Get In Touch
Firm
About UsOur TeamM Financial GroupEducation LibraryCommunity SupportTestimonials
Benefits
Employee Benefit ServicesBenefits FAQBenefits University Blog
HR Consulting
HR Consulting ServicesHR BlogRose Street Recruits
Life Insurance
Life Insurance ServicesLife Happens BlogLife Insurance Vlog
Employer Retirement Plans
Retirement ServicesFiduciary Fitness ProgramGuide to Retirement BlogRetirement Plans FAQ
Wealth Management
Wealth Management ServicesInvestED BlogWealth Management FAQs
Get In Touch

When most people think about financial planning, they picture investments, returns, or picking the “right” funds in their retirement plan.

But meaningful financial progress doesn’t start there.

It starts with you; your values, your goals, and what truly matters in your life.

Financial life planning is not about chasing performance. It’s about building a thoughtful, coordinated process that aligns every part of your financial life with the life you want to live.

  1. 1. Start With What Matters Most

Before any numbers or strategies come into play, take a step back and reflect:

  • What does a fulfilling life look like to me?
  • What are my top priorities. Now and in the future?
  • What does retirement mean beyond just “not working”?

For some, it’s freedom and flexibility. For others, it’s security, family, or the ability to give back.

Your financial plan should reflect these answers. Not someone else’s definition of success.

Clarity here drives every decision that follows.

  1. 2. Build Around Your Goals. Not Just Your Accounts

Once your priorities are clear, your financial strategy should begin to take shape. This is where a true planning process comes into focus.

It’s not just about your workplace retirement plan.   It’s about how all the pieces of your financial life work together, including:

  • Retirement income planning – How your savings turn into a reliable paycheck in retirement
  • Asset location – Placing investments in the right types of accounts (tax-deferred, Roth, taxable)
  • Tax planning – Being thoughtful about how and when income is recognized
  • Insurance planning – Protecting against risks that could derail your progress
  • Estate and legal planning – Ensuring your wishes are carried out and your family is supported

Each of these areas plays a role. When coordinated well, they create a more complete and resilient plan.

  1. 3. Focus on What You Can Control

A disciplined approach emphasizes the factors you can actually influence:

  • Saving consistently
  • Keeping costs low
  • Maintaining appropriate diversification
  • Staying invested through market cycles

Markets will move and sometimes unpredictably. A sound plan doesn’t try to outguess those movements. Instead, it’s built to endure them.

This is where process matters more than prediction.

  1. 4. Invest With Purpose

Your investment strategy should reflect your goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk. Not short-term headlines.

That means:

  • Avoiding emotional decisions during market volatility
  • Maintaining a diversified portfolio aligned with your plan
  • Understanding that risk and return are connected

The goal isn’t to eliminate risk, it’s to take the right amount of risk for your situation so you can stay on track.

  1. 5. Revisit and Adjust Over Time

Life changes and your plan should, too.

As your career evolves, your family grows, or retirement gets closer, your priorities may shift. Regular check-ins help ensure your strategy continues to align with what matters most.

Think of financial planning as an ongoing relationship with your future and not a one-time event.

A Real-Life Example

Consider Laura, a 42-year-old employee participating in her company’s retirement plan.

At first, Laura focused only on her 401(k), contributing enough to get the match and choosing a few funds she felt comfortable with. But she wasn’t sure if she was truly on track.

When she stepped back and went through a financial life planning process, a few important things became clear:

  • Her top priority wasn’t early retirement. It was flexibility in her late 50s to scale back work and spend more time with family.
  • She realized most of her savings were in pre-tax accounts, so she began adding Roth contributions to improve future tax flexibility.
  • She updated her beneficiaries and estate documents, something she hadn’t revisited in years.
  • She reviewed her insurance coverage to ensure her family would be protected if something unexpected happened.
  • And importantly, she began thinking about how her savings would translate into retirement income, not just an account balance.

Nothing about Laura’s situation required a drastic change. Instead, small, thoughtful adjustments, aligned with what mattered most to her, helped create a clearer, more confident path forward.

Bringing It All Together

Financial life planning is about connecting the dots.

It’s aligning your:

  • Goals
  • Investments
  • Income
  • Taxes
  • Protection strategies
  • Legacy wishes

…into one cohesive plan designed around you.

When each piece is working together, decisions become clearer and more intentional.

Final Thought

You don’t need to have everything figured out today.

Start with what matters most. Build a process around it. Stay consistent.

Over time, those thoughtful decisions can turn into something much more meaningful than just financial progress.  They can support a life that truly reflects who you are and what you value.

