Protecting & Preserving Wealth

Hosted by Bruce Hosler

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Aug 2026

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In the Protecting & Preserving Wealth podcast, Bruce Hosler discusses and provides timely answers to important topics for our listeners: • Tax Reduction Strategies • Financial & Estate Planning • Investment Management • Retirement Planning • Insurance Strategies • Business Owner Exit-Planning Strategies • Current Events and their Market Effects We started the podcast because a number of clients have questions, and this is a way for us to give them a venue to listen to different answers on all the things they're concerned about today. First and foremost, foundationally, for most people, taxes are a very important thing. We always start with taxes and then we go from there and work on financial planning issues like retirement. Am I going to have enough? How am I going to leave my stuff to my legacy, to my kids and family? In estate planning, we include asset management because everybody wants to know where their money's invested and how safe and how protected it can be. And how can it grow in the face of this inflation that we're facing today. And finally, we use insurance strategies to make sure that when the moment of truth arrives, everything's okay for the family. Throughout this podcast, we're going to meet the Hosler team and how each of them plays a role in securing your financial future. Hosler Wealth Management can be reached in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666, in their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342, or on the web at https://www.hoslerwm.com/. Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Mutual Advisors, LLC DBA Hosler Wealth Management, a SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Mutual Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Mutual Advisors, LLC and Mutual Securities, Inc. (collectively “Mutual Group”) are affiliated companies. Forward-looking commentary should not be misconstrued as investment or financial advice. The advisor associated with this podcast is not monitored for comments and any comments should be given directly to the office at the contact information specified. Any tax advice contained in this communication, including any attachments, is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of 1) avoiding federal or state tax penalties, 2) promoting marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein, and 3) Tax preparation and accounting services are offered independently through Hosler Wealth Management Tax Services. Any tax advice provided by tax professionals under Hosler Wealth Management Tax Services is separate and unrelated to any advisory or security services offered through Mutual Group. The accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information contained in this podcast cannot be guaranteed. Mutual Group does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. Accordingly, Hosler Wealth Management does not warranty, guarantee or make any representations or assume any liability with regard to financial results based on the use of the information in this podcast. Protecting & Preserving Wealth (podcast) is owned and produced by Hosler Wealth Management Prescott Office: 700 S Montezuma St Prescott, AZ 86303 Tel. (928) 778-7666 Scottsdale Office: 7400 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Suite #100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tel. (480) 994-7342 #HoslerWealthManagement #Protecting&PreservingWealthPodcast #BruceHosler #ProtectingWealthPodcast

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August 19, 202623 min

Maximizing Social Security Benefits - Key Claiming Strategies

This episode focuses on how to maximize Social Security benefits by choosing the right claiming strategy. There is no single right age to claim. Health, income needs, savings, marital status, and long-term goals all matter. Some people may need to claim early because they do not have other income. Others may benefit from waiting, especially if they can afford to delay until age 70. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) When Should You Claim Social Security? (03:03) Why Delaying Until 70 Can Pay Off (05:17) Planning for a Longer Retirement (07:03) Social Security Strategies for Couples (09:22) Protecting the Surviving Spouse (13:24) Medicare Premiums and IRMAA Deductions (14:42) Reviewing Your Social Security Statement (16:40) How Your Top 35 Earning Years Matter (17:54) Building a Coordinated Claiming Strategy (18:35) Reducing Taxes on Social Security Benefits The conversation makes a clear case for planning around longevity. Some clients assume they will not live long enough to justify delaying benefits. But with medical advances, better health tools, and longer life expectancies, planning only to age 85 can create risk. The bigger danger is not leaving money behind; it is living longer than expected and running out of income. That is why the team recommends planning for age 95 or even 100 when possible. A major takeaway is the value of delaying benefits after full retirement age. Once someone reaches full retirement age, around 67, Social Security benefits increase by 8% per year until age 70. That increase is not just for one year. It applies every year for the rest of that person’s life, and potentially for the surviving spouse’s life as well. The benefit is also inflation adjusted, which makes it one of the strongest guaranteed income sources available in retirement. Couples need to coordinate their claiming decisions. In many cases, the higher earning spouse should delay until age 70. That can protect the surviving spouse later. When one spouse dies, Social Security generally keeps the higher of the two benefits and removes the lower one. This means maximizing the higher benefit can create more lifetime income for both spouses. The episode also covers important details that can surprise retirees. Medicare premiums are often deducted from Social Security payments. Higher income can trigger IRMAA, which increases Medicare costs and reduces the net Social Security deposit. The team also encourages listeners to create and check their ssa.gov accounts, even if they are years away from retirement. That helps protect the account and gives people current benefit estimates. Finally, we look at taxes. Social Security can be taxable depending on provisional income, which includes wages, dividends, interest, municipal bond interest, and half of Social Security benefits. Roth IRA distributions do not count toward provisional income. That is why Roth conversions and tax-free income planning can reduce taxes on Social Security and help retirement income last longer. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

