Selling a Rental Property? Here’s What You Actually Keep After Taxes
The sale price isn’t the number that matters. It’s what you keep. Between capital gains, depreciation recapture, 1245 vs. 1250 treatment, and state taxes… the gap can be bigger than most expect. A few things to keep in mind: • Depreciation isn’t free…it gets recaptured • Not all assets are taxed the same • Sale […]
The Hidden Cost of Paying Off Debt Too Fast
Most people think being debt-free = being financially optimized. Not always. We recently sat down with a client who did everything “right” according to the traditional playbook…paid off all debt as fast as possible. The problem? It left them with very little liquidity. Here’s the tradeoff not everyone talks about: ▪️ Not all debt is […]
Wash Sale Rule Explained: Avoid Losing Tax Deductions When Selling Investments
Most investors think they’re locking in a loss for tax purposes… until they realize they didn’t. The wash sale rule is one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) parts of investing—and it can quietly impact your tax strategy if you’re not paying attention. In this video, I break down: What a wash sale actually is […]
Securities Backed Line of Credit How Sophisticated Investors Access Liquidity Without Selling Assets
Liquidity needs don’t always align with market conditions. Yet many investors still default to selling assets, often creating unnecessary tax consequences and disrupting a well-constructed portfolio. In this video, I explain how a securities-backed line of credit can provide liquidity while allowing your investments to remain fully intact. It’s a tool that, when used appropriately, […]
Mutual Funds vs ETFs: Stop Paying Hidden Taxes
Most investors don’t realize this… you can get hit with capital gains taxes in a mutual fund even if you didn’t sell anything! In this Financial Fitness Short, I break down: • The key structural differences between mutual funds and ETFs • Why ETFs are generally more tax-efficient in your brokerage accounts • How fund […]
RMDs Explained: When They Start, How They’re Taxed, and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
Most people spend decades building their retirement accounts… but very few understand how those accounts get taxed when it’s time to take the money out. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the IRS’s way of forcing distributions from pre-tax retirement accounts—and if you’re not prepared, they can create unnecessary tax headaches. In this video, we break […]
The Most Important Financial Number Most People Don’t Know
Here’s where a lot of financial stress and missed opportunity comes from… Most people focus on what they make. But, very few know what they actually spend. Over time, expenses creep up. Not all at once… just gradually. And without realizing it, your margin starts to disappear. The goal isn’t to cut everything back. It’s […]
How to Turn Market Losses Into Tax Savings – Tax Loss Harvesting Explained
Volatility in the market isn’t just something to ride out… it can be an opportunity. In this video, we break down tax loss harvesting—a powerful strategy investors can use to turn market losses into tax savings, especially during periods of market volatility. At a high level, tax loss harvesting is simple: If an investment is […]
Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady: What It Means for Inflation, Markets & Your Money
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but what does that actually mean for inflation, the stock market, and your financial plan? In this video, we break down the Fed’s latest decision and what it signals about the path forward for interest rates. You’ll learn: Why the Fed chose not to cut rates What “sticky […]
Surprise Tax Refund or Tax Bill? Your W-4 Might Be Wrong
Most people think getting a big tax refund is a win. In reality, it usually means you gave the government an interest-free loan for the past 12 months. Right now millions of people are filing their 2025 tax returns and finding one of two things: • They owe money • They’re getting a big refund […]
Iran Conflict & Your Investments: What You Need to Know
Volatility doesn’t destroy wealth. Poor positioning does. With the U.S. and Israel now having launched attacks against Iran, the immediate question isn’t, “Is this bad?”. Clients are asking us, “What changes?” Right now, the variable the market is looking at the most is energy. About 20% of global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. […]
Asset Location vs Asset Allocation: The Easy Tax Strategy Investors Miss
Two investors can own the exact same portfolio… And have very different after-tax results. Why? Asset allocation vs. asset location. Allocation answers: ▪️ What percentage is in stocks, bonds, alternatives, cash? Location answers: ▪️ Which assets belong in taxable accounts vs. IRAs vs. Roth accounts? Get this wrong and you could be quietly bleeding after-tax […]
Estate Planning 101: The First Step
No estate plan? Your state already has one. And it probably doesn’t reflect your wishes. At Olympus Wealth Strategies, we consider estate planning essential. Even a simple will or revocable trust ensures: • Your assets go where you intend • Family avoids unnecessary stress • Control over your wealth and potential for privacy You worked […]
What are Trump Accounts? Investing for Kids Explained
Here’s a new account that lets kids invest from day one. Meet 530A accounts aka “Trump Accounts”. Here’s what to know: • All children under 18 are eligible to open this account • Effectively a child’s IRA, without earned income required • Parents, grandparents, or even companies can contribute • Designed for long-term growth starting […]
A Common Life Insurance Mistake to Avoid
Most people think about life insurance the wrong way. They think, “What’s my mortgage balance?” But the better question is: “If I didn’t come home tomorrow, what income would my family lose?” Ideally term life insurance isn’t meant to just pay off debts. It’s meant to replace income, protect your family’s lifestyle, and give them […]
Before You Change Anything This Year, Take Inventory
Not everything needs to change in the new year. But everything should be understood. Most people don’t have bad investments – but typically disconnected strategies. Old 401(k)s, IRAs, brokerage accounts… all doing something, but not necessarily working together. Financial discipline starts with inventory. If you (or your advisor) can’t explain what role each account plays, […]
Got a Raise? Should You Increase Your 401(k) in 2026?
