Have you ever noticed how something as simple as toothpaste can tell you a lot about your life?

This morning, I walked into the bathroom and, to my surprise, my toothpaste was exactly where it belonged. Right there. In the drawer. Waiting for me. If you have teenagers in your house, you know that’s not always how it works.

In our home, Kim and I joke that some of our things behave a lot like our old outdoor cat, Oliver. He came and went as he pleased. Some days he’d stick around. Other days, he’d disappear without a trace. That’s pretty much how our stuff operates too. Toothpaste, conditioner, chargers, hoodies… here today, gone tomorrow. You get the idea.

Kim said something this morning that stuck with me. “As frustrating as it is, when the kids are gone, we might actually miss this.”

I told her when that day comes, I’ll gladly take her things and hide them around the house just to keep her on her toes. #winning

But there’s something deeper in that.

We don’t always realize what we’ll miss until it’s gone. And that shows up clearly in retirement.

Most people spend decades focused on the numbers. How much have I saved? Will it be enough? When can I stop working? Important questions, and we help answer them every day. But there’s another question that matters just as much.

What will your days actually feel like when the house is quieter, the calendar is clearer, and everything is exactly where you left it?

I’ve seen it often. People are financially ready, but not fully prepared for the shift. They expected freedom. They got it. What they didn’t expect was the loss of rhythm, noise, responsibility, and even the small frustrations that once filled their days.

Retirement isn’t just a financial transition. It’s a life transition.

The people who navigate it best have taken time to picture it ahead of time. Not just the big trips, but the ordinary Tuesdays.

At Rose Street Advisors, that’s a big part of what we do. Yes, we build income strategies and think through taxes and risk. But we also help clients get clear on the life behind the plan.

What does a great day look like? Who are you spending time with? What are you moving toward? Where does purpose come from when work no longer defines your schedule?

Because retirement without a clear picture can feel a lot like that outdoor cat. A little unpredictable. A little disorienting.

But when you define it, something changes.

You stop reacting… and start living with intention.

So here’s a simple place to start. Picture a random Tuesday in retirement. Not a vacation. Just a normal day.

Where are you?
What are you doing?
Who are you with?

Then ask yourself, if nothing changed between now and then, would that day feel fulfilling?

If not, that’s not a problem. It’s an opportunity. An opportunity to start shaping that future now.

Because the goal isn’t just to have enough.

It’s to build a life you’re excited to live.

And if more people approached retirement this way, I think we’d see fewer people drifting and more people fully stepping into what could be one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives.

And maybe, just maybe, keeping a little of that “outdoor cat” energy along the way.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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 #5321941

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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.

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Have you seen Billy Madison starring Adam Sandler? Do you remember the premise? His dad built a massive business and wanted to hand it over to his son… while Billy was busy having a full argument between shampoo and conditioner.

It’s funny because it’s exaggerated. But it also lands because there’s a real question underneath it.

What happens when something significant gets handed to someone who isn’t ready for it?

There’s a statistic that gets quoted often in our industry. Roughly 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and about 90% by the third.

Not because people didn’t work hard. Not because there wasn’t enough. But because something didn’t carry forward.

So the real question isn’t just how to pass wealth on.

It’s this:

How do you prepare them for it?
How do you make sure what you built is amplified—not quietly diluted—in the next generation?

And when you’ve spent decades getting here, that question matters.

A client said something to me recently that stuck.

“We’ve spent decades building this. I’m just not sure our kids understand what it represents.”

Not from a control standpoint. From a place of respect for what it took to build it. If you step back for a moment, what you’ve built didn’t happen by accident. It took discipline, trade-offs, tough decisions that weren’t always obvious in the moment and staying steady when things were uncertain.

You earned the position you’re in. And because of that, your kids have grown up with more stability, more options and fewer constraints.

That’s something to be proud of.

At the same time, it creates a natural gap. They didn’t have to go through what you did to get here.

So it’s worth asking:

• What are they picking up from that difference?
• How do they view money, effort, and responsibility?
• Do they see this as something to build on—or something that will always be there?