August 5, 202618 min

Private Investments

In this episode, we look at the growing role of private investments* and why investors may need to rethink the way they build portfolios. The public markets have changed in a major way. Years ago, there were more than 8,000 publicly traded companies in the United States. Today, that number is closer to 4,200. At the same time, business creation is strong, and many large companies are choosing to stay private much longer than they used to. That means some of the growth that once happened in the public markets now happens before everyday investors ever get access. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:17) Why More Companies Are Staying Private (03:21) Liquidity in Public and Private Markets (04:57) Market Concentration and Diversification (05:42) Why Consider Private Equity (07:05) Potential Benefits of Private Investments (08:08) Interval Funds and Return Expectations (09:21) Infrastructure and Venture Capital (11:56) Higher Fees and Limited Liquidity (13:47) How Much Could Belong in a Portfolio (14:49) Long-Term Holding Expectations We talk about how this shift has created a much larger private market opportunity. Jason explains that unicorn companies, which are private companies valued at more than $1 billion, have grown sharply since 2016. Companies like SpaceX and OpenAI are examples of businesses that may remain private for a long time before eventually going public. The reason is simple. Many owners now prefer the control, flexibility, and funding options that come with staying private. We also explain the main difference between public and private investments. Stocks, bonds, and crypto markets provide daily liquidity. Investors can buy and sell quickly. Private investments do not work that way. Like real estate or a privately held business, they may have value, but they are not easy to sell overnight. That lack of liquidity can be a drawback, but it can also reduce daily volatility. Private investments may help diversify a portfolio because they often do not move in the same way as public stocks and bonds. Alex explains that private equity, infrastructure, venture capital, and other private market investments may offer access to areas of growth that were once unavailable to many investors. These investments may also provide the potential for strong long term returns, especially when used as a small part of a broader portfolio. We also cover the risks. Private investments usually have higher fees than index funds or traditional mutual funds. They also require patience. Investors need to think carefully about how much money they may need over the next 5 to 10 years before committing funds to an illiquid asset. The team generally recommends considering an allocation of 5% to 20%, depending on risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and long term goals. The main point is that private investments are not for short term money. They belong in the long term bucket of a financial plan. Used carefully, they may offer access to opportunities outside the traditional stock and bond markets while helping broaden diversification. Every investor should at least ask whether private investments belong in their portfolio. *Private Investment Disclosure: Private investments involve significant risk, limited liquidity, higher fees, valuation uncertainty, and possible loss of principal. Redemptions may be restricted or unavailable, and past or projected performance is not guaranteed. Eligibility requirements may apply. This material is educational only and is not an offer, recommendation, or legal, tax, or investment advice. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

