10/30/2026
💡One recommendation I frequently make to clients: Don’t overlook the importance of building a Taxable Investment Account!
The word taxable often scares clients and I see so many people that are only focused on investing in their retirement accounts.
But the reality is that a taxable brokerage account can be one of the most flexible and tax-efficient accounts in your financial plan when used strategically.
Here’s why:
âś… Favorable tax rates: Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends may be taxed at lower rates than ordinary income. By contrast, savings account interest and distributions from Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are generally taxed at ordinary income rates.
âś… Flexibility: Access your money anytime without early withdrawal penalties and choose when to realize capital gains.
âś… Tax-loss harvesting: Ability to offset capital gains with investment losses to reduce your tax bill.
âś… Estate planning benefits: Appreciated investments may receive a step-up in cost basis at death, potentially reducing or eliminating capital gains taxes for heirs.
âś… Control over retirement income: Choose when and how much to sell to manage taxable income. In lower-income years, you may be able to realize long-term capital gains at a 0% federal tax rate.
Don’t let the word “taxable” scare you. And don’t assume that because an account offers a tax deduction today, it’s automatically the most tax-efficient choice in the long run.
We help clients determine which buckets to fill, when to fill them, and how to make their money work more efficiently for them.