Not because anything is wrong. But because they’ve had a different starting point.

And that shapes how things are interpreted.

The Real Question

The wealth didn’t just appear. It followed a way of operating.

Consistency, discipline, integrity and a willingness to do hard things over time. The ability to stay steady when others didn’t. Those weren’t side traits. They were the reason it worked.

So it’s fair to ask:

If those don’t carry forward, why would we expect the outcome to?

And if they did carry forward, what might that make possible?

Start Here

Most people have never actually defined what drove their success. They lived it, but they haven’t put clear language around it.

A simple place to begin:

Look backward.

Think about decisions you’re proud of. Not financially—personally. What did those moments have in common?

Then separate results from behavior.

The outcome isn’t the lesson. The behavior that created it is.

And make it clear. Not just “work ethic,” but what that actually looked like in your life.

If it’s clear to you, it becomes easier for someone else to understand.

And once that clarity is there, the next step becomes more practical.

Then, Over Time

This isn’t about one conversation. It’s about what gets seen and picked up along the way.

Let them see how you think through decisions. Not just what you chose, but how you got there.

Give them responsibility in ways that fit where they are. Confidence tends to follow experience.

Connect money to purpose. What it’s for, what it supports, what it doesn’t replace. And bring them along gradually. Not all at once, but not all at the end either.

Over time, that builds something more valuable than information. It builds judgment. And this is where planning starts to look a little different.

At our firm, this is part of the conversation. Not just the numbers, not just the portfolio, but how everything connects to the people behind it. Because a well-built plan isn’t just about growing assets. It’s about preparing the people those assets are meant to serve.

You

Over the next few months, pay attention to the moments where your values naturally show up. When you make a decision, when something doesn’t go as planned or when you choose the harder path.

Instead of letting those moments pass, make them visible. A quick explanation or a story when it fits. Letting them see how you think in real time. If you did that consistently, what might they begin to understand? Not just about money. But about how to operate when it matters.

If more families approached it this way, wealth would carry something more with it. Not just assets, but understanding.

We’d likely see more examples of it being built upon, not just maintained—or lost. Not because the opportunities were different, but because the people stepping into them were ready.

That’s what ultimately determines whether something lasts.

And if this is something you’ve been thinking about, give us a call. It’s worth continuing the conversation. Because getting this right doesn’t happen by accident—and it’s too important to leave to chance.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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Steady Oversight and a Disciplined Process

Recent geopolitical developments have understandably raised questions about how global conflicts may affect financial markets. Periods like these can create uncertainty and volatility, and part of our responsibility as your advisors is to watch developments closely while keeping portfolios aligned with long-term objectives.

While headlines can feel unsettling, history shows that markets have navigated wars and geopolitical conflicts many times before. Keeping that historical perspective and remaining committed to a disciplined investment process helps guide decision-making during uncertain periods.

Stock Markets

• In the short term, markets often experience heightened volatility. Uncertainty around trade, energy markets and global supply chains can lead to sharp price swings

• Over the longer term, equity markets have historically recovered and moved higher. Wars can stimulate certain industries such as defense, manufacturing and infrastructure. Governments often implement policies designed to support economic stability and recovery.

Historical perspective and recovery timelines:

• During World War II, U.S. stocks dropped sharply following the attack on Attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The decline was relatively brief; by mid-1942 markets had stabilized, and by 1943 equities were trending higher. The S&P 500 then moved into a multi-year expansion that continued through the post-war economic boom.

• During the Gulf War, the S&P 500 declined roughly 15–17% between July and October 1990 as oil prices spiked and uncertainty increased. Once the U.S.-led coalition began military operations in January 1991, markets recovered quickly. Within about six months of the market low, equities had regained their losses and continued advancing through the early 1990s expansion.

• During the Iraq War, markets had already been under pressure due to the bursting of the tech bubble and broader economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 bottomed in March 2003, almost exactly when the invasion began, and rose more than 25% over the following 12 months. That recovery marked the beginning of a broader bull market that lasted until 2007.