July 15, 202616 min

In-Kind Roth Conversions When The Market Dips

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we talk about how market volatility can create planning opportunities, especially through in-kind Roth IRA conversions. The focus is on using market dips to move investments from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA at a temporarily lower value. The goal is to reduce the taxable amount of the conversion while allowing the rebound to happen inside the Roth, where future growth may be tax-free. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Welcome and gifting topic (00:41) Lifetime gifting for families (02:16) Start with the financial plan (02:53) 2026 gift and estate limits (03:22) Avoid gift splitting mistakes (05:17) 529 plan front-loading (06:25) Appreciated asset caution (08:00) Donor-advised fund strategy (10:17) Gifting above annual limits (14:24) Control after gifting Bruce explains the strategy with a simple example. If a stock like Nvidia is held in an IRA and drops 10%, the shares can be transferred directly into a Roth IRA without being sold. That is the in-kind conversion. If the investment was worth $100,000 before the dip and falls to $90,000, only $90,000 is recognized for tax purposes when it is converted. If it later recovers to $100,000 inside the Roth, that $10,000 recovery happens in the tax-free account. Bruce describes this as a $20,000 tax-free move because the client avoids converting at the higher value and captures the recovery inside the Roth. Alex adds that market dips are common. Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged a drawdown of about 14% to 15% in a year. That does not mean a dip is guaranteed every year, but it does mean investors can prepare for those opportunities. The assets that tend to work best for this strategy are growth-oriented investments, such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. These are the assets that usually experience more volatility and may have more room to recover after a decline. Bruce also explains that preparation matters. Clients who are old enough to take required minimum distributions must take their RMD before doing a Roth conversion. He recommends getting RMDs done early in the year so the conversion opportunity is not delayed. A tax plan should also be completed in advance so the client knows how much they want to convert without creating unwanted tax issues, higher brackets, or IRMAA penalties. The conversation also covers what Bruce calls the “November list.” This is a strategy for paying taxes later in the year through IRA withholding. Instead of making estimated payments earlier, some clients wait until November and have taxes withheld from an IRA distribution. Bruce says the IRS treats that withholding as if it had been paid evenly throughout the year. This allows the funds to remain invested longer before the tax payment is made. Alex notes that Roth conversions can be useful not only for retirement planning but also for legacy planning. Roth accounts may benefit spouses and heirs because the growth can be tax-free. He also points out that conversions do not always need to be large. Smaller strategic conversions during market dips can add up over time. Bruce closes by explaining that many advisors wait until the end of the year to decide on Roth conversions. Hosler Wealth Management takes a more proactive approach by planning ahead, identifying the conversion amount, and being ready when a market dip occurs. The episode emphasizes that while no one can perfectly time the market, being prepared can make volatility work in a client’s favor. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

July 1, 202620 min

Lifetime Gifting Strategies For Successful Families

Lifetime gifting strategies are how financially successful families can pass wealth to the next generation while still alive. Gifting is not just for the ultra-wealthy. It is a practical tool for families who want to see their children benefit from their financial success in real time. Having a foundational financial plan allows us to determine how much can be gifted without putting retirement at risk. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k Today we break down the current gifting rules and highlight that the annual gift exclusion is $19,000 per recipient. We warn against gift splitting with a single check because it triggers a gift tax return that must be maintained permanently. Instead, each spouse should gift separately to avoid unnecessary paperwork. Also, there is no limit on the number of recipients, which allows families to spread wealth efficiently without tax consequences. Gifting often comes at critical life moments such as buying a home, starting a family, or making a career move. These are times when financial support can have the greatest impact. 529 plans are also a powerful strategy; families can front-load up to five years of gifts into these accounts, allowing for significant tax-free growth while supporting education. We caution against gifting appreciated assets like stocks or real estate because recipients inherit the original cost basis and may face capital gains taxes. Instead, we suggest using those assets for charitable giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs). These allow families to receive a tax deduction, avoid capital gains, and involve future generations in philanthropy. We also address estate tax planning for larger estates. We explain that amounts above the exemption threshold can face a 40% tax, so strategic gifting can reduce future tax burdens. Even gifting above the annual limit can be beneficial if properly reported. We close by discussing the emotional side of gifting. We explain that parents must balance generosity with letting their children learn from experience. We stress the value of financial guidance for the next generation and the importance of preparing them to manage wealth responsibly. Ultimately, we highlight that lifetime gifting is not just about tax efficiency. It is about creating meaningful impact and strengthening family legacy. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (01:44) Supporting Children at Key Life Moments (02:16) Financial Planning Before Gifting (03:00) Gift Tax Rules and Common Mistakes (05:17) 529 Plans and Front-Loading Strategy (06:25) Risks of Gifting Appreciated Assets (08:00) Donor Advised Funds Explained (10:17) Estate Tax Strategy for Large Estates (14:24) Letting Children Learn Financial Lessons (17:52) Privacy and Financial Guidance (18:32) How to Contact Hosler Wealth Management For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

