annual contribution limits of $5,000 and potential employer matching of $2,500, creating a powerful tax-deferred savings vehicle that converts to the child's IRA at age 18UTMA accounts and UGMA accounts are counted as the child's assets when filing FAFSA for student aid, which can significantly reduce eligibility for financial assistance, making 529 college savings plans a better option for families prioritizing federal student aid qualificationThe five-year gift tax averaging rule for 529 plans allows you to contribute $95,000 in a single year (5 years × $19,000) without triggering gift tax reporting, enabling grandparents and parents to front-load education savings and maximize tax-free growth potentialDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.RESOURCES MENTIONED: Metcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedIn

Innovative tax planning strategies start with understanding your options before tax season arrives. In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric welcome enrolled agent Christine Nosbush to discuss essential tax deductions, HSA benefits, and planning opportunities for 2026. Christine explains the difference between an enrolled agent and a CPA, shares insights on avoiding IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and reveals why tax extensions can actually reduce audit risk. Whether you're a high-income earner looking to optimize Roth IRA conversions or simply want to understand current tax code changes, this conversation provides actionable strategies for working with your financial advisor to minimize tax liability and maximize retirement planning success.What you will Learn in this Episode:The key differences between an enrolled agent and a CPA, and why tax planning strategies require specialized expertise in tax code rather than just accounting knowledge.How to maximize HSA benefits with triple tax advantages and use them strategically to avoid IRMAA Medicare surcharges while creating tax-free retirement income.Why tax extensions don't increase IRS audit risk and can actually improve accuracy, plus essential tax deductions that high-income earners often miss.Smart strategies for Roth IRA conversions, 529 plans, and account consolidation to work effectively with your financial advisor for optimal retirement planning.Tune into the Metcalf Money Moment podcast for expert insights on wealth management and retirement planning! Join Jeb, Ethan, and Eric for practical Estate Planning strategies that you can implement to unlock financial clarity and confidence. Listen now to inspire your financial journey!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Christine, an enrolled agent, explains the role of a CPA versus an enrolled agent and how it relates to tax code expertise03:31 Tax planning strategies for the affluent families05:39 Tax deductions for high-income earners, including HSA benefits, Roth IRA contributions, and 529 plans07:53 Managing IRMAA Medicare surcharges through strategic income planning and capital gains planning13:26 Discussion of representing clients through the audit process, red flags to avoid, and the increase in fees charged by CPAs22:00 Why tax extensions reduce audit risk and scheduling tips for tax preparationKEY TAKEAWAYS: HSA benefits provide the best tax deductions available—money goes in pre-tax, grows tax-free, and comes out tax-free for medical expenses, making it superior to both traditional IRA and Roth IRA accounts for triple tax advantages.IRMAA Medicare surcharges are based on income from two years prior, so strategic Roth IRA conversions and capital gains management with your financial advisor can help high-income earners avoid significant premium increases in retirement.Tax extensions don't increase IRS audit risk—they actually decrease it by allowing more time for accurate tax preparation, and enrolled agent representation covers all audit levels except criminal investigations.ABOUT THE GUEST: Christine Nosbush is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of Nosbush Tax, a Kansas City–based tax firm serving individuals and small businesses since 2018, with clients across the United States. Known for her experience, clarity, and client-first approach, Christine helps clients navigate tax preparation and planning with confidence, earning a strong reputation for professionalism, responsiveness, and making complex tax topics easy to understand.Nosbush Tax - WebsiteNosbush Tax & Accounting Services, LLC | Kansas City MONosbush Tax & Accounting Services, LLC | LinkedInMetcalf Partners - WebsiteJeb Graham - LinkedInEthan Hutchison - LinkedInEric Wymore - LinkedInDISCLAIMER:This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We recommend discussing your particular situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Christine Nosbush and Nobush Tax & Accounting Services, is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial and Metcalf Partners Wealth Management.