Scott Higgins | AIF ®, CFP®, CPFA®, NSSA®

Financial Advisor

Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered Through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors is independently owned and operated. #5653321

Interested in more?

Let's Talk Proactive HR

When meeting with our philanthropically minded clients, we often say, “give cash last.”  Donating cash is simple, but it’s not always the most tax efficient.  As we are nearing the end of the year, many clients plan to make charitable contributions, and it is our job to help make those contributions go as far as possible.  What does this mean for you?  If you have an IRA, investments like stocks or real estate that have appreciated over time, you might be better off donating those instead of cash. Why? Because by donating non-cash assets, you can often avoid capital gains taxes and/or income taxes. In other words, you’ll give more to charity without having to hand over extra cash to the government.  Here are the top 6 ways to get the biggest tax break for your donation:

1. Use Your IRA for Charitable Giving

Do you need to satisfy your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRA?   You can avoid the tax hit from those RMDs by donating directly from your IRA to charity through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).  Even if you are just 70 ½ and don’t have to take an RMD yet, you still maybe be eligible to give through a QCD.

How It Works:

• Contact your IRA provider and request a direct transfer to a qualified charity (or request a checkbook and write checks to charities yourself!

• The amount you give won’t be counted as taxable income, and it will satisfy your RMD.

Why It’s Smart: It’s a great way to reduce your taxable income while meeting your RMD requirement. It’s especially useful if you don’t need the income from your IRA for living expenses but still want to make a charitable impact.

2. Donate Appreciated Stocks, Bonds, or Mutual Funds

If you’ve got stocks, bonds, etfs or mutual funds in a taxable brokerage account that have increased in value since you bought them, this is one of the best ways to donate. Why?  When you donate these assets directly to a charity, you avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation, and you get a tax deduction for the full market value of the securities.

How It Works:

• Look through your portfolio for any investments that have appreciated.

• Transfer the stocks, bonds, or funds directly to the charity (don’t sell them first).

• The charity then sells the investments tax-free and gets the proceeds to use for their cause.

Why It’s Smart: You avoid paying capital gains tax, so the value of your donation is higher. It’s a win-win—you give more, you get a tax break and the charity gets more.

3. Use a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

If you’re looking for flexibility, a donor-advised fund might be the perfect solution.

A DAF allows you to contribute cash or assets like stocks to an account, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then distribute the funds to charities over time. Think of it as your personal charitable giving account that you control. 

Donor Advised Funds are the fastest growing way to donate in the United States.  Because the standard deduction has been much higher in recent years, to get the biggest tax benefit, some investors are ‘bunching’ several years of giving into one tax year, getting the bigger tax benefit in that year, and then making distributions over the next several years. Think of giving more in a 2 year cycle that keeps repeating vs just giving directly from cash each year. 

For example, a donor might contribute $50k in one calendar year, receive the tax break for that year, and then make $25k worth of distributions in that year & another $25k worth of distributions in the next year, then load up the donor advised fund once again for another 2 year cycle.  This allows the donor to take the higher deduction in the year they are “bunching” their donations and the standard deduction in the “off years.”

How It Works:

• Set up a DAF through a sponsoring organization (most major financial institutions offer them).

• Donate assets like stocks or cash to the DAF.

• You get a tax deduction right away and then you can distribute grants to your favorite charities whenever you like.

Why It’s Smart: DAFs give you the freedom to plan your giving. You can invest the assets within the fund and let them grow, potentially increasing the amount you can eventually donate.

4. Give Tangible Personal Property (Art, Collectibles, etc.)

If you own valuable personal items like artwork, real estate, cars, or collectibles, these can also be donated to charity. Depending on the item and how it’s used by the charity, you may be able to deduct either the fair market value or the cost basis of the item.

How It Works:

• Donate items that are of significant value.

• If the charity can use the item (e.g., donating art to a museum), you may be able to deduct the fair market value.

• If the charity sells the item, the deduction might be based on the cost basis (what you originally paid for it).

Why It’s Smart: Donating tangible items can help you offload valuable but non-liquid assets while benefiting from a tax deduction. It’s a great option if you have personal property you no longer need or want.

5. Use Life Insurance

Using life insurance to donate is a great option if you want to make a significant future donation without needing to use other assets. You can either donate a policy you no longer need or make the charity the beneficiary of a current policy.

How It Works:

• Option 1: Transfer ownership of an existing policy to the charity. You may be able to deduct the policy’s cash value at the time of donation and premiums paid.

• Option 2: Name the charity as a beneficiary on a new or existing life insurance policy, ensuring a future gift.