June 17, 202619 min

The Foundational Financial Plan™

Today we discuss the idea of a foundational financial plan and explain why it is essential for anyone preparing for retirement or managing long term wealth. This is a comprehensive system that brings together multiple areas of financial life into one coordinated strategy. Without a clear plan, people are often guessing about their future instead of making informed decisions. At Hosler Wealth Management, the plan is broken down into 7 areas: Retirement Income Plan Tax Planning and Roth Conversion Estate, Legacy, and Beneficiary Planning Social Security Strategies Insurance Planning Risk Analysis Investment Plan We start by breaking down the first component, which is a dynamic retirement income plan powered by advanced financial planning software. Tools like Monte Carlo simulations run thousands of scenarios to estimate the probability of success. This allows us to adjust for real world variables like inflation, taxes, and market volatility. This replaces outdated methods like spreadsheets and gives clients clarity when making decisions such as increasing spending or buying a second home. We then move into tax planning and Roth conversion strategies, challenging the traditional belief that tax deferred accounts are always the best option. Future tax rates may be higher and that proactive planning today can help move assets into tax free environments. Strategic use of current tax brackets can improve long term outcomes. Next, we cover estate planning and beneficiary strategies, explaining the importance of avoiding probate, properly titling assets, and ensuring documents like trusts and powers of attorney are in place. We also discuss how new technology and AI tools can review estate documents for errors and gaps, improving efficiency and accuracy. We highlight the importance of proper trust funding and tax advantages like step up in cost basis. Social security planning: thousands of claiming strategies exist and decisions should consider both financial outcomes and personal health factors. Timing and coordination with other income sources are critical. We then address insurance planning, focusing on long-term care and newer asset-based strategies that provide more stability. Life insurance can be a tool for creating tax free income in retirement. Finally, we explain risk analysis and investment planning. Modern tools assign a numerical risk score and align portfolios accordingly. We outline a bucket strategy that separates short term income needs from long-term growth investments, helping clients manage risk while still pursuing returns. Having this full plan in place provides confidence and peace of mind because clients can clearly see their financial future and make informed decisions. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Intro (00:21) What a “Real” Financial Plan Should Include (02:46) Why Excel Can’t Plan Your Retirement (03:35) The Power of “What If” Planning (04:22) Can You Actually Spend More in Retirement? (05:22) The Tax Trap That Could Cost You Thousands (06:43) Estate Planning Mistakes That Hurt Families (07:01) The Documents Everyone Needs (But Most Don’t Have) (09:21) How AI Is Changing Estate Planning (09:32) The Most Common (and Costly) Trust Mistake (11:17) Social Security Strategies Nobody Talks About (14:58) Are You Taking the Wrong Amount of Risk? (17:04) Why Planning = Peace of Mind (18:00) How to Get Help from Hosler Wealth Management For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

June 3, 202613 min

Grandparents, Be Very Careful When Opening Trump Accounts!

