Asset Location: Optimizing Your Investments For Tax Efficiency

You’ve probably heard the investing basics: diversify your portfolio, keep costs low, stay invested for the long term. All solid advice. But there’s a less-talked-about strategy that may quietly improve your after-tax returns without necessarily changing what you’re invested in or taking on more risk. It’s called asset location, and it’s one of those planning details that tends to separate a thoughtful investment strategy from a generic one.

The concept is fairly simple: different types of accounts are taxed differently, and different types of investments generate different kinds of taxable income (or none at all). Asset location is the practice of deliberately matching your investments to the right account types, with the goal of reducing what you hand over to the IRS. It doesn’t change your overall asset allocation (your mix of stocks, bonds, alternatives, etc.), but it may noticeably improve how much of your return you actually keep.

Vanguard’s research suggests that a well-implemented asset location strategy may add between 0.05% and 0.30% of after-tax return annually,[1] which may compound into real dollars over time. More recent Vanguard research from October 2023 found that going a step further and optimizing placement of equity subclasses like U.S. vs. international and growth vs. value may add up to another 0.10% annually.[2] These are modeled estimates, not guarantees, and results will vary. But the potential is real enough to be worth understanding.

Start With the Accounts

Before you can decide what goes where, it helps to understand the three main investment account types and how each one is generally taxed.

Tax-Deferred Accounts

Contributions to tax-deferred accounts (think traditional 401(k)s, IRAs, and 403(b)s) are typically made with pre-tax dollars, which may reduce your taxable income in the year you contribute. The money can grow without annual tax drag; you can generally buy, sell, and reinvest dividends inside the account without owing taxes on those transactions in the current year. The trade-off is that withdrawals in retirement are generally taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are also subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach the required age. (Inherited IRAs come with their own RMD rules that often differ from those that apply to the original account owner, and are worth understanding separately if you’ve received or expect to receive one.)

Tax-Free Accounts

Roth accounts work differently. Contributions go in after-tax with no upfront deduction, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free, including all the accumulated growth. Roth IRA funds are not subject to RMDs during the account owner’s lifetime under current law. For these reasons, Roth funds may benefit the most from strong appreciation over time, since that growth may not be taxed upon qualified withdrawal.

One important nuance worth spelling out: workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s often hold more than one tax type in a single account (even though it may be a Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b) in name). Even when an employee is contributing to the Roth side, employer contributions are typically made on a pre-tax basis, meaning the same account may contain both Roth (after-tax) and pre-tax dollars. And because all funds in a workplace plan are invested through the same menu of options, everything is generally invested the same way regardless of the tax treatment of each dollar. That makes workplace plans poor candidates for implementing asset location within the account itself. It is one practical reason why rolling over retirement funds into IRAs, separating Roth dollars into a Roth IRA and pre-tax dollars into a Traditional IRA, may make sense over time, both from an asset location standpoint and for greater flexibility when managing distributions in retirement.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs are sometimes lumped in with Roth accounts as “tax-free,” and for qualified medical expenses, they actually are. Contributions may be tax-deductible, the funds grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for eligible healthcare costs are tax-free. That's a combination designed to address those specific planning goals.

As an investment vehicle for general retirement savings, though, HSAs have some real limitations worth keeping in mind. After age 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for any purpose, but non-medical withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, similar to a traditional IRA. And the inheritance treatment is notably less favorable than a Roth IRA: when an HSA passes to a non-spouse beneficiary, the full account value is generally included in the beneficiary’s taxable income in the year of inheritance.[3] For these reasons, HSAs are often better suited to lower-volatility investments, particularly if the account could pass to heirs or if non-medical withdrawals in retirement are a realistic possibility.

Taxable Brokerage Accounts

Taxable accounts don’t offer upfront deductions or tax-free withdrawals, but they come with flexibility the other account types can’t match. There’s no contribution limit, no RMDs, and generally no restriction on when you can access the money. Investments held here are subject to capital gains tax when sold (at the generally lower long-term rate if held more than a year) and dividends may qualify for preferential tax rates as well.

The Two Lenses That Drive Asset Location

Once you understand the accounts, asset location decisions generally come down to two overlapping questions: How tax-efficient is this investment? And how much growth might we expect from it?

Lens 1: Tax Efficiency

Some investments are relatively quiet from a tax perspective. A broad U.S. stock market index fund, for example, typically has low turnover and mostly qualified dividends, meaning it may not generate much of an annual tax bill if held in a taxable account.

Other investments are noisier. Taxable bond funds generate interest income every year, and that interest is typically taxed at ordinary income rates, the same rates that apply to your wages. REITs (real estate investment trusts) present a similar consideration: a large share of their distributions are often treated as ordinary income rather than the more favorably taxed qualified dividends, though they may qualify for a 20% deduction on that income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.[4] Actively managed equity funds with high turnover may also generate short-term capital gains distributions taxed at ordinary rates, rather than the lower long-term capital gains rate that applies to longer-held positions.

The principle that follows: investments that tend to generate a lot of ordinary income are often better placed in a tax-sheltered account, where that income may compound without an annual tax hit. Investments that tend to generate less taxable income, or income that qualifies for lower rates, may be a better fit in a taxable account.

Lens 2: Growth Potential

The second lens is about making the most of your tax-free space. Consider two scenarios: a Roth IRA that grows from $100,000 to $400,000 over time, where all of that $300,000 gain could be tax-free upon qualified withdrawal, versus that same $300,000 gain inside a traditional IRA, which would likely be taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. All else being equal, you’d take the tax-free account. (Safe assumption.) So apply that thinking to how you allocate within each account: generally, you’d prefer your higher-growth investments to be in the accounts that may not tax the gains.

Higher-growth assets held over long accumulation periods are often considered good candidates to hold more of in Roth accounts, since their future gains may not be taxed upon qualified withdrawal. Conversely, lower-growth, income-producing assets like investment-grade bond funds are often reasonable fits for a traditional IRA. Withdrawals would generally be taxed as ordinary income, but bond interest in a taxable account would likely have been taxed at ordinary rates anyway. The net result is that tax-deferred shelter gets applied where it may provide the most benefit.

Putting It Together: A General Framework

Combining both lenses produces a rough framework, though your specific situation always matters:

•Tax-deferred accounts: Tilt toward investments that generate more ordinary income. Sheltering that income from annual taxation may help reduce tax drag over time.

•Tax-free accounts (Roth IRAs specifically): Tilt toward assets with stronger long-term appreciation potential, since qualified gains may not be taxed upon withdrawal. As noted above, this applies more cleanly to IRAs than to workplace plans, where the mixed tax nature of the account limits what you can do with asset location.

•Taxable brokerage accounts: Tilt toward tax-efficient assets that generate relatively modest annual taxable income, or assets that carry specific tax advantages that are only accessible when held in a taxable account.

As Fidelity has put it: “You can’t control market returns, and you can’t control tax law, but you can control how you use accounts that offer tax advantages.”[5]

Worth emphasizing: these are tilts, not rules. Asset location is a directional framework, not a rigid prescription. You don’t have to perfectly segregate every holding to get value from it. Holding some bonds in a taxable account, some equities in a traditional IRA, or some growth assets in an HSA doesn’t mean the strategy is broken. It means you’re working with real constraints, which is what everyone is doing.

If You’re Starting from an Existing Portfolio

If your investments are already spread across multiple accounts and you haven’t been thinking about asset location, getting started isn’t always as simple as deciding where new contributions go. In many cases, moving toward a better-located portfolio will require selling some existing holdings and repositioning them into different accounts.

That transition has real costs. Selling appreciated investments in a taxable account to move them could trigger capital gains taxes. Depending on how long you’ve held those positions and your current bracket, that tax bill may offset some of the near-term benefit. There’s no universal answer here; it depends on the size of the embedded gain, your time horizon, and your current and expected future tax rates.

A few approaches that may help reduce transition friction:

•New contributions first. Redirect future contributions to prioritize proper placement before selling anything. Over time, this may help shift the allocation without triggering a taxable event.

•Rebalance into the right location. When the portfolio drifts, and rebalancing is needed anyway, use those trades to also improve location. Selling bonds in a taxable account and replacing them with equities while moving the bond exposure to a traditional IRA improves placement without making a change purely for location’s sake.

•Prioritize highest-income-generating assets first. If you can only reposition some holdings in the near term, start with the investments generating the most ordinary income in the taxable account. That’s typically where the tax drag is highest.

For investments already inside an IRA or 401(k), repositioning is generally simpler because trades within a tax-advantaged account don’t generate a current taxable event. If your bonds are sitting in a Roth IRA and your equities are in a traditional IRA, you may be able to swap the allocations without immediate tax consequences.

This is one area where working through the numbers with a financial planner tends to be worthwhile, since the right pace of transition often depends on a careful look at your specific situation.

Layering In Additional Strategies

Asset location works best as part of a broader tax-planning framework. Two strategies that pair naturally with it are tax-loss harvesting and Roth conversions.

Tax-loss harvesting involves strategically selling investments that have declined in value to realize a loss that may offset capital gains elsewhere in the portfolio, or up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year. Because harvesting plays out in taxable accounts, the composition of that account matters. A well-located taxable account holding tax-efficient equities tends to create more harvesting opportunities over time, since equity positions are more likely to experience periodic declines that may be harvested without significantly disrupting the overall strategy.

Roth conversions involve deliberately moving pre-tax dollars from a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth account and paying taxes at today’s rate. Done systematically, particularly in lower-income years before RMDs begin, conversions may grow the pool of tax-free space available for higher-growth assets. These strategies may also reinforce each other: harvested losses in a taxable account can sometimes offset the income generated by a Roth conversion in the same year, potentially reducing the net tax cost of both.

I’ve written in more detail about Roth conversion strategies and the value of coordinated investment planning if either is useful context for how asset location fits in the bigger picture.

A Few Practical Caveats

Asset location tends to add the most value when you have solid balances across multiple account types. If your retirement savings are concentrated entirely in one type of account, there’s limited ability to optimize placement. The more diversity you have across taxable, traditional, and Roth accounts, the more flexibility you have to apply these principles.

Asset location is a portfolio-level strategy, not an account-level one. Each individual account will hold a different mix of investments and will likely perform differently in any given year. A bond-heavy traditional IRA will look very different from a Roth IRA holding primarily equities. If you evaluate each account in isolation, this may feel disorienting. The right lens is how all of your accounts perform together.

Related to that: these decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. Asset location works best when considered alongside your broader accumulation strategy (how you’re building assets across different account types over time), your distribution strategy (which accounts you plan to draw from first in retirement and in what sequence), and your anticipated cash flow needs in both the near and longer term. A placement decision that looks optimal on paper may be less so if it creates friction with how you plan to access the money, triggers unnecessary taxes when you need liquidity, or conflicts with a Roth conversion strategy you’re running in parallel.

As a practical example: it may make sense to hold a sizable bond position in a taxable account for a period of time if those funds are earmarked for a specific near-term purpose, but the time horizon is still longer than a savings account would warrant. That’s not a failure of the strategy; it’s a reasonable acknowledgment that liquidity needs and optimal placement don’t always line up perfectly. The framework is directional guidance, and real financial lives require flexibility.

Rebalancing also requires some coordination. When the overall portfolio drifts from its target allocation, getting it back on track ideally involves trades that don’t create unnecessary taxable events.

And finally: tax law changes. The favorable treatment of qualified dividends and the REIT pass-through deduction under the TCJA have already evolved, and may continue to. A solid asset location strategy is worth reviewing periodically rather than treating as a one-time setup.

The Bottom Line

Asset location may add real value, but it works best on top of a solid foundation: a diversified, low-cost portfolio with an asset allocation that fits your goals and time horizon. The strategy is an optimization layer, not a substitute for getting the fundamentals right first.

For investors who have multiple account types and are in higher tax brackets, the potential is worth taking seriously. Done thoughtfully, it generally comes down to intentional placement decisions made when accounts are funded and revisited as part of ongoing planning.

One honest reality: knowing the right strategy and actually implementing it, then continuing to monitor and maintain it over time, are two different things. If you know you’re unlikely to follow through on the mechanics on your own, or that periodic review tends to slip when life gets busy, working with an advisor as an accountability partner is a practical solution. Beyond building the initial plan, an advisor may help ensure that rebalancing, repositioning, and tax-layer decisions like loss harvesting and Roth conversions actually happen when the opportunity is there, rather than sitting on a to-do list indefinitely. I wrote more about that dynamic in Your Finances Called, if that resonates.

This is where personalized analysis tends to matter most, because the right approach depends on your specific account balances, tax situation, investment mix, and time horizon.

Sources

1. Vanguard, “Asset Location Can Lead to Lower Taxes,” Vanguard Investor Education. investor.vanguard.com

2. Sachin Padmawar et al., “Asset Location for Equity,” Vanguard Research, October 2023. corporate.vanguard.com

3. Internal Revenue Code § 223; IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans. Regarding HSA inheritance: IRC § 223(f)(8); upon death, a non-spouse beneficiary must include the fair market value of the HSA in gross income in the year of the account holder’s death.

4. Internal Revenue Code § 199A; Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97). The 20% deduction on qualified REIT dividends is currently scheduled to expire after December 31, 2025, absent Congressional action.

5. Andrew Bachman, Director of Financial Solutions, Fidelity Investments, as cited in Fidelity Viewpoints, “Asset Location: Investing in the Right Accounts.” fidelity.com

Disclosures

The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or investment advice. Asset location strategies depend on individual circumstances including account balances, tax situation, investment mix, and time horizon. Results discussed in this article are illustrative and modeled; they are not guarantees of future performance. Please consult a qualified financial and/or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Tax laws are subject to change; the TCJA provisions referenced, including the Section 199A deduction, are subject to Congressional action beyond 2025.

Investment advisory services are offered through Fiduciary Financial Advisors, a registered investment adviser. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Any references to scheduling a consultation are for general informational purposes and do not create an advisory relationship. Third-party research, statistics, and survey data cited are believed to be reliable but have not been independently verified. All data is subject to change. References to CFP® professionals relate to industry research and do not imply that any specific outcome will be achieved.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

You Left Your CalPERS Employer. Now What?

A plain-language guide to your options when you leave a CalPERS-covered job before you're ready to retire

Maybe you landed a role in the private sector. Maybe you relocated for family reasons. Maybe the job just wasn't the right fit anymore. Whatever happened, you've left your CalPERS-covered employer before retirement, and now you have the question: what actually happens to the benefits you've been building?

The short answer is that CalPERS doesn't disappear from your life. This article walks through those choices in plain language so you can make an informed decision rather than a default one.

