Eclectic Associates

Eclectic Associates Eclectic Associates is a fee-only advisory firm that seeks to provide individuals and families throu

Eclectic Associates is a fee-only, fiduciary financial advisory firm that helps couples and individuals feel confident about their money and their future through comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, and investment management. Based in Fullerton, California, we serve clients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and across the country.

Company stock in a 401(k) doesn't always need to go into an IRA, and sometimes it shouldn't. A strategy called net unrea...
06/03/2026

Company stock in a 401(k) doesn't always need to go into an IRA, and sometimes it shouldn't.

A strategy called net unrealized appreciation (NUA) lets you distribute the stock to a taxable account, pay ordinary income tax only on the original cost basis, and then pay long-term capital gains rates on the appreciation when you sell. For highly appreciated stock, the potential savings can be meaningful.

We share a breakdown with two examples here.

https://bit.ly/3PBuYS9

If you own company stock in your 401(k), the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) strategy may reduce your tax bill. Here's how it works.

If you have a living trust, you may have been told to name it as the beneficiary of your retirement accounts. The reason...
05/07/2026

If you have a living trust, you may have been told to name it as the beneficiary of your retirement accounts. The reasoning sounds logical: The trust already has instructions for who gets what, so why not run everything through it?

In practice, it's not always the right move. We've put together a clear breakdown of how to think through this decision, including what usually makes sense for different family situations and what questions are worth asking before you finalize any designation.

https://bit.ly/4n0LyXC

We updated our guide on naming your trust as a retirement account beneficiary. Learn when it helps and when a simpler approach may serve you better.

How long should you keep that old bank statement? What about W-2s from five years ago?These questions matter more than m...
05/05/2026

How long should you keep that old bank statement? What about W-2s from five years ago?

These questions matter more than many people expect. Getting rid of the wrong document at the wrong time can mean a complicated capital gains situation, an audit without backup records, or an estate that takes longer to settle than it should.

We updated our guide on financial record-keeping, covering what to keep permanently, what to hold for a few years, and what can safely go. Worth a few minutes if you've been meaning to get organized.

https://bit.ly/4d7I3dE

How long should you keep financial records and important documents? This article, updated for 2026, provides timelines for saving records, including what to keep forever.

Estate planning is one of those things most families know they should address and keep putting off.But without a clear p...
04/09/2026

Estate planning is one of those things most families know they should address and keep putting off.

But without a clear plan, even well-intentioned families can end up in conflict over inheritance, caregiving, and major decisions at the hardest possible moments.

Last month, our Vice President Carl Lachman, CFP®, sat down with estate planning attorney Dan York, J.D., to answer the questions families most commonly have about multi-generational estate planning: where to start, what to include, how to protect assets, and how to communicate your wishes to the people you love.

The takeaway: The best time to have these conversations is before you need to. This article is a helpful place to begin.

https://bit.ly/4bNXoQX

Learn how multi-generational estate planning helps protect your family's legacy, reduce conflict, and ensure your wishes are honored across generations.

Q1 had a lot to absorb: conflict overseas, gas prices near 2022 highs, and a stock market that pulled back from last yea...
04/06/2026

Q1 had a lot to absorb: conflict overseas, gas prices near 2022 highs, and a stock market that pulled back from last year's gains.

We've published our first quarter letter to share where things stand. The takeaway? Diversification matters. Staying the course matters. And having a plan built for moments like this one, not just the good ones, matters most of all.

If you'd like to talk through your financial plan, we're here.

https://bit.ly/3O2IJZ9

We share our Q1 2026 investment perspective, including thoughts on market volatility, geopolitical risk, and why a disciplined long-term approach matters.

Strong market returns and transformative trends can make the future feel predictable when it rarely is.We see meaningful...
03/03/2026

Strong market returns and transformative trends can make the future feel predictable when it rarely is.

We see meaningful trends in AI-driven growth, international markets, improving bond yields, and evolving investment vehicles.

The challenge is staying diversified and disciplined when markets seem to reward concentration and short-term thinking.

With a thoughtful plan, changing trends become part of a durable long-term strategy.

https://bit.ly/4azKDZF

From AI's economic impact to bond yields and ETFs, here are 6 investing trends Eclectic Associates is watching in 2026.

Roth conversions can create meaningful tax advantages, but the details matter more than most people expect.There is an o...
02/27/2026

Roth conversions can create meaningful tax advantages, but the details matter more than most people expect.

There is an opportunity to reduce lifetime taxes and gain flexibility, especially when timing and income are carefully considered.

The challenge is navigating rules, unexpected tax interactions, and decisions that cannot be reversed.

With thoughtful planning, a Roth conversion can become a cornerstone of a stronger retirement strategy.

https://bit.ly/46VB5py

Roth conversions can save you thousands, but only if done right. Discover seven costly pitfalls to avoid before making your next conversion.

A new savings option for children launches in 2026.Trump Accounts offer a $1,000 government deposit for certain birth ye...
02/25/2026

A new savings option for children launches in 2026.

Trump Accounts offer a $1,000 government deposit for certain birth years. But they also differ meaningfully from 529 plans.

Understanding the differences can help families make informed decisions.

https://bit.ly/4s1Uuxc

Free $1,000 for babies born 2025–2028? Here's what parents and grandparents need to know about the new Trump Account child savings program.

2025 reminded us that market leadership can shift, sometimes quietly.While a few well-known tech names lagged, sectors l...
01/30/2026

2025 reminded us that market leadership can shift, sometimes quietly.

While a few well-known tech names lagged, sectors like industrials, utilities, and financials stepped into the spotlight.

Global stocks surged as the dollar softened, and bond funds delivered steady, positive returns.

Strong earnings and a resilient consumer helped keep momentum going.

Looking back, it wasn’t just a good year. It was a different kind of year.

https://bit.ly/4a2AzXv

A look back at 2025’s resilient markets, highlighting equity returns, global growth, valuation trends, and what today’s bond yields could mean going forward.

With one click, scammers can use remote access tools (RATs) to take control of your device, accessing your passwords, lo...
01/23/2026

With one click, scammers can use remote access tools (RATs) to take control of your device, accessing your passwords, logging in to your accounts, and stealing funds without triggering a single security alert.

These attacks are real. And they’re growing.

If you’re not using multi-factor authentication, if you’re clicking suspicious links, if you store passwords on your device, it’s time to change that.

Here’s how to protect yourself, your accounts, and your peace of mind.

https://bit.ly/4r8fT7F

Scammers are using remote access tools (RATs) to take control of devices and access financial accounts. Learn the red flags and steps to reduce risk.

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1440 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 220
Fullerton, CA
92835

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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