How Much Are Taxes Really Costing Your Investments?

How Much Are Taxes Really Costing Your Investments?

You’ve worked hard to reduce investment fees, but what about taxes? In this episode, Liz explores new research showing how taxes may have a much bigger impact on long-term portfolio growth than most investors realize. She breaks down the historical tax drag on investment returns, why today’s tax environment may not last forever, and how smart tax planning can help retirees keep more of what they earn. Plus, she discusses ETFs, tax-efficient investing, and strategies that could make a meaningful difference over the course of retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: 💰 The Tax Drag Effect – Why taxes may cost investors more than investment fees over time 📈 A Century of Research – What 100 years of market and tax data reveal about long-term wealth creation 🚀 The ETF Tax Advantage – How ETF structures can reduce tax costs compared to many mutual funds 🏛️ Will Taxes Rise? – Why retirees should prepare for the possibility of higher future tax rates 🎯 Retirement Tax Strategies – Asset location, Roth accounts, and step-up in basis planning opportunities Resources for this episode: Jason Zweig - You've Won the Battle on Investment Fees; You're Losing the War Against Taxes: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/you-won-the-battle-on-investment-fees-youre-losing-the-war-against-taxes-6f949f3c [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/you-won-the-battle-on-investment-fees-youre-losing-the-war-against-taxes-6f949f3c] Andrew Ang - Uncle Sam's Cut: A Century of the Federal Tax Drag on US Equity Returns https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6847621 [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6847621] Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zclrmA7vs6lg1jc22uuuA]

Mom Knew Best: 7 Childhood Lessons to Apply to Retirement

Some of the best retirement advice may have started with the simple lessons your mom taught you growing up. In this special Mother’s Day episode, Liz connects timeless “mom wisdom” to real financial planning decisions that can shape your retirement future. From avoiding scams and irreversible mistakes to diversification, emergency savings, and estate planning, Liz walks through seven practical lessons that still matter today. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: * Avoid financial offers that sound too good to be true * Slow down before making irreversible retirement decisions * Why diversification still matters in retirement * Cover your retirement essentials before the “fun” spending * Clean up your estate plan before your family has to Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zclrmA7vs6lg1jc22uuuA]

How to Storm-Proof Your Financial Plan

What do thunderstorms and the stock market have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Liz uses a weather analogy to break down how investors react to uncertainty, and why that reaction can make or break your retirement plan. The goal isn’t to predict every storm, it’s to be ready for whatever shows up. With the right plan in place, you can stay confident no matter what the forecast looks like. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: Forecast vs Reality: Predictions don’t control outcomes Emotional Reactions: Volatility impacts everyone differently Risk Mismatch: Comfort vs reality can get out of sync Bucket Planning: Structure creates long-term stability Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zclrmA7vs6lg1jc22uuuA]

Should Social Security Have a Cap? A New Proposal Is Stirring the Debate

A new proposal out of Washington is putting fresh pressure on the future of Social Security- and it could impact how much some retirees receive. In this episode, Liz breaks down what’s being proposed, who it might affect, and why it’s sparking debate. While nothing is finalized, the conversation highlights a bigger issue: Social Security is likely to change. The real question is how prepared your retirement plan is if it does. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: * A new proposal could cap Social Security benefits for higher earners * The debate: fairness vs. earned benefits  * Only a small percentage impacted today but that could grow * Social Security has changed before and will likely change again * Having a backup income strategy is critical for retirement security Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zclrmA7vs6lg1jc22uuuA]

Selling an Inherited Home: The Tax Fear That Stops Families

When a parent passes away, emotions and finances tend to collide, especially when real estate is involved. One of the most common things that stalls families is fear of taxes, even when that fear isn’t fully understood. Today’s listener question is about an inherited home and hesitant siblings. Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: * Step-Up in Basis Explained – Why heirs typically don’t owe taxes on decades of appreciation. * Capital Gains Timing Matters – When taxes apply after inheritance. * Document Fair Market Value – Why getting an appraisal at date of death is critical. * Trust vs. Direct Inheritance – How ownership structure affects reporting and decision-making. * Step-Down in Basis (Yes, It Happens) – What changes if property values decline. * Sibling Dynamics & Planning Ahead – Why clear instructions can prevent family gridlock. Subscribe to Liz's YouTube Channel: Best Path Advisors - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zclrmA7vs6lg1jc22uuuA]