In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, when making investments in taxable accounts, People tend to mishandle equity comp by treating Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) like a stock pick instead of compensation. When RSUs vest, they’re taxed as ordinary income. It’s like receiving a cash bonus and then automatically buying your company’s shares. Paying the tax doesn’t justify holding the stock. A large position in employer stock is risky because your job and the stock can fall at the same time. Instead, consider selling enough to meet your cash needs, cover taxes, limit concentration, and diversify.

Legacy giving allows individuals to support charities while receiving financial and tax benefits. Common options include charitable gift annuities, which provide fixed lifetime income; charitable remainder trusts, which pay income before remaining assets go to charity; and charitable lead trusts, which benefit charities first before passing assets to heirs. Each strategy offers different advantages depending on a donor's income needs, tax goals, estate planning objectives, and charitable intentions.

Current IRS law allows an individual to give another individual up to $19,000 per year without having to file a gift tax return. However, gift splitting allows a married couple to increase this amount to double the annual limit ($38,000 in total) because both spouses may be treated as giving their $19,000 annual exclusion to each gift recipient. In addition, these gifts of up to $38,000 may be given to multiple recipients without needing to file a gift tax return.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -It has been brought to our attention that after signing a document through DocuSign, you may be prompted to create a DocuSign account for a fee. Creating a DocuSign account is not required to complete your transaction with Planned Solutions.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, when making investments in taxable accounts, there is a balance that must be struck between investment strategy and tax efficiency. Unfortunately, these decisions are often out of balance with tax efficiency, given too much weight, which can negatively impact investment results. Therefore, many investors would actually benefit from paying more in tax in order to implement their investment strategy more efficiently, thus trading short-term tax costs for long-term investment benefits.

Charles Schwab's entry into prediction markets reflects growing investor interest in alternative ways to express views on future events. In addition, it highlights the increasing connection between traditional financial markets and emerging market structures. However, these markets are largely untested and may be subject to manipulation. So, while they offer increased flexibility, they can also result in large losses.

Fixed Income Annuities are complex financial products that often do not generate the long-term rate of returns that investors expect. This is because these policies use complex formulas to determine the contract’s rate of return. These formulas include a participation rate, which limits the rate of return that a contract may earn when the underlying index is performing well. Often, these caps on return have a larger-than-expected impact on the overall rate of return over time.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -Planned Solutions will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for the Fourth of July Holiday. Happy 250thbirthday, America!

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the recent increase in consumer prices has made headlines, but the larger increase in producer prices has largely been ignored. When producer prices increase faster than consumer prices, it puts downward pressure on business profitability. This could negatively impact business earnings reports, as it has in past similar periods, or it could lead to businesses passing on more of the commodity price inflation they are currently experiencing if they get to the point where they cannot eat the lion's share of the higher prices.

The Federal Reserve Yield Curve Recession Indicator has historically been an accurate predictor of a recession within the next year. However, in recent years, the indicator may have been wrong: in May 2024, it predicted a 60% probability of a recession within the following year, but the recession failed to materialize. Now the indicator sits at just a 15% probability of a recession, possibly signaling that the economy is in the clear for now.

A well-crafted estate plan often includes a trust as well as a financial power of attorney. The trustee of the trust is responsible for the trust assets, while the power of attorney is responsible for non-trust assets. In many cases, this may be the same person, but that is not always the case. A major difference being that a power of attorney may need to manage an individual’s financial affairs before death, such as in the case of incapacity, whereas a trustee may manage the trust before death but also be responsible for administering the trust after death.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Planned Solutions sponsored the first annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sacramento golf tournament. The tournament was hosted by former Sacramento Kings center Brad Miller. Despite the windy conditions, the tournament went well, and Shannon, Candice, Carter, and Matt were able to enjoy a day outside working the Planned Solutions hole.

The picture to the left shows Candice and Brad Miller on the 7th hole at Del Paso. We can’t agree on whether Brad is really tall, Candice is really short, or both.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, Recent economic disruptions have caused the Fed and investors to rethink their expectations for the future path of interest rates. Higher inflation, largely due to increased oil and commodity prices, has reduced the likelihood of lower interest rates in the future, as the Fed will likely be hesitant to lower rates in a rising inflation environment. In addition, investors may be less willing to accept lower interest rates on longer-term bonds because of higher inflation risk.