What You've Built

When you work for a CalPERS-covered employer, two things are happening in your account at the same time. First, you're making employee contributions, which are a percentage of your salary set by your retirement formula and membership tier. Second, your employer is making its own contributions on your behalf into the broader fund. Only the first bucket (your own contributions plus the interest they've earned) is refundable to you. Employer contributions aren't yours to take with you; they go toward funding pension benefits for current and future retirees across the system.[1]

The pension benefit itself, that lifetime monthly payment you've heard described as "2% at 62" or "2.7% at 57" or some similar formula, isn't funded from a personal account the way a 401(k) is. It's a defined benefit: a promise from CalPERS to pay you a calculated amount for life once you reach eligibility.[2]

Are You Vested?

Your vesting status is the key factor in understanding your options. CalPERS uses a two-part test: you need both sufficient service credit and minimum age to collect.[3]

The Service Credit Side

For most CalPERS members, the vesting threshold is five years of CalPERS-credited service. There are some exceptions, most notably for State of California Second Tier employees, who generally need 10 years, but the five-year mark applies to the large majority of members working for state agencies, cities, counties, etc.[3]

If you've crossed that five-year threshold, you're considered vested in the pension side of things, meaning the right to a future benefit is locked in regardless of where you work next. If you haven't yet hit five years, you don't have a right to a future pension unless you return to CalPERS-covered employment, use reciprocity with another qualifying public retirement system, or had part-time status that qualifies under a specific exception.

The Age Side

Vesting in the service credit sense doesn't mean you can start collecting tomorrow. You also have to reach the minimum retirement age for your formula, which varies depending on when you became a CalPERS member:[4]

So, for example, if you're a 38-year-old Classic miscellaneous member with eight years of service credit and you leave your employer today, you're vested in the service credit sense, but you can't collect until you reach at least age 50. That gap, between your separation date and your earliest retirement eligibility date, is what makes the decisions below so consequential.

Your Three Main Options at Separation

Once you've permanently left all CalPERS-covered employment, CalPERS will mail you a document called Options at Separation. It lays out what comes next. In practice, you have three paths.[5]

Option 1: Leave Your Contributions on Account

You can leave your employee contributions exactly where they are, earning interest, until you reach minimum retirement age and choose to retire. CalPERS credits accounts left on deposit with interest at a rate of 6% per year, and your membership and service credit remain fully intact.[6]

If you're vested, this approach preserves your right to a lifetime pension payment starting at minimum retirement age. The pension amount you'd eventually receive is based on your service credit at separation, your final compensation, and your age when you actually retire. You won't earn additional CalPERS service credit during the years you're working elsewhere, but the credit you built doesn't evaporate.

One thing to know about this option: under federal Required Minimum Distribution rules, if you haven't retired or refunded your account, CalPERS will eventually require a distribution. The age threshold depends on your birth year: age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959, and age 75 for those born in 1960 or later.[7] If you're leaving public employment mid-career, that deadline is likely far enough away to not be a factor in the initial decision.

Option 2: Take a Refund or Roll Over Your Contributions

You can request a refund of your employee contributions and the interest they've earned. This terminates your CalPERS membership. Once you choose this path, you forfeit your right to any future pension benefit, disability retirement, or survivor benefits under CalPERS.[8]

The refund is taxable as ordinary income unless you roll it over into a qualified retirement account (an IRA or an eligible employer plan that accepts rollovers). If you receive the money directly, CalPERS is required to withhold 20% for federal income tax, and you may face an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty if you're under 59½ and don't roll the funds over.[9]

If you later return to CalPERS-covered employment and want to buy back your prior service credit, you can do so, but the cost is typically higher than what you were originally refunded, and it increases over time as interest accrues.[8]

Option 3: Retire Immediately (If You're Eligible)

If you've reached minimum retirement age and have at least five years of service credit, you may be eligible to apply for retirement now rather than deferring it.[4] This tends to come up most often for members who've spent a longer career in public service, or who are separating later in their working years.

Retiring at the minimum age typically means accepting a lower benefit factor than if you waited, since most CalPERS formulas are structured to reward retiring later. It also means your CalPERS health benefits question comes into focus immediately (more on that below). For many people, the timing question of when to start CalPERS benefits involves a breakeven analysis that intersects with Social Security timing, other savings, and healthcare coverage, so it pays to run those numbers before making the call.

Reciprocity With Another Public Retirement System

If you're leaving one public employer and heading to another, or you're considering it, CalPERS has reciprocal agreements with most other California public retirement systems. Reciprocity allows you to coordinate benefits between systems in a way that tends to be more favorable than treating them as entirely separate.[14]

The mechanics work like this: there's no transfer of funds or service credit between systems. Instead, when you retire from both systems simultaneously (using the same retirement date), your highest final compensation from either system can be used to calculate the pension from each. You draw separate retirement payments from each system.[14]

To establish reciprocity, the main rule to know is the six-month window: you need to move from one reciprocal system to the next within six months, without a gap in active membership.[15] If you take more than six months off before joining a new public employer, reciprocity likely won't apply.

Reciprocity also affects your CalPERS membership tier. Classic members who move to another CalPERS-covered employer within six months typically retain their Classic membership status, which matters quite a bit given the more generous formulas Classic tiers carry relative to PEPRA.[16]

Reciprocal systems include, but are not limited to Other CalPERS-covered employers (which automatically share membership); CalSTRS (California State Teachers’ Retirement System); County “1937 Act” systems such as LACERA, SCERS, and others; San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS); and various other qualifying California public retirement systems. If you’re moving to a position under one of these systems, ask both systems about reciprocity before your start date. 

What to Think Through Before You Decide

The options at separation aren't equally consequential for everyone. Here is what you should think through:

•  Are you vested? If you haven't hit five years of service credit, your options look different than if you have. A non-vested member taking a refund isn't forfeiting a pension they'd otherwise have. A vested member doing the same often is.[3]

•  How long until minimum retirement age? The longer the runway, the more you want to think carefully about whether leaving contributions on account makes sense.[4]

•  Will you return to public sector work? If there's any realistic chance you'll come back to a CalPERS employer, keeping your membership intact is probably the better decision. Service credit is additive, and buying it back later is expensive.[8]

•  What's the reciprocity picture? If you're heading to another California public employer, verify the six-month window and establish reciprocity before your start date. This is one of the decisions that's easy to get right.[15]

•  What does your retirement income picture look like overall? CalPERS pension income, if it's eventually payable, is one piece of a broader picture that often includes Social Security, your Savings Plus Program (which is comprised of a 457(b) and 401(k) plan), or other deferred compensation balance, and non-retirement savings. The refund decision looks different depending on what else is in that picture.

•  What's the tax impact of a refund? If you're taking a refund in a year with high other income, the tax drag can add up. If you're in a lower-income year, the impact is more manageable. Rolling into an IRA avoids current taxation but still closes the CalPERS door.[9]

Don't Lose Track of Your Account

CalPERS will send you an Annual Member Statement every fall, but those go to the address on file. Keep your contact information current in myCalPERS, and check your account periodically, especially as you approach your eligible retirement window.[17]

This is where it gets personal.

The choice between leaving contributions on account, taking a refund, and establishing reciprocity intersects with your tax situation, your other retirement savings, your career plans, and how you model lifetime income. The right answer depends on the details of your situation. If you've recently left a CalPERS-covered employer and want to think through your specific numbers, I'm happy to help you work through it.

Sources

1.  CalPERS. "Refund Member Contributions." calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/retirement-benefits/refund-member-contributions

2.  CalPERS. "Service & Disability Retirement." calpers.ca.gov/members/retirement-benefits/service-disability-retirement

3.  CalPERS PERSpective. "CalPERS 101: Your Pension and the Vesting System." news.calpers.ca.gov/your-calpers-pension-is-on-a-vesting-system-heres-what-that-means

4.  CalPERS. "Options at Separation" (PDF). calpers.ca.gov/documents/options-at-separation/download

5.  CalPERS. "Options at Separation" letter (PDF). calpers.ca.gov/documents/options-at-separation/download

6.  CalPERS. "A Benefits Guide for Public Agency Members" (PDF). calpers.ca.gov/documents/new-member-public-agency-guide/download

7.  SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022; IRS Final Regulations on Required Minimum Distributions (89 Federal Register 58886, eff. Jan. 1, 2025). federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/19/2024-14542/required-minimum-distributions

8.  CalPERS. "Refund Member Contributions." calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/retirement-benefits/refund-member-contributions

9.  CalPERS. "Refund Election Form Packet — Special Tax Notice: Your Rollover Options" (PDF). calpers.ca.gov/documents/refund-election-form-packet/download

10.  CalPERS. "Eligibility & Enrollment (Active Members)." calpers.ca.gov/members/health-benefits/eligibility-and-enrollment

11.  CalPERS. "COBRA Coverage." calpers.ca.gov/members/health-benefits/eligibility-and-enrollment/cobra

12.  CalPERS. "Eligibility & Enrollment (Retirees)." calpers.ca.gov/retirees/health-and-medicare/eligibility-and-enrollment

13.  CalPERS PERSpective. "Health Vesting 101." news.calpers.ca.gov/health-vesting-101/

14.  CalPERS. "Reciprocity (Linking Retirement Systems)." calpers.ca.gov/members/retirement-benefits/reciprocity

15.  CalPERS PERSpective. "What You Need to Know About Reciprocity." news.calpers.ca.gov/what-you-need-to-know-about-reciprocity-2/

16.  CalPERS. "Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA)." calpers.ca.gov/page/about/laws-legislation-regulations/public-employees-pension-reform-act

17.  CalPERS. "A Benefits Guide for Public Agency Members" (PDF). calpers.ca.gov/documents/new-member-public-agency-guide/download

Disclosures

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not accept any liability for the use of the information discussed. Consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional prior to taking any action. Before investing, consider investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The views and opinions reflected in the content are subject to change at any time without notice. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Some information was obtained from external sources. The information is believed to be accurate, but there is no guarantee that it is.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified CFP®, CPA, or attorney before taking action.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors is a registered investment adviser. Nothing here constitutes individualized investment advice. Examples are illustrative only and not recommendations. No guarantee of future results. Third-party data is not independently verified.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® are certification marks owned by the CFP Board.

Market Commentary: Midyear 2026

Four Themes Shaping the First Half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, there was plenty of news, but a few different themes in particular stand out to me: a war in the Middle East that unsettled energy markets for months, a new Federal Reserve chair who took a more cautious stance than expected (given the current administration’s pressure), and growing scrutiny of the artificial intelligence (AI) theme that has driven so much of the market's recent gains, both in how AI is being used inside companies and how AI-related revenue is being generated among the largest technology firms.

Through it all, the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) finished the first half up 10.21% on a price basis[1], a number that hides how uneven the path to get there actually was. This commentary walks through these threads that influenced the first six months of the year and may continue to shape the second.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

Jerome Powell's term as Fed chair ended on May 15. Kevin Warsh, confirmed by the Senate in a 54-45 vote, was sworn in on May 22.[2] He was widely viewed as the more rate-cut-friendly, reform-minded choice, having criticized the Fed's communication habits, argued for a smaller balance sheet, and suggested AI would help bring inflation down over time[3]. Though it's notable that Powell remains on the board as a voting member, a dynamic that adds another layer of uncertainty to how policy debates may unfold in the second half.

On June 17, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held rates steady at 3.50% to 3.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting. Warsh shortened the post-meeting statement, removed language signaling the Fed's future intentions, and declined to submit his own interest rate forecast, consistent with his stated skepticism of the exercise.[4] The other eighteen participants, however, leaned more strongly toward keeping rates higher than expected, with several now projecting at least one rate hike by year-end, a reversal from the rate cut the median projection had implied as recently as March.[5] The reasoning: inflation has proven stickier than hoped, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) running 3.8% year over year in April, the highest since 2023, and the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, moving from 3.0% to 3.3% over the same stretch.[6] (This is still nowhere near the 9.1% peak CPI hit in June 2022, the highest reading in roughly 40 years, which triggered the Fed to raise rates from near zero to over 5% in just about a year and a half.[22]) Energy prices tied to the Iran war are a sizable part of that story, layered on top of a labor market still adding jobs at a pace that gives the Fed little urgency to ease.

A practical note for rate watchers: for those who have been waiting on a rate drop to refinance and lower your monthly payment, that wait could run longer than expected. A mortgage recast is an option for anyone sitting on a lump sum in the interim, since it doesn't depend on rates moving at all. It keeps your existing rate and loan term but applies a sizable principal payment to the balance, then recalculates the monthly payment based on what's left owed, all without the appraisal, credit check, or closing costs of a full refinance. It's typically only available on conventional loans and usually carries a modest processing fee.

Middle East Conflict and Market Impact

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint operation against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and opened a regional war that also reignited the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.[7] Iran responded in part by closing the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway carrying roughly 20% of the world's seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Shipping traffic fell more than 90% in the weeks that followed.[8]

Energy markets bore the brunt of it. Brent crude jumped from about $71 to $77 a barrel within days of the first strikes, eventually breaking $100, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude peaked near $113 in April. By mid-June, prices had retreated toward the high $70s as ceasefire talks progressed, though Hormuz traffic still has not returned to pre-war levels, and full normalization isn't expected until 2027 even under an optimistic scenario.[9]

Equity markets moved in step with the headlines, selling off through much of March as the conflict widened, then surging when a ceasefire was first announced on April 8, with the Dow gaining over 1,300 points and the S&P 500 up 2.5% that day alone.[10] The United States and Iran signed an agreement on June 17 that paused large-scale hostilities, but it has been tested repeatedly since: a drone strike on a cargo ship on June 25, a U.S. response the next day, Iranian missiles and drones aimed at U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and a second ship hit and a second night of U.S. strikes on June 27.[11]

This is the second time in just over a year that an Iran-related conflict has rattled markets, which makes it a useful moment to revisit how markets have historically absorbed military shocks. The two charts illustrate the longer-term picture.