Bond Markets

• Government bonds are often viewed as a “flight to safety” during periods of conflict. When investors seek stability, demand for bonds can increase and yields may decline.

• At the same time, large government spending during wartime can introduce inflation pressures, which may influence interest rates and bond market dynamics.

Our Investment Management Philosophy

Even during uncertain times, our investment decisions remain guided by a disciplined philosophy focused on long-term outcomes rather than short-term headlines. Portfolios are constructed around each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, using the information gathered through our discovery process and risk assessment tools.

Risk and return are related and building wealth over time requires staying invested and allowing capital to work through market cycles. Our approach emphasizes time in the market rather than attempting to time short-term movements. Instead of chasing individual “hot” investments or trying to predict market turning points, we focus on disciplined portfolio construction, broad diversification, and strategic allocation.

While geopolitical conflicts can create uncertainty in the short term, history reminds us that markets have faced many similar periods. It is important to remain disciplined in portfolio management, diversification and continue to stay aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Scott Higgins

AIF ® , CFP ®, CPFA ®, NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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2026 Is the Year: Give at Least $2,000 to Non-Profits!

Every donation helps fuel the vital work of non-profits in our communities—feeding families in need, supporting local schools, foundations, church, funding scholarships, shelters, and programs that create lasting change. Your generosity, big or small, makes a real difference in the lives of people who rely on these organizations every day.

For anyone who loves to give, the last few years have been… a little frustrating. Why? Because the standard deduction—the basic amount the IRS lets everyone deduct without itemizing—kept getting bigger. For many donors, that meant small and medium gifts didn’t help your taxes at all. You could give $5,000 to your favorite cause, and nothing changed on your return. Ouch.

Here’s the story: back in 2018, the standard deduction nearly doubled, and it’s been rising gradually ever since. That’s good news for simple taxes, but it made it harder for regular givers to “see” any tax benefit unless you were donating big—think tens of thousands. For everyday philanthropists, your generosity was, in a sense, invisible on your tax form.

But 2026 is different. This year, for the IRS is letting up to $1,000 (single filers) or 2,000 (married filing jointly) of cash count on top of your standard deduction—even if you don’t itemize. That means your giving can reduce your taxes and make a real difference for the causes you care about.

Think of it like this:

• You make $1,000 (or $2,000 for married filing jointly) in donations to non-profits.

• You still take the standard deduction ($16,100 for single filers and $32,300 for married filing jointly).

• If you’re in the 22% federal tax bracket, your donation could save you $440 in taxes.

If you are in a higher tax bracket, the savings are even larger.

For anyone who’s felt that donating “just a few thousand” never mattered, this is your moment.

2026 is your year to give boldly. Whether it’s your local school, a scholarship fund, church or a charity with a mission close to your heart, your generosity will make a bigger impact than ever before—both for the world and for your wallet.

Make this the year your giving truly pays off.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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The HSA Strategy Retirees Wish They Started Sooner

For high-net-worth individuals, an HSA can be more than a place to pay today’s medical bills — it can act as a health-care retirement account, offering long-term tax savings and a dedicated pool for future medical costs.

The Triple-Tax Advantage

HSAs offer one of the strongest tax combinations available:

1. Pre-tax contributions from payroll deduction that lower taxable income

2. Tax-free investment growth

3. Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses — even years later

Grow It Like a Retirement Account

Investing most of the HSA — similar to an IRA or 401(k) — lets balances compound for decades.
Rose Street Advisors encourages keeping a money-market cash buffer inside the HSA, covering an unexpectedly expensive medical year while leaving the rest invested for growth.

Keep Receipts & Reimburse in Retirement

A powerful strategy is to pay out-of-pocket even using a credit card to get the miles/points/cash back.

Store every receipt in a digital vault, and reimburse yourself later in retirement. This keeps more dollars invested and growing tax-free while maintaining flexibility for future withdrawals.

Healthcare Costs Are Higher Than People Think

A healthy 65-year-old couple may need about $388,000 for healthcare costs in retirement under Medicare + Medigap Plan G + Part D (Milliman Retiree Health Cost Index, 2025). This excludes long-term care, making proactive planning essential.

Best Practices

1. Max out annual contributions (use catch-ups if eligible) through payroll deduction.

2. Invest HSA funds for long-term growth.

3. (Optional) Keep a money-market buffer inside the HSA in the event you need to use the funds for a costly medical year.

4. Pay expenses out-of-pocket when possible and even use a credit card that earn points/miles/cash back (and pay it off each month).

5. Store receipts in a digital vault for future tax-free reimbursements.

6. When in retirement, reimburse yourself for the total of your receipts to maximize compounding.

7. Then, treat the HSA as a health-care retirement account paying for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars in retirement.

Used strategically as a part of your overall financial life plan, an HSA becomes a tax-efficient engine for future healthcare expenses — protecting and growing wealth while working and giving retirees flexibility and long-term control.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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Retirement, HSA, and Estate Updates at a Glance

As the calendar turns, the numbers shift — and with them, meaningful opportunities to strengthen retirement plans, optimize taxes, and plan for the next generation. The IRS has released the updated limits for 2026, and while many changes appear modest, they can add up to powerful long-term advantages for savers, investors, and families preparing for wealth transfer.

2025 vs 2026: Key Retirement, HSA, Estate, and Tax-Savvy Updates

Account / Rule	2025 Limit	2026 Limit	Why It Matters
401(k) / 403(b) / 457 employee deferral	$23,500	$24,500	More room for pre-tax or Roth savings.
401(k) Catch-Up (50+)	$7,500	$8,000	Extra boost for those nearing retirement.
Super Catch-Up (60–63)	$11,250	$11,250	Additional employee-only savings opportunity.
Combined Employee + Employer (§415)	$70,000	$72,000	Larger cap helps business owners and self-employed individuals.
Traditional / Roth IRA (under 50)	$7,000	$7,500	Modest increase enhances tax-advantaged growth.
IRA Catch-Up (50+)	$8,000	$8,600	Higher limit for late-career savers.
HSA (Self-Only)	$4,300	$4,400	Helps fund medical + retirement needs.
HSA (Family)	$8,550	$8,750	Slight bump for families.
HSA Catch-Up (55+)	$1,000	$1,000	Still a valuable tool for older savers.
Annual Gift-Tax Exclusion	$19,000	$19,000	Predictable gifting; couples can give $38,000.
Qualified Charitable Distribution	$108,000	$111,000	Tax-efficient giving directly from IRAs.
Charitable Giving for Standard Deduction filers	N/A	$1,000 Single/$2000 Married	Cash donations deductible even without itemizing.
529 → Roth IRA Conversion	Allowed up to $35,000 lifetime	Allowed up to $35,000 lifetime	Turns unused 529 funds into retirement savings.
Estate Tax Exemption (individual)	$13.99mm	$15mm	Higher threshold for tax-free transfers.
Estate Tax Exemption (married)	$27.98mm	$30mm	Expanded room for multi-generational planning.

What These Changes Mean for You

1. More Room For Retirement Savings

Higher limits across 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs create more tax-efficient space for long-term wealth building. For example, a saver age 60–63 could potentially contribute up to $35,750 in employee-only 401(k) contributions — and up to $72,000 when combined with employer dollars.

2. Strategic Charitable Giving Options

QCD limits rise to $111,000 in 2026, making it easier for IRA owners 70½+ to give generously while reducing taxable income. Even standard-deduction filers can deduct up to $1000 for single/$2000 for married filing jointly in cash/stock donations next year.

3. New Flexibility for 529 Plans

Unused 529 dollars can now be moved into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, giving families a tax-efficient way to support a child or grandchild’s retirement — provided the account is old enough and earned-income rules are met.

4. Expanded Estate and Legacy Planning Power

With the 2026 exemption rising to $15 million per individual ($30 million per couple), families have additional room to transfer wealth tax-free. Paired with annual gifting and charitable strategies, this strengthens multi-generational planning.

5. A Holistic Planning Opportunity

Retirement accounts, HSAs, charitable tools, and estate strategies don’t stand alone — they work together. Thoughtful coordination can create more tax efficiency and better long-term outcomes.

Even small annual changes can have major lifetime impact. The 2026 updates offer more ways to save for retirement, strengthen philanthropic plans, manage healthcare expenses, and pass wealth efficiently to heirs. With a coordinated approach, these expanded limits help protect both lifestyle and legacy.

As the financial landscape evolves, staying proactive ensures your planning keeps pace. Use the new 2026 limits to your advantage — and position yourself and your family for a stronger financial future.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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As 2025 comes to a close, taking a few strategic steps now can help reduce your tax liability and position you for a stronger financial year ahead. Beyond just contributions and deductions, savvy planning can include gifts, income timing, and leveraging credits. Here’s the top 7 ideas for the 2025 year-end.

1. Maximize Retirment Contributions

Contribute to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs to lower taxable income:

- 401(k): Up to $30,500 (including catch-up contributions for those 50+)

- IRA: Up to $7,000 ($7,500 if 50+)

- HSA: $4,300 for individuals, $8,550 for families

These contributions not only reduce taxes today but also grow tax-deferred (or tax-free for Roth accounts).

2. Utilize Tax-Loss Harvesting

Selling investments that have declined in value can offset capital gains from other investments. This strategy, known as tax-loss harvesting, allows you to reduce taxable income by up to $3,000 in excess losses.

Carryover of Losses:
If your total net capital loss exceeds $3,000 ($1,500 if married filing separately), the remaining loss can be carried over to future tax years. You can apply it against future capital gains, and if any amount remains, up to $3,000 per year can continue to offset ordinary income until the loss is fully used. This allows investors to gradually use larger losses without losing the tax benefit.

3. Accelerate Deductions & Defer Income

- Accelerate Deductions: Prepay medical expenses, property taxes, or charitable contributions this year to reduce taxable income (if you are itemizing on your taxes).

- Defer Income: Delay bonuses, consulting income, or other earnings to next year if you expect a lower tax bracket.

4. Review Tax Withholding

Check your paycheck or estimated tax payments to ensure you're not overpaying or underpaying. Adjusting whitholding before year-end can prevent surprises come April.

5. Take Advantage of Tax Credits

Maximize credits like the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or education-related credits. These directly reduce your tax bill rather than just your taxable income.

6. Leverage the Gift Tax Exclusion

Consider using the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 per recipient in 2025) to shift wealth to family members without incurring gift taxes. Gifts can reduce the size of your taxable estate while helping loved ones financially.

Example: Did you know that a married couple can give a married child and their spouse $72,000 in total?

Mom gives daughter $18,000
Dad gives daughter $18,000
Mom gives son-in-law $18,000
Dad gives son-in-law $18,000

By splitting gifts this way, the couple fully uses the annual exclusion for each recipient without triggering gift taxes.

7. Make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are 70½ or older, consider using a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA. QCDs allow you to donate up to $108,000 directly to a qualified charity in 2025, counting toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) while excluding the donation from taxable income. This strategy can lower your adjusted gross income and potentially reduce Medicare premiums or tax on Social Security benefits

Year-end tax planning is about more than just checking boxes—it’s an opportunity to optimize savings, leverage credits, and strategically position your finances for the coming year. A review with a tax professional can ensure these strategies fit your situation and maximize your benefits. taxable income. This strategy can lower your adjusted gross income and potentially reduce Medicare premiums or tax on Social Security benefits.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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In the spring of 2008, my wife and I spent several days trekking through Peru’s Andes Mountains on our way to Machu Picchu. The climbs were steep, the air thin, and the scenery breathtaking. But what we remember most is the team of sherpas who turned a demanding expedition into an unforgettable journey—while staying completely out of the spotlight.

From the first morning, the sherpas set the pace and prepared us for each leg of the climb. They balanced heavy packs on donkeys, cooked full meals at 10–15,000 feet, and somehow managed to bake a surprise birthday cake for my wife halfway through the trip. Their skill with the tools of the trade—sturdy ropes, perfectly packed gear, and altitude-tested cooking equipment—kept us comfortable and safe while we focused on the views and the experience.

At every scenic overlook, they urged us to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty. Yet when it came time for photos at the summit, the sherpas quietly stepped behind the camera. They were happiest as the experts behind the scenes, making the journey possible while letting us enjoy the moment.

That trek mirrors how our wealth-management team serves clients. We realize how hard you have worked so hard to get to the point you have and why you are now seeking professional guidance. We begin by understanding your goals and mapping the route. We then take over and carry the load through this next lag of the journey—investment research, tax strategy, regularly trading to take advantage of the trends, keeping your portfolio wisely diversified, estate planning—and we bring the right tools and partnerships so you can focus on life’s vistas. When markets shift or unexpected challenges arise, we adjust the path and keep you moving toward your destination.

Just as our sherpas found joy in seeing us reach the amazing view at the end, we find fulfillment in helping clients achieve their financial summits. The amazing view you have of seeing your kids and grandkids enjoy experiences you have worked so hard for and the celebrations are yours; we’re the steady, experienced guides working quietly in the background to make the climb safe, rewarding, and memorable.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

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The Pre-Flight Checklist: Double Check Your Beneficiaries

When we flew in Jim’s Cessna 170, we had no idea it would be the last time. For years, my son has shared his dream of becoming a pilot. Spending time with Jim and flying in his plane is a memory we will never forget. Jim was a passionate aviator and generously shared his love of flying with my son. Shortly after this flight, Jim was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away months later.

While we don’t often think about it, none of us know when our last flight will be. Just as pilots follow a strict pre-flight checklist before takeoff, there are important steps we encourage our clients to take to ensure their assets support the people and causes they care about most.

1. Verify Your Current Beneficiaries

Just as a pilot confirms fuel levels before takeoff, check that listed beneficiaries on your investment accounts are accurate. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths may require updates to reflect your current wishes.

2. Confirm Accuracy of Information

A pilot checks all instruments before takeoff to avoid errors. Likewise, ensure that the names, contact details and Social Security numbers of your beneficiaries and are correct to prevent complications later.

3. Align Your Legacy with Your Passion

Before takeoff, a pilot sets their course. Consider whether your beneficiaries reflect your values and interests. Naming a non-profit organization that aligns with your passion will continue inspiring future generations and further your legacy.

Just as Jim's legacy lives on through his passion for aviation and the memories he created, we have the opportunity to leave our own legacy. Taking the time to review and update your beneficiaries ensures that your hard-earned assets are directed to the people and causes that matter most. It’s a simple yet powerful way to safeguard what’s important to you. Remember, life is unpredictable, and while we will never know last flight takes place, we can ensure our financial legacy is ready to take off when the time comes.

7642154.1This 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.

Jeremy Heavey

AIF ® , NSSA ® | FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Jeremy is passionate about partnering with individuals and families to identify what is important in their lives and creating a comprehensive financial strategy to help them reach their life goals. This holistic approach allows Jeremy and the wealth management team to ensure the specific needs of the client are front and center as they make investment recommendations and collaboratively design custom-tailored financial plans.

Jeremy has a professional track record starting, leading, and managing for-profit and non-profit organizations. He is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed business programs at both Hong Kong Baptist University & Harvard Business School. Jeremy is also formally trained and certified in behavioral assessment, conflict management and life coaching. Jeremy, his wife Kim and their 4 kids reside in Kalamazoo. They love spending time exploring the outdoors, fixing up their farmhouse, and living life with friends and extended family.

Fun fact: Jeremy has been playing drums since he was 13 years old and made callbacks for the Blue Man Group.

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