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.

Get the Most Out of Your Home Purchase with These Tax Tips!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 10, 2025.

In this video, I share a tax-saving strategy that allows you to maximize deductions when purchasing a home. If you’re looking to optimize your tax benefits, understanding the difference between mortgage interest deduction and investment interest deduction is important to effectively execute this strategy. The mortgage interest deduction is limited to loans of $750,000 or less under current tax laws, often leaving homeowners with unused interest expenses that don’t qualify for tax deductions.

How Can You Maximize the Benefit from Your ISOs?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 10, 2025.

If you’re holding Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and wondering how to exercise them strategically to minimize taxes, you’re in the right place. In this video, I’ll explain the key factors that can help you maximize your tax advantages, such as achieving a qualifying disposition and understanding the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Is Roth 401k Really Better Than Traditional for Your Retirement?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on February 1, 2025.

In this video, I’ll explain the key differences between a Traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k)—two popular retirement savings options offered by employers. Understanding how these accounts differ can help you make smarter financial decisions and optimize your retirement savings strategy. Both plans offer tax advantages, but knowing which one suits your situation depends on when you want to benefit from those tax savings—now or later.

Can Small Business Owners REALLY Achieve Financial Freedom?

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

As a small business owner, have you ever wondered, “How much do I need to sell my business for to retire comfortably?” In this video, I’ll guide you through the essential steps to calculate your number—the amount you need from the sale of your business to achieve your retirement dreams.

Planning for retirement as a business owner is different. Unlike traditional employees, your business is likely your largest asset—and your key to financial freedom. But how do you bridge the gap between your business’s current value and your ideal retirement target? That’s exactly what we’ll cover.

Are You Making This COSTLY Backdoor Roth Mistake?

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on January 10, 2025.

If you’re planning a Backdoor Roth IRA conversion, understanding the pro-rata rule is crucial to avoid unexpected tax bills. This often-overlooked rule can significantly impact your retirement strategy, especially if you have pre-tax funds in any of your IRAs.

In this video, I explain the complexities of the pro-rata rule and how it can affect Backdoor Roth conversions. I’ll start with the basics of IRA contributions, breaking down how pre-tax and after-tax contributions differ. Understanding this distinction is key to helping your conversion go smoothly and minimizing additional taxes.

The 4 Best Ways to Save for Your Child’s Future: Pros and Cons Explained

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on January 5, 2025.

In this video, I’m breaking down four popular ways to save for your child’s future—from college savings to long-term investment accounts—and weighing the pros and cons of each. If you’re exploring options for your family, understanding these choices can help you create a plan that aligns with your goals and your child’s needs.

We’ll discuss 529 plans, UTMA accounts, Roth IRAs, and Joint Accounts, covering their unique features and tax benefits, along with any potential drawbacks. From education savings to general-purpose funds, you’ll get a clear picture of which option might work best for your family’s needs.

Tax-Efficient Gifting: Strategies to Share Your Wealth with the Next Generation

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on January 2, 2025.

Learn about tax-efficient gifting strategies, including annual exclusions, 529 plans, and direct payments, to enhance your estate planning

Are you concerned about your estate being subject to federal estate taxes? Or perhaps you’d like to see your loved ones benefit from your wealth during your lifetime rather than after you’re gone? If so, you’re not alone. Many individuals seek ways to pass wealth efficiently to the next generation while addressing the complexities of estate taxes.

In this article, we’ll explore multiple strategies for transferring wealth in a tax-efficient way. These approaches align with current laws and exemptions and aim to preserve as much of your estate as possible for your beneficiaries.