In addition to the charts shown from JP Morgan and Dimensional Fund Advisors, research from LPL and Hartford Funds, looking across dozens of post-World War II shocks, finds an average decline of roughly 5% following a geopolitical event, with markets typically bottoming within about three weeks and recovering within one to two months, and the S&P 500 historically higher a year out about 70% of the time. J.P. Morgan's research group found a similar pattern across seventeen modern conflicts dating back to the Korean War: the S&P 500 sat modestly below its pre-conflict level a year out, then stood roughly 14% above the conflict-month level two years later.[12] The 2026 episode has tracked that pattern reasonably well so far, even though the International Energy Agency has described the disruption to oil markets as the largest in the industry's history.[13]

S&P 500 around military conflicts (month of event = 100)

Artificial Intelligence and Productivity

A widely discussed report from Glean, the Work AI Index 2026, surfaced interesting findings. By the survey's count, 87% of knowledge workers now use AI at work, 73% say it makes them more productive, and the average reported time savings comes to 13 hours a week. Those are individual self-assessments, however. When it comes to actual organizational outcomes, only 13% of those same workers say their organization is performing better as a result, suggesting that individual time savings are not automatically translating into measurable business improvements.[14] Glean's head of Work Innovation, Rebecca Hinds, has a name for part of the gap: “bot sitting,” the roughly 6.4 hours a week employees spend feeding context to AI systems, correcting their output, and cleaning up after them, invisible labor that eats into the time AI was supposed to free up. Sixty-nine percent of workers admit they have shipped AI-generated work they could not explain or defend if asked, a pattern the report labels “bot slop.”[15]

The dynamic is showing up in corporate budgets, too. Uber reportedly exhausted its 2026 AI tools budget well ahead of schedule due to higher than anticipated costs, and one technology executive noted that at some companies, the cost of the compute now runs ahead of the cost of the employees it was meant to support.[16] For investors, the relevant question isn't whether AI tools are useful; it's whether the productivity gains baked into AI-related earnings and capital spending assumptions are translating as cleanly as advertised. If a sizable share of “time saved” is being reallocated to managing the tools rather than higher-value work, the payback period on enterprise AI spending may run longer, and less predictably, than current stock market valuations assume.

AI Earnings Concentration Risk

A small group of companies, Nvidia, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and CoreWeave among them, have built an increasingly interconnected web of investments and purchase commitments, where a sizable share of one company's revenue traces back to another company's investment in it.[17] Nvidia has committed up to $100 billion to OpenAI, which in turn uses Nvidia chips to build out data centers. Microsoft's roughly $13 billion stake in OpenAI has been delivered largely as Azure cloud credit, which OpenAI spends back with Microsoft. Oracle's $300 billion infrastructure agreement with OpenAI is filled mostly with Nvidia hardware, and Nvidia holds a stake in CoreWeave while supplying it chips, even as OpenAI holds its own stake in CoreWeave while buying its cloud capacity.[18]

Supporters call this a strategic necessity given how capital-intensive AI infrastructure has become and how scarce advanced chips remain.[19] Critics see something closer to the vendor financing arrangements of the dot-com era, in which companies effectively funded their own customers' purchases to inflate the appearance of organic demand. Investor Michael Burry, whose early, contrarian bet against the 2008 housing market was dramatized in the film The Big Short (one of my favorites if you haven't seen it), began shorting Nvidia and Palantir in late 2025 on similar grounds, and reiterated the comparison again in May.[20] Tech sector bond issuance reached roughly $428 billion in 2025, the cost of insuring against default by Oracle and Microsoft has nearly doubled since last fall, and Goldman Sachs recently raised its 2026 AI capital spending estimate to about $527 billion.[21] Whether this amounts to a bubble likely comes down to whether external, organic demand for AI products catches up to the revenue being generated inside this closed loop. If it does, the arrangement looks like ordinary supply chain financing. If it doesn't, the unwind could be sharp, given how concentrated these companies have become within major indexes.

Index Returns

Index / Indicator YTD Returns Through 6/30/2026

S&P 500 Index +10.21%

Russell 2000 Index (small caps) +22.57%

MSCI All Country World ex USA (international stocks) +13.05%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index +23.85%

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index +1.15%

Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index +2.32%

Dow Jones Global Select REIT Index (real estate) +13.32%

Index returns sourced from Dimensional Fund Advisors Periodic Performance Report, 1/1/2026 – 6/30/2026.

Treasury Yields as of July 1, 2026

Yields (as of 7/1/2026)

Fed Funds Target Rate 3.75%

3-Month Treasury 3.85%

6-Month Treasury 4.00%

2-Year Treasury 4.17%

5-Year Treasury 4.24%

10-Year Treasury 4.48%

30-Year Treasury 4.97%

Treasury yields sourced from U.S. Department of the Treasury via Charles Schwab, as of July 1, 2026. Index returns are for illustrative purposes and do not reflect the returns of any actual investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The S&P 500 finished the first half of the year up 10.21%, but the broader return picture tells a more interesting story. Emerging markets (+23.85%), small-cap U.S. stocks via the Russell 2000 (+22.57%), and international developed stocks (+13.05%) all outpaced the S&P 500 by a wide margin, a theme covered in more depth in my recent article, Is the S&P 500 Really All You Need?. Bonds were positive but modest, with the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate returning 1.15%. On the yield side, the 2-year Treasury at 4.17% sitting above the Fed Funds rate of 3.75%, and the 30-year rate approaching 5% signals a more normal-looking yield curve compared to recent years, when shorter-term rates were running even with or above long-term rates.

Portfolio Considerations

None of these stories are reason for alarm for a diversified investor, nor are they the whole story (I didn’t even touch on SpaceX's record IPO, which the initial stock prices arguably imply that its newer AI and computing bets pay off years down the line.) However, they raise a few questions worth considering:

1.    How much of my equity exposure rides on a small number of mega-cap technology companies, and am I comfortable with that level of concentration if AI-related earnings growth slows?

2.    Does my fixed income allocation account for a higher-for-longer, and possibly higher-still, rate environment, rather than the rate cuts that looked likely at the start of the year?

3.    Has my time horizon or risk tolerance shifted in a way my portfolio hasn't caught up to yet?

4.    If markets got bumpy over the next year or two, do I have enough in liquid reserves (keeping in mind that a diversified fixed income allocation can serve as a longer-term buffer) that I wouldn’t need to sell equity holdings to cover an unexpected expense or income disruption?

These are exactly the kinds of questions to work through together, in the context of a full financial picture rather than headline by headline.

Sources

1. Dimensional Fund Advisors, Periodic Performance Report, Monthly: 1/1/2026 – 6/30/2026, as of June 30, 2026. Index returns are for illustrative purposes and do not reflect the performance of any actual investment.

2. NPR, "Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as next chair of the Federal Reserve," May 13, 2026; Federal Reserve Board press release, May 15, 2026; Brookings, "Who has to leave the Federal Reserve next?"

3. CNN Business, "Kevin Warsh nominated by Trump to be the next Federal Reserve chair," January 30, 2026; CCN, "Kevin Warsh Officially Replaces Fed Chair Jerome Powell," May 17, 2026.

4. CNBC, "Fed interest rate decision June 2026: Fed holds rates steady," June 17, 2026; Lord Abbett, "June Fed Meeting: Policy Signals from the New Chairman."

5. Lord Abbett, June 2026 FOMC analysis; Bondsavvy, "June 2026 Dot Plot: What It Means for Money Market Yields."

6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index news release, April 2026; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Personal Income and Outlays, April 2026; U.S. Bank, "Fed holds rates steady as new Chair Kevin Warsh commits to price stability."

7. Britannica, "2026 Iran war"; Wikipedia, "2026 Iran war."

8. House of Commons Library, "Israel/US-Iran conflict 2026: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz"; Congressional Research Service, R45281.

9. CNBC, "Oil prices turn lower as U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension awaits Trump approval," May 28, 2026; CNBC, "Oil drops 20% from 2026 peak," May 29, 2026; House of Commons Library, op. cit.

10. NBC News, "Iran war ceasefire sends oil prices tumbling and stocks soaring," April 9, 2026.

11. CBS News, "U.S. strikes targets in Iran after Iranian drone attack on cargo ship," June 26, 2026; Al Jazeera, "US launches second night of strikes on Iran after ship hit by drone," June 27, 2026; NPR, "U.S. strikes multiple targets in Iran in response to tanker attack," June 27, 2026; CNN, "US launches more strikes on Iranian sites," June 27, 2026.

12. LPL Research and Hartford Funds historical analyses, as summarized in Focus Partners Wealth, "Geopolitical Conflict and Markets: A Brief History Lesson"; J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, "Crisis in the Middle East: Assessing Potential Market Impacts," jpmorgan.com; Seeking Alpha, "Since 1953 This Is How The S&P 500 Has Performed After A Major Geopolitical Shock," April 2026.

13. International Energy Agency, as cited in Wikipedia, "Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war."

14. Glean, Work AI Index 2026, as discussed by Rebecca Hinds on The Cognitive Revolution; summarized in Biggo Finance, "Rebecca Hinds on the 13-Hour AI Lie."

15. Ibid.

16. Fortune, "The AI economy could crash on mounting chip costs," May 30, 2026.

17. Bloomberg, "AI Circular Deals: How Microsoft, OpenAI and Nvidia Keep Paying Each Other," March 11, 2026; Wikipedia, "AI bubble."

18. CraftedCharts, "AI Circular Financing: Nvidia, Microsoft & OpenAI"; Noah Smith, "Should we worry about AI's circular deals?"; Global Finance Magazine, "AI's Financial Circle Game."

19. Noah Smith, op. cit.; Global Finance Magazine, op. cit.

20. Wikipedia, "AI bubble"; Global Finance Magazine, op. cit.

21.Investing.com, "2026: Another Year of AI Bubble Not Bursting?"; Fortune, op. cit.

22. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Consumer prices up 9.1 percent over the year ended June 2022, largest increase in 40 years," The Economics Daily, July 13, 2022, bls.gov.

Disclosures

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not accept any liability for the use of the information discussed. Consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional prior to taking any action. Before investing, consider investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The views and opinions reflected in the content are subject to change at any time without notice. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Some information was obtained from external sources. The information is believed to be accurate, but there is no guarantee that it is.

This commentary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed reflect current conditions and are subject to change without notice.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors is a Registered Investment Adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and there is no guarantee that any forecast or projection discussed will come to pass. Third-party data referenced above has not been independently verified by Fiduciary Financial Advisors.

CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and are awarded to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements.

86% of California State Employees Are Handling Their Finances Alone.

Here’s What They May Be Missing.

If you work for the State of California, SMUD, Caltrans, CDCR, or any other CalPERS-covered employer, you have access to a strong retirement benefit package. A defined benefit pension, Savings Plus 401(k) and 457(b) options, and (depending on your role) Social Security coordination that often requires careful planning.

And yet, according to a recent financial preparedness survey of nearly 5,000 California state employees, the overwhelming majority of you are navigating all of that on your own.[1]

That’s not a judgment. It’s a data point. And it’s worth understanding why it matters.

What the Research Actually Says

The 2024 California State Employees Financial Preparedness Report, published by the California State Employees Association (CSEA) and based on a survey of active and retired state workers, found some numbers that are hard to ignore:[1]

86% of California state employees handle their own financial and retirement planning, relying on friends, family, and online resources rather than a professional advisor.

Only 14% use a professional financial advisor, compared to roughly 25% of Americans nationally.

When researchers asked why, the answers were familiar: it costs too much, I don’t have enough saved, I haven’t found someone I trust, or I just don’t think I need one.[1]

Those are all reasonable-sounding explanations. But here’s where the data gets interesting, because the same survey measured how those two groups actually feel about their financial lives.

The Confidence Gap You Can Measure

State employees with an advisor: 67% felt confident in their financial decision-making. State employees without an advisor: 39%.

State employees with an advisor: 53% said they were on track or ahead of schedule for retirement. State employees without an advisor: 27%.

That’s not a marginal difference. That’s roughly double the confidence and nearly double the retirement readiness, at least as self-reported.[2]

Now, correlation is not causation (people who seek out advisors may already be more financially engaged). But the gap is wide enough to raise a question worth sitting with: if you’re in the 86% handling your finances without professional guidance, what are the odds there are opportunities you haven’t fully considered?

What DIY Planning May Miss for CalPERS Employees

The reason this matters more for public employees than, say, someone with a basic 401(k) and no pension is that your benefits stack is notably complex. There are moving parts that interact with each other, and because some of those decisions (like your pension option election or retirement date) are difficult or impossible to undo, the cost of a misstep may compound over time.

Here are some of the areas where a qualified advisor tends to help clarify the picture for CalPERS members:

Pension Timing and Retirement Date Optimization

Your CalPERS benefit is calculated using a formula, and the timing of when you retire may significantly affect your monthly benefit for life. Retiring right before versus right after a birthday quarter, for example, may change your benefit factor. Many employees look at their pension estimate and assume that’s the number, without realizing that a few strategic adjustments to timing could increase their monthly income (or overlook the impact that a prior divorce may have if the pension benefit was part of the settlement).

And the stakes here differ depending on when you were hired. If you started with a CalPERS-covered employer before January 1, 2013, you’re a “Classic” member with a generally more generous benefit formula, and your final compensation is based on your highest 12 consecutive months of pay. If you were hired on or after that date, you fall under PEPRA (the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act), which uses a generally less generous formula, a 36-month final compensation period, and a cap on the salary that counts toward your pension. (For simplicity, this overview focuses on miscellaneous members. Safety members and State Second Tier members have different formulas and benefit structures.)[3]

That’s a significant difference. A Classic member nearing retirement may have a richer benefit, but that also means more complex optimization decisions around timing, final comp windows, and retirement option elections. A PEPRA member, on the other hand, is generally working with a less generous formula, which may make supplemental savings strategy and tax planning that much more important for closing the gap between their pension income and the retirement lifestyle they want. Either way, understanding which set of rules applies to you (and how to work within them) is one of the areas where professional guidance may be worth exploring.

Savings Plus Strategy (the 401(k)/457(b) Decision)

If you’re a state employee, you have access to both a 401(k) and a 457(b) through Savings Plus, which means you may be able to contribute up to $49,000 per year in 2026 (or more if you’re over 50 or nearing retirement and eligible for catch-up provisions).[4] But many employees may not be maximizing both plans, and may not be thinking strategically about whether to use pre-tax, Roth, or a combination. The right answer depends on your current tax bracket, your expected pension income, your other sources of retirement income, and your timeline. This is especially true for PEPRA members, whose pension formula and pensionable pay cap may make supplemental savings through Savings Plus an important lever for building retirement security.

And if you work for an employer like SMUD that offers its deferred compensation through Fidelity rather than the Savings Plus/Nationwide platform, the investment options and fee structures are different, which may matter for how you allocate.

Social Security Coordination

Not every CalPERS member pays into Social Security (it depends on your employer’s specific arrangement).[5] For those who do, coordinating your pension income, Savings Plus distributions, and Social Security claiming strategy may noticeably affect your total after-tax retirement income. For those who don’t, understanding how that gap affects your overall plan may be just as important.

Tax Planning Around Retirement

Your CalPERS pension is fully taxable as ordinary income. So are distributions from your Savings Plus accounts (unless they’re Roth). If you’re retiring in California, where state income tax rates may run above 9% for many retirees, the difference between a tax-aware withdrawal strategy and just taking money as you need it may be larger than you’d think.

This is where Roth conversion planning in the years leading up to retirement tends to be especially valuable, and where DIY planners may not realize what options are available to them.

