AMAC Magazine Exclusive – By Frank Kestler
Dear Frank,
My investments seem to be doing fine, but I’m wondering if I’m missing anything by not having a comprehensive financial plan. Is working with a wealth planner really worth it?
Sincerely,
Curious but Cautious
Dear Curious,
That’s a great question—and one we hear often.
Most people associate financial advice with stocks, charts, and quarterly statements. But the real value of working with a seasoned, holistic wealth planner often lies beneath the surface—in strategies that won’t appear on your brokerage statement but can make a profound difference in your financial future.
Many large institutions limit their advisors from diving into tax-sensitive
topics or advanced planning techniques. At RoseMark Advisors, we take a different approach: we believe in looking at your entire financial picture—taxes, income, estate planning, and legacy—to build a plan that works for your life, not just your portfolio.
Here are just a few hidden opportunities a comprehensive wealth planner can help uncover:
1. Old Annuities with Big Gains? You Might Be Sitting on a Tax Trap
Many retirees own non-qualified annuities with large gains. These are taxed on a “last-in, first-out” basis, meaning gains are taxed first—often at the worst possible time.
A skilled planner may help reposition those gains into a tax-free benefit if strategically used for long-term care planning. The result? More control, more care coverage, and more for your heirs—without handing more to the IRS.
2. NUA Strategy: Hidden Gold in Your 401(k)
If you own company stock in your 401(k), the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) strategy may allow you to extract those shares and pay capital gains tax instead of higher ordinary income tax.
It’s a little-known rule that could save you—or your estate—tens of thousands. Yet many advisors never mention it.
3. Tax Loss Harvesting: A Smart Move in Down Markets
During volatility, a seasoned advisor can sell losing investments to offset current or future gains—a technique called tax loss harvesting.
If no one’s managing this for you, you might be leaving tax savings on the table.
4. RMD Relief: Give More or Defer More—Tax Efficiently
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) often trigger unwanted tax consequences. But with the right strategies, you can regain control.
Want to give to charity? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) lets you donate directly from your IRA to a qualified charity—satisfying your RMD while excluding that amount from taxable income. It’s ideal for generous givers who no longer itemize deductions.
Prefer to delay taxes? A Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) allows you to defer a portion of your IRA into a future income stream, reducing your RMDs now and extending the life of your retirement savings. It’s a smart move for those focused on long-term income or care planning.
5. Life Insurance Inside a Retirement Plan? Yes.
If you’re a business owner or self-employed, you may be able to purchase life insurance inside your Profit Sharing Plan (PSP) using pre-tax dollars.
This strategy can boost contributions, grow assets tax-deferred, and pass wealth tax-efficiently to your family. It’s a powerful tool for high earners who want to plan ahead.
Final Thoughts
At RoseMark Advisors, we believe financial planning should go beyond investment returns. It’s about seeing the whole picture, identifying hidden tax traps, and building strategies that work for your goals—today and for generations to come.
If your current advisor isn’t talking to you about these kinds of opportunities, you might not be getting the full value you deserve.
Let’s talk. We’ll show you how to turn your hard-earned assets into more than just growth, and we’ll help you build confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
Signed,
Frank Kestler
Financial Advisor, Rosemark Advisors
888-355-1606
This article is from Volume 19, Issue 4 of The AMAC Magazine (printed on 7/8/2025).
