Don't Let Financial Surprises Haunt You
As Halloween approaches, it's a reminder that some surprises are fun and others are not. While we can't predict every twist and turn in life or the markets, thoughtful planning can help prevent many of the financial surprises that keep families awake at night. This month, we're discussing several areas we're watching closely and opportunities to consider before year-end.
What we're watching
Halloween is full of surprises, but your tax bill in April shouldn't be one of them. With about three months left in the year, here's what we're reviewing with families right now.
First, we're looking at the gains you've already taken this year and estimating what they could mean at tax time. If some embedded investments are down, targeted selling will help offset some of those gains.
Next, we're checking that your estimated tax payments are on track, so a penalty doesn't sneak up on you.
If giving is part of your plan, there may be better ways to support your favorite charity or institution than writing a check. Examples include donating appreciated stock or, if you're 70½ or older, giving straight from your IRA as a qualified charitable distribution or QCD.
And for some families, a lower-income year such as right after retirement can be a good time to consider a Roth conversion.
Most of these steps must be completed by December 31st. Therefore, if anything has changed this year, or invites a discussion you’d like to have, please give us a call.
Market Happenings
One of the more unsettling topics this Halloween season may be the upcoming midterm elections. Historically, midterm election years have been the most volatile period of the four-year presidential cycle, with average market pullbacks of roughly 18%. Investors and markets alike tend to dislike uncertainty.
The encouraging news is that markets have historically recovered well once that uncertainty begins to clear. In fact, despite the headlines and political noise, this year has been relatively calm compared to many past midterm election years. We're also entering a period of the calendar that has often marked the beginning of stronger market performance following election-related uncertainty.
While we will get through the midterms. Scary as they may seem, and while we encourage voting at the ballot box, we don't recommend voting with your portfolio
Successful investing is rarely about reacting to headlines. It's about staying disciplined, maintaining a long-term perspective, and remaining committed to a thoughtfully constructed financial plan.
BHG Tea
A Hidden Treat for Investors
As we head into Halloween season, it's a great reminder that not all financial surprises have to be unsettling. Many investors assume that a large expense means selling investments to raise cash, but that isn't always the case.
This month, we're highlighting the Enhanced Credit Access Line, a strategy that may allow eligible investors to access liquidity without selling appreciated investments and potentially triggering capital gains taxes. In the right circumstances, it can be an effective tool for managing short-term cash needs while keeping a long-term investment strategy intact.
Before selling investments to meet a cash need, we encourage you to explore all of your options. Sometimes the best solution isn't finding more cash, but finding a smarter way to access the resources you already have. To learn more, check out our article, "Before You Sell Investments for Cash, Consider This Often-Overlooked Strategy," on our website.
Thank you for Supporting Light the Night
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our clients, friends, and community. Thanks to your support, the Boh Heppe Group raised more than $11,000 for Blood Cancers United. Your contributions will help advance research, provide support to families, and bring hope to those affected by blood cancers.
Administrative Reminders
Upcoming Events
We hope you'll join us for these upcoming educational opportunities:
October 14 | Experts Unplugged with Doug Sandler
October 21 | Year-End Tax Planning Opportunities
Hosted by Baird Wealth Strategies. Registration details coming soon.
Team Availability
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering the highest level of service, our team will be attending our annual strategic retreat on November 2-3, 2026. While our offices will remain fully staffed and available to assist with urgent needs, response times may be slightly delayed during those two days.
As always, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family.