Zion Capital

05/26/2025

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives in service to this country.

Their sacrifices made so much of what we enjoy today possible, and this day serves as a reminder that freedom comes at a cost.

Between the barbecues and fun times with friends and family, take a few moments to reflect on what this day truly means.

05/22/2025

What do a lot of people overlook when they inherit IRAs?

Most people think of an inherited IRA as simply another account to manage—but it can be easy to make costly mistakes.

Here’s what many people don’t understand when inheriting an IRA:

🔹 The 10-Year Rule: Typically you must withdraw all funds within 10 years, but some exceptions apply.
🔹 Lump Sum Trap: Taking everything at once can push you into a higher tax bracket, which might leave you with far less than expected.
🔹 Investment Risks: The original owner’s investments may not align with your financial goals. It’s not just “Dad’s IRA”—reallocating may be an idea to consider.

Remember that tax rules are constantly changing and there are a wide range of exceptions that can apply. There is no guarantee that the tax treatment of Roth and Traditional IRAs will remain what it is now. If you have inherited or expect to inherit a traditional or Roth IRA, be sure to consult a financial professional for guidance.

Did any of these come as a surprise to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

05/20/2025

Preparing your taxes for next year? The IRS has outlined what married couples filing jointly need to know about the 2025 tax brackets:

Income Tax Brackets (Married Filing Jointly)
▪️$206,701 to $394,600: 24% tax rate
▪️$394,601 to $501,050: 32% tax rate
▪️$501,051 to $751,600: 35% tax rate
▪️$751,601+: 37% tax rate

Capital Gains and Dividends (2025)
For long-term investments and qualified dividends:
▪️0% rate: Up to $96,700
▪️15% rate: $96,701 to $600,050
▪️20% rate: $600,051 and above

The 'Kiddie Tax' Update:
Parents with children under 18 (or under 24 if a full-time student) who are dependents: Your child's unearned income (typically from investments) above $2,700 for 2025 will be taxed at YOUR marginal tax rate. This is up from $2,600 in 2024.

Important Notes:
▪️Couples with modified adjusted gross income above $250,000 may still face the 3.8% net investment income surtax.
▪️The Social Security tax wage cap increases to $176,100 for 2025.
▪️Mark your calendars for quarterly tax payments: April 15; June 16; Sept. 15; and Jan. 15, 2026.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. We would encourage you to speak with your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy based on this information.

05/14/2025

Wondering where the hottest vacation home markets for 2025 are?

The list might surprise you!

Cape May County, NJ, leads the country with a 150.2% second-home-to-primary-home ratio, according to a report in CRE Daily.

Other high-demand locations include Gulf County, FL; Barnstable County, MA; and Maui County, HI, where second-home purchases continue to rise.

With average 2024 second-home prices ranging from $794,285 in Cumberland County, ME, to nearly $2 million in New York County, NY, the second-home market varies widely depending on location and demand, according to the report.

If you’ve ever considered making your vacation spot permanent, there are several things to weigh before deciding whether to buy or rent:

🔹 Pros and Cons of Buying (equity, consistency, maintenance)
🔹 Pros and Cons of Renting (flexibility, lower costs, no commitment, lack of ownership)

What do you think about buying vs. renting a vacation/second home? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

05/11/2025

We’d like to celebrate all the moms who have shaped our lives—not only through their love, but also through their lessons, guidance, discipline, and values that we’ve come to appreciate even more as we’ve gotten older.

As financial professionals, we have the privilege of working with so many incredible mothers—women who are building legacies, guiding their families, and making thoughtful financial decisions designed to impact generations to come.

To the mothers we serve and to those who have shaped who we are—thank you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Mother’s Day.

05/09/2025

🎓 What’s the biggest money mistake you made at 18?

Graduation season is here! But diplomas aren't the only thing new grads are getting. Between gifts from family and friends, it’s not uncommon to receive thousands of dollars before heading off to college.

What happens to that money?