Why Most People Put This Off

(Even When They Know Better)

If you’ve been meaning to get your financial plan together "someday," you’re in very large company. Financial procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s usually one of a few predictable things:

The complexity feels overwhelming. CalPERS alone has multiple benefit formulas, PEPRA vs. Classic distinctions, reciprocity rules, and different employer contracts. Add in Savings Plus, Social Security, tax planning, and retirement timing decisions, and it’s understandable that many people just default to "I’ll figure it out later."

There’s no forcing function until retirement is close. Unlike a leaky roof or a check engine light, the consequences of not having a plan often don’t show up right away. But by the time they do (often in the form of a tax surprise, a suboptimal pension election, or a realization that you can’t retire when you planned), the window to fix things has narrowed.

Trust is a real barrier. The CSEA survey confirmed this.[1] Many state employees haven’t found an advisor they trust, and that’s an understandable concern. Not every advisor understands CalPERS benefits, Savings Plus options, or the specific planning challenges that come with public sector employment. Working with someone who doesn’t know your benefits package well can sometimes feel worse than doing it yourself.

What to Look for If You’re Considering Working with Someone

If you’re a CalPERS member who’s been thinking about getting professional guidance (even if you’ve been thinking about it for a while), here are a few things that tend to matter most:

Fiduciary standard. Look for an advisor who is legally required to act in your best interest, sometimes referred to as a fiduciary. That’s an important distinction worth understanding when evaluating any advisor relationship.

Familiarity with public sector employees and pension benefits. There’s a difference between a generalist financial planner and one who has experience working with pension benefits and public sector employees. Ask whether they’ve worked through pension optimization, deferred compensation strategy, and retirement tax planning with people whose benefits look like yours. Ask how many clients they serve in similar situations.

A comprehensive approach, not just one piece of the puzzle. A good financial plan for a CalPERS member doesn’t stop at a retirement projection. It connects your pension, your supplemental savings, your tax situation, and your investment strategy into a coordinated approach. Look for someone who ties these pieces together rather than addressing them in isolation.

The Bottom Line

You’ve built a career in public service, and the benefits you’ve earned along the way are valuable. But they’re also complex, and the gap between a good plan and no plan may be wider than you’d expect over the course of a retirement.

If you’re one of the 86% who’s been going it alone, that doesn’t mean you’ve been doing it wrong. It might just mean you haven’t found the right fit yet.

Interested in talking through your CalPERS benefits and how they fit into your bigger financial picture? You can schedule a no-obligation introductory conversation below.

Sources

1. California State Employees Association (CSEA). “2024 California State Employees Financial Preparedness Report.” Published 2024. Survey of nearly 5,000 active and retired California state employees conducted November 2023. N=3,817 active employees (95% confidence, ±2%), N=1,172 retirees (95% confidence, ±2%). Available at cseabenefitsprogram.com.

2. CSEA. “DIYing Your Own Retirement Savings Plan? Here’s What You Need to Know.” cseabenefitsprogram.com, 2024. National advisor usage estimate (25%) cited from 2022 Harris Poll. Confidence and retirement readiness comparisons derived from the 2024 Financial Preparedness Report.

3. CalPERS. “Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).” calpers.ca.gov. PEPRA took effect January 1, 2013, establishing new benefit formulas, final compensation periods, and pensionable compensation caps for members hired on or after that date.

4. Internal Revenue Service. “401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026; IRA limit increases to $7,500.” irs.gov, November 2025. The 401(k) and governmental 457(b) elective deferral limits are separate, allowing combined contributions of up to $49,000 ($24,500 each) before catch-up provisions.

5. CalPERS. “Social Security & Your CalPERS Pension.” calpers.ca.gov. Social Security coverage varies by employer arrangement. Non-covered positions (often safety classifications and certain State of California roles) do not withhold Social Security taxes. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law January 5, 2025.

Disclosures

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial planner, CPA, and/or attorney before making decisions about your investments.

Investment advisory services are offered through Fiduciary Financial Advisors, a registered investment adviser. This material is for educational and informational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Equity compensation rules are complex and outcomes depend on plan terms, trading windows, holding periods, and individual tax circumstances. Consult your CPA and/or attorney regarding your situation. Any performance shown is historical, for illustrative purposes, and does not indicate future results. Examples are not representative of all securities or outcomes and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Data may be obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Is the S&P 500 Really All You Need?

Why Concentrating Everything in U.S. Large-Cap Stocks Is a Risk Most Investors Are Not Prepared For

If you spend any time in personal finance communities online, you have probably encountered the “VOO & Chill” crowd. The pitch is seductively simple: buy an S&P 500 index fund, hold forever, ignore everything else, and get rich. Why complicate it? The S&P 500 has crushed pretty much everything over the past 15 years. What more evidence do you need?

Quite a bit, actually.

And while we’re at it: this same crowd tends to be loudly, confidently against paying advisory fees. (More on that another time.)

The “just buy the S&P 500” strategy isn’t wrong because index investing is bad. Broadly diversified, low-cost index investing is one of the best things that happened to retail investors in the last 50 years. It’s wrong because it conflates an index fund with the only index you need. Concentrating everything in U.S. large-cap stocks is a real, identifiable risk. And history has handed us the receipts more than once. (Repeatedly. With interest.)

Let’s walk through it.

1. The Story the Last Decade Tells Is Not the Only Story

First, a quick vocabulary note. When people say “the S&P 500,” they mean an index of roughly 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States, most of them household names: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and so on. When you buy a fund that tracks the S&P 500, you essentially own a small slice of all of them at once. It’s a good idea, as far as it goes. The problem is the “as far as it goes” part.

It’s easy to understand why U.S. large caps look unbeatable right now. The S&P 500 delivered extraordinary returns through the 2010s and into the early 2020s, largely driven by a handful of mega-cap technology companies. If you owned an S&P 500 fund from 2010 to 2024, you were richly rewarded. International markets, emerging markets, small caps, and value stocks all lagged by comparison. It felt obvious: why own anything else?

That kind of thinking has a name: recency bias. It’s the tendency to assume that whatever has worked recently may keep working indefinitely. Think of it like driving while staring in the rearview mirror. The road behind you looked great. That says nothing about what’s ahead. In investing, recency bias tends to be one of the most expensive cognitive shortcuts you can make. (And to be clear, everyone makes it. The question is whether you catch yourself before it costs you.)

The historical record tells a more complicated story. According to Morgan Stanley Investment Management, international stocks have outperformed U.S. markets in four separate decades since World War II: the 1950s, the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 2000s. During those cycles, international stocks beat U.S. returns by a median of roughly 4.9% per year.[1] The current stretch of U.S. dominance is not the rule. It’s the exception. (An unusually long one, which is kind of the point.)

“The four most dangerous words in investing are: this time it’s different.” — Sir John Templeton

2. The Lost Decade: A Preview of What Concentration Can Cost You

The most recent example of what happens when U.S. large caps hit a wall is the 2000s, a period frequently called the “lost decade” for U.S. investors. The S&P 500 ended 2009 at roughly the same level it started in 2000. Zero price growth across an entire decade. When you factor in inflation, meaning the rising cost of everything around you, investors who went all-in on the index lost real purchasing power over that stretch.

What happened? Two brutal crashes. The dot-com crash starting in 2000 wiped out a wave of massively overvalued technology companies. Then the financial crisis of 2008 hit. The S&P 500 dropped roughly 49% from peak to bottom in the first crash, and roughly 57% in the second. (To put that in perspective: a 49% drop means you need a roughly 98% gain just to get back to where you started. And that’s before the second crash hit.) Investors who had loaded up on U.S. large and mega-cap growth stocks heading into 2000 got hit especially hard, because those were the most overvalued sectors going in. Sound familiar?

Meanwhile, investors who held international developed markets and emerging market stocks fared considerably better. International developed markets outpaced the S&P 500 for much of the decade, and emerging markets, those of countries like Brazil, India, China, and South Korea, performed even more strongly during parts of that period.[2] The diversified investor wasn’t celebrating, but they weren’t devastated either.

This is not ancient history. Anyone who retired in 2000 with a portfolio concentrated in U.S. large caps experienced what’s called sequence-of-returns risk at its most punishing: they were pulling money out of a portfolio that was falling hard in the early years of their retirement, which may permanently affect long-term financial security. And they didn’t get a warning. Nobody does.

3. Japan: The Cautionary Tale That Never Gets Old

For those who think extreme single-country concentration is only a theoretical concern, I give you Japan.

In the late 1980s, Japan was the investing world’s darling. Its economy had expanded at a remarkable pace for three decades. Japanese companies were buying American landmarks. The Nikkei 225, Japan’s rough equivalent of the S&P 500, gained more than 224% between 1985 and 1989 alone.[3] By late 1989, eight of the world’s top ten companies by market value were Japanese. Tokyo real estate had become so inflated that the grounds of the Imperial Palace were reportedly worth more than all of California. The general feeling, as one writer put it, was that the Japanese economic takeover of the world was inevitable.

You can probably guess where this is going.

The Nikkei peaked at 38,915 on December 29, 1989. It then fell nearly 80% from that peak over the following years and did not recover to that same level until 2024. That’s 34 years.[4] For most of that stretch, a Japanese investor who had put money into the Nikkei earned approximately 1.1% per year, and all of it came from dividends. The price of the index itself was essentially flat for three and a half decades.[5] Entire careers. Entire retirements. Flat.

The valuation context matters here. At the Nikkei’s 1989 peak, investors were paying roughly 60 to 70 times the annual earnings of those companies to own them. The global average at the time was around 15 to 16 times earnings.[6] Japanese stocks were priced at roughly four times what stocks elsewhere in the world cost, relative to what those companies actually earned. (Any of this sounding familiar yet?)

The lesson from Japan is not that this is likely to happen to the U.S. It is that it has happened, that it can happen, and that investors who assumed their home market was permanently exceptional paid an enormous price for that assumption.

4. Current U.S. Valuations Are Not Exactly a Bargain

Speaking of how much investors are paying relative to what companies earn.

One of the most widely used long-term valuation measures is something called the Shiller CAPE ratio. (CAPE stands for Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings. It’s a mouthful, so most people just call it the CAPE.) Instead of just looking at one year of earnings, it averages ten years of inflation-adjusted earnings to smooth out the natural ups and downs of the business cycle. The idea is to get a cleaner read on whether stocks are historically expensive or cheap.

According to J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Guide to the Markets, as of March 31, 2026, the S&P 500’s Shiller CAPE ratio sits at 37.2x. The 30-year average for that same measure is 28.7x.[7] In other words, by this measure the market is trading at a roughly 30% premium to its own three-decade norm. The forward P/E ratio, which looks at expected earnings over the next twelve months rather than a historical average, sits at 19.7x versus a 30-year average of 17.2x. It currently sits just below the upper one standard deviation band of 20.5x, and was recently above it.7 (That matters: the market has only spent a relatively small portion of the last 30 years above that line.)

To be clear: elevated valuations don’t predict exactly when things may change or by how much. They are notoriously poor short-term timing tools. But research spanning decades of market data suggests that starting valuations are among the stronger predictors of what returns may look like over the next ten years. Higher starting valuations have historically corresponded with more modest returns over the decade that followed.[8] (Not doom and gloom. Just math.)

And by comparison? International developed market stocks were trading at a roughly 40% discount to U.S. stocks at the end of 2024, when you look at the same valuation measures. International small-cap stocks were nearly 30% below their own 20-year average and at an all-time low valuation relative to U.S. large caps. Emerging market stocks sat at a steep discount too.[9] In other words: all of the asset classes that the VOO & Chill crowd tends to skip were, at this particular moment in time, considerably cheaper than what they were choosing to concentrate in. (Worth noting.)

5. You Are Leaving Real Return Drivers on the Table

Here’s something that often gets lost in the “just buy the S&P 500” conversation: the S&P 500 is not a neutral, comprehensive exposure to stocks. It’s a specific bet on large and mega-cap U.S. companies, heavily weighted toward technology and growth. By owning only that, you are actively excluding return drivers that decades of academic research suggest are real and persistent.

In 1992, economists Eugene Fama and Kenneth French published research showing that two additional characteristics beyond just “own stocks” explain a large chunk of why some portfolios have outperformed others over time.[10] The first is size: smaller companies have historically outperformed larger ones over long periods. The second is value: companies that are cheap relative to what they actually own or earn have historically outperformed more expensive, high-flying “growth” companies. Later research added a third factor, profitability: companies with strong, durable profits have tended to outperform weaker ones. (Fama won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2013, partially for this work. It’s not a fringe idea.)

In plain English: history suggests that owning smaller, cheaper, more profitable companies alongside large ones has tended to produce stronger long-term results than owning only the biggest, most expensive ones. The S&P 500 is almost entirely the biggest, most expensive companies in one country. It’s roughly the opposite of what the research points toward.

The size premium, meaning the extra return small-cap stocks have historically delivered over large caps, has averaged roughly 1.5% to 3.5% per year going back to 1926 in U.S. data. The value premium has averaged roughly 3% to 5% per year.[11] These don’t show up every year. But over decades, they tend to compound. Ignoring them entirely isn’t a neutral choice. It’s a bet against them.

Dimensional Fund Advisors has built its entire investment approach around systematically tilting toward these kinds of companies, while staying broadly diversified. Over the 20 years ending December 31, 2022, more than 92% of their funds outperformed their benchmark indexes, compared to roughly 30% of the broader fund industry.[12] That difference is not a coincidence.

The investor concentrated entirely in U.S. large caps isn’t just ignoring other countries. They’re actively betting against decades of research by concentrating in the largest, most expensive companies in one market. (And the fee savings from skipping an advisor to get there don’t exactly cover that tradeoff.)

6. You Cannot Rebalance What You Do Not Have

One of the underrated advantages of holding multiple asset classes is what diversification lets you do during volatile markets: rebalance.

Rebalancing just means periodically trimming the parts of your portfolio that have grown and adding to the parts that have fallen. If your international stocks drop 20% while your U.S. stocks hold steady, rebalancing means shifting some money from U.S. stocks into international, buying more of what got cheaper. It sounds obvious. In practice, it’s psychologically brutal because it requires buying the thing that just fell, which feels terrible. That’s exactly why it tends to add value: most people won’t do it.

When international stocks were getting crushed in 2011 and 2012, an investor with a diversified portfolio could systematically shift money toward them at lower prices. When U.S. small caps lagged badly in the early 2000s, the diversified investor was buying them on sale. Both positions eventually recovered and then some.

An investor who only owns an S&P 500 fund has nothing to rebalance into. There’s no other bucket to draw from, and no underperforming asset class to add to at a discount. Every market swing is just a passive ride. You eliminate one of the few systematic, evidence-based advantages available to long-term investors. (And then potentially panic sell at the bottom. Which is its own expensive problem.)

