Category: Insights

Read all of the insights coming from the experts at confluence financial partners.

  • The Collector’s Journey: How to Plan for the Legacy of Your Treasures

    As enthusiasts and collectors approach the later stages of their lives, the act of collecting takes on new dimensions. Some may be content to sell their collection and pass the proceeds on to heirs, but for others the treasures that have been amassed over the years are now an opportunity to leave a legacy that will continue to endure.

    Here are four considerations to help navigate this phase of your collecting journey:

    1. Legacy Planning and Succession Strategy

    If you haven’t already, start to incorporate your collection into your broader estate plan. Decide how your treasures will be managed, preserved, or passed on. Engage with experts who specialize in collectibles and estate management, particularly those well-versed in the tax implications of transferring collections.

    Consider which heirs will receive each item and why, taking into account their emotional significance and potential for instilling responsibility. If you aim to establish a philanthropic legacy, donating to a museum or organization aligned with your mission not only offers tax benefits but also ensures parts of your collection remain together.

    2. Balancing Emotional and Financial Value

    While financial considerations have likely played a role in your collecting journey, the emotional value of your treasures becomes increasingly significant as you near this phase. Embrace the joy and memories your collection evokes. If the next chapter is one that doesn’t fetch your estate the highest possible payout or the most optimal tax deduction, that can be OK if the destination fulfills your wishes and maximizes the emotional component of the transition.

    3. Philanthropy & Impact

    Consider the broader impact your collection can have. Some individuals opt for philanthropic endeavors that align with the themes of their collection. For example, a collector of classic cars may choose to donate his or her collection to an automobile museum that will display the vehicles and allow them to continue to provide joy for many. Donating items, contributing proceeds to charitable causes, or establishing cultural endowments can solidify your legacy as one that extends beyond material possessions.

    4. Don’t Forget Logistics

    Once you’ve established a robust plan for your collection, it’s crucial to have capable individuals ready to carry it out. For vehicles, consider arranging for an appraisal in advance or identify a trusted appraiser to guide those handling your estate. If you anticipate liquidating a coin collection after your passing, take the initiative to identify a reputable precious metals dealer beforehand. By personally selecting the third parties involved, you can alleviate the executor’s potential challenges in managing and distributing your collection.

    As your collecting journey matures, it evolves into a narrative of legacy and stewardship. It’s important to recognize that your collection signifies not just an investment, but a testament to the diverse experiences of your life. Take the necessary time and consider that at Confluence Financial Partners, we’re here to help. Collaborating with the right professionals can help ease the burden and ensure both your life and legacy are maximized.

    Randy Holcombe
    About the Author

    The opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives is why Randy chose a career in wealth management. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals and cut through the constant noise of the day-to-day financial markets.

    Grove City, Pittsburgh

    724-458-5233
    randall.holcombe@confluencefp.com
    Email Randy

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    Randy Holcombe

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  • Stock Market Recap: July 2024

    Month in Review

    • Major reversals across the equity market, with small cap stocks and value stocks outpacing the large-cap and growth peers sharply in July.
    • Catalyzed by decelerating inflation data, small cap stocks (Russell 2000 TR Index, +10.16%) finished significantly ahead of large cap stocks (S&P 500 TR Index, +1.22% and large cap growth stocks (Russell 1000 Growth TR Index, -1.70%).
    • Additionally, the S&P 500 had its first daily drop greater than 2% in July, the first time in over 350 trading days. This was the longest such streak of low daily volatility in over 15 years.

    Equity Market Rotation

    Last month’s monthly update discussed the record levels of concentration in the S&P 500 – a factor that likely played a role in the significant shift equity markets saw in July.

    After the June inflation (CPI) report was released, investors shifted expectations to a much higher likelihood of a rate cut in September. Generally, small cap stocks have a greater sensitivity to interest rates, given the use of more floating rate debt compared to large cap stocks. This factor, combined with improving earnings fundamentals, resulted in the Russell 2000 outperforming the NASDAQ by over 5% the day of the inflation report. This represents the largest single day outperformance of small cap stocks versus technology stocks in over 40-years (chart below)

    Source: JPMorgan Asset Management, Bloomberg, as of July 21, 2024

    Small caps kept up the momentum of July, along with large cap value stocks (Russell 1000 Value TR Index, +5.11%).