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth , we talk about the new Trump accounts and why grandparents need to be careful before trying to open one for a grandchild. The team is excited about the concept because these accounts could help young people learn about investing early, build long-term wealth, and become more financially aware. But the main warning is clear: grandparents should not rush to open these accounts themselves. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Intro (00:34) Why Bruce likes the idea of Trump accounts (01:17) Why grandparents need to be careful (02:17) Who can open accounts for children born after January 1, 2025 (03:30) Rules for children born before January 1, 2025 (04:15) Penalty of perjury concerns (06:40) What grandparents should do instead (08:01) Using Trump accounts to start family financial conversations (09:18) Tax planning opportunity with Roth conversions (10:45) Teaching children not to spend the account (12:09) How to contact Hosler Wealth Management Bruce explains that while grandparents may be eager to help, the proposed rules create a specific order for who can establish a Trump account. For children born on or after January 1, 2025, parents or legal guardians are generally the ones who should open the account. A grandparent may only be able to open one if the child is their dependent or they are the legal guardian. For children born before January 1, 2025, grandparents are even further down the line. A legal guardian, parent, or adult sibling would generally have priority before a grandparent could step in. The concern is that the form may not clearly warn grandparents about what they are certifying. If a grandparent opens the account when someone with higher authority is available, they may be making a statement under penalty of perjury. That is why Bruce urges listeners to wait for clearer IRS guidance before taking action. The practical message is simple. Parents should open the account after July 4, 2026, and grandparents can help by contributing. The team discusses the possibility of contributing up to $5,000 a year and using broad stock market indexes such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ 100. They also emphasize that the account can create a powerful opportunity for long-term growth. Bruce closes by explaining the tax planning angle. If the account grows until the child turns 18 and then converts into a traditional IRA, there may be a window when the young adult is in a low tax bracket. That could create an opportunity to convert the account to a Roth IRA and let the money grow tax-free for decades. The key is teaching the child to treat the account as retirement money, not spending money. The broader takeaway is that Trump accounts may become a useful wealth-building tool, but families should understand the rules before acting. They should also use the topic as a chance to talk across generations about saving, investing, taxes, and long-term financial planning. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

May 20, 202616 min

The Widow's Penalty Part 2

In Episode 85 of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we continue the conversation about the widow’s penalty and how it can affect a surviving spouse after the death of a husband. The key issue is not that the widow’s income necessarily increases. It is that her tax status changes. While married, a couple can file jointly and benefit from wider tax brackets. After the year of death, the surviving spouse usually files as single. That can push the same income into higher tax brackets and create a larger tax burden over the rest of her life. The episode also points out that the surviving spouse may lose deductions tied to the deceased spouse, including the senior deduction discussed under the One Big Beautiful Bill. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Welcome + what Part 2 covers (00:27) Why taxes jump after MFJ becomes Single (03:12) RMD timing: ages + year-of-death deadline (05:00) Surviving spouse IRA options (rollover/retitle) (05:50) Under 59½: avoid the 10% penalty (08:02) Successor beneficiary inherited IRA rules (09:30) Avoid the “year 10” tax hit (10:38) IRMAA: Medicare surcharge + two-year delay (12:37) Year-of-death Roth conversion window (14:38) Contact info + wrap-up We also talk about required minimum distributions. If the deceased spouse had reached the required beginning date and had not yet taken the RMD for the year of death, the surviving spouse needs to make sure it is taken by December 31. If that gets missed, there may be a way to avoid the penalty by correcting it under the newer automatic waiver rules, but it can still create extra stress and tax planning issues. One practical strategy is to take RMDs early in the year so this problem is already handled before a death occurs. The episode then turns to IRA options for a surviving spouse. A widow can roll the IRA into her own IRA, treat the IRA as her own, or, in some cases, keep the funds in an inherited IRA. That last option is especially important for younger widows under age 59 and a half. If she moves the account into her own name and takes distributions, she may face the 10% early withdrawal penalty. If she keeps it as an inherited IRA and remains the beneficiary, distributions can avoid that penalty. We also cover successor beneficiary rules. If the husband had inherited an IRA and then dies, the widow may have to continue the existing distribution schedule. That can include the 10 year rule for inherited IRAs. Waiting until the final year to empty the account could create a major taxable event, so spreading distributions over several years may be a better plan. Finally, we look at IRMAA and Roth conversions. A widow may face Medicare premium surcharges if her income crosses certain limits, and those surcharges usually show up on a two year delay. One major planning opportunity may come in the year the spouse dies, because the surviving spouse can still file married filing jointly for that year. That may create a chance to do a large Roth conversion before future years are taxed under single brackets. The message is clear: tax planning after the loss of a spouse is complex, and professional guidance can make a major difference. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

