The Echelon Journal

Money matters,
simplified.

Long-form writing on planning, tax, estate, and the decisions that compound over a lifetime. Published when we have something worth saying — never on a schedule.

Two people holding a tablet with a "Donate" screen featuring a heart and hands, highlighting donor advised fund tax deduction opportunities.
If you’re a high-income investor looking to save on taxes while supporting causes you care about, I have good news….

June 17, 2025

A high net worth financial advisor engages with a family, including a woman holding a mug and a young girl, while discussing information on a laptop.
Are you managing millions in assets but still using the same financial playbook from your wealth-building years? Today I’m sharing…

June 12, 2025

A group of older adults attentively taking notes, possibly learning about mega backdoor Roth strategies.

Introduction I’ve guided many clients through the powerful “mega backdoor Roth” strategy. This approach involves the strategic rollover of after-tax…

June 10, 2025

A person analyzes an inverted yield curve on a digital financial chart display, emphasizing the curve's downward trend.
I want to give you a thorough understanding of one of the most powerful economic indicators available – the yield…

June 5, 2025

A fiduciary financial advisor in formal attire sits at a desk with a gavel, symbolizing authority and responsibility.
Introduction: Why the Advisor You Choose Makes All the Difference In today’s complex financial world, finding the right guidance can…

June 3, 2025

A group of business professionals in a meeting room discuss a financial document related to a backdoor Roth IRA strategy.
I want to share a story about one of my clients, John, a 50 year old successful entrepreneur. He owns…

May 29, 2025

An older couple happily reviews tax reduction strategies for retirement on a laptop and smartphone at a table with a cup of coffee.
Introduction: Strategies to Reduce Your Retirement Taxes Many retirees are unaware of the tax traps waiting for them in retirement….

May 27, 2025

Business professionals engage in discussion about ESOPs, overlaid with bar graphs and percentage labels representing varying levels of employee ownership.

As a financial advisor with decades of experience in business transition planning, I often find that business owners face important…

May 22, 2025

The U.S.
Understanding the SECURE Act 2.0: A Financial Advisor’s Guide It is important to understand the SECURE Act 2.0 and how…

May 20, 2025

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