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.

Colleagues collaborate around a table, analyzing and discussing financial charts for optimization strategies.
Smart Money Moves: Your Guide to Financial Optimization in 2025 I’m excited to share practical strategies to strengthen your financial…

May 8, 2025

Two people in suits analyze financial data on a laptop, surrounded by coins and paperwork, highlighting the evaluation of tax loss harvesting worth.
I want to share how tax loss harvesting can improve your investment performance over time. This strategy might sound complex,…

May 6, 2025

People are working together at a table with documents and graphs, focusing on financial concepts like net unrealized appreciation.
Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) in Retirement Planning: The Hidden Tax Strategy That Could Save You Thousands Introduction When it comes…

March 17, 2025

Two men in suits examine documents on a table, symbolizing considerations for choosing an accountant.
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, success often hinges on making smart financial decisions. And the quality of those decisions…

March 12, 2025

A monochrome aerial view of a cityscape with a prominent bridge, river, and surrounding residential and commercial properties, illustrating aspects of rental property depreciation.
Introduction When it comes to real estate investing, tax strategies can be just as important as property selection. Depreciation is…

March 10, 2025

Two people discuss financial graphs and charts during a tax planning session, with a calculator and a laptop on the table.
Introduction Tax planning is more than just filing your returns correctly each year. It’s about making financial decisions throughout the…

March 10, 2025

A financial advisor and a client review documents and charts together during a consultation, emphasizing the importance of asking informed questions.
Introduction When you know the right questions to ask a prospective financial advisor, you make informed decisions that save you…

March 10, 2025

A computer screen displays a Social Security Enrollment Form, emphasizing the importance of determining the best age to take social security.
With the demise of guaranteed pensions, and in light of the risks you face in managing your own retirement assets,…

February 17, 2025

A person in a suit sits at a desk reviewing financial documents and charts, surrounded by laptops, reflecting on business valuation methods.
A key component of a buy-sell agreement or other business transition documents is the provision of a predetermined valuation clause…

February 17, 2025

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