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Leveraging Bonus Depreciation and Cost Segregation Studies to Supercharge Tax Savings

Maximizing the benefits of rental property ownership can lead to significant tax savings. Two critical concepts to understand and potentially utilize are bonus depreciation and cost segregation studies. These techniques can potentially accelerate the depreciation on your rental property and can significantly reduce your taxable income. Understanding the Basics of Rental Property Depreciation The basics of rental property depreciation begin with the cost basis of the property. For instance, let’s say you purchased a residential property for $500,000, 25% of which is considered non-depreciable land. The rest, which you can depreciate, does so over a 27.5 year period down

John Boyd, CFP® August 7, 2023

Roth IRA conversions can be smart—but only at the right time. Here’s how to decide if this strategy fits your financial plan.

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Roth IRA Conversions: 4 Reasons You Might Want to Hold Off

Roth conversions are one of the most popular retirement tax strategies today. If you’ve spent any time on financial websites, YouTube, or social media, you’ve probably been told that converting your traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA is a no-brainer. You’ve likely heard claims like: “Avoid required minimum distributions (RMDs)” “Lock in tax-free income for retirement” “Save tens or even hundreds of thousands in future taxes” But here’s the truth: Roth IRA conversions aren’t always a good idea—and in some cases, they can actually do more harm than good. In this article, we’re breaking down four practical

John Boyd, CFP® July 22, 2025

Understand the Rule of 55 early retirement strategy and how to use it without costly errors.

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How the Rule of 55 Works (and How to Avoid Screwing It Up)

The Rule of 55 is one of the few ways to tap into your 401(k) or 403(b) without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalty. It’s simple in concept, but it’s also one of the most commonly misunderstood early retirement strategies out there. Here’s what you need to know to avoid costly mistakes. What Is the Rule of 55? If you leave your job in the calendar year you turn 55 or later, you can take distributions from your current employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan without being hit with the 10% early withdrawal penalty. You’ll still owe federal and state

John Boyd, CFP® July 22, 2025

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How to Pay $0 in Taxes in Retirement

If you’re getting ready for retirement—or already in it—you’ve probably asked yourself a big question: How do people not only get to the lowest tax bracket in retirement… but actually pay zero in taxes? Here’s the thing: you don’t need exotic tax strategies or some off-the-wall investment to make it happen. Today, I’m going to break down how it’s possible and why it may be more realistic than you think. I’ll also walk you through a case study at the end that ties it all together. Let’s get into it. Rule #1: Understand How Social Security Is Taxed Social

John Boyd, CFP® May 15, 2025

Explore the Roth ladder strategy and whether it’s a smart choice for early retirement planning.

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The Truth About the Roth Ladder Strategy

If you’re like a lot of people, a huge chunk of your net worth is tied up in your pre-tax 401(k) or IRA. And while it’s great watching that balance grow, there’s one not-so-small problem… What if you want to retire before 59½? How do you access that money without paying a 10% early withdrawal penalty? One popular strategy that’s been making the rounds on Reddit and in retirement-focused Facebook groups is the Roth Ladder Strategy. Let’s break down what it is, how it works, and why—if I’m being real—I’ve never actually recommended it. What Is a Roth Ladder

John Boyd, CFP® May 15, 2025

The Mega Backdoor Roth strategy lets high earners save more in a Roth. Learn how it works and who can benefit.

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Mega Backdoor Roth: Your $70k+ Roth Tax Loophole (2025 Edition)

The Mega Backdoor Roth is one of the most powerful tax loopholes available to high-income earners. In 2025, it lets you contribute up to $70,000—and in some cases, over $80,000—into a Roth account. That’s 10x what a traditional Roth IRA allows. If you’re familiar with Roth IRAs, you know the contribution limit in 2025 is just $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re over 50) and subject to income limits. The Mega Backdoor Roth bypasses all of that. As long as your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan is structured correctly, you can take full advantage of this strategy. Here’s how it works. Mega Backdoor

John Boyd, CFP® May 15, 2025

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3 Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement (Pre-65)

When people consider retiring before age 65, the most common question isn’t just, “Do I have enough to retire?” It’s actually about health insurance. For many, paying for health insurance is one of the biggest hurdles to retiring early, often delaying their plans until they qualify for Medicare at age 65. But here’s the thing: most people don’t even fully understand their health insurance options if they decide to retire before 65. That’s exactly what we’re diving into today—your three main options for health insurance before Medicare kicks in. Let’s break them down. Option 1: COBRA COBRA allows you

John Boyd, CFP® January 17, 2025

Learning Center

Leveraging Bonus Depreciation and Cost Segregation Studies to Supercharge Tax Savings

Roth IRA Conversions: 4 Reasons You Might Want to Hold Off

How the Rule of 55 Works (and How to Avoid Screwing It Up)

How to Pay $0 in Taxes in Retirement

The Truth About the Roth Ladder Strategy

Mega Backdoor Roth: Your $70k+ Roth Tax Loophole (2025 Edition)

3 Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement (Pre-65)

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