Carter Michaelson - Financial Planner

Many people think financial planning starts with investments.

In reality, some of the most impactful planning conversations have nothing to do with picking funds or trying to beat the market.

They’re about questions like:

• Should we pay off debt or invest?
• Are we saving enough for retirement?
• Should we prioritize pre-tax or Roth?
• How do we handle equity compensation?
• What’s the most tax-efficient way to give to charity?
• Can we afford to buy a home without sacrificing other goals?
• Can we afford to have my spouse stay at home with the kids?

Investment management is important.

But often the biggest opportunities come from decisions made before a dollar is invested.

That’s why I enjoy working with clients who want to look beyond the basics and build a financial plan that connects all the moving pieces together.

Financial planning isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about asking the right questions.

A lot of the clients I serve aren’t starting from scratch.

They:

• Save well
• Invest consistently
• Make good money

They want to make sure they’re not missing anything.

They want a financial partnership focused on optimizing their plan so it is aligned to their unique goals and situation.

If that sounds like you, I’d be happy to have a conversation.

Trust your gut.

I was reviewing a client’s tax return recently and something about their Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction felt off.

It wasn’t obvious, but it didn’t sit right.

So we reached out to their CPA.

Turns out, a single missed digit was the issue.

That small oversight resulted in five-figure tax savings for my client.

A good reminder:

Even great professionals can miss things and collaboration matters.

Roth accounts are great… but they’re not always the best answer.

If you’re in the 24–32% marginal tax bracket, pre-tax savings can be incredibly valuable.

For every $1 you contribute pre-tax, you could be saving $0.30–$0.40 in taxes depending on your federal and state tax rates.

That’s a meaningful upfront tax benefit!

In general:

• Lower tax bracket → Roth tends to make more sense
• Higher tax bracket → Pre-tax often becomes more attractive

And one of the most overlooked opportunities?

Many people can shift money to Roth later through strategic conversions during lower-income years in retirement.

It’s less about Roth vs. pre-tax…
and more about using both intentionally over time.

Reminder: You have until April 15, 2026 to fund a Roth IRA for your 2025 contribution.

• Under age 50 → up to $7,000
• Age 50+ → up to $8,000

If you just received a tax refund, this can be a great way to put those dollars to work for your future.

I’m not the best financial advisor for everyone, and that’s by design.

The people I serve best are usually beyond the basics:

• They spend less than they earn
• They’re consistently saving for retirement
• They’re doing the “right things”… but wondering what comes next

That’s where deeper planning matters.

It’s not about hitting a certain income or net worth threshold.

Some of the best clients I get to serve are those who have built strong habits and are ready to be more intentional.

I work best with:

• Medical professionals navigating student loans, forgiveness strategies, and the transition from residency to attending-level income

• Individuals and families who prioritize charitable giving and want to do it in a more intentional, tax-efficient way

• Individuals or couples within about 5 years of retirement who want to minimize lifetime taxes while still enjoying their lifestyle

Not every advisor is the right fit for every person.

But for those who are beyond the basics and want to optimize what they’ve built or are building, that’s where the real value shows up.

Been reviewing a lot of client tax returns recently and noticed a trend…

A handful of $12,000+ refunds.

I get it — it feels good.

But in reality, that’s a 0% loan to the government all year.

This is the perfect time to:
• Dial in your withholdings
• Revisit your cash flow
• Strategize your giving goals
• Put more money back in your pocket each month

Less refund. More intentionality and control.

My least favorite question (and probably the most common one I get) when people find out I’m a financial advisor:

“So… what should I invest in right now?”

I get why people ask it.

But it’s the wrong place to start.

My answer is usually some version of:

“It depends…”

Not because I’m avoiding the question, but because what you invest in is rarely the most important factor early on.

Before we even get there, I want to see a few things in place:

- Emergency fund covered
- Getting the full employer match
- No high-interest debt
- Contributing to Roth IRA / HSA (if eligible)
- Working toward maxing retirement accounts

If you’re a newer investor, here’s the truth:

👉 Your savings rate matters a lot more than your investment selection

Pick something simple:

- Target date fund
- Low-cost index fund

And focus on building the habit of investing consistently.

As your wealth grows, things like:

- Asset allocation
- Asset location
- Tax strategy

…start to matter more.

But early on?

Don’t overcomplicate it.

We live in a time where you can automate almost everything:

- Saving
- Investing
- Rebalancing

The biggest risk isn’t picking the “wrong” fund.

It’s not starting or not staying consistent.

If you’re beyond the basics and ready to optimize your financial plan, I’m always here to chat!

Your Tax Return Is a Report Card. But Not the One You Think.

Most people treat their tax return like a scorecard:
✔ Big refund = “I did great.”
✘ Big payment = “I messed up.”

But your tax return isn’t a performance grade.

It’s a data report.

And if you know how to read it, it tells you:
• Are your withholdings aligned?
• Are you missing tax planning opportunities?
• Are you using retirement accounts strategically?
• Are charitable gifts structured efficiently?
• Are RSUs, bonuses, or business income being optimized?

The most successful professionals I work with don’t just file taxes.

They use their return to make next year smarter.

Before you close the folder and move on, ask:

What did this year’s return teach me about my finances?

Because tax season doesn’t just tell you what happened.

It gives you a chance to be intentional about what happens next.

Making good money doesn’t automatically mean you’re building wealth.

Over the past few years, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who make great money, but still feel uncertain about where it’s actually going.

Income is only part of the equation.

Real wealth is built with:

Income + Discipline + Time

That’s the formula.

The most successful professionals I work with aren’t just focused on this year’s income — they’re building a balance sheet that gives them options 10, 20, and 30 years from now.

That comes from:

• Intentional planning
• Disciplined systems
• Smart tax strategy
• And a clear long-term vision

If you’re building something — a career, a business, a family — make sure your finances are built to support it.

That’s where real freedom comes from.