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Unlocking Tax Benefits with Charitable Distributions: A Strategy for Charitable Givers

Unlocking Tax Benefits with Charitable Distributions: A Strategy for Charitable Givers

At HFM, one of the most significant values we provide our clients is leveraging our experience in helping hundreds successfully navigate through life's transitions. This episode of the Dollar Wise Podcast delves into a financial strategy that many may not fully understand: the tax benefits of charitable giving through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Charitable Giving and Tax Benefits: What You Need to Know When donating to charity, most people assume they’ll receive a tax deduction by simply providing the receipt to their accountant. However, due to changes in tax laws, this isn’t always the case. The Tax Cuts and Jobs…

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This Is Normal

This Is Normal

We know that navigating the stock market's ups and downs can be challenging, especially during periods of increased volatility. To provide some perspective and reassurance, we wanted to share some insights from a recent blog article by one of our favorite writers in the financial community, Ben Carlson (read his blog HERE) that sheds light on the current stock market situation and the nature of market corrections. In his article, Ben highlights the striking chart above showing the unusual calmness of the stock market in 2024 up to last week. Until this point, 2024 had only one day where the…

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How Do You Teach Your Kids The Importance Of Money?

How Do You Teach Your Kids The Importance Of Money?

Transforming Financial Education for Families: A Conversation with Chad Willardson By Jason Gabrieli In our most recent podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chad Willardson, the president and founder of Pacific Capital, and a renowned author and advocate for financial literacy among children. Chad's impressive portfolio includes five bestselling books, such as "Smart, Not Spoiled" and his latest, "Wealth Wired Differently." He is also the co-host of the "Smart Money Parenting" show and the co-founder of GravyStack and the Dinner Table Community. Our discussion delved into his innovative approach to teaching kids about money, the genesis of GravyStack, and…

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Don’t Let 5% Savings Accounts Distract You From Investing for the Long Term

Don’t Let 5% Savings Accounts Distract You From Investing for the Long Term

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli, CFP®, discusses the current trend of keeping money in cash. With high-yield savings accounts offering around 5%, many investors are unsure whether to invest or leave their money in cash. Jason highlights the importance of understanding historical returns and differentiating between short-term and long-term financial goals. He demonstrates how long-term investments in bonds and stocks have historically outperformed cash, despite recent attractive yields. The episode encourages listeners to align their cash holdings with their financial objectives and offers insights into market trends and behavioral finance. Tune into this…

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Unlock the True Potential of Your 401(k) Savings

Unlock the True Potential of Your 401(k) Savings

  Jason Gabrieli and Tyler Reedman, both CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS at HFM Investment Advisors, dispel common misconceptions about 401(k) contributions. They dissect the difference between matching the employer’s contribution and maxing out a 401(k). They discuss contribution limits and strategies to increase contributions incrementally so you can optimize your savings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take full advantage of their 401(k) potential. Tune into this episode to also learn: The real meaning of 'maxing out' your 401(k) and common misconceptions. How automatic escalation can effortlessly boost your 401(k) savings. The impact of choosing between Roth and…

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Charge Up Your Savings: Home Improvement and EV Tax Credit Overview

Charge Up Your Savings: Home Improvement and EV Tax Credit Overview

Home improvements, purchasing electric vehicles, and installing a qualified vehicle refueling and recharging apparatus at your home could entitle you to a tax credit. Jason reviews the different types of credits, their requirements, and the importance of consulting a tax advisor to optimize these opportunities to integrate them into your financial plan. Tune into this episode to also learn: Specifics of energy-efficient home improvement credits for installations like doors, windows, and HVAC systems. Details of the residential clean energy credit for adding renewable energy sources to your home. Insights into tax credits for purchasing new and used clean vehicles, including…

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Bitcoin ETF, Where Does It Fit Into Your Investments?

Bitcoin ETF, Where Does It Fit Into Your Investments?

Bitcoin has made a comeback in the last few weeks with the SEC's recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs. So, what does this mean for investors? Jason explains the implications of the Bitcoin ETFs, their accessibility for average investors, and the impact of this development on the value of Bitcoin while evaluating the risks regarding your investment strategy. He also discusses the broader context of investing in volatile assets like Bitcoin and offers guidance on approaching them within a diversified investment portfolio. Tune into this episode to also learn: The fundamentals of Bitcoin ETFs and their role in the financial market.…

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What To Do With Those Old 401(k)s

What To Do With Those Old 401(k)s

  Whatever happened to that old 401(k) at your first job? Today, learn how to manage old employer retirement plans. Throughout this episode, gain insight into the various paths you can take with accrued retirement balances from past employment ventures. Jason reviews the options available to you, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each to aid you in making informed choices regarding your retirement nest egg. As the conversation unfolds, you'll be acquainted with options such as retaining the plan with its current status, merging it into a new employer's arrangement, shifting it to an IRA, or opting for a…

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How to Invest in A Secure Financial Future for Your Children

How to Invest in A Secure Financial Future for Your Children

Jason Gabrieli zeroes in on a topic he often discusses with clients: investing for the younger generation in your family. Jason reviews the options available to you as a parent, grandparent, or guardian to begin fostering a secure financial future for them. Jason reviews several options, including accounts available under a custodian's supervision, individual or joint investment accounts, and, of course, the classic 529 college savings plan. Tune into this episode to also learn:  What makes UTMA and UGMA accounts a secure choice for investing in the younger generation's future, and what are the caveats? How does opening an investment…

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The Marathon of Wealth: Investing Lessons from Distance Running

The Marathon of Wealth: Investing Lessons from Distance Running

Many people avoid running, which is understandable. You need to take time out of your busy schedule, only to exhaust your body. Perhaps fittingly, the same thing is true with your finances and investing. When people think about trying to get serious with their wealth, they often get intimidated, scared, and frustrated. Fortunately, there are plenty of parallels between distance running and investing. Not everyone in the world wants to become a “runner,” but the truths that tie the two disparate topics together apply to every single person who seeks financial independence. Investing, especially in the context of retirement, is…

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