Got a raise? Here’s one simple move: Before lifestyle creep kicks in, consider this: Bump your 401(k) contribution by just 1%. For 2026 here’s the limits: • Max: $24,500 • Catch-up (50+): $8,000 • Catch-up ages 60–63: $11,250 One rule change to know: If you made $150k+ last year, catch-ups are generally Roth only. Small […]
Emergency Fund Basics: How Much Savings You Really Need
Life doesn’t wait until you’re financially ready. In this week’s Financial Fitness episode, we focus on the importance of building an emergency fund — one of the most foundational (and often overlooked) parts of a healthy financial plan. We discuss realistic savings goals, why credit lines aren’t the same as true liquidity, and how having […]
Financial Fitness – Designate Beneficiaries
💪 Introducing Financial Fitness with Olympus Wealth Strategies! We’re kicking off 2026 with our Financial Fitness video series, designed to help you build smarter, stronger financial habits all year long. Each week, we’ll share practical, easy-to-follow steps to help you feel confident about your finances. First tip? Check your beneficiaries. Making sure they’re named correctly […]
Open Enrollment Tips
t’s that time of year again… open enrollment season. While it’s easy to just “roll over last year’s elections,” this is one of the most impactful financial decisions you make each year. Your choices here affect everything from your take-home pay to your out-of-pocket costs and even your long-term financial plan. A few reminders before […]
Long term Care
Long-term care is one of the biggest gaps we see in retirement plans. It’s not just about nursing homes or assisted living, it’s about protecting your independence, your choices, and your family’s financial well-being. It’s important to know your choices and we break down your options in this video. At Olympus Wealth Strategies, we believe […]
IRMAA
Most people don’t realize this… Your Medicare premiums aren’t fixed. They’re based on your income — and even one good year can bump you into something called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). In plain English: if your income goes above certain thresholds, you could pay hundreds more per month for the exact same coverage. The […]
Life insurance
If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family be financially okay? Life insurance is one of those things nobody likes to think about until they wish they had more of it. The truth? Most families are underinsured, not because they don’t care, but because they assume what they have is already enough. But protecting […]
Will vs Trust
When it comes to estate planning, I often hear the same question: “Do I need a will or a trust?” The truth is, both have their place. A will outlines your wishes and passes through probate. A trust, on the other hand, is often used to help families avoid delays, costs, and unnecessary stress. In […]
Charitable Giving
Giving to charity is good. Giving strategically can make an even bigger impact. Whether you’re passionate about your church, a local nonprofit, or a cause across the globe, there are ways to support what you care about while being tax-savvy. Here are some smart ways to give: ▪️ Gifting appreciated stock – avoid capital gains […]
Saving for College
🎓 Saving for college? Here are the 3 main paths families typically consider: 1. 529 Plan – Tax-advantaged, flexible, and often the go-to option for most families. 2. Coverdell ESA – More limited in contributions but allows for more investment options. 3. Prepaid Tuition Plans – Lock in today’s tuition rates at certain schools, but […]
Employer Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Got company stock? Before you sell, make sure you understand how it’s taxed. In this quick video, we break down: 🔹 What an Employer Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is 🔹 The two ways ESPP shares can be taxed 🔹 What to know before you hit “sell” Your company stock can be a powerful benefit, if […]
Qualified Small Business Stock
Are you a founder, early employee, or investor in a startup? Then you should know about Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) — one of the most powerful and underutilized tax planning opportunities for early-stage equity holders. QSBS may allow eligible investors to exclude up to 100% of capital gains on the sale of qualified stock […]
Tax Smart Planning