Digital assets, such as crypto, fall under a broad category of investments called alternative investments. Alternatives are intended to create greater diversification within a portfolio to complement more common investments, such as stocks and bonds. Therefore, when investing, it is important to consider the diversification benefits between holdings rather than being overweight in just one asset class, including digital assets.

The Department of the Treasury, pursuant to a recent Executive Order, is now pushing taxpayers to receive their tax refunds via electronic transfer rather than issuing paper checks. This move is intended to speed up payment processing and reduce fraud. While paper checks will still be issued under some exceptions, taxpayers should shift to the electronic payment platform where possible to avoid delays.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Planned Solutions is working on filing Form 5500s for clients who have Solo 401k plans. The Form 5500 is an informational form filed with the Department of Labor. There is no tax due with the filing, but a failure to file penalty can be as high as $250 per day.

Planned Solutions has also started filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). These informational reports are required to be filed by US citizens, green card holders, and residents who have an ownership interest in a foreign bank account with an aggregate valuethat exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2025.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

Intro 00:00 Interest Rate Policy 01:09Diversifying in Digital Assets 13:19IRS Direct Deposit 20:05PSI Office Bulletin Board 24:31

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the current boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment has fueled stock market gains. However, these investments are based on high growth expectations and an eventual path to profitability for the largest AI companies. While AI software is inherently scalable, the hardware (data centers) required to support it is not as easy to scale. This could be the constraint that causes the AI growth rate to slow, extending the timeline to profitability, which could make these investments look less attractive.

The S&P 500 earnings season has started out strong. With roughly 50% of companies having already reported, S&P 500 earnings for the first quarter are projected at $70.10, a 10.35% increase from the prior quarter and a 21.51% increase from the same quarter a year ago. These strong earnings are likely what is driving stock prices higher despite the recent geopolitical risks.

Foreign stocks had a good run in 2025. This trend appeared to be poised to continue in 2026, with the foreign stock index strongly outperforming the US stock market for the first two months. However, with the start of the war with Iran, the US market has recovered to new highs, whereas foreign stocks have not performed as well. Now the return between US stocks and foreign stocks has converged, with foreign stocks having a slight edge this year.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Chase, Shannon, Joel, and Daryl played in a golf tournament at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course supporting a local charity that provides activities for teens with mental development disorders. While we did not play our best, they did a great job putting on a good tournament to raise money for a good cause.

Carter and Matt have survived their first tax season. As a reward, they have been promoted from the shared back office to their own offices with a window. This will also put them closer to the front of the office, which hopefully will make it easier to hear clients dropping in when some of the people normally up front are out of the office, away from their desk, or in the back working on compiling paperwork.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the private credit market has rattled Wall Street and the broader credit markets recently. The story follows a common theme. A smaller market is promoted heavily by investment marketers, causing many investors to flood into a market that does not have the infrastructure to support it. Then something goes wrong, and investors run for the exit, but the market does not have enough liquidity to handle the levels of redemptions, causing prices to fall and, in some cases, redemptions to be suspended.

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady thus far in 2026 and recently signaled that it will likely remain on pause as the committee monitors the impact of higher oil prices and reduced oil supply. Earlier this year, the market priced in the expectation that the Fed would keep rates steady in early 2026 and cut rates later in the year. The market is now pricing in a 52% probability that the Fed will raise interest rates at least once in 2026, a major reversal.S&P 500 earnings growth rebounded in early 2025 and accelerated during the year. By the third quarter, the year-over-year earnings growth rate increased to more than 20%, with the fourth quarter expected to report similar results. This strong earnings growth may be one reason that the stock market has been more resilient thus far to increased geopolitical uncertainty than would be expected.Several US stock indexes entered correction territory, which means prices declined by 10% or more from their previous all-time highs. Corrections are considered normal, whereas a bear market (a decline of 20% or more) is considered much more serious and often signals a future economic recession. So the market activity so far is concerning, but signals that it is too early to take action, given the uncertainty currently impacting the markets and the economy.Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board - Anyone unable to complete and file their personal income tax returns by the April 15th deadline may file for an automatic six-month extension to file their taxes, making the extended deadline October 15th. However, an extension of time to file income tax returns is not an extension of time to pay any taxes that may be due. Instead, taxpayers are required to estimatetheir income, deductions, and credits, even if they do not have all the final numbers available, and if there is tax due, make a payment with their request for an extension.If an extension is filed and the final tax returns are filed after April 15th with a balance due, the IRS and state tax authorities may assess interest on the amount due as well as underpayment penalties. Therefore, it is important to complete as much of the tax return as possible before the April 15th deadline so the tax liability, if any, can be estimated as accurately as possible.To subscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast), please e-mail ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, the price of oil per barrel surged in response to the war with Iran. Businesses are understandably hoarding oil, often by buying futures contracts, to ensure they have access to a critical input. This, combined with oil's unique nature that demand often remains steady even when prices rise, makes it a market that is especially volatile in response to an increase or a decrease in the level of supply.

The amount of money that can be allocated to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for childcare expenses increased from $5,000 per year to $7,500 per year in 2026. Using this type of plan to pay for childcare expenses on a pre-tax basis is typically attractive for high-income taxpayers who know they will incur childcare expenses within the FSA plan year.

Income tax planning often involves balancing many factors that may not be related directly to income taxes. For example, income tax planning following the recent tax law changes may involve increasing income to take advantage of new tax deductions. However, additional income may result inphased-out deductions, credits, or additional costs, such as the Medicare IRMAA (a means-testing surcharge) that increases monthly Medicare premiums for higher-income taxpayers.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

There is approximately one month remaining in tax season. So, if you have not already done so, now is the time to start gathering your tax information and making plans to have your income taxes prepared. Many tax preparers are inundated in late March and early April by clients who delay submitting their tax documentation. If the backlog is too large, the preparer may not be able to play catch-up and may have to put clients on extension.

Joel attended an economic update symposium put on by River City Bank. The event features speakers discussing both the local Sacramento economy and the national economy.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Podcast, we discuss several new tax deductions available in 2025. In addition, the qualifications and income limits for some existing tax deductions have changed. With so much change, it can be beneficial to review a summary of some of the deductions that may be available and the requirements to be able to qualify for the tax benefit.

The increased tax deduction for taxpayers over age 65 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may create a reason to rethink Roth IRA conversions. The added deduction could cause taxpayers to have more room in lower tax brackets to add income through a Roth conversion that will be taxed at lower tax rates. However, the math is complicated, so it is advisable to consult a tax professional before committing to a strategy.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a common form of employee compensation in some industries. Under these plans, employees receive shares of stock as part of their overall compensation. The value of the shares when they vest is then taxable to the employee and is subject to income tax withholding, as well as Social Security and Medicare tax withholding. The shares sold to cover these taxes must be reported on the employee’s income tax return.

Plus, a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board -

Non-retirement Form 1099s are often delayed or, if issued on time, subject to later corrections. According to Schwab, this year, the final batch of 1099s was due to be posted by the end of February. Therefore, the most current forms now available should be the final 1099s and can be used to file 2025 income tax returns with little risk of a correction that may require an amended tax return.

The markets have already reacted to the recently initiated military activity in Iran. The impact has been felt in the currency markets, commodity markets, and stock markets. While it is still too early to know the overall impact that this increased instability in the Middle East will have on the markets in the longer-term, we have risk management tools in place that are specifically designed to address this type of uncertainty. We will continue to monitor developments closely and make investment changes based on these developments should they become warranted.

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Planned Solutions, Inc.ADDRESS: 1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170, Folsom, CA 95630 PHONE: ⁠(916) 361-0100⁠ or ⁠(800) 750-2111⁠E-MAIL: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠m⁠ FAX: (916) 361-0191WEBSITE:⁠www.PlannedSolutions.com