07/24/2026
National Parentsโ Day is this Sunday, which is news to most parents.
So no, the day will probably not put parents in the spotlight. But parenting is a 365-day job, and one piece of it gets quietly transferred whether parents are intentional or not: financial habits.
Some kids and grandkids absorb attitudes about earning, saving, and risk long before they understand the math.
A few questions worth asking before the next family gathering:
๐น What do the kids and grandkids actually know about how the family operates financially?
๐น What do we want them to understand about earning, saving, giving, and risk?
๐น When was the last family discussion about money that was not about a specific bill or expense?
๐น Is there a generational wealth strategy, and does the next generation know enough about it to carry it?
The families we see do this best hold a standing meeting once or twice a year, and summer is a perfect time!
Nothing formal. Just enough rhythm that the next generation knows what is being built and why.
07/23/2026
Summer with kids is not cheap.
And camp is often one of the biggest line items!
But did you know you may be able to use a Dependent Care FSA for day camp costs?
What qualifies:
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Day camps, including specialty camps for sports, coding, or arts
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Care that allows the parent (and spouse, if married) to work or look for work
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Children under age 13 at the time of care
What doesnโt count:
โ Overnight or sleepaway camps, even if the daytime hours are separated out
โ Tutoring, music lessons, or other primarily educational programs
โ Camps attended while one parent is at home and available to provide care
If your child has a booked summer and you meet any of the conditions above, it's worth considering. If you have specific questions, consult with your HR team.
07/22/2026
โ ๏ธ A 10 percent position in a single stock is sometimes called a concentrated position.
Most people don't realize it when they have one.
It's usually not a conscious decision.
Ten years go by, and one companyโs stock is a large percentage of the portfolio.
That isn't loyalty. It's exposure.
๐ A few questions you might consider:
๐ If the stock dropped tomorrow, what would change for your family?
๐ Is the position there because selling always felt premature?
๐ Has the embedded capital gain quietly become the reason nothing has been done?
There are several ways to unwind a concentrated position without writing a large check to the IRS.
The correct path depends on the situation.
If this sounds familiar, weโd welcome a conversation to share ideas that may help. Before any action is taken, however, itโs important to consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals so you understand the tax consequences of any decision.
07/22/2026
13 years of making a difference! ๐ฅ Today we celebrate Katie Fischer's 13th work anniversary at Market Street Wealth Management Advisors. Katie's leadership, expertise, and commitment to our clients embody everything MSWMA stands for. Here's to many more!
07/20/2026
December is the busiest month for RMDs.
But waiting until then can mean you miss some chances with charitable giving or with estate ideas.
For anyone age 73 or older, the required minimum distribution is mandatory, and the penalty for missing a deadline can be steep. If taken before age 59ยฝ, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10 percent penalty.
But the timing of the withdrawal and which accounts it comes from can shape the tax bill in ways a December scramble canโt.
A few things worth knowing:
๐ Multiple IRAs can be aggregated; retirement plans cannot. Each RMD must come from that specific plan.
๐ In 2026, a Qualified Charitable Distribution may allow up to $111,000 per individual to go directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, satisfying the RMD without adding to taxable income. Check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional if youโre considering this approach.
๐ A QCD has to be a direct transfer. Once the money lands in a personal account, the option is gone.
๐ Coordinating across accounts, spouses, and inherited IRAs is where most of the value might sit.
Mid-year is when there is still room to model it.
If RMDs are part of your plan this year, this is a good time to map them.
07/18/2026
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our own Katie Fischer! ๐ Your passion for helping clients and your incredible dedication make every day at Market Street Wealth Management Advisors better. Hope your day is as wonderful as you are!
07/16/2026
Travel fraud gets worse every summer, and we hear more stories from clients every year.
A quick login from the lobby.
A brokerage app checked from the airport lounge.
A bank balance pulled up at a cafe.
Public networks are where accounts can get exposed.
A few habits worth building before the next trip:
๐ Skip public WiFi for anything financial. Use cellular data or a personal hotspot.
๐ Turn on real-time transaction alerts for every card.
๐ Consider using credit, not debit.
๐ Watch for skimmers (devices attached to gas pumps and ATMs that copy card data).
A few minutes of preparation before the trip can help prevent months of cleanup after.
07/15/2026
Trump Accounts opened on July 4. A few questions are worth considering:
โก๏ธ Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000?
Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.
โก๏ธ Is there an income maximum?
No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.
โก๏ธ Our child is 7. Did we miss it?
Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.
โก๏ธ Can grandparents contribute?
Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.
โก๏ธ What is the catch?
State tax conformity varies; California, for example, does not currently conform.
Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through. Our team is here for that.
07/13/2026
๐๏ธ "Let's talk about it in December."
By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.
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The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.
Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.
Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.
If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.
December conversions can be reactive.
Mid-year conversions can be designed.
If youโre wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.
๐ To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59ยฝ. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.
07/13/2026
Six years of dedication, expertise, and heart! ๐ Please join us in celebrating Adriane Kulczar's 6th work anniversary at Market Street Wealth Management Advisors.
We're so grateful to have you on our team, Adriane!