The concept is simple: the less your asset classes move in lockstep with each other, the more rebalancing may benefit you. U.S. stocks, international stocks, small companies, value companies, and emerging markets each tend to respond differently to different economic environments. That’s a feature. Not a bug.

7. The “All You Need” Narrative Already Has Cracks in It

One of the most persistent arguments for the S&P 500-only approach is that it’s simply worked. And for the last 15 years, that’s been largely true. But zoom out even a little, and the narrative starts to look shakier than the Reddit threads suggest.

Take 2025. The S&P 500 had a strong year, finishing with a total return of roughly 18%.[13] A well-diversified portfolio would have owned that. But it also could have owned international small-cap stocks, which finished the year at roughly 33%, and emerging market stocks, those in developing economies like India, Brazil, and parts of Asia, which also finished at roughly 33%.[14] (That’s not a typo.) An investor who only held the S&P 500 captured none of those additional return sources. An investor who held the S&P 500 alongside a broader mix had exposure to all of them.

The point isn’t that one portfolio configuration “won” 2025. It’s that concentrating entirely in the S&P 500 meant leaving additional return sources completely off the table in a year when they happened to perform well. That’s what concentration tends to cost you: not always, not in every year, but sometimes, and often when you least expect it.[15]

The “all you need is an S&P 500 fund” argument tends to rely on a very specific, very recent window of data to make its case. The moment you step outside that window, the argument gets a lot less convincing.

8. Concentration Risk Is Hidden Inside the Index Itself

Here’s a wrinkle that surprises a lot of people: even within the S&P 500, the “500 companies” label is a bit misleading in terms of actual diversification.

The S&P 500 is what’s called a market-cap weighted index. That means the bigger a company is, the more of the index it represents. It’s not 500 equal slices. It’s 500 companies where the largest ones carry a dramatically disproportionate share of the weight. As of 2025, the top ten companies alone accounted for roughly 40% of the entire index.[16] So when you buy an S&P 500 fund, about 40 cents of every dollar you invest is going into just ten companies, most of them in the technology sector.

When Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and a few others are collectively worth as much as the remaining 490 companies combined, you are not holding a diversified basket. You are holding an index that moves largely with the fortunes of a very small number of businesses in a single sector. (You can own all 500 companies and still be highly concentrated. That’s a feature of market-cap weighting that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.)

That concentration inside the index compounds the concentration risk that already comes from ignoring every other type of stock in the world. It’s concentration on concentration.

Putting It Together

None of this is an argument against index investing, against owning U.S. stocks, or against the S&P 500 as part of a portfolio. It’s a fine building block. The keyword there is “building block.”

The argument is against treating it as the complete structure.

A thoughtfully diversified portfolio, one that includes exposure to international developed markets, emerging markets, smaller companies, and value-oriented stocks alongside U.S. large caps, isn’t more complicated for its own sake. It’s built to capture multiple return drivers at once, rebalance opportunistically through market cycles, avoid excessive concentration in any single country, sector, or style, and not depend entirely on the continuing outperformance of one corner of one market.

History suggests that exclusive faith in any single market, at any price, is a plan that eventually gets tested. The Japanese investor in 1989 had a decade of evidence that their market only went up. The U.S. dot-com investor in 1999 had years of extraordinary returns that made the strategy feel obvious. The investor concentrating entirely in U.S. large caps today has a similar recent run to point to.

That’s not a track record. That’s a recent stretch of strong performance. And history has a way of eventually testing both.

(And as for the idea that you don’t need an advisor to help you think through any of this: the research on what good financial planning actually delivers doesn’t exactly support the “just buy VOO and skip the fees” thesis. If you’re curious, I wrote about it here.)

Sources

1. Morgan Stanley Investment Management. “The International Rebalance.” 2024. International stocks have outperformed U.S. markets in four separate decades since WWII — the 1950s, 1970s, 1980s, and 2000s — beating U.S. returns by a median of 4.9% CAGR during those cycles.

2. Larson Financial Services. “A Diversification Reminder: International Stocks Outperforming U.S. Stocks.” March 2026. From 2000–2009, international developed markets outperformed the S&P 500 by a wide margin; emerging markets performed even more strongly during parts of that stretch.

3. Wikipedia. “Japanese Asset Price Bubble.” The Nikkei 225 gained more than 224% from January 1985 to its peak on December 29, 1989, closing at 38,915.87.

4. Wikipedia. “Nikkei 225.” The index hit an intraday post-bubble low of 6,994.90 on October 28, 2008 — approximately 82% below its 1989 peak. It surpassed its 1989 closing high on February 22, 2024, 34 years later.

5. Money For the Rest of Us. “Japan’s 34-Year Market Underperformance.” Through end of January 2024, the MSCI Japan index returned approximately 1.1% annualized over the full period — all of it from dividends, with essentially zero price return.

6. A Frugal Doctor. “Japan’s Lost Decades: 30 Years of Negative Returns from the Nikkei 225.” At the Nikkei’s 1989 peak, the P/E ratio was approximately 60x trailing twelve-month earnings vs. a global average of roughly 15–16x.

7. J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “Guide to the Markets — U.S.” Q2 2026, as of March 31, 2026. S&P 500 valuation measures: Forward P/E 19.7x vs. 30-year average 17.2x; CAPE (Shiller P/E) 37.2x vs. 30-year average 28.7x; +1 standard deviation band 20.5x. Source: Bloomberg, FactSet, Moody’s, Refinitiv Datastream, Robert Shiller, Standard & Poor’s, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

8. Invesco / Robert Shiller data. “Applied Philosophy: The Shiller P/E and S&P 500 Returns Revisited.” March 2025. CAPE ratio shows predictive power for 10-year forward returns with R-squared of approximately 0.78 (1983–2015 sample).

9. Artisan Partners. “International Small Cap: A Strategic Asset Class.” December 2024. At end of 2024, the S&P 500 was 50% above its 20-year average P/E multiple; the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index was nearly 30% below its 20-year average P/E and at an all-time low valuation vs. U.S. large caps. Emerging markets trading at approximately 40% P/E discount to U.S.

10. Fama, Eugene F. and Kenneth R. French. “The Cross-Section of Expected Stock Returns.” Journal of Finance, 1992. “Common Risk Factors in the Returns on Stocks and Bonds.” Journal of Financial Economics, 1993.

11. Ryan O’Connell, CFA. “Fama-French Three-Factor Model: Beyond CAPM.” Size premium (SMB) historically approximately 1.5–3.5% annually in U.S. data since 1926. Value premium (HML) historically approximately 3–5% annually.

12. Dimensional Fund Advisors. “The Evolution of Small Cap Investing: Four Decades of Innovation.” August 2023. Over the 20 years ending December 31, 2022, 92% of Dimensional’s funds outperformed their prospectus benchmarks vs. approximately 30% industry-wide.

13. First Trust Advisors / RBC Wealth Management. “The S&P 500 Index 2025 Recap” and “U.S. Equity Returns in 2025.” January 2026. S&P 500 total return (including dividends) for full-year 2025 was approximately 17.9%.

14. MSCI Index Factsheet. “MSCI Emerging Markets Index (USD).” Full-year 2025 annual return: 33.57%. MSCI ACWI ex-USA Small Cap Value full-year 2025 return: approximately 33.26% (YCharts, as of February 2026).

15. MFS Investment Management. “International Large-Cap Value: The Forgotten Asset Class.” 2025/2026. The rolling five-year stretch of U.S. outperformance vs. EAFE Value as of December 31, 2024 was the longest in the past 40 years; the degree of relative outperformance had never been witnessed in history in terms of magnitude.

16. Visual Capitalist / Evaluator Funds. “The U.S. Stock Market vs. Rest of World (1979–2025).” As of 2025, the top 10 companies’ share of the S&P 500 accounted for approximately 40–41% of total index weight.

Disclosures

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not accept any liability for the use of the information discussed. Consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional prior to taking any action. Before investing, consider investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The views and opinions reflected in the content are subject to change at any time without notice. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Some information was obtained from external sources. The information is believed to be accurate, but there is no guarantee that it is.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified CFP®, CPA, or attorney before taking action.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors is a registered investment adviser. Nothing here constitutes individualized investment advice. Examples are illustrative only and not recommendations. No guarantee of future results. Third-party data is not independently verified.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® are certification marks owned by the CFP Board.

When It’s Okay to Press Pause on Retirement Saving

Financial Planning Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay

There’s a moment that comes up for many families—not always at the “perfect” time—when life presents a big opportunity that doesn’t neatly fit inside a spreadsheet.

Maybe it’s the chance to buy a home that finally feels right. A better school district. More space. A yard for the kids. A place that feels like yours.

And almost immediately, the question follows:

“Are we being irresponsible if we slow down retirement saving to make this happen?”

Let’s talk about that—honestly, practically, and without guilt.

The Myth of the “Always Max Everything” Plan

In an ideal world, you:

• Max out every retirement account

• Maintain a perfectly diversified portfolio

• Layer in taxable account, HSA, and Roth investments

• Maintain interest-bearing liquid savings

• And make large purchases without trade-offs

But real life rarely works that way. Resources are usually limited. 

Financial planning isn’t about perfection—it’s about prioritization over time.

There are seasons where you may lean heavily into saving and investing in your accounts. And there are seasons where you intentionally redirect cash flow into other investments (a house, life experiences, that family vacation before the kids leave for college, etc.)

Let’s dive into one of the most common pivot points: buying a home.

Imagine a family in their 30s or early 40s:

• They’ve been consistently contributing to retirement

• They have stable income

• They’ve built a foundation

Then a home opportunity comes up:

• It requires a larger down payment

• It might need a bit of extra TLC or sweat equity

• Monthly costs increase

• Cash flow tightens

To make it work, they consider reducing 401(k) contributions temporarily, pausing extra brokerage investing, and redirecting savings toward the home.

This isn’t failure.

This is a strategic reallocation.

Pausing or reducing retirement contributions can be reasonable when:

1. You’ve Already Built a Strong Base

• You’re not starting from zero

• You’ve been contributing consistently 

• Compounding is already working in your favor

2. The Home Meaningfully Improves Your Life (and/or long-term financial picture)

• Stability for your family

• Reduced stress or commute

• Long-term livability (not a short-term stretch purchase)

3. It’s a Temporary Shift, Not a Permanent One

• You have a clear plan to resume contributions

• Income is expected to grow or normalize

4. You Avoid Extreme Trade-Offs

• You’re not eliminating retirement saving entirely (if possible, still capture employer match)

• You maintain some emergency reserves

What You’re Really Doing (Even If It Feels Like a Step Back)

You’re not “falling behind.”

You’re:

• Converting liquid investments into home equity

• Locking in a fixed housing cost (in many cases)

• Creating a non-market-based asset

• Investing in lifestyle and stability

If your move involves a new employer, benefits may change more than expected:

• Health insurance plans and networks

• Retirement plans and vesting schedules

• Bonuses, equity, or compensation structure

A pivot point like this is not going to replace the need for retirement planning. But we are so much more than our investment portfolios. We are more than the financial plan. And at the end of our lives, we don’t take what on our balance sheets with us. 

There are meaningful ways for us to use income and wealth that bring joy, purpose, and flexibility to our lives now.

However, this is where thoughtful planning matters.

The biggest risk to the success of a financial plan isn’t the temporary pause—it’s poor planning and/or never restarting.

Without a solid plan, “just for now” can quietly turn into:

• Losing sight of the long-term plan

• Years of under-saving

• Missed compounding

• A future catch-up scramble

If you’re going to pivot, let’s do it intentionally:

1. Define the Timeline

Put a date on it

2. Keep a Foot in the Game

Even small contributions maintain the habit. Ideally, at least capture the employer match! 

3. Build a Restart Plan

Revisit annually (not “someday”). A helpful strategy often lies in increasing contributions with raises or bonuses. 

4. Stress-Test the Plan

Let’s run projections with reduced savings. We can be thorough in analyzing the likelihood of meeting your highest priority goals.

A More Helpful Way to Think About It

Instead of asking:

“Am I falling behind on retirement?”

Ask:

“Am I making a thoughtful trade-off that still supports my long-term plan?”

Because good financial planning isn’t rigid—it adapts.

Some of the most successful long-term plans include periods of:

• Lower savings

• Higher spending

• Strategic shifts

What matters is not constant optimization—it’s consistent direction.

A well-timed pivot doesn’t derail a plan.

It reflects one.

Financial plans should evolve with your life, not constrain it

Let’s choose what matters now without losing sight of later.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Your Finances Called. They've Been Waiting (Right Behind That New Year's Resolution)

Let's just say it out loud: you already know what you need to do with your money. You've known for a while. Maybe months. Maybe longer. Get that investment account set up. Actually look at your retirement contributions. Make a plan. Talk to someone. You've thought about it in the shower, during your commute, at 2 a.m. when the ceiling won't stop staring back at you. And yet here you are. Still thinking about it.

You're in excellent company, by the way. A tragically enormous amount of company.

The New Year's Resolution Hall of Shame

How's that working out?

Spoiler: it's not.

Research shows that only 9% of people actually keep their New Year's resolutions throughout the year.[1] Nine. Percent. That means 91 out of every 100 people who made a big, bold declaration on January 1st are quietly abandoning ship. And it doesn't take long: 23% quit within the first week, and 64% have thrown in the towel by the end of the first month.[2] Strava, a fitness tracking app with hundreds of millions of data points, named the second Friday of January "Quitter's Day," because it's the single most popular day for people to give up on their goals.[2]

The second Friday of January. We can't even make it three weeks.

Among those who set resolutions in 2024, 49% said they had abandoned them entirely by the end of February (and let me remind you, it's already April), with 40% having done so in January alone.[3] And here's the kicker: 80% of goal-setters feel completely confident they'll stick to their resolutions throughout the year.[4] The confidence isn't the problem. The follow-through is.

Sound familiar? That's because it's the same story playing out in personal finance, year after year.

The Financial Version Is So Much Worse

Here's where the New Year's resolution problem and the financial inaction problem converge into something genuinely uncomfortable.

According to a CNBC survey, 53% of Americans say they're behind schedule on retirement planning and savings.[5] More than half. (I'll say it again. More than half....) A separate study from Allianz Life found that 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than they worry about dying.[6] (Turns out the old joke about dying with your last check bouncing isn't so funny when it starts to feel like a real possibility.) And yet, according to a Schwab study, only 36% of Americans have a written financial plan.[7]

People are scared. They know they're behind. And they still aren't doing anything about it.

Meanwhile, 68% of Americans near or in retirement say they will need to delay retirement because they don't have enough saved,[8] and 64% of Americans wish they had started saving before age 25, even though the average starting age is 28.[8] A handful of years doesn't sound like much until you remember the 8th wonder of the world: compound interest. (Now ask yourself: how much longer can you afford to wait?)

And before you say "it's too late for me anyway," no. It's not. You just could have started sooner.

Research on procrastination and personal finance confirms what the data shows: procrastinators are significantly less likely to participate in savings plans, tend to initiate saving later, and are less likely to save a fixed amount every month. Procrastinators are also about nine percentage points less likely to have a will or trust, and report lower retirement satisfaction overall.[10] The delay doesn't just cost money. It costs peace of mind. (Funny enough, I wrote about exactly this. Read it here.)

You're Not Lazy. You're Human. (But Also, Come On.)

Here's what the research actually says about why we don't do the things we know we should do with our money.

Experts define financial procrastination as voluntarily delaying planning or implementing finance-related decisions, despite expecting to be worse off for the delay.[11] One researcher at Carleton University described the core problem this way: "You know what you ought to do and you're not able to bring yourself to do it. It's that gap between intention and action."[12]

That gap? It's enormous. And in personal finance, it can be expensive. (Ah, expensive. Maybe that's the word that finally gets you moving.)

The psychology behind it is called "present bias," which is our brain's tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future benefits. Saving for retirement thirty years from now doesn't trigger the same urgency as whatever is happening right now. The future version of you who needs that money feels abstract. The discomfort of sitting down and actually dealing with it feels very, very real.[11] (Which is probably why it's easier to replay every financial decision you wish you could take back than to actually sit down and make a plan. That can't just be me.)

Meanwhile, 35% of people cite losing motivation as their top reason for giving up on goals, followed by being too busy (19%) and shifting priorities (18%).[2] Too busy. Too tired. Too overwhelmed. (Time to consider hiring a pro yet??) The reasons are real, and they will always be there. There will never be a perfect window of time when everything clears up, your inbox is empty, and the stars align for you to finally sort out your financial life. Waiting for that window is its own financial strategy. A terrible one. (Which is probably why the IRS has an annual deadline on April 15th... unlike your financial plan.)

"I'll Start When the Market Settles Down": A Love Story

You know what's fascinating about financial procrastination? It never feels like procrastination while you're doing it. We tell ourselves it's prudence. Like waiting for the right moment. Like doing more research first. Like waiting to see what the market does.

There is always a reason to wait. Markets are too volatile. Markets are too calm. The economy is uncertain. Tax laws might change. You don't have enough saved to make it worth starting yet. You're not sure which account to open. You want to understand it better before you commit.

Research confirms that the gap between intention and action grows the further the action is placed in the future.[11] Translation: the longer you wait to deal with your finances, the easier it gets to keep waiting. And each month of delay represents compounding growth potential that has passed. It doesn't come back. (And please don't tell me you're waiting to buy the dip...)

The research also notes that procrastination in financial decisions is essentially irrational behavior: a core characteristic is the realization by the actor that one will be worse off because of the delay, yet the delay happens anyway.[10]

You already know this.

You've probably known it for years.

And yet, still waiting.

Probably still thinking about it.

What Actually Changes Things

Studies show that people who set up a way to be accountable for their financial goals are far more likely to achieve them.[1] Not just more motivated. More likely to actually follow through. (Ahem... funny how that works.)

Accountability. Structure. Someone who can provide perspective, ask relevant questions, and help you evaluate potential next steps.

That's exactly what a consultation is. It's not a commitment to overhaul your entire financial life in one afternoon. It's not signing anything or locking yourself into anything. It's a conversation, a structured one, where you stop spinning in your own head and start actually moving. Where someone helps you figure out what's most important to address first, and what a realistic path forward actually looks like.

Columbia University research shows that while nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions, only about 25% stay committed after just 30 days, and fewer than 10% accomplish their goals.[13] (Now contrast that with the 94% of households advised by a CFP® professional who feel confident in their ability to achieve their financial goals.[14] Funny how having a plan and a pro in your corner tends to change things.) The people who do succeed don't have more willpower or more money or more time than you. They have a system. They have support. They stopped trying to figure it all out alone.

So Here's the Part Where I Call You Out (Lovingly)

You've read this far. Which means some part of you is nodding along, maybe a little uncomfortably, thinking yeah, this is me. Good. That recognition is the first step.

The second step is embarrassingly simple: schedule the consultation.

Not "look into it." Not "think about reaching out soon." Not "maybe after things calm down a little." Now, seriously.... While the itch is still there. Because the data is brutally clear: the longer the gap between intention and action (remember that study I just referenced above), the wider it gets, until one day you look up and realize you've been "meaning to get your finances sorted out" for five years, and the compounding you missed doesn't care about your intentions.

You deserve more than five more years of thinking about it. (And realize, I've been trying to reach some of you for almost that long already.)

The hardest part is genuinely just making the appointment. Everything after that? That's what I'm here for.

(This post was lovingly inspired by that tax return that I kept putting off. Which I got to eventually... remember... there's an actual deadline... unlike your financial plan.)

References & Sources

1. Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University. "Why Most New Year's Resolutions Fail." Lead Read Today. fisher.osu.edu

2. Inside Out Mastery. "19 Surprising New Year's Resolution Statistics (2024 Updated)." insideoutmastery.com

3. The Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of Origin Financial, January 13–15, 2025 (n=3,059 U.S. adults). Published by Origin Financial: "The New Year Called – It Wants Its Resolutions Back." useorigin.com

4. Drive Research. "New Year's Resolutions Statistics and Trends." driveresearch.com

5. CNBC / SurveyMonkey. "53% of Americans Surveyed Feel They Are Behind on Their Retirement Savings." cnbc.com

6. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. "Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death." 2025 Annual Retirement Study, Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement (January/February 2025, n=1,000). allianzlife.com

7. Charles Schwab. "2024 Modern Wealth Survey." Conducted by Logica Research, March 2024 (n=1,000). aboutschwab.com

8. Voya Financial / F&G Annuities. "Facing Delayed Retirement, Many Americans Wish They Had Started Saving Sooner." PLANADVISER. planadviser.com

9. Ahead App. "Why Procrastination in Retirement Planning Costs You a Comfortable Future." ahead-app.com

10. Shah, R. & Mukherjee, A. "Procrastination in Personal Finance: Implications for Estate Planning and Retirement Satisfaction." ScienceDirect, 2025. sciencedirect.com

11. Svartdal, F. et al. "Procrastination and Personal Finances: Exploring the Roles of Planning and Financial Self-Efficacy." Frontiers in Psychology, 2019. frontiersin.org

12. Pychyl, T. "Why Wait? The Science Behind Procrastination." Association for Psychological Science. psychologicalscience.org

13. CBS News / Columbia University. "New Year's Resolutions Often Don't Last. Here's Why They Fail." cbsnews.com

14. CFP Board. "Trust. Confidence. Impact: 2025 Financial Planning Longitudinal Study." cfp.net

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

 Investment advisory services are offered through Fiduciary Financial Advisors, a registered investment adviser. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Any references to scheduling a consultation are for general informational purposes and do not create an advisory relationship. Third-party research, statistics, and survey data cited are believed to be reliable but have not been independently verified. All data is subject to change. References to CFP® professionals relate to industry research and do not imply that any specific outcome will be achieved.​

The Smart Money Moves You're Probably Not Making: Roth Strategies

Roth Conversions

The first strategy I’m going to talk about is called a Roth conversion, and here's the simple version: you move money from your traditional retirement account (where you'll pay taxes later) into a Roth account (where qualified withdrawals may be tax-free). Yes, you pay taxes now when you convert, but you may pay less overall depending on your tax rates, timing, and other factors.

The idea is simple: pay taxes when your rate is low, not when it's high. The catch? You can't perfectly predict your future tax rate. (This is one area where doing a financial plan can shine).

The Basics: Two Types of Retirement Accounts

Traditional 401(k)/IRA: You get a tax break now, pay taxes later when you withdraw in retirement.

Roth 401(k)/IRA: No tax break now, but your money grows tax-free forever. Qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free (withdrawals on growth before you are 59½ are not tax-free).

Roth conversion: Moving money from traditional → Roth. You pay taxes on the amount you convert this year, but then it's tax-free as it grows in the Roth account.1

When NOT to Convert

Skip Roth conversions if:

• You'll be in a lower tax bracket later. If retirement income will be much lower than now, wait and pay less tax later.

• You need the money within 5 years. There's a 5-year waiting period to avoid penalties on the converted funds.5

• You don't have cash to pay taxes. Don't use the retirement money itself to pay the increased tax bill; in part, this defeats the purpose (especially for those under 59½, where the tax withholding will be penalized as an early distribution).

• Your health insurance costs are affected more than the tax benefit of the conversion. Conversions count as income and can reduce ACA subsidies, and may push you into a higher IRMAA bracket if you are on Medicare.6

Quick Action Steps

1. Check your current tax bracket. Will it be higher or lower in retirement?

2. Determine how much. You don't have to convert everything, and should base the amount you convert on your tax estimates.

3. Time it right. Many people wait until Q4 to see their full-year income before converting.

4. Remember: no take-backs. You can't reverse a Roth conversion after 2018 tax law changes.10 Make sure you're confident before doing it.

You can convert a little each year or a lot—whatever makes sense for your situation.2

There’s More: Mega Backdoor Roth

The second Roth strategy applies if you max out your 401(k) and want to save even more tax-free. The mega backdoor Roth lets you contribute up to $47,500 extra (in 2026) to a Roth account.11,12

How it works:

1. Regular 401(k) limit (ignoring the additional ‘catch-up’ for those 50+): $24,500

2. Total contribution limit (including employer match): $72,000

3. The gap between these? You can fill it with "after-tax contributions"

4. Then immediately convert those to Roth

Requirements:

• Your employer's 401(k) must allow after-tax contributions

• Your plan must allow in-service conversions or withdrawals13,14

• Common at big companies

Example: You contribute $24,500, your employer adds $4,500 match. That's $29,000 total. You can add another $43,000 as after-tax contributions and convert to Roth, giving you nearly $72,000 in retirement savings for the year.

Tax tip: Convert the after-tax contributions frequently to avoid taxes on earnings. Many plans do this automatically.15

Check with your HR department to see if your plan offers this option.

Benefits of Roth Accounts

Beyond saving on taxes, Roth accounts give you:

• No forced withdrawals. Traditional IRAs have ‘Required Minimum Distributions’ (RMDs) which require you to start taking money out once you reach the required age.3 Roth accounts don't.

• Flexible retirement planning. Roth withdrawals don't count as taxable income, so they won't increase your Medicare costs or affect Social Security taxes.4

• Better for heirs. Your beneficiaries inherit Roth accounts tax-free.

Bottom Line

Using Roth accounts effectively may save you thousands in taxes over your lifetime, but the key is timing.

Best candidates for Roth Strategies:

• Between jobs or careers

• Early retirees (ideally before Social Security & RMDs)

• Anyone in an unusually low tax year

• High earners who can do a mega backdoor Roth

Now that you know these options exist, pay attention to your income each year. When you spot a low-income window, you may have an opportunity to convert at a lower rate if it aligns with your tax and planning considerations.

Next step: Talk to a financial planner with experience with software to see if a conversion makes sense for your situation this year, or in the near future.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and you should consult with a qualified financial planner or tax professional before making decisions about Roth conversions.

Sources and References

1. Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 590-B (2026), Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)." https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590b

2. Vanguard. "Is a Roth IRA conversion right for you?" Vanguard Investor Resources & Education. https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/iras/ira-roth-conversion

3. Internal Revenue Service. "Retirement topics - Required minimum distributions (RMDs)." Updated January 29, 2026. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds

4. Charles Schwab. "Required Minimum Distributions: What's New in 2026." https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/required-minimum-distributions-what-you-should-know

5. Lord Abbett. "Quick Answers: The Five-Year Rule and Important Info on Roth IRA Conversions." August 7, 2024. https://www.lordabbett.com/en-us/financial-advisor/insights/retirement-planning/quick-answers-the-five-year-rule-and-important-info-on-roth-ira-.html

6. Vision Retirement. "Roth IRA Conversions: Rules, Restrictions, and Taxes." January 2026. https://www.visionretirement.com/articles/investing/basics-of-roth-ira-conversions

7. Fidelity. "Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)." https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/required-minimum-distributions-qcds

8. Internal Revenue Service. "IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026, including amendments from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill." October 9, 2025. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2026-including-amendments-from-the-one-big-beautiful-bill

9. Tax Foundation. "2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates." February 11, 2026. https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/2026-tax-brackets/

10. Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 590-B (2026), Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)." https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590b

11. Internal Revenue Service. "Retirement topics - 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits." Updated January 2026. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-401k-and-profit-sharing-plan-contribution-limits

12. Empower. "Mega Backdoor Roth: How It Works and Its Benefits." 2026. https://www.empower.com/the-currency/money/mega-backdoor-roth

13. Fidelity. "What is a mega backdoor Roth?" February 28, 2025. https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/mega-backdoor-roth

14. NerdWallet. "Mega Backdoor Roths: How They Work, Limits." Updated February 2, 2026. https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/mega-backdoor-roths-work

15. Internal Revenue Service. "Rollovers of after-tax contributions in retirement plans." https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/rollovers-of-after-tax-contributions-in-retirement-plans

Are Your Portfolio and Retirement Plan Up To Date?

Markets have delivered strong gains in recent years. A strong equity run may have boosted your portfolio but it may also have increased your overall risk exposure. Interest rates remain elevated compared to the pre-2022 era, but have been on the decline since the last peak (shown in the FRED graphic below)¹.

As we move into 2026, it’s worth reviewing both your investment strategy and your retirement savings plan to ensure they remain aligned with your long-term goals.

Revisit Your Diversification

Consider the following:

• Are you diversified across sectors and industries?

• Do you include international exposure?

• What is your balance among large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks?

• What is your philosophy when it comes to growth and value stocks?

• Has market performance caused your allocation to drift beyond your intended targets?

If equities now represent a larger share of your portfolio than planned, rebalancing may help realign risk.

Rebalancing  and Tax Implications

Rebalancing restores your target allocation and can help manage portfolio risk. While doing so, consider tax efficiency:

• Capital losses offset capital gains.²

• Up to $3,000 in excess net losses may offset ordinary income annually.²

• Selecting higher cost-basis shares when selling can improve after-tax outcomes. At the same time, you will need to pay attention to short-term vs. long-term capital gains.

If you have accounts with different tax types, you may also consider implementing an ‘asset location’ strategy.

The Role of Cash

Cash serves as a stability buffer, not a growth engine. Maintaining three to six months of living expenses in liquid savings can provide flexibility and a liquidity buffer for unexpected events.³

At the same time, holding excessive cash may hinder long-term growth. Ensuring your emergency funds are earning competitive yields while remaining accessible can improve overall efficiency.

