Exchange Funds: Diversify Stock Without Capital Gains
When a single stock has driven your success, whether from years of service, stock options, or a business you helped build, diversification can come with a steep capital-gains bill. That’s where exchange funds come in. Instead of selling your shares, you can contribute them to a private investment fund and receive ownership in a diversified […]
Opportunity Zone Investing and Tax-Free Growth
Sold a business, property, or stock with a big gain? Before you write that tax check, there may be a smarter move that turns your tax bill into an investment opportunity. Opportunity zone investing lets you reinvest capital gains into projects that revitalize communities, while potentially deferring, or even reducing the taxes you owe. ✅ […]
Borrow Instead of Sell: Avoid Capital Gains Taxes
Looking to access liquidity without selling your investments? By borrowing against appreciated assets (real estate, investment portfolio, etc), you can unlock cash tax-free, keep your portfolio compounding, and plan around capital gains instead of triggering them. It’s the foundation of the “buy, borrow, die” framework, it’s a strategy that’s sophisticated, but surprisingly practical. At Liberty […]
1031 Exchange vs DST vs UPREIT: Key Differences
Thinking about selling your investment property but worried about the tax hit? You’ve got options. ✅ 1031 Exchange: Sell and reinvest into like-kind property, deferring gains (control, strict timelines) ✅ DST: 1031 into a passive fractional property (hands-off, quick closing, less liquid) ✅ UPREIT: Contribute property for OP units (tax-deferred), later convert to REIT shares […]
Budgeting Isn’t About Restriction – It’s About Freedom and Direction
In this video, Paul reframes the way we think about budgeting. It’s not about cutting back or saying “no” – it’s about giving your money direction so it supports the life you actually want. A good budget provides clarity and control, helping you make confident decisions instead of feeling constrained. Because when you know where […]
A Smarter Way to Give – Gifting Highly Appreciated Stock
In this video, Chris Klein, CFP® breaks down one of the most tax-efficient ways to give: donating appreciated stock instead of cash. When you gift stock that’s increased in value, especially after holding it for more than a year, you can avoid paying capital gains taxes and still deduct the full fair market value of […]
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): What to Know
Are you paying the extra 3.8% you don’t have to? The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) applies once your income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). But there are smart ways to reduce it: Favor tax-exempt investments like municipal bonds. Max out retirement and HSA accounts, which are exempt from NIIT. Harvest losses to […]
What is a Financial Plan?
A financial plan isn’t just a spreadsheet or a list of investments – it’s a roadmap that connects your money to your goals. In this video, Paul breaks down what a real financial plan includes, how it adapts as life changes, and why it’s designed to give you confidence, direction, and peace of mind […]
Turn Market Volatility Into Tax Savings
When markets fluctuate, smart investors don’t just watch the numbers – they act strategically. Tax-loss harvesting lets you: – Use losses to offset capital gains (and up to $3,000 of income) – Carry unused losses forward to future years – Stay invested while reducing taxable income Just watch out for the Wash Sale Rule: […]
What Is the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax – and Who Has to Pay It?
Did you know there’s a 3.8% tax that can quietly apply to your investment income? It’s called the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and it affects interest, dividends, capital gains, and passive income once your total income crosses: • $200,000 (Single) • $250,000 (Married Filing Jointly) Here’s how it works: – It applies to […]