Are you making the IRS your favorite charity? 😬 You might be – without even realizing it. The tax code is complicated, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost you. With the right planning, you can keep more of what you earn. In this video, I cover 5 smart, legal strategies to help reduce […]
Cash Alternatives
Holding cash feels safe. But is it actually costing you? Here’s the reality: 1️⃣ Inflation erodes value. 3% inflation on $500K = $15K in lost purchasing power…every year. 2️⃣ Missed earnings. Idle cash today could be earning 4% + in Treasuries or money markets. 3️⃣ Hidden risk. Too much in one account? You may be […]
1031 Exchange
What if you could sell an investment property… and hit pause on paying capital gains taxes? That’s exactly what a 1031 exchange lets you do. It’s an IRS-approved move that lets you roll the proceeds from one property into another — deferring taxes and keeping more of your money working for you. In this quick […]
Roth IRA
You work hard. So should your retirement plan. Roth IRAs grow tax-free and come out tax-free. In this short video, we break down some of the Roth IRA’s biggest financial planning benefits. Let’s make your money work for you. https://www.investolympus.com/ #rothira #retirementplanning #olympuswealthstrategies #financialplanning #taxplanning #wealthmanagement
Dealing with Debt
It’s one of the most common money questions we get: “Should I focus on investing—or pay down my debt first?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer that works for everyone. But there are a few things you need to consider. In this short video, we’ll walk you through three smart questions that can help you make the […]
3 Mid-Year Questions to Ask your Advisor
If you’re working with a financial advisor, ask yourself this: 🔹 What have they actually done for me this year? 🔹 Have they reached out? 🔹 Have they helped me spot new opportunities—or simply maintained the status quo? You deserve an advisor who proactively evolves your plan, adjusts your strategy, and keeps you informed. In […]
Business Owners – Solo 401(k) or Defined Benefit Plan?
Here’s a question that comes up a lot for business owners that don’t have any employees. “Should I go with a Solo 401(k) or a Personal Defined Benefit Plan?” If you’re self-employed and planning for retirement, these two options should be on your radar – and for good reason. They both offer powerful benefits, but […]
HSAs
One of the most powerful retirement tools? You might already have it. This quick video explains why your HSA could rival a Roth IRA in tax efficiency—if you use it the right way. At Olympus Wealth Strategies, we’ll help you invest it, grow it, and use it wisely as part of your customized tax-smart retirement […]
Can I Retire
Approaching retirement? It’s an exciting time! But there are a few strategic moves that could make a big difference in your final working years — especially when it comes to your savings and taxes. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re preparing for the final stretch. Ready to build a retirement strategy you can […]
401k Rollover Choices
Let’s bust some top myths about 401(k) rollovers! Are you leaving a job? Or maybe you still have old 401(k)s with your former employer. Let’s explore your choices – and help you avoid costly mistakes! Your retirement savings deserve a smart strategy. Have questions about your choices? https://www.investolympus.com/contact-us/ #retirementplanning #wealthmanagement
Financial Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is about more than refreshing your home! When life changes, your financial plan should too. But how often do we actually stop to check if our goals, safeguards, and strategies still fit? Outdated financial goals and strategies can quietly hold you back, and financial spring cleaning is really about protecting your future. At […]
Market Volatility
The current market swings we have experienced surrounding tariff uncertainty can test even the most seasoned investors. Here are three things to remember during periods of market volatility. Have questions about how volatility is impacting your portfolio? We’re here to help: https://www.investolympus.com/contact-us/ #financialplanning #riskmanagement #wealthmanagement
Save on Taxes
Tax season is almost over, but there’s still time to save! Check out these last-minute strategies that can keep more money in your pocket and avoid tipping the IRS. Need help? Let’s talk! https://www.investolympus.com/contact-us/ #taxplanning