May 6, 202619 min

The Widow's Penalty: Part 1 of 2

In this episode, we introduce the concept of "the widow’s penalty" and explain why it is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, risks in retirement and estate planning. We focus primarily on taxes, income loss, and preparedness for surviving spouses, who are most often women. We begin by explaining that while couples are alive and filing taxes as married filing jointly, they benefit from significantly wider tax brackets. For example, we discuss how the 24% federal tax bracket allows married couples to earn far more income than single filers before moving into higher tax territory. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse is forced into single filing status, which can effectively double their tax burden on the same level of income. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Intro + What Is the Widow’s Penalty (00:32) Taxes: MFJ vs Single Brackets Explained (03:20) Stats, Blind Spots & Spouse Engagement (06:49) Year-of-Death Planning Window Strategies (08:32) Social Security Loss & IRA Tax Snowball We emphasize that this tax shift often happens at the same time a widow is losing income. Social Security benefits drop from two checks to one, even though the survivor keeps the higher of the two benefits. This reduction in household income frequently pushes widows to withdraw more money from tax-deferred retirement accounts, which increases taxable income further. We explain how this can snowball into higher taxes year after year, accelerating the depletion of retirement assets. We also discuss key statistics that reinforce why this planning matters. Most spousal heirs are women, and widows often outlive their husbands by four to twelve years. Despite this, many women defer long-term financial decisions during marriage, and nearly all widows later regret not being more involved earlier. We stress the importance of both spouses understanding what they own, why they own it, and how their plan is designed to answer the most important question: “Am I going to be okay?” We explore planning strategies that can reduce the widow’s penalty, including Roth IRA conversions while both spouses are alive and in favorable tax brackets. We explain how tax-free Roth income can replace lost Social Security or pension income without increasing taxes. We also highlight planning opportunities in the year of death, such as still being able to file jointly, performing large Roth conversions, and stacking deductions through donor-advised funds. Finally, we discuss the role of life insurance and chronic care riders. We explain that life insurance death benefits are tax-free, do not impact Social Security taxation, and can provide critical income replacement. Chronic care riders can give surviving spouses independence and security by providing funds for long-term care without burdening children or draining other assets. We conclude by reinforcing that proactive, holistic planning is essential to protecting surviving spouses from financial stress and uncertainty. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

April 15, 202614 min

Joint Accounts in Estate Planning: Key Mistakes Families Make

In this episode of Protecting & Preserving Wealth , we focus on estate planning—specifically, how often it is overlooked or improperly handled, and how good intentions can still lead to serious financial, tax, and family consequences. We walk through a real-life case involving a family that believed they had things mostly in order, only to discover after a parent’s death that the lack of proper planning created irreversible problems. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:00) Real-life family estate planning scenario (02:15) Joint tenancy and unintended disinheritance (03:50) Gift tax and family conflict risks (04:45) Step-up in basis and tax consequences explained (06:30) Million-dollar tax mistake breakdown (09:40) How common estate planning failures really are (11:00) Outdated plans and digital asset issues (12:00) How to contact Hosler Wealth Management We discuss a situation where a mother passed away without a will or trust, meaning she died intestate . One of her largest assets was a brokerage account held in joint tenancy with one of her children. While the account was likely structured this way to make things easier and avoid probate, the result was that the surviving joint owner automatically inherited the account outright. This unintentionally disinherited the other siblings, regardless of the mother’s likely wishes. We explain how this setup not only caused family tension, but also created significant tax consequences. Because the account was jointly owned, only half of the assets received a step-up in cost basis at death. The other half retained a very low original cost basis. With the stock having grown dramatically in value, this resulted in millions of dollars of unrealized gains and roughly one million dollars in avoidable capital gains taxes. We emphasize that if the account had been held solely in the mother’s name or inside a revocable living trust, the entire balance would have received a full step-up in basis, potentially eliminating capital gains taxes altogether. We also explain the gift tax issue that arises when the surviving sibling tries to “do the right thing” and distribute assets to the others. Those gifts may require filing gift tax returns and using up part of her lifetime exemption, potentially harming her own long-term estate plan. Beyond taxes, we highlight how these situations create confusion, resentment, and conflict among family members that can last for years. We zoom out to show how common this problem really is. Roughly 60% of Americans have no estate plan at all, and nearly 70% of existing plans are outdated. We also discuss newer issues like digital assets, which many older estate plans fail to address. Estate planning is not a one-time task—it must be reviewed and updated as laws, technology, and family circumstances change. Our core message is simple: estate planning is not about perfection, it’s about clarity. A proactive review with a trusted advisor can prevent massive tax bills and protect family harmony. For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

