​A Roth IRA conversion lets you move money from a regular IRA into a Roth IRA. You pay taxes now, but the money grows tax‑free after that. Many people use this strategy as part of their financial planning, especially when they are getting ready to retire.
Roth conversions can help:

• Lower future taxes
• Reduce estate taxes
• Give your family tax‑free money later

• Assist you in minimizing Medicare (IRMAA) expenses

 
Roth IRA conversions are a popular financial planning topic, especially regarding their timing and suitability. Previously, I argued that converting makes clear sense for clients facing an estate tax, since it lowers the taxable estate’s size.  That article was called “Shrinking the Estate, Growing the Legacy: Why Roth Conversions Can Be a Beautiful Thing.”
 
Another straightforward planning opportunity is converting IRAs to Roth IRAs when you anticipate a period of lower taxable income. This allows one to level out their income and avoid higher tax brackets (or IRMAA problems) later as government mandated RMDs (required minimum distributions) force traditional IRA distributions.
 
A Simple Example
Let’s look at a couple--John and Mary.

• John is 65 and ready to retire.
• Mary is younger and still working.

For a few years, they project that their income will decline because John has stopped working. But later, their income will go up again when Social Security and required IRA withdrawals (RMDs) start.
This rise in income can push them into a higher tax bracket (as noted below).

​How Roth Conversions Help
Between ages 65 and 69, John and Mary have a window where their income is lower. This is a great time to convert some of their IRA money into a Roth IRA.
By paying some taxes now:

• They avoid bigger tax bills later
• They keep their tax rate lower for more years
• They save more than $102,000 over time

You can see this in the tax estimate below post a hypothetical series of Roth Conversions.

​Note: the spike in estimated income tax at ages 89-90 is due to the couple being self-insured for long-term care. They withdrew heavily from tax-deferred assets to cover these costs, leading to higher potential taxable income during those years.

Why Roth IRAs Help Your Family Too
A Roth IRA has no required minimum distributions (RMDs). If John and Mary leave Roth IRAs to their children:

• The kids don’t owe taxes on withdrawals
• They can wait up to 10 years before taking out all the money
  
  

This means their family potentially gets more tax‑free growth.
 
Want to Know If a Roth Conversion Is Right for You?
If you want help deciding, reach out to our team at InTrust Advisors.

We offer wealth management and financial planning designed to help you keep more of your hard‑earned money and build a strong retirement.

Click the link to schedule a free consultation.
 

​Markets often rise due to a steady flow of investment dollars from retirement plans and pensions. Millions of workers contribute to 401(k)s and pension funds every month, and this money is automatically invested in stocks and bonds. This creates constant demand, called by some the giant mindless robot, pushes prices higher—even when some investors sell or economic news is negative. This “passive flow” is now one of the most important forces driving markets upward.

What Is Fiscal Dominance and How Does It Affect Markets?
Another factor in market resilience is fiscal dominance.  Fiscal dominance means the government is spending large amounts of taxpayer money through deficits and direct-to-consumer programs. This artificial stimulus can drive markets higher, making traditional signals like company valuations or earnings less relevant than before.

What Risks Could Cause Markets to Fall?
Does this mean markets will never fall?  Certainly not, here are some risk factors that can impact this steady flow of funds:

1. Reduced Retirement Contributions: If employment drops due to a recession or AI-driven job losses, the flow of retirement savings into markets could shrink, removing a key support for rising prices.
2. Government or Fed Inaction: If the government or Federal Reserve cannot intervene during a downturn, markets may not recover as quickly.
3. Cracks in Private Equity and Credit Markets: Some investments are being marked down sharply, indicating underlying risks.
4. Concentration of Wealth: Passive flows concentrate wealth in a few large companies, leaving smaller businesses behind.

What Should Investors Do to Protect Their Portfolios?

1. Don’t Just Buy the Dip: Blindly following the crowd can be risky if market conditions change.
2. Build a Disciplined Plan: Focus on valuations, fundamentals, and risk management. Set clear rules for buying and selling.
3. Diversify: Spread investments across asset classes, market regimes, and management styles (active and passive).
4. Be Ready for Surprises: Markets don’t always repeat the past, and conditions can change quickly.

How Can InTrust Advisors Help?
At InTrust Advisors, we prioritize process over prediction. We use a disciplined risk management process and careful analysis to protect client capital, helping you navigate changing markets with clarity and confidence.

Worried About Your Portfolio?
Are you nervous about your portfolio?  Why not get a Free Second Opinion?  FIND OUT MORE HERE.
 

Why Holiday Spending Gets Out of Control
Between gifts, parties, travel, and social events, it’s easy to lose track of expenses. According to recent studies, the average American spends over $1,000 on holiday gifts alone. Add in entertaining, travel, and charitable giving, and the costs can quickly snowball.

Common holiday spending traps:

• Impulse purchases and last-minute gifts
• Overspending on parties and decorations
• Unplanned travel expenses
• Forgetting about hidden costs (shipping, tips, extra groceries)

The Financial Impact: More Than Just January Blues
Overspending during the holidays can lead to credit card debt, stress, and setbacks in your financial planning. It can also impact your ability to save for retirement, invest, or meet other wealth management goals. As a financial advisor, I recommend treating holiday spending like any other major expense: plan ahead, set limits, and track your progress.