    July represented an important reminder to long-term investors about the benefits of maintaining a diversified approach

    What’s on Deck for August?

    • Earnings season wraps up in August: as of 7/29/2024, 40% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, and 76% are beating expectations for the second quarter.
    • The Federal Reserve is expected to use August to signal its intentions around cutting interest rates during its September meeting. The Federal Reserve last hiked in July 2023 and has held rates constant since.
    William Winkeler
    About the Author

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Pittsburgh

    724-719-6600
    bill.winkeler@confluencefp.com
    Email Bill
    May-2024-Market-RecapDownload

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    William Winkeler

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  • Stock Market Recap: October 2023

    Month in Review

    • Stocks fell during the month of October, marking the third straight monthly decline for the S&P 500 Index.
    • Bond markets also fell again during the month, the fifth straight monthly decline for the asset class.
    • Concerns over US government funding helped keep interest rates higher in October, pressuring stock and bond markets again.
    • US corporate earnings season is also in full swing, with over 50% of the S&P 500 having reported by the end of the month. Companies have thus far reported positive earnings growth with mixed outlooks.

    Last Rate Hike? Now What?

    The Federal Reserve held its November committee meeting, where they kept interest rates unchanged. Following the press conference, investors are now expecting interest rates to be unchanged again in December (only a 15% probability of a December rate hike as of 11/2/2023).  If the Federal Reserve is finished increasing interest rates this cycle, what does that mean for the stock market? Going back to 1929, there are no clear trends, the range of outcomes following the last hike is very wide historically. While various talking heads remain hyper-focused on short-term events such as this, it is more important than ever that investors maintain their focus on long-term fundamentals.  

    What’s on Deck for November?

    • The autoworkers strike appears to be nearing resolution, while a potential government shutdown remains a possibility ahead of the November 17th deadline.
    • Corporate earnings season is nearly two-thirds complete, with companies reporting earnings ahead of estimates on average, and clocking positive growth this quarter. Investors will focus on forward guidance from companies as the season wraps-up.
    • The next Federal Reserve meeting is not until December 13th, so in the interim investors will continue to look for communications and sign-posts for confirmation the Federal Reserve is done increasing interest rates. The Federal Reserve did confirm their on-going effort to reverse their quantitative easing (QE) program, which is expected to keep interest rates elevated.

    Download the October 2023 Market Recap below:

    Market-Recap-Oct-2023Download
    William Winkeler
    About the Author

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Pittsburgh

    724-719-6600
    bill.winkeler@confluencefp.com
    Email Bill

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    William Winkeler

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  • Building a Secure Retirement: The Confluence 401(k) Service Structure  

    Whether you are a business owner offering a retirement plan to your employees or are an employee participating in a company sponsored retirement plan, managing the benefit & saving for retirement both can feel like an isolating process. Too often we see a lack of guidance or knowledge from financial advisors to be able to serve as a resource to the company or its employees.  

    Confluence understands these challenges with a dedicated team of financial advisors collaborating with employee retirement plans. We have built a comprehensive 401(k) service structure – Confluence Standard of Care, designed to offer peace of mind to the employer, while supporting employees to make informed decisions to reach their financial & retirement goals. 

    Our 401(k) Standard of Care service structure centers on four key pillars: 

    1. Personalized Employer Review Meetings:  “One size fits all” does not work when it comes to 401(k) plans. Through regularly scheduled meetings, we collaborate with employers to monitor the employer plan to make sure it continues to fit the company’s needs and goals.  

    During these meetings we will discuss the following topics: 

    • Plan investment analysis: considering the quantitative and qualitative results to ensure we have skillful managers in place. 
    • Courageous plan design: striving to increase an employer’s benefits return on investment while striving to enhance participant retirement outcomes.  
    • Fee benchmarking: every 3 years we lead an RFP driven process to ensure apple-to-apple comparisons and to help maximize a plan’s negotiating leverage. 
    • Fiduciary guidance: to support the employer and mitigate potential liabilities. 

    2. Employee engagement:  Our education team uses highly customized plan participant content structured to help optimize outcomes and increase financial wellness. We deliver multiple types of meetings throughout the year. These meetings run the spectrum from group education to 1on1 individual consultations, and life stage education designed to meet the employee at their individual career stage.  

