In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into donor-advised funds (DAFs) with Bruce and Jason Hosler from Hosler Wealth Management. With the end of 2024 approaching, DAFs are a timely and powerful tool for those who are charitably inclined, particularly those looking to manage tax liabilities while contributing to causes they care about.

Bruce explains that a donor-advised fund allows individuals to donate highly appreciated assets—like stocks, real estate, or even collectibles—without triggering capital gains taxes. For example, if you've held Apple stock for years and it’s gained significantly in value, rather than selling it and paying hefty taxes, you can donate that stock to a DAF. You receive a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the stock and can direct how those funds are distributed to charities over time, rather than in one lump sum. This flexibility is a major advantage for those who want to spread their giving across multiple years or charities.

Jason elaborates on the ability to involve family members in charitable giving through DAFs. Not only can children participate in distributing funds, but they can also continue to manage the fund after the donor has passed away, allowing the family’s philanthropic legacy to live on.

One major tax benefit highlighted is the ability to use a large donation to a DAF to offset income from Roth conversions. By contributing appreciated assets to a DAF, donors can take a significant deduction in the same year they perform a Roth conversion, helping to balance out the tax impact of converting pre-tax retirement funds into a Roth account.

We also on recent proposed regulations that could have restricted financial advisors from managing DAFs. Fortunately, due to industry pushback, it appears these regulations will be reconsidered, allowing advisors to continue assisting clients with their DAFs as part of a comprehensive financial plan.

This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to enhance their charitable giving while maximizing tax benefits, especially as the end of the year approaches. The team at Hosler Wealth Management emphasizes that donor-advised funds are not just about tax savings, but also about creating a long-lasting charitable legacy, involving family in the process, and supporting causes that matter.

Disclaimer: Generally, a donor-advised fund is a separately identified fund or account that is maintained and
operated by a section 501(c)(3) organization, which is called a sponsoring organization. Each account is composed of contributions made by individual donors. Once the donor makes the contribution, the organization has legal control over it; however, the donor, or donor’s representative, retains advisory privileges with respect to the distribution of funds and the investment assets in the account. Donors take a tax deduction for all contributions at the time they are made, even though the money may not be dispersed to a charity until much later.

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit them online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/#socialmedia

Copyright © 2022-2024 Hosler Wealth Management LLC, All Rights Reserved. #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into the upcoming changes to Medicare for 2025, focusing on critical issues that affect both current Medicare recipients and those who have yet to claim it. Bruce Hosler and Alex Koury from Hosler Wealth Management discuss Medicare enrollment, premium penalties, and significant updates coming in the next few years.

We start by addressing the complexities surrounding Medicare enrollment for individuals turning 65. Bruce highlights a key nuance: while it may sometimes be beneficial to stay on a company’s health plan, particularly if it's cheaper, there’s a catch. If you’re on a high-deductible health plan, it may not offer “credible coverage” for Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. If you miss getting a Part D plan, you could face costly penalties later. The message here is to ensure you’re covered, even if you delay Medicare enrollment.

Alex introduces one of the biggest changes coming in 2025: a new cap on out-of-pocket Part D drug expenses, set at $2,000 annually. This reform eliminates the confusing "donut hole" many have faced in recent years, where prescription costs shift dramatically at certain thresholds. While this is a win for those with high prescription costs, Bruce and Alex emphasize the importance of regularly reviewing Medicare Advantage plans, as changes to drug formularies, premiums, and deductibles could affect out-of-pocket costs.

Bruce stresses that regular Medicare typically offers more flexibility in choosing specialists or medical facilities, like the Mayo Clinic, whereas Medicare Advantage plans can be restrictive. This is crucial for those considering future healthcare needs, as Medicare Advantage may not cover all specialists or provide access to top-tier care.

The episode wraps up by discussing the expansion of mental health services under Medicare, starting in 2025. More providers, including mental health counselors and addiction specialists, will be covered, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health care in retirement.

Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating Medicare, providing clear guidance on how to avoid penalties, manage drug costs, and ensure access to the best care as these changes roll out.

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit them online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/#socialmedia

Copyright © 2022-2024 Hosler Wealth Management LLC, All Rights Reserved. #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

It’s true, and in this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we focus on this crucial aspect of estate planning: converting your IRA to a Roth IRA before passing it to your children. We discuss the importance of making this conversion while you're alive because your children cannot convert an inherited IRA to a Roth IRA after your death. I will share an example of a client who could have benefitted from starting the conversion process earlier, explaining that even partial conversions would allow beneficiaries to enjoy tax-free growth from a Roth IRA.

Our conversation delves into the details of Roth's conversions, highlighting people's common misconceptions. Alex notes that there are no age or income restrictions on who can convert their IRA to a Roth. Even wealthy individuals like Bill Gates could convert if they wished. We discuss how spouses can inherit Roth IRAs with no required minimum distributions (RMDs), which allows them to let the account grow tax-free for the rest of their lives. Upon the spouse's death, the Roth IRA can pass to the children, who must distribute it within ten years, but still tax-free.

I break down the changes brought by the SECURE Act, which eliminated the "Stretch IRA" rule for most non-spousal beneficiaries, including adult children. Instead, inherited IRAs must now be fully distributed within ten years, which can create significant tax implications. I stress the importance of eligible designated beneficiaries—such as spouses, minor children, and disabled individuals — only they can stretch the IRA distributions over their lifetimes.

The key takeaway is simple: if you want your children to benefit from tax-free growth, you must convert your IRA to a Roth yourself. This will empower you with the sole responsibility to secure your children's financial future. Otherwise, they will be burdened with a traditional IRA and its tax obligations. With tax rates potentially rising in the future, converting now at lower rates could save your heirs from paying much higher taxes later. The message is clear: plan early and wisely to preserve wealth for future generations, providing a sense of relief and security.

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit them online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/#socialmedia

Copyright © 2022-2024 Hosler Wealth Management LLC, All Rights Reserved. #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler