Author: Zachary Morris, CFP®

Having traveled to over 35 countries, Zach is a believer in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement that Life is about the journey, not the destination. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ provides Zach the opportunity to help clients define and realize their journey, and co-founding Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors, an independent firm, allows the freedom to define the client experience along the way.

What is IRMAA? How to Avoid Medicare Premium Surcharges in 2025

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on October 31, 2025.

couple learning about IRMAA Medicare Premiums

Have you heard of IRMAA Medicare premiums? Did you know the Social Security Administration can charge you more for your Medicare premiums if you make over a certain amount of money? It surprises a lot of people. Especially new retirees who suddenly see a higher Medicare bill.

We’re covering everything you need to know about IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), including how it affects your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums. Even better? Learn how you can potentially appeal IRMAA and pay significantly less or nothing, depending on how much you’re making in retirement.

Can I Take Social Security While Working?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on October 15, 2025.

Did you know you could end up owing thousands of dollars back to Social Security, even if you’ve already received the money? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. There’s one rule that catches a lot of people off guard. The Social Security earnings test. It’s one of the most misunderstood parts of Social Security. If you plan to keep working while collecting benefits, you need to know how it works.

Why a Pension Changes the Way You Should Plan for Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on September 30, 2025.

Are you planning to retire with a pension and want to make the most of it? Unlike 401(k)s or IRAs, pensions tout income for life. Knowing how to optimize your retirement benefits is crucial. Retirement planning goes beyond monthly checks.

Pension retirements are rare these days. How will you ensure stability, flexibility, and financial freedom? We’ll cover what most people don’t know about retiring with a pension.

4 Retirement Traps No One Tells You About

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on September 16, 2025.

Most people spend decades preparing financially for retirement, but very few consider the emotional and mental changes that come with it. Retirement isn’t only about money in the bank. It’s also about identity, purpose, relationships, and planning for the future. Retirement often feels more uncertain and overwhelming than it needs to. The transition out of work is a whole new stage of life with hidden retirement traps that can catch you off guard.

Life will look and feel different when the structure of work is no longer there. Let’s take a look at four challenges that often surprise people after they retire and how to navigate them.

6 Mistakes Your Financial Advisor is Making

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 31, 2025.

Ever wonder if your financial advisor is missing something important? Most people assume their financial adviser has everything under control. Sometimes, that’s true. But even the most well-meaning advisers can overlook important details. Not because they’re bad at their job, but because philosophies and best practices change. Not every adviser adapts to them.

These blind spots can snowball into setbacks like higher taxes in retirement, unnecessary risk, or missed opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes financial advisors make and how to spot them before they derail your financial future.

The Money Saving Secret of Donor Advised Funds Explained

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 13, 2025.

Have you ever wondered what a donor-advised fund is and how you could use it to maximize your charitable giving and tax benefits? There are a few different ways to give to charity. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) or charitable gift funds are one of the most flexible and efficient tools for philanthropy and financial planning. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how DAFs work, how they compare to private foundations, what assets are best to contribute, and the smart strategies you can use to make the most of your giving.

The 5 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Retirement Plans

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on July 15, 2025.

Retirement planning tips to avoid costly financial mistakes before retirement.

If you’re starting to plan for retirement, you’ve got the right idea. But keep in mind retirement isn’t about reaching a magic number in your bank account. Before you spend another dollar, it’s worth taking a step back. Because the truth is, retirement isn’t just about how much money you’ve saved, it’s about the smart choices you make today. One wrong move could mean pushing retirement further away, or worse, never being able to retire at all.

Charitable Gifting 3 Ways

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on June 12, 2025.

Discover strategic charitable giving strategies that can help you support meaningful causes while aligning with your long-term financial plan.

If you’re charitably minded, you may want to consider how you give, not just how much. Some charitable giving strategies can be more tax-efficient and align better with your financial goals, especially during retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss three ways to approach charitable gifting that you may not have heard of, and which may offer more benefits than simply giving cash. They are gifting stock to charity, gifting your required minimum distribution to charity, and utilizing a charitable gift fund. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s the BEST Trust for Your Estate Planning Needs?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 29, 2025.

Learn about the different types of trusts for estate planning, including revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and special needs trusts.

When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful tools that can help individuals maintain control, protect assets, and provide for loved ones. However, understanding the different types of trusts for estate planning can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. In this article, we’ll explore four widely used trusts—testamentary, revocable living, irrevocable, and special needs trusts—and clarify how each one functions.