    3. Regular investment monitoring & investment analysis:  As a member of the Retirement Plan Advisor Group (RPAG), we have access to their proprietary fund ranking system that aims to enhance outcomes, manage risks, and reduce fiduciary exposure. Employers receive quarterly plan “report cards” detailing investments scores.  In addition to the fund scores, Confluence has an internal Investment Advisor Committee that provides guidance on selected investment managers and incorporates a qualitative layer of oversight to the fund analysis programs used.  

    4. Ongoing communication & support: In addition to the processes outlined above, we deliver a variety of additional touchpoints designed to keep employers and participants informed and engaged. This includes informative webinars, quarterly newsletters, and campaigns to address specific plan demographics or concerns.

    By utilizing these services, employers can have the confidence in knowing their 401(k) is managed effectively while employees have the opportunity to understand their benefits options.  

    Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Should you have any questions or require further information on how our service delivery model can benefit your organization, please do not hesitate to contact us or listen to our podcasts today! 

    Confluence Wealth Services, Inc. d/b/a Confluence Financial Partners is a SEC-registered investment adviser. Confluence Financial Partners only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or notice filed or excluded or exempted from registration requirements. The security of electronic mail sent through the Internet is not guaranteed. All email sent to or from this address will be received or otherwise recorded by the Confluence Financial Partners corporate email system and is subject to archival, monitoring and/or review, by and/or disclosure to, someone other than the recipient. Confluence Financial Partners recommends you do not send confidential information to us via electronic mail, including social security numbers, account numbers, and personal identification numbers, unless properly encrypted. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request or by visiting the following link:https://live-confluencefp.pantheonsite.io/form-adv-2a/

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    Brian Stout

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  • Stock Market Recap: November 2023

    Month in Review

    • Stocks rose sharply in November, breaking a three-month losing streak. Gains were broad based across major markets.
    • Bond markets also broke a five-month losing streak, posting strong results as short- and long-term interest rates fell significantly during November.
    • Multiple data points illustrated that inflation is in continued decline, raising investor confidence that the Federal Reserve is done hiking and turning its focus to potential rate cuts in 2024. 

    A November to Remember!

    November was a month to remember for investors: The S&P 500 posted its strongest November since 1980 (rising roughly 9%) and the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index had its best month since May 1985 (rising roughly 4.5%).

    What were the catalysts for such a sharp reversal?

    Investor sentiment had become overly negative – a three-month losing streak for stocks and a 5-month losing streak for bonds. This set-up was followed by unexpected positive developments on the fight against inflation. Multiple readings during November showed inflation rising by less than expectations. Federal Reserve officials also affirmed progress towards normalizing inflation, the decline can be seen in the exhibit below. The positive developments on inflation drove interest rates lower, sending stock and bond prices higher, as investors now shift their attention away from rate hikes to rate cuts.  

    Source: BLS, FactSet, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. CPI used is CPI-U and values shown are % change vs. one year ago. Core CPI is defined as CPI excluding food and energy prices. The Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) deflator employs an evolving chain-weighted basket of consumer expenditures instead of the fixed-weight basket used in CPI calculations. Guide to the Markets – U.S. Data are as of November 30, 2023.

    What’s on Deck for December?

    • Earnings season is wrapped up and government shutdown issues have been pushed out until January 19th and February 2nd of 2024.
    • The Federal Reserve meeting on December 13th will be watched closely for comments on the timing and magnitude of the first rate cut and the on-going shrinking of the Fed’s balance sheet. At time of writing, futures markets are implying a 50% chance of a 25bps rate cut during the March 20th, 2024 meeting.
    • As we enter 2024, the US Presidential election will once again be a focus. Despite a significant amount of noise, it is important to remember that the S&P 500 has only had negative returns in election years two of the last 20 election years (2000, 2008).

    Download the November 2023 Market Recap below:

    Nov-2023-Market-RecapDownload
    William Winkeler
    About the Author

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Pittsburgh

    724-719-6600
    bill.winkeler@confluencefp.com
    Email Bill

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    William Winkeler

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  • ISOs vs. RSUs: Strategies to Optimize Your Employee Stock Benefits

    Employers are increasingly offering stock benefits as part of their compensation packages to remain competitive in the job market. These benefits often come in the form of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Restrictive Stock Units (RSUs) which can be powerful tools for building wealth if managed effectively. However, understanding the differences in these benefits is crucial to maximizing their potential and avoiding costly mistakes.

    What Are ISOs and RSUs?

    Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) give the employee the option to purchase company stock at a fixed price, known as the exercise price. If the company’s stock price increases, you can buy shares at the lower exercise price and potentially sell them at the higher market price, resulting in a profit. The key advantage of ISOs is the potential for favorable tax treatment, where upon a qualifying sale, gains could be taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rate rather than as ordinary income.

    Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees as part of their compensation. Unlike ISOs, RSUs are not options to buy stock; instead, they are actual shares that you receive usually after a certain vesting period. Once vested, RSUs are considered and taxed at their fair market value as ordinary income.

    The Power of ISOs and How to Manage Them

    ISOs can be an attractive benefit, especially in a growing company. However, their complexity means they require careful planning. Here are a few tips:

    Avoid the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Trap: Exercising ISOs can trigger the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), an additional tax that applies when certain tax preferences make your regular income tax too low. This can be a surprise come tax time, so it’s essential to plan your exercises carefully, possibly spreading them over multiple years and consulting with your financial advisor and tax advisor.

    Know Your Timeline: ISOs typically have a vesting schedule, meaning you can only exercise a portion of your options each year. Additionally, once you leave your company, you usually have a limited time to exercise your vested options.

    Understand the Tax Implications: ISOs offer a potential tax advantage, but they come with conditions. To qualify for long-term capital gains tax, you need to hold the shares for at least one year after exercising the option and two years after the grant date. Otherwise, your profits may be taxed as ordinary income.

    Maximizing RSUs for Long-Term Wealth

    RSUs, while more straightforward than ISOs, still require strategic thinking:

    1. Plan for the Tax Hit: When your RSUs vest, they’re taxed as ordinary income. This means you might face a significant tax bill when your shares vest, even if you haven’t sold them yet. Some companies offer to withhold shares to cover taxes, but you’ll need to plan for any additional tax liability.  If you decide to hold on to the shares after vesting, you may be exposed to additional capital gains taxes if the stock appreciates and you sell at a later date.
    2. Consider Your Investment Strategy: Once your RSUs vest, you can choose to hold or sell the shares. Holding them can be a great way to participate in the company’s long-term success, but it also increases your exposure to the company’s stock. Balancing this with other investments in your portfolio is crucial to managing risk.
    3. Diversify Your Portfolio: It’s easy to get caught up in the success of your company, but putting too many eggs in one basket can be risky. Consider selling some of your vested RSUs to diversify your investments and reduce your exposure to company-specific risks.

    Final Thoughts

    ISOs and RSUs are valuable components of a compensation package, offering the potential to build substantial wealth. However, understanding the details, planning for taxes, and integrating them into a broader financial strategy are essential steps to make the most of these benefits.

    At Confluence Financial Partners, we specialize in helping individuals navigate these complexities, ensuring that your stock benefits work in concert with your overall financial plan. If you have ISOs or RSUs and are unsure how to manage them, let’s have a conversation.

    Jackson Elizondo
    About the Author

    Jackson Elizondo is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community, a commitment that led him to a career in wealth management.

    Pittsburgh

    412-391-0377
    jackson.elizondo@confluencefp.com
    Email Jackson

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    Jackson Elizondo

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  • Stock Market Recap: December 2023

    Month in Review

    • Stock and bond markets extended their rally in December, capping off a strong fourth quarter with broad-based gains. Value stocks and US small cap stocks led equity markets higher during the month.
    • Major US bond markets finished in positive territory, preventing what would have been a record-breaking third consecutive calendar year loss.
    • The continued decline in inflationary data and increased likelihood of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve were key catalysts for markets during the month.

    Narrow Market Leadership

    The S&P 500 and growth stocks benefitted from continued strong results from technology companies during 2023. The outsized results of these companies pushed their valuations even higher, with Apple finishing the year as roughly 7% of the S&P 500’s value. This is the largest single weighting in the last 30-years and follows three previous years where Apple represented at least 6% of the S&P 500’s market capitalization. While Apple and six other companies were responsible for the lion’s share of the US stock market’s results in 2023, there are opportunities for broader participation as we head into 2024.

    Source: FactSet and Goldman Sachs Asset Management. As of December 31, 2023.

    What’s on Deck for January?

    • Earnings season starts, analysts expect S&P 500 companies to report the second straight quarter of earnings growth.
    • The Federal Reserve meeting on January 31st, where it is expected to hold interest rates steady. Investors will be focused on commentary and projections regarding the timing of the first interest rate cut. Cooling inflation supports a less restrictive approach from the Federal Reserve.
    • The US government is set to enter a phased shut-down on January 19th barring a new spending bill. Bipartisan negotiations are reported as active at time of writing.   

    Download the December 2023 Market Recap below:

    Dec.-2023-Market-RecapDownload
    William Winkeler
    About the Author

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Pittsburgh

    724-719-6600
    bill.winkeler@confluencefp.com
    Email Bill

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    William Winkeler

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  • Stock Market Recap: September 2024

    Month in Review

    • Stock and bond markets continued to rally in September, following the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut.
    • Gains expanded beyond market leaders, such as large cap growth and technology stocks, with broader participation within the S&P 500, large cap value, small cap stocks, and international stocks.
    • The S&P 500 Index total return of +22.08% year-to-date as of September 30th represents its best start to a year since 1997, and the best start to a Presidential election year in its history.

    What Happens Next: Market Rotation Following Rate Cuts?

    The Federal Reserve reduced the Federal Funds Rate by 0.50% as expected in September, ending the rate hiking cycle that began in March 2022 and featured over 5% worth of interest rate increases. 

    The market’s outlook largely shifted in early July, when the June inflation report affirmed the outlook for declining inflation, clearing the way for the September rate cut. Since that period, stock and bond market leadership has shifted as the economic and fundamental outlook has changed.

    Since June 30th (after the inflation report and rate cut), market leadership has broadened beyond the Magnificent 7 stocks. The Equal-Weighted S&P 500 Index rose +9.60%, ahead of the market-cap weighted S&P 500 TR Index (+5.89%). Within large cap stocks, large cap value gained +9.43%, ahead of large cap growth’s +3.19% gain. Small cap stocks also participated in broadening, with the Russell 2000 TR Index rising +9.27% during the third quarter. Lastly, core bonds (Barclays US Agg Bond TR Index) rose +5.20%, pulling ahead of money market funds in 2024 as short-term rates begin to decline. The changing environment highlights how dynamic financial markets can be and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a diversified approach to investing.

    Sources: Morningstar, June 30th to September 30th . Average S&P 500 Stock = S&P 500 Equal Weighted TR Index, Large Cap Value = Russell 1000 Value TR Index, Small Cap = Russell 2000 TR Index, Developed International = MSCI EAFE NR Index, S&P 500 = S&P 500 TR Index, Core Bonds = Bloomberg US Agg Bond TR Index, Large Cap Growth = Russell 1000 Growth TR Index.

    What’s on Deck for October?

    • Labor market data will be watched closely as investors look for information ahead of the Federal Reserve’s meetings in November and December.  
    William Winkeler
    About the Author

    Bill has more than 15 years of experience in the investment industry, most recently as Managing Director of Investments at a private wealth management firm. In his role at Confluence, Bill chairs the Investment Advisory Committee and develops and implements investment strategy for clients of the firm, as well as communicates investment content with clients.

    Pittsburgh

    724-719-6600
    bill.winkeler@confluencefp.com
    Email Bill
    Sept 2024 Market RecapDownload

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    William Winkeler

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  • 529 Plans: Advanced Strategies for Education and Wealth Transfer

    When someone thinks about socking away money in a college fund for children or grandchildren, the first thing that comes to mind is a 529 plan – a savings plan for qualified educational expenses, which may include not only tuition, but also room and board, books, and other school supplies.  But did you know that a 529 can also be an attractive consideration for transferring generational wealth?

    The Basics:

    • Money invested in a 529 plan grows tax free and the growth is exempt from federal taxes upon withdrawal, as long as the funds are used for qualified educational expenses.
    • You can open up a 529 plan before you become a parent or grandparent, which provides a head start on building generational wealth that you can pass down to future family members.
    • You can open a 529 plan in your name and change the beneficiary later on; and you may open multiple 529 plans to save for the education of multiple children or grandchildren. 
    • Most plans have lifetime contribution limits of about $350,000 and up (annual and all-time contribution limits vary by state).
    • Expanded use of funds:  Money in a 529 plan can be used for education related expenses at any accredited college, community college or graduate school; for certified apprenticeship programs; for student loan repayment (student loan repayment has a $10,000 lifetime limit per 529 plan beneficiary and $10,000 per each of the beneficiary’s siblings); and for K-12 tuition expenses up to $10,000 per year.

    The Advanced:

    • Contributions are considered completed gifts.  You can annually give $18,000 (for 2024) per donor per beneficiary, or $36,000 per couple per beneficiary, without being subject to the gift tax.
    • “Super funding” – Contributions can be front-loaded, up to $85,000 (up to $170,000 for married couples)– or five years’ worth of contributions at once.  If you decide to do this, you can’t fund the account for the next four years.
    • You can name a trust as the account owner, which will give you control even after you’re gone.  Trustees can make decisions for the account that are advantageous to the beneficiaries and ensure your wishes for the account are carried out.
    • Contributions to a 529 plan reduce the taxable value of your estate and because contributions are treated as completed gifts, they are immediately removed from the donor’s estate and exempt from the current federal estate tax limit ($12.92 million per person or $25.84 million per couple).
    • Another new benefit starting 2024 (per Secure Act 2.0), it is now permissible to rollover up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 tax free from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA.  The money must be moved to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary of the 529 as opposed to the owner of the 529 account; and the account must have been in existence for at least 15 years. Only funds in the plan for at least 5 years are eligible for rollover. (Please note that annual Roth contribution limits will apply based on the rules included in the legislation and the IRS could interpret differently upon implementation.) 

    Whether you want to reap the ‘basic’ benefits of a 529 savings account, or want to discuss the ‘advanced’ benefits – the best approach is reaching out to your Confluence Wealth Manager or starting the conversation altogether. We look forward to helping you and your family with education planning in 2024.

    Zac Saunders
    About the Author

    Known for his professionalism and calming demeanor, Zac is focused on helping his clients reach their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning and unbiased guidance.  Zac and his team support and care for the overall financial well-being of their clients.

    Sewickley

    724-719-6609
    zac.saunders@confluencefp.com
    Email Zac

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    Zac Saunders

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  • Maximize Your Year End Giving: Charitable Planning Strategies for Individuals

    As the end of the year approaches, it’s an opportune time for clients to utilize strategies that align charitable goals with their financial objectives. In this article, we will explore various charitable planning opportunities and strategies to leverage to help our clients optimize their giving while improving their overall financial situation.

    Tax Efficient Charitable Giving Opportunities

    One of the primary incentives for charitable giving is the potential to reduce taxable income. However, timing and method play a crucial role in maximizing these benefits. Below are several techniques to consider as part of year-end planning:

    Donating Appreciated Securities: Instead of giving cash, clients can donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to a charity. This strategy offers two key benefits:

    • Avoiding Capital Gains Tax: Donors avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation of the asset.
    • Maximized Tax Deduction: They receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the donated securities, provided they’ve held the asset for more than one year.
    • Watch Your Limits: The IRS places limits on the amount clients can deduct for charitable contributions. For cash donations, the limit is typically 60% of AGI, while donations of appreciated assets are limited to 30% of AGI. If the total contributions exceed these limits, the excess can be carried forward for up to five years.
    • Helps Portfolios: This strategy is particularly useful in bull markets, where many clients may have appreciated assets they would otherwise sell to rebalance their portfolios.

    Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Clients aged 70½ or older can make a QCD of up to $105,000 annually (indexed annually to inflation) directly from their IRA to a qualified charity. QCDs offer several advantages:

    • Satisfies Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): For clients who have reached their required beginning date, QCDs can reduce taxable income by offsetting RMDs.  However you need to be careful to make QCDs first, before taking any other income yourself.  The first dollars out of a qualified account are the RMD dollars; if you take your RMD first and then try to make a QCD later, it won’t count.
    • Tax-Free Distribution: Unlike regular withdrawals, the QCD is excluded from the client’s taxable income, offering a substantial benefit for those who don’t itemize deductions, which can help clients stay within lower tax brackets or avoid Medicare premium increases.
    • This strategy is particularly advantageous for clients who may no longer need the full amount of their RMD for living expenses but are still required to take it.

    Bunching Charitable Contributions with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Since the introduction of higher standard deductions through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), many clients no longer benefit from itemizing deductions annually. Bunching donations into a single year can help overcome this threshold. Bunching involves concentrating charitable giving into one year to surpass the standard deduction, allowing clients to itemize and maximize their tax savings.

    One way to implement this is through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF):

    • Clients can make a lump-sum contribution to a DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction.
    • In subsequent years, the client can take the standard deduction and not make additional charitable contributions until the next “bunching” year.
    • The funds can be distributed to charities over several years allowing donors to maintain their philanthropic commitments.
    • It’s ideal for clients facing a windfall year or who have highly appreciated assets they wish to donate.
    • For clients seeking to create a structured giving plan, or for those who may not have specific charities in mind yet, a DAF can serve as a helpful intermediary.

    Charitable Trusts: Charitable trusts are powerful tools for individuals looking to balance their philanthropic goals with tax-efficient wealth management. These trusts not only provide a way to support meaningful causes but also offer substantial tax benefits for donors and their heirs.

    • Generate Income Streams: Charitable trusts allow donors to convert highly appreciated assets into a steady income. For example, with a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), donors or their beneficiaries receive a fixed or variable income for life or a specified period. This can be an attractive option for retirees or clients seeking supplemental income while also supporting charities in the future.
    • Grow the Legacy: One of the most significant benefits of charitable trusts is the potential to transfer appreciated assets, such as real estate or stocks, without triggering capital gains taxes.  When assets are placed into a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) and sold, the proceeds are untaxed to the trust, allowing more principal to be retained for both income generation and charitable legacies.
    • Immediate Tax Deduction: Contributions to a charitable trust are eligible for an immediate charitable deduction, based on the present value of the future charitable donation. This deduction can help offset taxable income in the year of the contribution, providing immediate tax relief.

    Incorporating Family in Charitable Planning

    Holiday gatherings present a unique opportunity to engage family members in philanthropy. Clients can involve their children or grandchildren in charitable discussions to foster shared values and create a lasting legacy of giving.

    It’s important to manage expectations on how the family will work together; make it optional, not mandatory, to create the most positive experience possible.  You should also honor individuality and allow your children the flexibility to choose the organizations they want to support; involving adult children in the decision-making process is vital, but it will be frustrating to them if they feel like they are only along for the (your) ride. 

    Charitable giving shouldn’t be compulsory because it immediately becomes an obligation as opposed to enjoyable.  Finally, giving small gifts to every organization that asks each year might be easier than saying no, but to truly maximize your legacy, try to create a plan to give to charitable organizations in such a way to create a big change.

    Maximizing Impact with Matching Gift Programs: Clients should check if their employers offer matching gift programs, which amplify the impact of charitable donations. Many companies will match employee donations dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the contribution. Some corporations also match volunteer hours, allowing clients to combine their time and financial resources for greater impact. Encouraging clients to investigate these programs can result in more strategic giving.

    Creating a Year-End Giving Plan with Your Wealth Manager

    Your wealth manager can help you formulate a personalized year-end charitable giving plan. Here’s a checklist approach to developing it:

    1. Identify Charitable Goals: What causes are important to you?
    2. Review Taxable Income: Determine whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction makes sense.
    3. Evaluate Assets: Identify appreciated securities or other assets that could be donated.
    4. Consider Timing: Ensure donations are made before December 31 to qualify for the current tax year.
    5. Explore Donor-Advised Funds: If clients plan to give over multiple years, DAFs may be an optimal solution.
    6. Engage Family: Involve family members in the charitable conversation.
    7. Check Matching Programs: Encourage clients to explore employer matching gift

    By using strategies such as donating appreciated securities, leveraging QCDs, or utilizing donor-advised funds, clients can maximize both the impact of their giving and the financial benefits. Incorporating charitable planning into family discussions further deepens the impact while fostering a legacy of philanthropy.  As the year draws to a close, now is the perfect time for clients to engage with their Wealth Managers in conversations about their charitable goals and ensure they have a plan in place.

    Chuck Zuzak
    About the Author

    Chuck joins Confluence Financial Partners with 13 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently as Director of Financial Planning at JFS Wealth Advisors. At a fundamental level, Chuck’s passion for financial planning stems from the desire to help clients connect their personal values and purpose with their financial resources.

    Pittsburgh

    412-391-0377
    chuck.zuzak@confluencefp.com
    Email Chuck Zuzak

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    Chuck Zuzak

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