April 1, 202616 min

New Tax Laws For You To Understand in 2026

Now that we are into 2026, we take a deep dive into several critical changes in tax law that will affect financial planning, estate strategy, and retirement contributions. At Hosler Wealth Management, taxes are a core focus of our work, and this episode unpacks the nuances and planning opportunities within four major updates. 📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k We begin with the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which makes tax rates for both income and estate taxes "permanent"—though in tax law, that only means until Congress changes them. For now, the extension of lower tax rates creates a prime window for Roth conversions. This is especially significant for those with large traditional IRAs and potentially taxable estates. Without conversion, those accounts could face both estate and income tax—resulting in a combined rate of 70–80%. By converting to Roth, clients can shield their heirs from that double hit, passing on assets that are not only tax-free but also less likely to drag down the estate’s overall value. We also break down new limitations on charitable deductions. Starting in 2026, a floor of 0.5% of adjusted gross income applies, meaning you can no longer deduct the first half-percent of your charitable giving. This makes Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs more appealing for those over 70½. For larger givers, we discuss strategies like bunching donations using donor-advised funds and donating appreciated assets like Apple or Nvidia stock. This approach not only avoids capital gains taxes but also front-loads deductions into one year—maximizing tax efficiency while still distributing donations over time. Next, we cover the Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Previously, government employees with pensions and limited Social Security work history saw reduced benefits. This change, now retroactive to January 1, 2024, restores their full Social Security entitlement. But there’s urgency—Social Security only pays retroactively for six months. So, if you're affected and haven't yet claimed, now is the time. Finally, we explain a key Roth-related shift in the Secure Act 2.0: starting in 2026, high earners making over $150,000 must make their 401(k) catch-up contributions into Roth accounts. The contribution amount increases to $8,000, with an additional $3,250 for those aged 60–63. While this change accelerates tax collection for the government, it presents long-term benefits for investors. It allows clients to build a larger tax-free retirement nest egg by leveraging the higher Roth 401(k) contribution limits, especially compared to traditional Roth IRAs. In summary, tax strategy continues to evolve, and it’s crucial to plan with both new rules and long-term goals in mind. If you need guidance navigating these changes, we’re here to help. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) – Intro: Welcome & Today’s Topic (00:33) – The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act: Permanent Tax Rates (01:25) – Why Roth Conversions Are More Attractive in 2026 (03:57) – New Limitations on Charitable Deductions (04:51) – Donor-Advised Funds & Tax Planning Strategy (08:28) – Social Security Fairness Act: WEP Repealed (11:48) – Secure Act 2.0: Roth Catch-Up Rules for High Earners (14:16) – Additional Catch-Up Contributions (Ages 60–63) (15:02) – How to Contact Hosler Wealth Management For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/ Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/ Or call our Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or our Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342. For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/ Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/ Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to. Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved. Produced by JAG Podcast Productions - www.jagpodcastproductions.com . #ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler