Can Setting Up A Trust Be A Good Idea As Part Of A Wealth Strategy? 

Trust planning doesn't have to be intimidating or exclusive to the ultra-wealthy. In this enlightening conversation, Jeff Bingham demystifies the world of trusts, offering practical guidance on when these powerful financial tools make sense—and when they don't.

Have you ever wondered if a trust might benefit your financial situation? Jeff walks through the fundamentals, explaining how trusts function as legal and financial documents where grantors place assets for specific beneficiaries with detailed instructions for distribution. Whether you're concerned about protecting assets for minor children, creating guardrails for adult children who might not handle a large inheritance responsibly, or planning for a special needs situation, trusts offer customized solutions for diverse family circumstances.

One of the most valuable segments addresses common misconceptions about trusts. Contrary to popular belief, most trusts don't automatically shield you from taxes—in fact, trust tax rates climb to 37% after just $15,000 of taxable income. Jeff also delivers a critical warning about naming trusts as beneficiaries of retirement accounts like IRAs, explaining why direct beneficiary designations often provide better options and more favorable tax treatment. With current estate tax exemptions at $15 million per individual ($30 million for married couples), many historical tax-avoidance strategies are now unnecessary for most families.

Whether you're just beginning to consider wealth transfer strategies or looking to refine your existing estate plan, this episode provides clear, actionable insights to help you protect your legacy while avoiding unnecessary complications. Ready to determine if a trust belongs in your financial toolbox? Schedule your complimentary consultation with B&H Wealth Strategies and take control of your financial future.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

Does B&H Provide Advice On Charitable Giving Or Philanthropy?

The power of generosity takes center stage as Jeff Bingham explores how thoughtful charitable giving strategies can transform both the causes you support and your own financial picture. We dive deep into the often-overlooked intersection where financial planning meets philanthropy, revealing how the right approach can maximize your impact while potentially creating tax advantages.

Most retirees understand the frustration of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – those mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts that create taxable events whether you need the income or not. Jeff explains how Qualified Charitable Distributions offer a brilliant solution, allowing you to redirect those funds directly to causes you care about while satisfying IRS requirements and avoiding the taxation that would normally occur. This strategy ensures your charitable dollars work harder and go further.

Beyond basic giving strategies, we explore more sophisticated approaches like family foundations that honor loved ones while creating lasting legacies. Jeff shares a personal reflection about conversations with his nephew Matt regarding a potential foundation honoring Matt's father – a touching glimpse into how philanthropy can preserve family values across generations. The episode also tackles the important question of how to identify and evaluate charitable organizations that truly align with your personal values and operate with financial efficiency. As Jeff notes, the ideal charity not only matches your passions but also directs maximum resources to their mission rather than administrative overhead.

Whether you're just beginning your philanthropic journey or looking to enhance your existing giving strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help you create meaningful impact while potentially enhancing your financial position. Ready to discover how your generosity can work harder and accomplish more? Schedule your free consultation today by calling 423-247-1152 or visiting BHRetire.com and take the first step toward truly transformative giving.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

What Impact Does The Big Beautiful Bill Have On Income Tax And Social Security? 

The landscape of your retirement and tax planning just shifted dramatically with the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Join Jeff Bingham as he breaks down how this legislation impacts your financial future without the typical jargon and confusion.

Wondering how these changes affect your wallet? The bill maintains the 2016 tax rate structure that was scheduled to sunset next year, preventing what would have been approximately a $2,100 tax increase for the average middle-class American family. Markets responded favorably to this stability, preventing potential volatility that uncertainty would have created in investment portfolios.

Perhaps most significantly for retirees, the legislation effectively eliminates taxation on Social Security benefits through 2028, regardless of income level. Jeff walks through a real-world example of a client receiving $30,000 in Social Security alongside a $45,000 pension, demonstrating how this provision could slash their tax liability nearly in half—putting about $333 more in monthly spendable income in their pocket. For anyone living on a fixed retirement income, this represents meaningful financial relief.

Service industry workers receive unexpected benefits too, with the first $25,000 of tip income now tax-exempt. This acknowledges how the shift from cash to credit card transactions had eliminated much of the traditional tax advantages servers and bartenders once enjoyed.

Beyond these immediate benefits, Jeff offers a sobering perspective on the growing national debt, now approaching $37 trillion with annual debt service costs of $1.2 trillion and rising. This mounting fiscal pressure raises important questions about long-term financial sustainability that will affect every American's financial planning.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying your post-career years, these changes demand fresh thinking about your financial strategy. Reach out today to discuss how these new provisions can be optimized for your unique situation and how to prepare for when these temporary benefits potentially expire.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

Let's Revisit Market Volatility - How Concerned Should I Be?

Market volatility can trigger powerful emotional responses, but reacting to every headline might be the surest way to damage your long-term financial health. In this illuminating conversation, Jeff Bingham, President of B&H Wealth Strategies, offers a masterclass in maintaining perspective during market turbulence.

The episode dissects the recent market rollercoaster of 2024, where April's sharp 10% decline gave way to complete recovery and new all-time highs by June's end. This pattern exemplifies why emotional market timing – selling during downturns and buying back after recoveries – creates a "rinse and repeat" cycle that destroys wealth rather than builds it. As Jeff notes, even the professionals trading on the floor of the NYSE don't attempt to time market entries and exits perfectly.

What truly matters, Jeff explains, is constructing a portfolio that aligns with both your financial needs and your personal risk tolerance. This careful balance creates a strategy that can weather market storms without requiring dramatic adjustments based on political winds, economic forecasts, or geopolitical events. Minor tweaks may occasionally be appropriate, but major changes should primarily reflect shifts in your personal circumstances rather than reactions to market headlines.

Whether you're feeling anxious about recent market movements or simply want to strengthen your financial resilience for future volatility, this episode provides the perspective and practical wisdom needed to stay on track. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today by calling 423-247-1152 or visiting BHRetire.com to discuss how these principles can apply to your unique financial situation.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

B&H On the Road - Jeff Tells us about your recent visit to the New York Stock Exchange

What does the beating heart of American capitalism really look like in 2024? Forget the frenzied trading floor scenes you've seen in movies – the reality is both more subdued and more fascinating.

Jeff Bingham of B&H Wealth Strategies takes us along on his exclusive journey to the New York Stock Exchange, pulling back the curtain on an American institution that few ever get to experience firsthand. This wasn't a tourist excursion but rather a closely guarded opportunity requiring special invitation and thorough background checks. The contrast between expectation and reality proves enlightening as Jeff describes a trading floor where billions change hands daily with surprisingly little fanfare – traders quietly working at computer terminals rather than shouting across a chaotic room.

Beyond the modern trading activities, the NYSE building itself emerges as a character in this story. Constructed in 1903 as New York's most modern building (and one of the first in North America with air conditioning), its magnificent architecture endures despite the technological revolution that has transformed trading. Perhaps most poignant is Jeff's observation about Holy Trinity Church, established in 1790, standing watch directly across from the exchange – a juxtaposition of spiritual and financial powers that have coexisted for generations. The visit culminates with witnessing the closing bell ceremony and meeting 83-year-old financial legend Roger Iveson, whose analytical frameworks have shaped investment strategies for decades.

Whether you're interested in market mechanics, American financial history, or simply curious about places few get to see, this episode offers rare insights from someone who's walked the hallowed trading floor. Join us to discover what Wall Street really looks like behind the symbols and numbers that influence our financial lives. Curious about how market perspectives from the heart of trading might benefit your portfolio? Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your financial future.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

Can B&H Wealth Strategies Provide Guidance On Social Security Optimization?

Deciding when to claim Social Security might seem straightforward, but optimal timing depends on far more than just selecting an age between 62 and 70. This episode dives deep into the personalized nature of Social Security planning and why cookie-cutter approaches often lead to costly mistakes.

Jeff Bingham, President of B&H Wealth Strategies, emphasizes that Social Security decisions demand a "one size fits one" approach. Your neighbor's perfect claiming strategy could be entirely wrong for your situation. Rather than viewing Social Security in isolation, Jeff explains how their 4 Seasons GPS planning system incorporates Social Security as one piece of your complete retirement puzzle, allowing you to visualize how different claiming ages affect your overall financial success.

For anyone approaching retirement, this episode underscores why professional guidance matters when navigating Social Security's complexity. With proper planning, you can make confident decisions that maximize your benefits within the context of your broader financial goals. Ready to optimize your Social Security strategy? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today by calling 423-247-1152 or visiting bhretire.com.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

How Concerned Should I Be Of The Impact Of Market Volatility?

Market volatility can trigger our worst financial instincts. When headlines scream about plunging indexes and portfolio values shrink, many investors make costly emotional decisions they later regret. This timely conversation cuts through the noise to deliver practical wisdom for navigating uncertain markets with confidence.

Jeff Bingham tackles the current sources of market turbulence – from US-China tariff negotiations to ongoing geopolitical tensions – while offering a broader perspective that both new and seasoned investors desperately need. He highlights a psychological blind spot most of us share: we worry about downside volatility while rarely questioning the sustainability of extended bull runs (like the back-to-back 25% gains in 2023-2024).

The episode reveals two devastating mistakes investors make during downturns. First, selling near market bottoms when fear peaks, locking in losses and missing the eventual recovery. Second, reducing or stopping retirement contributions precisely when quality investments go "on sale." As Warren Buffett suggests, smart investors buy when there's "blood in the streets" – acquiring assets at discounted prices from those making emotional selling decisions.

For those feeling market anxiety right now, Jeff offers a calming framework: Has your financial situation fundamentally changed? Is your portfolio properly constructed for your risk tolerance? If not, minor adjustments may be warranted. But if the answer is yes, the wisdom is clear and powerful: "If you're built right, stay the course." Your financial journey continues through all market seasons.

Ready to build a portfolio that withstands volatility while capturing growth opportunities? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation by calling 423-247-1152 or visiting BHRetire.com.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

Now That April 15th Has Passed, How Do I Get Ahead Of The Tax Game For 2025?

Ready to keep more of your hard-earned money in 2025? Tax planning shouldn't wait until next April.

Jeff Bingham, President of B&H Wealth Strategies, shares his father's timeless wisdom: "It's not about how much you make, it's how much you get to keep." This philosophy underpins a practical approach to tax planning that works within our complex system—a tax code spanning 2,672 pages with roughly 70,000 additional pages of supplements and addendums.

Discover actionable strategies starting with maximizing contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Every dollar contributed directly reduces your taxable income while building retirement security. Jeff explains how someone earning $50,000 who contributes just 10% to their 401(k) can save $1,000 in taxes annually. For additional tax advantages, Individual Retirement Accounts offer another powerful vehicle with contribution limits of $7,000 for those under 50 and $8,000 for those over 50.

Challenging conventional wisdom, Jeff explores when aggressively paying down mortgage debt might not be the most tax-efficient approach. With mortgage interest being tax-deductible, those with low rates secured before 2022 might benefit more from strategic leverage than early payoff. The math becomes clear: if you can earn more on your investments than your after-tax mortgage cost, keeping that "good debt" could work in your favor.

Take control of your financial future and develop a personalized tax strategy by visiting BHRetire.com. Remember, the best time to plan for next year's taxes is now.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

What Exactly Is It And Is It A Good Investment For Retirement?

Curious about the Bitcoin buzz but unsure if it belongs in your financial future? You're not alone. Many investors struggle to understand this digital asset that's been on a wild value rollercoaster – from $40,000 to $20,000 to over $100,000 and back to the $80,000s.

Jeff Bingham, President of B&H Wealth Strategies, breaks down Bitcoin in refreshingly clear terms, describing it as "digital gold" that serves as both a store of value and an inflation hedge. Unlike traditional currency that can be endlessly printed (thereby reducing your dollars' purchasing power), Bitcoin has a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins. This scarcity principle mirrors gold but with added benefits – Bitcoin can be transferred globally in seconds without middlemen or their fees.

The blockchain technology underlying Bitcoin creates a transparent, secure system for transactions that eliminates the typical financial intermediaries. As Jeff explains, when you use a credit card at a restaurant, multiple trust companies take their cut and slow down the process. With Bitcoin, the transaction happens instantly, peer-to-peer, with minimal fees and maximum efficiency.

What truly sets this episode apart is the practical investment guidance. After extensive research, B&H Wealth Strategies found that incorporating just a 2.5% Bitcoin position into moderate-risk retirement portfolios improved returns by approximately 20% while barely affecting risk characteristics. For a portfolio targeting 8% returns, that's a boost to 9.6% – significant over time. The key lies in disciplined rebalancing – maintaining that 2.5% allocation by selling high and buying low as Bitcoin's value fluctuates.

Ready to explore whether Bitcoin belongs in your financial strategy? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation and discover how to navigate the digital asset landscape with confidence.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152

Does B&H Wealth Strategies Provide Tax Planning Or Advice?

Taxes are inevitable, but paying more than necessary isn't. In this illuminating discussion, Jeff Bingham of B&H Wealth Strategies breaks down practical strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn while staying fully compliant with tax regulations.

We explore the powerful impact of retirement account contributions on your current tax situation. For 2024, individuals can contribute $8,000 to IRAs (with additional catch-up provisions for those over 50), potentially reducing taxable income by thousands. When coupled with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans that offer matching contributions—essentially free money—these strategies create both immediate tax relief and long-term wealth accumulation.

Whether you're currently working or approaching retirement, these tax strategies can significantly impact your financial trajectory. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today by phone or visit online and discover how personalized tax planning can transform your financial future.

To learn more about B&H Wealth Strategies visit:
https://www.BHRetire.com
B&H Wealth Strategies
423- 247-1152