Why It’s Smart: Donating life insurance allows you to make a larger impact over time, using minimal resources now. If you transfer ownership, you may also receive an immediate tax benefit for the policy’s value and any ongoing premiums paid.

6. Charitable Trusts

For those looking to make a significant impact while also planning for their estate, setting up a charitable trust can be a great way to give. There are different types of charitable trusts, such as Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs), which allow you to donate assets while retaining an income stream or passing assets to heirs.

How It Works:

• Set up a trust that holds appreciated assets like stocks or real estate.

• A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) provides you or your beneficiaries with income for a set period, and the remainder goes to the charity.

• A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) directs income to the charity for a set time, after which the remainder goes to your heirs.

Why It’s Smart: Charitable trusts allow you to make a significant contribution while receiving tax benefits and potentially providing for your family. They are a great tool for those with complex financial or estate planning goals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an investor, donating cash should be your last resort. By giving appreciated securities, real estate, personal property, a life insurance policy or leveraging tools like IRAs or charitable trusts, you can have more money be received by non-profits and realize significant tax advantages. The “give cash last” mentality allows you to do more with what you already have, making a bigger difference for the causes you care about while being smart with your financial resources.  Before you write that next check to charity, consider how some of your investments can reach even further….and get you a bigger tax break.  Want to explore your options? Let’s chat.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

This material and the opinions voiced are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. To determine what is appropriate for you, please contact your Rose Street Financial Professional. Information obtained from third-party sources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed.  The tax and legal references attached herein are provided with the understanding that neither M Financial Group, nor its Member Firms are engaged in rendering tax, legal, or actuarial services. If tax, legal, or actuarial advice is required, you should consult your accountant, attorney, or actuary. Neither M Financial Group, nor its Member Firms should replace those advisors.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors, LLC is independently owned and operated. File #5354095

Interested in more?

Let's Talk Proactive HR

Unlocking Financial Security: The Power of Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs)

What is a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC)?

A Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract(QLAC) is a type of deferred annuity funded with money from a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or an IRA. It's designed to provide a guaranteed stream of income later in life, helping to ensure that you don't outlive your retirement savings. 

Top 5 Reasons to Consider a QLAC

1. Guaranteed Income  

QLACs provide a steady, predictable income stream for life, offering financial clarity.   

2. Tax Deferral

Funds used to purchase a QLAC are exempt from required minimum distribution (RMD) rules until payments begin.  

3. Protection Against Longevity Risk 

QLACs help mitigate the risk of outliving your savings. 

4. Flexibility in Start Date 

You can choose when to start receiving payments, typically between 65 and 85.  

5. Simplicity   

Once set up, QLACs require minimal management, making them easy to maintain.   

Drawbacks of QLACs

1. Limited Investment Options   

QLACs typically offer fixed returns, which may be lower compared to other investment options.  

2. Irrevocability

Once purchased, QLACs cannot be easily modified or canceled. 

3. Upfront Costs  

There may be fees and charges associated with purchasing a QLAC.  

4. Lack of Liquidity  

Funds used for a QLAC are not easily accessible until the annuity start date.  

5. Inflation Risk   

If QLACs do not include inflation adjustments, purchasing power may decrease over time.  

Have questions or if this may be right for you, give us a call. 

Scott Higgins | AIF ®, CFP®, CPFA®, NSSA®

Financial Advisor 

Since 2012 at Rose Street, Scott has been responsible for helping the firm’s individual wealth management clients with income strategies for retirement and consulting with employers with their employee retirement plans. In free time, he enjoys golf, biking, skiing, cooking, and traveling. Fun Fact, Scott has a hobby of filling growlers with coins!

Securities and Investment Advisory Services Offered Through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors is independently owned and operated. #7548799.1

Over the years of working alongside a number of family offices, I continue to be impressed by the sincere care demonstrated for the family (or families) they serve. While we provide life insurance reviews, on-going service and marketplace insight on their current portfolios, we also strategize with family offices on how life insurance can support their overall objectives. After many discussions about the complexities and challenges of running a family office, could life insurance possibly be a “Family Office’s best friend”?

Initiating the Conversation

The process of buying life insurance is one focused on the next generation. As a mentor of mine told me early on, “Two types of people buy life insurance - those who care about someone and those who care about something besides themselves." Especially when working with younger generations, any opportunity to discuss the sense of responsibility they should have to future generations and their family legacy is meaningful. A conversation regarding life insurance planning is another occasion for the family to consider who and what they care most about

A Business Model of Service

My experience with family offices has been an atmosphere of high touch and high service. Family offices are intentional about being advocates for their families; their service model intertwines both the personal and professional workings of a family. In order to do that well, there must be wealth to manage and revenue generated so resources are available to support all those important functions. When family trees branch farther and farther out, the level of wealth can be diluted while the service expectation from each increasing family member remains constant. One way to counter that reality is to intentionally plan for ways to mitigate depleting family wealth; revenue must match expectations and obligations. With careful planning to minimize income and estate taxes, wealth spent over multiple generations is naturally replenished by an injection of life insurance.