If you have more cash than what’s needed for your emergency fund, you don’t have to get it invested all at once. Dollar-cost averaging, investing gradually over time, can reduce the risk of poor timing decisions during volatile periods.

Retirement Savings: 2026 Contribution Limits

The IRS has increased retirement plan contribution limits for 2026.⁴

2026 Limits

• 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP: $24,500⁴

• Catch-up (age 50+): $8,000⁴

• Enhanced catch-up (ages 60–63): $11,250⁵

• IRA contribution limit: $7,500⁴

• IRA catch-up (age 50+): $1,100⁴

Individuals age 50 or older may contribute up to $32,500 to a 401(k), while those ages 60–63 may contribute up to $35,750, before employer matching.

Additionally, under SECURE Act 2.0, certain higher-income earners are required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis beginning in 2026.⁵

If your income has increased, consider raising your contribution percentage. Incremental increases can have a significant long-term impact due to compounding.

Saving by Career Stage

Early Career:
Start early and contribute at least enough to receive your employer match. With decades ahead, a higher equity allocation may be appropriate depending on risk tolerance.

Mid-Career:
Maximize tax-advantaged contributions as income grows to enhance tax efficiency and accelerate savings. Monitor employer stock exposure to avoid concentration risk.

Approaching Retirement:
Take full advantage of catch-up provisions. Gradually adjusting risk exposure may make sense, but maintaining some growth allocation remains important for long retirements.

The Big Picture

Preparing for 2026 isn’t about predicting markets. It’s about maintaining discipline:

• Diversify thoughtfully.

• Rebalance regularly.

• Use tax-efficient strategies.

• Maximize retirement contributions.

• Adjust your plan as your goals change.

Strong markets can build wealth. Consistent, informed planning helps preserve it.

Notes

1. Taken from https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FEDFUNDS#, using a date range from January 1st 2010 thru January 1st 2026

2. Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 409 Capital Gains and Losses. IRS, 2024.

3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Emergency Savings and Financial Stability. CFPB, 2023.

4. Internal Revenue Service. “401(k) Limit Increases to $24,500 for 2026; IRA Limit Increases to $7,500.” IRS Newsroom, 2025.

5. U.S. Congress. SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, Pub. L. No. 117-328, 2022.

Moving Across the Country: From For Sale to Fully Settled

Moving is one of life’s bigger transitions—emotionally, logistically, and financially. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, upsizing for a growing family, downsizing into retirement, or chasing a new lifestyle, the ripple effects of a move go far beyond the moving truck.

Since my husband and I were married almost 12 years ago, we’ve moved quite a bit. We’ve lived in Indiana, Florida, Michigan, California, South Carolina, and Idaho all within that time frame. It’s been a gift to chase career dreams and adventure as a family, but it doesn’t come without difficulty.

Most recently, we made a move that reshaped my family’s life: relocating from Charleston, South Carolina to Boise, Idaho. On paper, it might have looked straightforward. In reality, it held financial decisions, emotional transitions, and logistical implications — all at once.

As a financial planner and someone who has lived this personally, I want to share both the practical money considerations and the less-discussed emotional and community impacts of moving. With the right strategy, a relocation can become an opportunity to strengthen—not derail—your financial foundation.

1. Understand the True Cost of Moving

Many people underestimate how expensive relocating really is. Beyond movers or truck rentals, total costs often include:

• Realtor commissions and closing costs

• Home repairs, staging, or cleaning

• Storage fees

• Travel and lodging

• Temporary housing

• Utility deposits and installation fees

• New furniture or appliances

• Overlapping rent or mortgage payments

Pro Tip:
Build a full moving budget before committing. Add a 10–20% buffer for surprises. If your move is job-related, confirm which expenses are reimbursed—and understand the tax treatment of those benefits. (Pro tip: not all states consider reimbursement of moving expenses nontaxable!) 

2. Cash Flow Is King During a Move

Relocations tend to compress expenses into a short period of time. Even financially positive moves can feel stressful if cash flow gets tight.

Common pressure points include:

• Carrying two housing payments at once

• Paying for a move before a home sale closes

• Delayed security deposit refunds

• Employer reimbursement delays

Pro Tip:
Stress-test your emergency fund. Timeline planning with your cash flow can become critical.

3. The Housing Decision Has Long-Term Impact

Housing affects far more than your monthly payment. Property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities, maintenance, and commuting costs all shape long-term cash flow.

Key questions to ask:

• Is this payment sustainable if income changes?

• Are property taxes materially different from my current state?

• Will utilities or insurance costs increase?

• How long do I realistically plan to stay?

4. State Taxes Can Make a Big Difference

Crossing state lines can dramatically alter your tax picture. Differences may include:

• State income taxes

• Capital gains treatment

• Property and sales taxes

• Estate or inheritance taxes

A move from a low-tax state to a higher-tax state (or vice versa) can meaningfully impact your ability to save, invest, or spend.

Pro Tip:
Run a side-by-side comparison of your current and future tax burden before moving—especially if you’re a high earner, business owner, retiree, or receive equity compensation. Taxes usually don’t decide the move for you, but they can’t be overlooked!

5. Job Changes and Benefits Transitions Add Complexity

If your move involves a new employer, benefits may change more than expected:

• Health insurance plans and networks

• Retirement plans and vesting schedules

• Bonuses, equity, or compensation structure

6. Insurance Needs Shift When You Relocate

Relocating should trigger a full insurance review:

• Homeowners or renters insurance

• Auto insurance (rates vary widely by zip code)

• Umbrella liability coverage

• Health insurance provider networks

Pro Tip:
Always re-shop auto and home insurance within 30 days of a move—premiums can change dramatically based on location.

7. The Emotional Cost Is Real—and Often Underestimated

This part never shows up in spreadsheets.

Leaving Charleston meant leaving familiar routines, close friendships, and a place that felt like home. Even when a move is intentional and exciting, there’s often a quiet grief that comes with it.

What helped:

• Giving ourselves permission to feel unsettled

• Maintaining old relationships intentionally

• Remembering that hard is not the same thing as bad.

Major transitions take time—emotionally and financially.

8. Rebuilding Community Is Part of the Plan

Community doesn’t magically appear—it’s built.

Let your financial planner concentrate on the numbers. You’ll be spending energy getting plugged in and finding your people. 

Community may not show up on a balance sheet, but it’s what makes a city feel like home.

Pro Tip:
Keep a list of the wins, the prayers answered, and the ways that your move came together. You’ll be grateful for the written reminder of the good when you have a hard day. 

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A move is more than a change of address—it’s a financial and personal reset point. When planned carefully, relocation can align your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals. Without planning, it can quietly create financial drift.

If you’re preparing for a move or have recently relocated, this is one of the best times to revisit your income, expenses, savings, insurance, tax strategy, and overall financial plan.

If you’d like help integrating a move into your broader financial plan, let’s connect. Working with a fiduciary financial planner can bring clarity, strategy, and peace of mind during one of life’s biggest transitions.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Dear 2025: Progress, Perspective, and Planning for What Matters

Dear 2025,

As you come to a close, I find myself reflecting not just on the numbers, the charts, or the goals we set back in January—but on the lessons, the people, and the quiet moments of growth in between. You were a year that stretched me, surprised me, and deeply blessed me.

You reminded me that financial planning is never really about money.

• It’s about the new baby that turned a spreadsheet into a story about protection and possibility.

• It’s about the brave career change that required a leap of faith—and a solid financial plan to back it.

• It’s about the families who downsized, upsized, relocated, rebuilt, and reimagined what “home” means.

• It’s about the widow who learned, with courage and grace, how to take control of her finances for the first time.

• It’s about the clients who finally said, “I’m ready,” and chose progress over perfection.

You displayed that behind every account balance is a human being doing their very best.

This year, I saw firsthand that peace of mind is often a far more powerful motivator than maximizing returns. That simplicity can feel like success. That boundaries matter just as much in life as they do in money. That steady and consistent doesn’t make headlines—but it builds lives.

I learned (again) that control is an illusion—but preparation is a gift.

Markets moved. Rates shifted. Headlines changed daily. And yet, the clients who stayed grounded in their plan slept better. They didn’t panic at every dip. They didn’t chase every trend. They trusted the process—and themselves. And that is something no market downturn can ever take away.

2025, you also reminded me how deeply grateful I am.

Grateful for the trust my clients place in me with their dreams, their worries, their “what-ifs,” and their very real fears. Grateful for the conversations that go far beyond investments—about aging parents, growing families, burnout, purpose, and what “enough” really looks like. Grateful for the reminder, again and again, that this work is not transactional—it’s relational.

I am grateful for the clients I’ve had the privilege of working with for years, and just as grateful for the new clients who are newly organizing their financial lives with me.

2025, you reinforced that resilience isn’t loud. It shows up quietly: in automatic contributions, in sticking to the plan when the news reports are screaming for doomsday reactions, in choosing to invest even when the future feels uncertain, in asking for help when doing it alone no longer works.

And as I look ahead, I carry your lessons forward with intention.

Into 2026, I carry:

— A deeper commitment to clarity over complexity.
— A continued focus on values before numbers.
— A strong belief that financial planning should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
— A promise to continue showing up with honesty, education, and heart.

To my clients: thank you for letting me walk alongside you this year. Thank you for the emails, the questions, the check-ins, and the trust. Thank you for allowing me into your lives during some of your biggest transitions. It is a responsibility I never take lightly.

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s this: life doesn’t move in straight lines—but progress still happens. Often quietly. Often imperfectly. Always meaningfully.

Here’s to the lessons we keep.
Here’s to the growth we didn’t see coming.
Here’s to what’s next.

With deep gratitude,
Kristiana

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

5 Money Habits That Separate Wealth Builders from Wealth Drainers

In 2025, financial success looks different. The world is changing quickly, and there’s always a new shiny object trying to grab our attention. With the cost of living rising—and with AI-driven investing, digital banking, and new remote income streams—the gap between wealth builders and wealth drainers is wider than ever.

The good news? You still have control.

Millionaires aren’t made by the income they earn—they’re made by intentionality and the ability to consistently live below their means. Your daily money habits, not your salary, determine whether your finances grow or shrink.

Here are five money habits that separate people who build wealth from those who unknowingly drain it.

1. Automate Your Finances Instead of “Winging It”

Wealth builders use automation to make smart decisions effortless. Automatic transfers for savings, investments, and bills ensure their money goes where it should before they’re tempted to spend it.

When we review your cash-flow plan, we identify opportunities to automate your savings and investing in a tax-efficient way. This “backwards budgeting” gives you spending freedom while still keeping your long-term goals on track.

Wealth drainers, on the other hand, rely on memory or motivation. They move money “when they remember,” often missing savings opportunities. Keeping excess cash in your checking account makes lifestyle creep all too easy. Don’t let short-term spending derail long-term wealth.

2. Invest Consistently—Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”

A core wealth-building habit is consistency.

Wealth builders know that time in the market beats timing the market.

Wealth drainers wait for “the right moment,” losing years of compounding potential.

Do what you can now. Start somewhere—small steps taken today can turn into miles of progress later.

3. Track Your Net Worth — Not Just Your Income

Making more money is great—but using that money to move closer to your goals is what determines success.

Wealth builders track their net worth (assets minus debts) to measure real financial progress. I track my clients’ net worth each year so we can see whether they’re on course or need a strategic adjustment.

Wealth drainers focus only on income, celebrating raises while their expenses (and debt) grow even faster. A higher salary doesn’t hold as much value towards impacting your financial freedom if your net worth isn’t moving in the right direction.

4. Buy Time, Don’t Waste It

Time is the most valuable currency in 2025.

Wealth builders invest in tools, systems, or support that buy them time for higher-value activities—learning, strategizing, planning, or generating income.

Wealth drainers trade their time for temporary comfort, losing hours to busywork or endless scrolling.

Wealth grows where time compounds.

5. Live Below Your Means—Not for Appearances

In a world full of digital flexing and influencer lifestyles, restraint is rare—and powerful.

Wealth builders prioritize financial freedom over image. They practice intentional spending, save aggressively, and invest the difference.

Wealth drainers fall into lifestyle inflation, mistaking looking rich for being rich.

Define what “enough” looks like for your lifestyle, and invest anything above that threshold.

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Build Habits, Not Just Income

Wealth isn’t about luck or even income—it’s about discipline, consistency, and systems that support intentional choices. Technology can help, but your habits ultimately determine your long-term financial independence.

Ask yourself: “Are my habits making my money work for me—or keeping me working for money?”

Start small. Automate one bill. Track your net worth. Set up a transfer to your investment account, even if it’s modest.

The gap between wealth builders and wealth drainers isn’t about opportunity—it’s about the daily choices that shape your future.

And remember: wealth is more than a bank account balance. It’s the ability to make your money work as efficiently as possible so you can design your life intentionally—reflecting your priorities, values, and goals. Small habits today create long-term flexibility and freedom.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Welcoming a New Family Member: A Personal and Financial Journey

As many of you know, my family just grew in exponential joy and also chaos  — we welcomed Lucy Joy Daniels into our lives earlier this month. It’s an incredible, joyful milestone, full of excitement. Beyond the diapers and sleepless nights, though, I’ve been reflecting on the reality of the importance of thoughtful financial planning to protect and provide for our expanding family.

Having helped many clients through similar life transitions, I want to share some important steps I’m taking personally — and that you might consider if you’re welcoming a new child or family member yourself.

1. Open a 529 College Savings Plan

Education costs can feel overwhelming, and starting early is one of the best ways to ease that burden. Opening a 529 plan for your child is a smart, tax-advantaged way to save for future college expenses — and it can be used for K-12 tuition or educational credentials as well. Even small, consistent contributions over time can make a meaningful difference down the road. Each state has its own plan - let’s talk about which one makes the most sense for you. 

2. Update Beneficiaries

One of the most common oversights when expanding your family is forgetting to update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts. Ensuring your new child is included where appropriate helps guarantee your assets go to the right people without unnecessary complications.

3. Consider a Trust or Detailed Estate Plan

As our family grows, so does the complexity of protecting our legacy. A basic will might not be enough to cover everything you want for your child’s future. Establishing a trust or updating your estate plan can provide clear instructions on guardianship, asset management, and distribution — offering peace of mind that your child will be cared for as you intend.

4. Review Your Life Insurance Coverage

Welcoming a child often means reevaluating your life insurance needs. If something were to happen to you, would your current policy provide enough to maintain your family’s lifestyle and meet future expenses? It’s worth reviewing your coverage, potentially increasing your policy, or adding new policies to ensure your family is financially protected.

