We're talking all things gifting during this holiday season. Whether it's contributing to a college fund for a child, helping a friend build up their savings, donating to a meaningful charity, or investing in your own financial goals, we want your gifts to make an impact. Check out this video for tax-savvy and heartfelt ideas to complete your holiday shopping list for the kids, adults, and charities in your life, as well as yourself! 00:00 Introductions 01:04 Why you should buy gifts for yourself! 03:11 How ...

Financial advisors call it "leakage," a dangerous habit that drains retirement accounts to pay for today's wants. But new research suggests that 401(k) loans are rarely used for frivolous spending, serving instead as a critical safety net for households hitting a wall on medical bills and housing costs. The research, conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and J.P. Morgan Asset Management, analyzed the spending behavior of private-sector 401(k) participants to determine where loan proceeds w ...

Market Trend & Policy Analysis - Anticipation of President Trump directing agencies to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule three drug, similar to common painkillers, is driving market activity [2] - The potential reclassification would not legalize marijuana but could allow cannabis companies access to banking services and a different tax status [3] - The President's authority to unilaterally reclassify marijuana is limited, and the order is expected to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the DEA to restart the rulemaking change process [5] - Resistance within the DEA remains a concern, potentially hindering the reclassification process [7][8] Investment Opportunities & Risks - Rescheduling is not legalization and doesn't necessarily lead to increased market share for cannabis companies; the primary impact is on the tax code, potentially reducing the tax rate from 40% to around 10-15% [9] - Legalization has a 30% chance, which would prohibit market share growth and organic growth [10] - Retail sentiment is driving some of the current market activity, as seen in the 30% increase in Canadian pot equities, even though the rescheduling primarily applies to US companies [13] - Rescheduling primarily benefits mom and pop farms, but larger companies are expected to consolidate the industry as regulations improve [15][16] Company Financials & Tax Implications - Tax relief from rescheduling is expected to be available for the 2026 tax season in 2027 [17] - The key financial impact of rescheduling is a change in the tax structure, not necessarily organic market share growth [18]

Tax Implications - Tax implications for foreign investors depend on residency status [1] - Resident aliens are generally subject to the same tax rules as U S citizens [1] - Nonresident aliens are subject to different tax rules than U S citizens [1]

Roth IRA Conversions - Explores how and when to convert tax-deferred accounts to a Roth IRA [1] - Highlights the tax implications of Roth IRA conversions [1] - Addresses the 5-year rule associated with Roth IRAs [1] - Suggests smart strategies like laddering or backdoor Roth conversions [1]

Learn how and when to convert tax-deferred accounts to a Roth IRA, the tax implications, the 5-year rule, and smart strategies like laddering or backdoor Roth conversions. https://t.co/2ev2AXuyi5 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the feasibility and implications of converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA for individuals aged 65 and older, emphasizing that there are no legal restrictions based on age or income [2] - It highlights the tax implications and benefits of Roth conversions, particularly the potential for tax-free withdrawals in retirement [3][4] Group 1: Roth Conversion Basics - A Roth IRA conversion involves transferring funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, requiring the payment of income tax on the converted amount now, but allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement [3] - Traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73, which can increase tax liabilities in retirement, while Roth IRAs do not have RMDs [4] Group 2: Timing Considerations - The timing of a Roth conversion is crucial; converting sooner allows for more years of tax-free growth in the Roth account [7] - Converting a large IRA can push individuals into higher tax brackets, potentially incurring a top marginal tax rate of 37% on the conversion amount [8] - Gradual conversions can help manage tax liabilities by spreading the income increase over several years, thus avoiding the top marginal tax rate [9] Group 3: Withdrawal Rules - Funds from a Roth IRA cannot be withdrawn without penalty within five years of conversion, and each gradual conversion restarts the five-year rule for that portion [10]

ETF Innovation & Tax Strategy - Atoria Portfolio Advisors is working on a large cap 351 fund, a relatively new concept in the ETF space based on tax code from the 1950s [2] - A 351 fund allows investors, at the ETF's launch, to provide a portfolio of securities meeting diversification guidelines in exchange for the fund, enabling tax-free diversification [3] - This strategy addresses overconcentration issues, particularly in stocks that have increased significantly in value, such as Nvidia which was trading at $30 per share at the start of 2022 [4] Market Popularity & Application - 351 funds are gaining popularity due to significant overconcentration in stocks, especially in the tech sector, with approximately 15 to 20 such funds launched [5][6] - These funds also offer solutions for legacy issues, such as inherited stock or large insider holdings [6] - The strategy is becoming more well-known, with expectations for increased adoption in the future [6]