Forced Savings Plan

Paying premiums can serve as a savings mechanism for those who depend on future trust dollars and prevent current recipients from leaving little behind. This strategy can help family offices and those in a fiduciary role balance the demands of the current generation with the responsibility to look out for the interests of future generations.

An Asset Without Equal

Life insurance is still the only asset that avoids taxation at all levels and continues to be a vehicle used by wealthy families to accomplish explicit wealth transfer objectives. While GST-exempt Dynasty Trusts may hold a majority of family assets, inevitably there will be situations where assets outside the trust are susceptible to future taxation. Life insurance does not recognize income or gains requiring complex annual tax reporting (cash values grow inside the policy free from current taxation). As a prime example, private placement life insurance (PPLI) provides access to alternative investments, while being tax-efficient and eliminating the need to track down another K-1 or further complicate tax returns. Life insurance may not be as warm and friendly as a golden retriever, but for a family office, at least you don’t have to worry about cleaning the carpets. If you have questions or would like to see how the advisors at Rose Street Advisors can help you better serve your clients, please contact us below. We are here to help. Click here to request a policy review!

Rob Hunt II

LIC & CLU® | Principal & Chief Executive Officer

As Principal and CEO, Rob spearheads the vision, drive for growth, and pursuit of excellence at Rose Street Advisors. Rob loves being outdoors with his wife Erin and kids. He has slalom skied for the past 35 years, never missing a season. He also enjoys spending time at the lake and on the golf course. This material and the opinions voiced are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. To determine what is appropriate for you, please contact your Rose Street Financial Professional. Information obtained from third-party sources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Securities and Investment Advisory: Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., A Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors is independently owned and operated. Rose Street Advisors is a member firm of M Financial Group. #6610057.1

Interested in more?

Let's Talk Proactive HR
Do you own a business?  Do you want to pass wealth to your business and/or your family?  Do you want to ensure that your business and/or wealth passes to multiple generations?  While the future is uncertain, it is important to plan. When our clients create estate and succession plans, they are limited by the information at hand at this moment; whether that be their current family and business environment, recently updated IRS guidelines, acceptable planning techniques, or current estate and income taxation regulations. Almost all plans will need to extend over numerous decades and multiple generations. Change is not probable, it is inevitable, and that is why liquidity, and the flexibility it provides, will never go out of style.  At Rose Street Advisors, we have the unique opportunity to work alongside our clients and their advisors (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) to safeguard their families and businesses to create a blueprint that meets their planning objectives. As a flexible instrument, life insurance provides unencumbered, tax-efficient liquidity when needed most.  Life insurance is used as a tool to provide funds needed to: • Help divide an illiquid asset among children; such as a family business, farm, or cottage when interest and ability to manage the asset is varied, but a desire to be “fair” is of utmost importance. • Create a guaranteed market for an owner’s business interest so that a spouse is not dependent on the future success of a business. It can also provide a surviving business partner tax-free liquidity necessary to acquire the deceased partner’s interest in the company. • Provide funds that can be used to pay a federal estate tax that comes due within 9 months following the passing of an individual with a large estate exceeding the current estate-tax exemption amount. • Compensate a key employee’s family in full when a deferred benefit has been promised to the deceased. • Provide working capital to a business needing to replace a key member of a company who has unexpectedly passed. Are you facing an uncertain future? We all are, and the only way to get ahead of it is to plan. If you would like to speak with us regarding your situation or how best to use life insurance in your planning process, please contact us. We look forward to your call!

Rob Hunt II

LIC & CLU® | Principal & Chief Executive Officer

As Principal and CEO, Rob spearheads the vision, drive for growth, and pursuit of excellence at Rose Street Advisors. Rob loves being outdoors with his wife Erin and kids. He has slalom skied for the past 35 years, never missing a season. He also enjoys spending time at the lake and on the golf course. This material and the opinions voiced are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity. To determine what is appropriate for you, please contact your Rose Street Financial Professional. Information obtained from third-party sources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Securities and Investment Advisory: Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., A Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Rose Street Advisors is independently owned and operated. Rose Street Advisors is a member firm of M Financial Group. #6519084.1

Interested in more?

Let's Talk Proactive HR