5. Review Employee Benefits

Don’t forget to take a close look at your employer's benefits as well. With a new family member, you might be eligible to make changes or enroll in plans such as:

• Health Coverage: Add your new child to your health insurance plan to ensure their medical needs are covered.

• Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for child care expenses, helping reduce your taxable income.

• Hospital Indemnity Plans: These supplemental insurance plans can provide cash benefits for hospital stays and related expenses, offering an extra layer of financial protection. **This is often an overlooked benefit when you know you’ll be giving birth in the future year. If you are pregnant, this is a way to help put a few thousand dollars into your pocket** 
  
  

6. Other Important Financial Updates

Emergency Fund: Reevaluate your emergency savings to ensure it can handle new expenses.

Budget Adjustments: Review your monthly budget to accommodate new costs and savings goals.

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Aligning Your Financial Plan With Your Goals

A new family member often means your goals and priorities might shift—or, in some cases, become even more clearly defined. It’s essential to take a moment to reflect on whether your financial goals are changing or staying the same, and to make sure your financial plan is singing the same song.

Your plan should be thoughtfully designed and properly implemented to support your evolving needs, providing both flexibility and security as your family grows.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Hidden Employer Benefits You Might Be Missing

When most people think about employer benefits, the usual suspects come to mind: health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. But dig a little deeper and you might be surprised by what your employer actually offers—and what you could be missing out on.

Many companies offer a suite of lesser-known benefits that can boost your financial well-being, improve your work-life balance, or simply make life a little easier. The catch? They’re often buried in your onboarding documents or HR portal, and easy to overlook.

Here’s a rundown of commonly missed or hidden employer benefits worth checking out:

1. Student Loan Repayment Assistance

More companies are stepping up to help employees tackle student debt. Under current tax law, employers can contribute up to $5,250 per year toward your student loans tax-free through 2025 (thanks to a CARES Act provision). Yet many employees don’t realize their company offers it.

What to do: Ask your HR department if they participate in a student loan repayment program or offer any partnerships with refinancing providers.

2. Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Education

Even if you’re not pursuing a degree, your company might reimburse you for professional development courses, certifications, or even conferences. These benefits often have annual limits, but can save you thousands—and boost your career.

What to do: Look for policies on tuition or education reimbursement in your employee handbook or HR site. You may need to get courses pre-approved.

3. Legal Services

Some employers offer access to legal services as part of their benefits package—often at no cost to you. This can include estate planning, will preparation, tax consultations, and even identity theft protection. 

If your financial situation isn’t complicated, this is often the cheapest and easiest way to address these important documents like wills, durable power of attorney, living wills, and even trusts!

What to do: Check your benefits to see what it would cost you to sign up for the services for a year and get it all done! Make sure to do the research on how much those documents cost you in addition to the employee benefit service.

4. Dependent Care FSAs & Backup Childcare

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) let you set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare, after-school programs, and summer camps. Some employers also provide emergency or subsidized backup childcare—a lifesaver when your regular care falls through.

What to do: Check your benefits portal during open enrollment and keep an eye out for family support programs.

5. Adoption, Fertility, and Surrogacy Benefits

Many larger employers now offer financial support for fertility treatments, IVF, egg freezing, or adoption assistance. These benefits can be worth thousands of dollars—and are often available regardless of marital status.

What to do: Ask HR if your benefits plan includes any reproductive health or family-building support.

6. Sabbaticals or Paid Volunteer Time

Some companies offer paid sabbaticals after a certain number of years or paid volunteer days each year to give back to your community. These benefits don’t always show up in your standard time-off policy.

What to do: Ask about long-term tenure perks or community involvement policies.

7. HSA Contributions and Wellness Incentives

If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may be eligible for an HSA (Health Savings Account)—and your employer might contribute to it. Some companies also offer cash or gift card incentives for completing wellness activities, like health screenings or fitness challenges. 

Let’s go even further and discuss the benefits of investing your HSA and what tax savings that means for your family! 

What to do: Log into your benefits portal and review your wellness or HSA sections—you might already have free money waiting.

8. Commuter Benefits or Travel Reimbursements

If you commute or travel for work, you may be eligible for pre-tax transit benefits or reimbursement for work-related travel expenses (including bike maintenance in some cities!). These can be easy to miss if you’re remote but occasionally go into the office.

What to do: Look for a transportation or commuter section in your benefits site—or ask your HR rep directly.

Don’t Assume, Ask

Many of these benefits go unused simply because employees don’t know they exist. If you're not sure what's available, don’t hesitate to ask. You might be sitting on free money, extra perks, or valuable resources that can support your financial and personal goals.

Taking full advantage of your employer’s benefits is one of the easiest ways to improve your financial life—without needing to earn another dollar.

As a client of mine, I review employee benefits on an annual basis. I’d be happy to review your benefits on a complimentary basis. The little details and decisions matter to the health and well-being of your full financial plan. Let’s connect! 

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

How to Use 529 Plans (and What’s New with the OBBBA)

When it comes to saving for education, 529 plans remain one of the most powerful tools available. They offer tax advantages, flexibility, and now—thanks to recent updates from the Opportunity to Build a Better Budget Act (OBBBA)—even more options for how families can put that money to use. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just someone planning ahead, it’s worth understanding how these accounts work and what’s changed.

What Is a 529 Plan?

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to help pay for education expenses. You contribute after-tax dollars, the investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free—as long as they’re used for qualified education expenses.

There are two main types of 529 plans:

• Savings Plans: Investment accounts for future education costs.

• Prepaid Tuition Plans: Lock in current tuition rates at eligible public colleges.

Most people use the savings version, which offers more flexibility and broader investment choices.

What Can 529 Funds Be Used For?

Historically, 529s could only be used for college tuition and fees, but in recent years the rules have expanded. Here's what they now cover:

• Tuition and fees for college, graduate, and vocational schools

• Room and board (for students enrolled at least half-time)

• Books, supplies, and equipment

• Computers and internet access if required for school

• K–12 tuition (up to $20,000 per year per student starting in 2026)

• Student loan repayment (up to $10,000 per beneficiary)

 What’s New Under the OBBBA?

The Opportunity to Build a Better Budget Act (OBBBA), passed in 2025, made several updates to how 529 accounts can be used—expanding their appeal and usefulness.

Here are the key changes:

1. 529s Can Now Cover Certain Educational Support Services

The OBBBA expands qualified expenses to include services like:

• Educational therapy

• Behavioral support

• Specialized tutoring

This is a big win for families with neurodivergent learners or students with learning differences.

2. More Flexibility for Career & Technical Education

Vocational and trade school expenses have always been eligible, but the OBBBA clarified and expanded this to include:

• Apprenticeship programs

• Credentialing and licensure prep

• Tools and equipment required for training
  
  

  This change recognizes that not all paths require a traditional four-year degree.

3. Rollovers to Roth IRAs – Final Clarifications

While the SECURE 2.0 Act allowed limited rollovers from 529 plans to Roth IRAs starting in 2024, the OBBBA clarified some rules:

• Maximum lifetime rollover: $35,000

• Account must be open for 15+ years

• Contributions (and earnings on those contributions) made in the last 5 years don’t count

This gives account owners another backup use for leftover funds—but it’s not a free-for-all.

Pro Tips for Using a 529 Plan Wisely

1. Start early. The earlier you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow.

2. Name yourself as the owner. This gives you control, even if the beneficiary changes.

3. Overfunding? Consider using excess funds for:

• Another child or relative - creating a legacy education account for generations to come!

• Your own continuing education

• A Roth IRA rollover (if eligible)

4. Watch for state tax perks. Many states offer deductions or credits for in-state 529 contributions.

5. Coordinate with other aid. 529 withdrawals can impact financial aid calculations—timing matters.

529 plans were already a smart way to save for education. With the updates from the OBBBA, they’re now more versatile and inclusive than ever before. Whether you’re funding college, trade school, or supporting a child with unique educational needs, your 529 can be a powerful piece of your financial strategy.

Need help setting one up—or making sure you’re using it efficiently? Let’s talk.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Why Your Financial Plan Should Include More Than Just Investments

When most people think about financial planning, their minds often jump straight to stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles. While investing is undeniably a critical component of building wealth, a truly robust financial plan encompasses much more than just your portfolio. To build lasting financial security and peace of mind, it’s important to consider several other vital elements that support and protect your financial future.

Here’s why your financial plan should include much more than just investments:

1. Tax Planning: Keep More of What You Earn

Taxes can significantly impact your net returns, and smart tax planning helps reduce your liabilities. This means more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket instead of going to the government. Tax planning involves strategies like timing income and deductions, maximizing tax-advantaged accounts, tax diversification, asset location, and understanding how different investments are taxed. Without attention to taxes, even the best investment returns can be diminished by unnecessary tax burdens.

2. Estate Planning: Protect Your Loved Ones and Your Wishes

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are cared for. Important documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives lay out how your assets should be handled, who will make decisions if you’re unable, and how your family will be supported. Having these plans in place helps avoid confusion, legal battles, and delays during difficult times. Also, you’d be shocked at how many estate plans go unfunded and are incomplete! Your advisor should help ensure that your beneficiaries align and your trust is funded.

3. Insurance: Guarding Against Life’s Unexpected Setbacks

Life is unpredictable, and setbacks can quickly derail your financial progress. Insurance products—such as life insurance, disability insurance, and health insurance—are essential safety nets. They protect your income, cover medical expenses, and provide financial support to your family if something happens to you. Integrating insurance into your financial plan ensures that you’re not left vulnerable to risks that could otherwise cause significant financial hardship.

4. Charitable Giving: Align Your Values with Your Financial Goals

For many, financial planning is not just about accumulating wealth but also about making a positive impact. Charitable giving is a powerful way to align your values with your finances. Strategic giving can provide tax benefits while supporting causes you care about, creating a legacy that reflects your priorities. Including philanthropy in your plan can bring deeper satisfaction and purpose to your financial journey. With strategic planning, your dollars can make the biggest and most efficient impact.

Why Summer Is a Great Time to Revisit Your Full Financial Plan

Summer often brings a natural pause in the busyness of life—a perfect opportunity to step back and review your financial picture. While it’s easy to focus solely on investments during check-ins, make sure to take time to evaluate your tax strategies, estate documents, insurance coverage, and charitable goals as well. Revisiting these components ensures your plan is comprehensive and resilient to life’s changes.

Is Your Financial Plan All-Inclusive?

Investing wisely is only one piece of the financial planning puzzle. By expanding your focus to include tax planning, estate considerations, insurance protection, and charitable giving, you create a more holistic and effective plan. This approach not only builds wealth but also provides security, peace of mind, and purpose.

If you haven’t reviewed these areas recently, consider making it a priority this summer. If you’d like help crafting a complete financial plan tailored to your unique needs, I’d love to start you on the process of financial organization and freedom.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Summer Paychecks & Smart Money Moves: A Parent’s Guide for Teens with Jobs

Summer jobs are more than just a way for teens to earn extra spending money — they’re valuable opportunities to build financial responsibility and independence. But while the paycheck can be exciting, it’s important for parents and teens alike to understand the tax implications and savings opportunities that come with earning income.

Here’s what every parent should know to help their teen make the most of a summer job:

Income and Taxes: What You Need to Know

Any income your teen earns from a summer job is considered taxable income by the IRS. This means it counts toward their annual income and may require them to file a tax return if it exceeds certain thresholds.

Additionally, if your teen’s income becomes substantial, it could potentially affect their dependent status on your tax return. It’s important to keep track of their earnings and consult tax guidelines or a professional to ensure compliance.

Help Your Teen Understand Tax Filing

Many teens are working and earning for the first time, which can be confusing when tax season rolls around. As a parent, help your teen collect and organize important tax documents like W-2 forms from their employer.

You can also take this opportunity to explain basic tax concepts, such as withholding, filing deadlines, and the importance of keeping good records. Especially if they are still a dependent of yours, keep an eye on how much they are making and withholding - they might be required to file a tax return of their own if their income is above certain limits!

Encourage Saving and Investing Early

A summer job is an ideal time to teach teens the value of saving. Encourage them to set aside a portion of their earnings for future goals—whether that’s college, a big purchase, or simply building an emergency fund. I love to talk to my clients' kids about the bucket strategy. It helps build financial knowledge in a manageable way. 

One powerful option to consider is having your teen open a Roth IRA. Because contributions come from earned income, teens can start saving for retirement decades earlier than most adults. The growth potential over time is enormous, and starting young helps build great financial habits.

Financial Independence Starts Here

Working a summer job is often a teen’s first real taste of financial independence. Beyond the paycheck, it’s a chance to learn about budgeting, taxes, giving, saving, and the value of hard work.

By guiding your teen through the tax and savings side of summer earnings, you’re helping them build a strong foundation for a healthy financial future. With a bit of preparation and guidance, your teen’s summer paycheck can become much more than spending money — it can be the start of a lifelong journey toward financial responsibility and security.

Here’s a simple Summer Job Tax & Savings Checklist for parents and teens to use together.

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Summer Job Tax & Savings Checklist for Teens and Parents

Before the Job Starts:

• Discuss job expectations, pay rate, and work schedule.

• Talk about the purpose of money (savings, giving, spending, goal setting, etc.)

• Open a separate savings account.

During Employment:

• Keep records of hours worked and pay received.

• Save all pay stubs and tax forms (W-2).

• Set aside a percentage of earnings for savings (aim for 10–20%).

Tax Season Preparation:

• Collect W-2 form(s) from employer(s).

• Determine if teen needs to file a tax return (IRS rules vary by income).

• Understand how earnings affect dependent status on your tax return.

• Consider using tax software or consult a tax professional if unsure.

Savings & Investing:

• Open a Roth IRA if teen has earned income and is ready to save long-term.

• Discuss budgeting basics and the importance of emergency savings.

• Encourage regular contributions to savings, even small amounts.

Financial Education:

• Talk about paycheck deductions (taxes, Social Security, etc.).

• Explain basic tax concepts and filing deadlines.

• Use the summer job as an opportunity to build lifelong money habits.

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Recent Articles Written by Kristiana:

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Fiduciary Financial Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not give legal or tax advice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. The information contained herein has been obtained from a third-party source which is believed to be reliable but is subject to correction for error. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or representation of future results.

Fiduciary Financial Advisors does not give legal or tax advice. The information contained does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any security and does not purport to be a complete statement of all material facts relating to the strategies and services mentioned.

Why re-brand after 6 successful years of business with a perfectly fine name?

In 2020, we re-branded from Action Point Financial to Fiduciary Financial Advisors. Our old name worked fine. So why disrupt? As Fiduciaries, it is important to put our fee-only approach to financial planning & investment management front and center.

Watch this video to learn more about why we changed and why being a Fiduciary Advisor is so important to us (and you!). To learn more visit: https://forfiduciary.com/