Your Holiday Budget Tool: Our Gift to You!
To help you celebrate wisely, we’re offering a free Holiday Budget Tool. This simple worksheet lets you plan for:

• Holiday parties (food, drinks, decorations)
• Gifts (family, friends, colleagues)
• Social/fun events (concerts, outings, experiences)
• Travel (flights, hotels, gas, meals)
• Other holiday costs (charity, tips, extra groceries)

Tips for Smart Holiday Spending

• Set a total budget and break it down by category.
• Shop with a list to avoid impulse buys.
• Look for deals and use rewards points where possible.
• Give experiences instead of expensive gifts.
• Plan charitable giving as part of your overall financial strategy.
• Don't be the guy in the picture and load up on after-Christmas deals that were not in your budget.  We guys have all been that guy holding onto the cart.  Admit it guys! 

Celebrate the Season—And Your Financial Success
The holidays should be a time of joy, not financial regret. With a little planning, you can celebrate, give generously, and start the new year on solid financial ground. If you need help with budgeting, wealth management, or financial planning, our team in Tampa is here for you.

Happy Holidays from InTrust Advisors!
Ready to take control of your holiday spending? Get our free Holiday Budget Tool or schedule a Strategy Session to start the new year with confidence.

​Meet Carol, a 72-year-old widow with a $6 million IRA and a $10 million estate. She’s not spending much, and her Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are just adding to her taxable estate. Her kids are successful, but she wants to leave them something meaningful—and ideally, not a tax headache.

Carol’s estate is projected to exceed the federal exemption, meaning her heirs could face a 40% estate tax on everything above the limit. That’s a big bite.

So, what do we do?

We start converting.

Each year, Carol converts $500,000 from her traditional IRA to a Roth. She pays the tax now, reducing her estate and shrinking the assets subject to that 40% hit. The Roth grows tax-free, and her heirs can stretch the account for up to 10 years after her passing—without triggering immediate income tax.

It’s not about guessing future tax rates. It’s about controlling the timing of taxes, reducing estate exposure, and creating a more flexible legacy.

So when do we like Roth conversions?

• When estate taxes are in play. Shrinking taxable assets now can save millions later.
• When we can control the tax timing. RMDs force your hand. Conversions let you choose.
• When legacy is the goal. Roth IRAs give heirs time—10 years of tax-free growth, if managed properly.

​We don’t love conversions as a bet on future tax rates. That’s like trying to predict the weather in 2045. But when the math works, and the goals are clear, Roth conversions can be a beautiful thing.

Want to explore whether a Roth conversion makes sense for you? Start with a 15-Minute Retirement Check-In, or dive deeper with a Strategy Session or Partnered Planning engagement.  We start with a quick check-in, move into strategy, and offer ongoing partnership for those who want deeper support. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about aligning your financial life with your values and goals.

Sometimes, the best tax strategy isn’t about saving today—it’s about planning for tomorrow.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s natural to reflect on what we’re grateful for—and how we can share our blessings with others. At InTrust Advisors, we believe that thankfulness and generosity aren’t just virtues; they’re powerful tools for building a legacy and creating financial benefits for you and your loved ones.

The First Recorded Generous Giver
History is filled with stories of generosity, but one of the earliest comes from the Book of Acts in the Bible. Barnabas, known as “the son of encouragement,” sold a piece of land and gave the proceeds to support his community—no strings attached [1]. His gift wasn’t just financial; it was a statement of faith, hope, and unity. Barnabas’s legacy reminds us that giving is about more than money—it’s about making a lasting impact.

The Joy of Giving: More Than a Feeling
Research shows that giving—whether time, money, or resources—boosts happiness, strengthens relationships, and even improves health. But did you know that generosity can also be a smart financial strategy? When you give, you not only help others, but you can also unlock valuable tax benefits for both income and estate planning.

Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving
Here are some evergreen ways giving can benefit your financial plan:

• Income Tax Deductions: Gifts to qualified charities can be deducted from your taxable income, up to certain limits depending on nature of gift and the type of recipient. If you donate appreciated securities, you may avoid capital gains tax while still receiving a deduction for the full market value.
• Estate Tax Benefits: Charitable bequests reduce the size of your taxable estate, potentially lowering or eliminating estate taxes. There’s no limit to the estate tax charitable deduction—every dollar given to charity comes off the top of your estate.
• Donor-Advised Funds & Charitable Trusts: These vehicles allow you to give now, receive immediate tax benefits, and recommend grants to charities over time. Charitable remainder trusts can provide income to you or loved ones, with the remainder going to charity—offering both income and estate tax advantages.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re over 70½, you can donate directly from your IRA to charity, satisfying required minimum distributions and reducing taxable income—even if you don’t itemize deductions.

​Evergreen Strategies for Every Giver

• Bunching Donations: Combine several years’ worth of giving into one year to exceed the standard deduction and maximize your tax benefit.
• Gifting Appreciated Assets: Donate stocks, real estate, or other assets that have grown in value to avoid capital gains tax and receive a larger deduction.
• Naming Charities in Your Estate Plan: Leave a legacy by including charitable organizations as beneficiaries in your will, trust, or retirement accounts.

Thankfulness in Action
Generosity isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you’re supporting a local food bank, funding scholarships, or helping your church, every gift counts. As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the joy of giving and the lasting impact it can have on our families, our communities, and our financial futures.

If you’d like to explore how charitable giving can benefit your financial plan, estate, or taxes, schedule a Strategy Session with us. We’re here to help you turn thankfulness into a legacy.