Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Jason Gabrieli, CFP, is joined by Andrew Barhardt, CFP, to explore how charitable contributions can be optimized for tax efficiency. They discuss practical strategies such as donor-advised funds, gifting appreciated stock, and estate planning techniques to ensure your generosity also leads to tax benefits. Whether you're navigating a high-income year or planning your legacy, this episode offers valuable insights to help you give wisely.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

● How donor-advised funds can provide flexibility and immediate tax deductions.

● The benefits of gifting appreciated stock to eliminate capital gains taxes.

● When charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) are appropriate for advanced planning.

● Why designating charities as IRA beneficiaries can be a smart estate strategy.

What we discussed

● [00:00:06] Why many charitable contributions don't provide tax benefits under current standard deduction rules.

● [00:02:45] Introduction to donor-advised funds and how they work.

● [00:05:29] When donor-advised funds are most advantageous, especially in high-income years.

● [00:07:12] How deduction bunching can help maximize tax deductions.

● [00:11:37] Gifting appreciated stock to avoid capital gains taxes.

● [00:14:00] Overview of advanced charitable trusts like CRATs and CRUTs.

● [00:17:03] The best assets to leave to charity versus heirs in estate planning.

● [00:18:26] The importance of tax-efficient charitable giving both during life and after death.

3 Things To Remember

1. Donor-advised funds offer a flexible way to manage charitable giving while optimizing tax deductions.

2. Gifting appreciated assets can eliminate capital gains taxes and enhance the impact of your donations.

3. Strategic estate planning ensures that both your heirs and charities benefit in the most tax-efficient manner.

Useful Links

Connect with Jason Gabrieli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongabrieli

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Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Catherine Allen-Carlozo and Tyler Reedman dive into an unconventional yet valuable topic: what happens to your travel rewards—points, miles, and loyalty perks—when you pass away? Prompted by a real client experience, the discussion unpacks how various credit card, airline, and hotel programs treat reward balances after death and what estate planning strategies can help preserve them for loved ones. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that blends financial planning with travel hacking insights.lth without fear.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

● Why you don’t technically own your points or miles.

● How to plan ahead to preserve rewards for your loved ones.

● The importance of sharing logins and digital access with trusted individuals.

● Which travel rewards programs allow for point transfers—and which don’t.

What we discussed

● [00:01:14] How a client’s passing revealed the complexities of transferring travel points after death.

● [00:02:27] Travel hacking 101: how to use credit card points and loyalty programs for nearly free trips.

● [00:04:50] Why points aren’t considered your property and how that affects estate planning.

● [00:05:45] The critical importance of having logins and account access in estate prep.

● [00:07:19] Common pitfalls with two-factor authentication and password managers.

● [00:09:06] Best practices for storing login info and digital credentials securely.

● [00:10:18] Including travel rewards in your estate plan: who inherits and how to designate.

● [00:12:19] Each airline and hotel chain has its own rules—know them in advance.

● [00:13:22] Credit card churning, signup bonuses, and the art of responsible travel hacking.

3 Things To Remember

1. Your travel points and miles aren’t considered your property—so don’t assume they’ll automatically transfer.
2. Document login credentials, security questions, and instructions for accessing key accounts.
3. If travel rewards matter to you, consider including them specifically in your estate plan or will.

Useful Links

Connect with Catherine Allen-Carlozo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineballen

Connect with Tyler Reedman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-reedman-cfp%C2%AE-8b29a6101/

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast! In this episode, Catherine Allen-Carlozo, a Certified Financial Planner at HFM Investment Advisors, explores the transition from being a saver to a spender in retirement. Many retirees struggle with the fear of spending their savings, worrying about outliving their money, market crashes, or unexpected medical expenses. Catherine shares practical strategies to build confidence in spending, create a structured withdrawal plan, and align financial decisions with personal values and goals. If you’ve worked hard to save for retirement, this episode will help you shift your mindset and enjoy your wealth without fear.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

• How to create a steady and predictable income in retirement.
• The 4% withdrawal rule—what it is and how to apply it.
• The importance of having a “fun fund” to enjoy your wealth.
• How working with a financial advisor can provide clarity and peace of mind.

What we discussed

• [00:00:50] The challenge of transitioning from saving to spending in retirement.
• [00:01:36] Why many retirees feel fearful or restricted about using their savings.
• [00:02:10] The importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
• [00:03:01] Creating a structured withdrawal strategy to mimic a paycheck.
• [00:03:49] Understanding the 4% withdrawal rule and how it works as a guide.
• [00:04:46] How setting up a "fun fund" can help retirees enjoy their money guilt-free.
• [00:05:37] The role of a financial advisor in building a plan and running “what if” scenarios.
• [00:06:21] Recognizing that you saved for this moment—now it’s time to enjoy it!
• [00:06:45] Why couples need to discuss their money personalities and financial goals.
• [00:07:26] How retirees can use their wealth to create meaningful experiences.
• [00:07:55] Why single retirees should have a financial advocate or “financial friend.”

3 Things To Remember

1. Retirement savings exist to support a purpose-driven life—define what that purpose is.
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3. Having a structured withdrawal plan provides confidence and financial security.
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5. You worked hard to save for retirement—now give yourself permission to enjoy it!

Useful Links

Connect with Catherine Allen-Carlozo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineballen

Like what you’ve heard…

Learn more about HFM HERE

Schedule time to speak with us HERE