Hosts Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore dive into why starting your financial planning early in the year is essential for achieving long-term success. In this episode, they explore critical strategies like maximizing retirement account contributions, understanding tax law changes for 2024, and consolidating 401(k) accounts for a streamlined approach. They also break down the benefits of 529 college savings plans, the importance of harvesting tax gains or losses, and key insights into managing stock options and restricted stock units. Whether you’re planning for retirement, considering a Roth conversion, or optimizing your tax strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make the most of your financial opportunities all year long.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (:54)Start your financial planning early in the year
• (2:17) Discussion of IRA contributions and tax law changes for 401ks and consolidation of 401k accounts if needed
• (7:42) Tax breaks for a college education with a 529 Savings Plan and discussion of Harvesting Tax Gains or Losses
• (12:45) Discussion of stock options and restricted stock units
• (16:22) Discussion of the distribution phase and a Roth conversion
• (22:38) Planning for retirement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• January is the ideal time to review and plan financial strategies, including maxing out retirement account contributions and deciding on charitable donations. Early planning allows for a more balanced and practical approach throughout the year, avoiding last-minute decisions that can feel rushed or incomplete.
• The maximum 401(k) contribution for 2024 is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 for those over 50. From ages 60 to 63, the catch-up contribution rises to $11,250, offering a unique opportunity to boost retirement savings during those years.

The contribution limits for Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs remain at $7,000, with a $1,000 catch-up for those 50 and older.

• Consider tax-loss harvesting to offset capital gains and reduce taxable income while maintaining long-term investment goals. For corporate employees with stock options or restricted stock units, plan strategically to manage taxes and avoid over-concentration in company stock. Diversifying these assets can improve portfolio balance and risk management.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax

Metcalf Money Moment the Podcast, Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, Eric Wymore, Financial Planning, IRAs, 401ks, Retirement Planning, Metcalf Money Moment, IRA Contributions, Tax Breaks, Stock Options, 529 Savings Plan, Roth Conversion, Charitable Donations, Tax Law Changes, Portfolio Diversification, Financial Strategy, Investment Goals, Tax-Loss Harvesting, Financial Decisions, Contribution Limits, Estate Planning, Ethan Hutcheson, Jeb Graham, Eric Wymore

Welcome to Metcalf Money Moment, where hosts Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore explore the world of charitable giving with special guest Annie Burndrett from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. In this episode, Annie shares insights into the foundation’s mission, its unique donor-advised funds (DAFs), and how they help individuals maximize their charitable impact while minimizing taxes. Annie explains how charitable giving can be planned around taxable events like business sales or IRA distributions and how strategies like “bunching” donations can help donors take full advantage of tax deductions. They also discuss the power of multi-generational giving and the numerous scholarship opportunities available to support students. Tune in to learn how to make a lasting difference in your community through strategic charitable giving.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (1:04) Shares the purpose of the Kansas City Community Foundation and the different funds they have for charitable giving and philanthropy
• (2:50) Tax strategies for the donor-advised funds
• (6:35) Preplanning for a taxable event
• (8:38) Annie defines the term bunching, designated funds and the hundreds of scholarship funds they have and the service they provide to students
• (13:04) Annie describes how to get set up with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a powerful tool for tax-efficient charitable giving. High-income earners can maximize tax deductions during their peak earning years by contributing to a DAF, growing those assets, and earmarking them for future giving, such as retirement donations. A common strategy is donating appreciated stock, which avoids capital gains taxes. For instance, if an investment bought for $20,000 appreciates to $100,000, donating it to a DAF eliminates the $80,000 capital gain tax while allowing a deduction for the stock's full fair market value. Contributions can be distributed to charities over time, providing flexibility and maximizing impact.
• Bunching is a strategy in which donors contribute more significant amounts to a donor-advised fund in specific years. This enables them to itemize deductions and maximize tax benefits while disbursing funds to charities over multiple years, which can result in significant tax savings and more effective philanthropic planning.
• Greater Kansas City Community Foundation offers opportunities for multi-generational giving, where families can continue philanthropic efforts across generations. Additionally, donors can establish scholarship funds to support students, with the community foundation handling all aspects of the fund management and scholarship distribution.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Annie Burndrett - LinkedIn

To Apply for Scholarships by Community Foundation - Website

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - Website

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Annie Redlingshafer...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Metcalf Money Moments, hosted by Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore. In this first episode, we’ll share why we created this podcast—to provide practical strategies and insights for your financial journey. Whether it's wealth management, retirement planning, estate planning, or investment management, we’re here to break down complex topics into actionable advice. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions so you can confidently navigate your financial future. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, including our next one, where we’ll dive into the important topic of charitable giving.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (:31) The purpose of Metcalf Money Moments - Financial Education
• (2:51) Send in topic suggestions to the links below and discussion regarding educating clients
• (5:10) Discussion of the format for the podcast
• (7:24) Eric, Ethan and Jeb share their career journeys
• (12:50) The next podcast will feature charitable giving

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The podcast demonstrates a strong client-centric approach. By offering accessible financial education, Metcalf Partners aims to empower clients with knowledge, improve their financial decision-making, and deepen their understanding of their financial plans.
• Metcalf Partners represents thought leadership in the financial industry. They establish themselves as knowledgeable and trusted advisors by consistently sharing insights and perspectives on current market trends and financial planning strategies.
• Metcalf Partners fosters a deeper connection with its clients and reinforces its commitment to exceptional service by providing ongoing communication and valuable content.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

ABOUT THE HOST:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a Financial Advisor in Overland Park, KS. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a Finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, with additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners, passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife Shanna and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management, with a career dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife Becky and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a Finance degree from Iowa State University.

TAGS: Metcalf Money Moment the Podcast, Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, Eric...

Unlock financial clarity, confidence, and peace of mind with Metcalf Money Moments – The Podcast. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, navigating a business exit, or building generational wealth, our expert insights provide the clarity and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals.

Hosted by Jeb Graham, Ethan Hutcheson, and Eric Wymore—seasoned financial professionals with a deep passion for empowering clients—this podcast brings decades of combined experience in wealth management, retirement planning, estate strategies, and investment advisory services. Each host brings a unique perspective and expertise, ensuring well-rounded and insightful discussions that address the diverse needs of our audience.

Every episode explores key topics to empower your financial journey. Discover practical strategies for building generational wealth, planning for retirement, safeguarding your legacy with estate planning, and optimizing savings through tax strategies tailored to high-net-worth individuals. Gain insights on investment approaches for volatile markets, entrepreneurial advice for Kansas City business owners, and guidance on major life events like marriage, home buying, and inheritance planning. Each episode is designed to inspire action and enhance your financial confidence.

This podcast is also an essential resource for financial professionals, including CPAs, estate attorneys, and referral partners. Gain valuable insights into wealth management, trust building, business planning, and independent advisory services to better serve your clients and enhance your expertise. Our discussions provide the tools to deepen relationships and stay ahead in the financial industry.

At Metcalf Money Moments the Podcast, we believe in making financial education accessible and impactful. Join us to discover how thoughtful, proactive planning can transform your financial future. Subscribe today to ensure you never miss an episode, and start making every money moment count!

Meet the Hosts:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a Financial Advisor in Overland Park, KS. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a Finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, with additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners, passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife Shanna and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management, with a career dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife Becky and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a Finance degree from Iowa State University.

Resources:

Metcalf Website: https://www.metcalfpartners.com/