For many, it vanishes—new gadgets, travel, nights out. But for those who take it seriously, it can be the start of financial independence (or at least a financial education).

Here’s what we wish every graduate (and their parents) thought about before that money is gone:

🔹 Green Light, Red Light: Some spending is necessary, but learning when to hit pause is a critical financial skill.

🔹 Budgeting Reality Check: Tuition, books, meals, entertainment—does your student really know what college actually costs?

🔹 Checkbook Mentality: Money you don’t “see” is the easiest to spend. Tracking income and expenses still matters.

If you could go back, what money insights would you give your 18-year-old self? Drop it in the comments! 👇

05/07/2025

Despite solid corporate numbers and unexpected trade reports, buyers remained cautious thanks to April's mercurial markets. This month's Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are continuing to watch in 2025.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.76 percent while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 1.26 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, however, falling 3.17 percent.1

05/06/2025

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by those who have served or currently are serving in the armed forces.

Some of the families whom we work with have a connection to the military—whether they have served themselves or have loved ones who currently are serving.

Their experiences remind us of the sacrifices made, not only by those in uniform, but also by their families.

Their commitment protects our freedoms, and their service deserves appreciation—not just this month, but every day.

Thank you to all who have served, are serving, or support those who do.

05/05/2025

What’s one local business you always recommend?

As financial professionals, we have the privilege of working with business owners who not only build successful companies but also create jobs, support their employees, and give back to their communities.

Being a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges and rewards that come with running a business.

The dedication, resilience, and vision required to grow something from the ground up are worth celebrating—not just this week but every day.

Know a small business or business owner doing great work? Give them a shout-out in the comments—let’s celebrate them! 👇

05/02/2025

How much life insurance do you need?

The answer to that can depend on many factors…

May 2 is National Life Insurance Day, a reminder to evaluate whether you’ve adjusted your insurance as your life has evolved and, ultimately, whether you feel comfortable with the amount of coverage you have.

Some key questions to consider:
🔹 What would your family do without your income?
🔹 Does your coverage reflect your current financial situation?
🔹 Have your needs changed due to life events like marriage, children, or business ownership?

For many, life insurance is about more than helping with expenses; it’s about creating a legacy, protecting a business, or looking to provide for future generations. Yet, too often, it’s put off until “later.”

A word of caution: you should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

When was the last time you reviewed your coverage? Message us if you’d like to review how your life insurance fits into your financial picture.

05/01/2025

Hurricane Season Is Coming—Are You Prepared? 🌪️

Each year, hurricanes remind us how quickly life can be disrupted. National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a chance to check in on the plans that keep families, homes, and communities safe.

A few key steps to consider:
✔ Know Your Risk: Understand how hurricanes could impact your area, even if you don’t live on the coast.
✔ Have an Evacuation Plan: Map out multiple routes and keep important documents easily accessible.
✔ Review Insurance Coverage: Standard homeowners policies don’t always cover flood damage, so double-check your coverage to see what's included.
✔ Build an Emergency Kit: Food, water, medicine, and power sources can make all the difference in the days after a storm.

No one can control the weather, but preparation can make all the difference. What’s one step you take to be hurricane-ready? Drop your tips in the comments! 👇

04/29/2025

Here’s a question for everyone… 🤔

What makes for a truly happy retirement? 🏖️

For many, retirement starts with financial preparation—but the happiest retirees go beyond the numbers. Finding fulfillment, purpose, and joy in this next chapter is just as important as funding it.

According to MassMutual’s 2024 Retirement Happiness Study, the retirees who report the greatest satisfaction are:

✅ Spending quality time with loved ones (76%) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
✅ Staying active with regular exercise (70%) 🏃‍♂️
✅ Pursuing meaningful hobbies (63%) 🎸
✅ Embracing travel opportunities (62%) ✈️

The transition into retirement isn’t just about having enough—it’s about knowing how to enjoy it to the fullest.

What are you excited to do when you retire? Add your ideas below! 👇