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.

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.

Setting Financial Goals for the New Year: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on December 30, 2024.

Start 2025 strong with our guide to setting financial goals for the New Year and learn practical wealth management tips.

The start of a new year often feels like a clean slate—a perfect opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and set meaningful goals. While personal resolutions like exercising more or learning a new skill may top your list, prioritizing financial goals can have a transformative impact on your long-term well-being. By setting financial goals in the new year, you can create a roadmap to not only work toward financial security but also build the life you envision. Let’s explore how to approach this critical process with purpose and clarity.

What GRANDPARENTS Don’t Know About 529 College Savings Plans

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on December 16, 2024.

IIn this video, we’re diving into everything grandparents need to know about 529 plans—a powerful tool for supporting your grandchildren’s educational future. 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed for education expenses, and they offer unique benefits that can make a big difference over time. But there are important rules, benefits, and strategies to be aware of if you’re a grandparent looking to contribute to your grandchild’s college fund.

Save on Taxes by Gifting Money Strategically!

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on December 1, 2024.

In this video, I’ll explain simple steps for transferring wealth to the next generation without the need for complex estate planning. By planning strategically, you can use these straightforward strategies to lower your taxable estate and allow your loved ones to benefit from your assets now, sharing in that impact while you’re still here. Effective wealth transfer is more than just inheritance—it’s about building a legacy that supports your family in meaningful ways during your lifetime.

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

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on November 18, 2024.

In this video, I’ll explain everything you need to know about IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), including how it affects your Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D premiums. IRMAA is a surcharge added to your Medicare premiums based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), typically from two years prior. It’s important to understand how IRMAA is calculated because it can lead to higher Medicare premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

Get the MOST Out of Your Charity Donations with These 3 Simple Strategies

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on November 12, 2024.

In this video, I’ll break down three powerful methods to give to charity that can maximize both your impact and potential tax benefits. From gifting stock and utilizing required minimum distributions (RMDs) to setting up a charitable gift fund, each approach has unique advantages that can make your contributions go further. Charitable giving isn’t just about financial generosity—it’s a strategic part of your financial plan that helps the causes you care about while benefiting your financial picture.

Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: 6 Frequent Pitfalls to Look Out For

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on September 16, 2024.

Discover the six most common mistakes people make when choosing the right financial advisor and learn how to avoid them.

Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your financial journey. The right advisor can help you build wealth, plan for the future, and help achieve your financial goals with confidence. However, selecting the wrong one can lead to costly mistakes and mismanagement of your hard-earned money. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a financial advisor and offer tips to help you avoid these pitfalls, helping you make a decision that aligns with your financial aspirations.

Crafting a Retirement Exit Strategy: A Roadmap for Entrepreneurs

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on August 19, 2024.

Discover steps in retirement planning for entrepreneurs to help transition smoothly from business ownership to retirement.

Retirement is often viewed as the final chapter in one’s career, but for entrepreneurs, it signifies much more than just an end to work. It’s a major transition from the hustle and bustle of business ownership to a phase where you can really enjoy the fruits of your labor. Crafting a well-thought-out retirement exit strategy can help immensely with making this transition one that’s smooth and fulfilling. Whether you plan to sell your business, pass it on to a family member, or simply wind it down, the journey requires meticulous planning and foresight. Let’s explore some key steps to retirement planning for entrepreneurs that may help you on your journey.

Estate Planning for Business Owners: Fostering a Legacy Beyond Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on July 15, 2024.

Explore estate planning for business owners in our latest feature and learn how to better protect your assets and future.

Navigating the journey of entrepreneurship involves much more than just growing a business—it’s also about providing for its continuity and impact well into the future. Estate planning for business owners is not merely a strategy for personal wealth management, but a crucial step in cementing a lasting legacy that transcends their own tenure. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for guidance on building a legacy that may last, read on to explore how thorough planning can better safeguard your business’s future, give you a better chance at protecting your family’s financial security, and help you maintain the integrity of your life’s work beyond retirement.

Navigating IRA Choices: Traditional vs. Roth for Your Retirement Plan

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on May 15, 2024.

Navigating IRA choices can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Discover which may be right for you in our guide.

Planning for retirement is a significant financial concern for many and choosing the right type of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a pivotal decision in that process. Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are two predominant options, each offering their own unique tax advantages and considerations. Below, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of both of these IRA types, compare their features, and try to help assist you in navigating IRA choices and determining what is best suited for your retirement planning needs.