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I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

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💡 Real Client Insight: Charitable Giving Strategy We started working with some clients last year—a couple giving $1,500/month to their church ($18,000/year). Despite their generosity, they weren’t receiving any tax benefit. Why? Their only itemized deductions were $10,000 for SALT and $18,000 for charitable gifts--totaling $28,000. Because the standard deduction for couples over 65 is $32,300, itemizing didn't make sense and they received no tax benefit for their gifts. So this year we helped them develop a plan. We bundled approx. three years’ worth of charitable gifts—$55,000—into a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Here’s how that can help:
 🔹 Gifted ~$55,000 of appreciated stock with a basis of ~$15,000. 
 🔹 Avoids ~$6,000 in long-term capital gains tax on stock. 
 🔹 Total itemized deductions of ~$65,000 vs. standard deduction of ~$32,300. 🔹 Leads to ~$8,993 of federal and state tax savings. 🔹 Combined tax savings of ~$14,993.
 🔹 Continuing $1,500/month giving to church from the DAF.
 🔹 Positioned funds for long-term growth to help amplify future giving. In 2026 & 2027, they'll return to using the standard deduction and look to use charitable bundling again in 2028 — no extra money donated, just smarter planning to accomplish same goal while saving on taxes. ✨ Same giving. Strategic planning. Significant tax benefit. #TaxPlanning #CharitableGiving #DonorAdvisedFund #FinancialPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

💡 Real Client Insight: Charitable Giving Strategy We started working with some clients last year—a couple giving $1,500/month to their church ($18,000/year). Despite their generosity, they weren’t receiving any tax benefit. Why? Their only itemized deductions were $10,000 for SALT and $18,000 for charitable gifts--totaling $28,000. Because the standard deduction for couples over 65 is $32,300, itemizing didn't make sense and they received no tax benefit for their gifts. So this year we helped them develop a plan. We bundled approx. three years’ worth of charitable gifts—$55,000—into a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Here’s how that can help:
 🔹 Gifted ~$55,000 of appreciated stock with a basis of ~$15,000. 
 🔹 Avoids ~$6,000 in long-term capital gains tax on stock. 
 🔹 Total itemized deductions of ~$65,000 vs. standard deduction of ~$32,300. 🔹 Leads to ~$8,993 of federal and state tax savings. 🔹 Combined tax savings of ~$14,993.
 🔹 Continuing $1,500/month giving to church from the DAF.
 🔹 Positioned funds for long-term growth to help amplify future giving. In 2026 & 2027, they'll return to using the standard deduction and look to use charitable bundling again in 2028 — no extra money donated, just smarter planning to accomplish same goal while saving on taxes. ✨ Same giving. Strategic planning. Significant tax benefit. #TaxPlanning #CharitableGiving #DonorAdvisedFund #FinancialPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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💰 Money Monday: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) If you give to charity—and pay taxes—consider a DAF. A Donor Advised Fund can be one of the most powerful tools for: ✅ Maximizing your tax deduction ✅ Creating a long-term giving strategy ✅ Supporting the causes you care about, when you’re ready What is a DAF? • A giving account that allows you to make charitable contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction (if itemizing), and then recommend grants to your favorite churches and/or charities. • Separates the act of giving from the decision of when and where to give. You can gift the funds out of the DAF immediately, maintain your normal giving schedule, or wait to gift funds years down the road. • Funds can be invested for growth just like any other investment account. • Can fund with cash, appreciated securities, real estate, and more. Whether you're bunching charitable gifts, managing a big income year, or just want to give more intentionally, a DAF can be a smart planning move. 💡 Give now. Grant later. Grow in between. Let’s talk if you’re curious how this fits into your bigger financial plan. #MoneyMonday #TaxPlanning #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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💰 Money Monday: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) If you give to charity—and pay taxes—consider a DAF. A Donor Advised Fund can be one of the most powerful tools for: ✅ Maximizing your tax deduction ✅ Creating a long-term giving strategy ✅ Supporting the causes you care about, when you’re ready What is a DAF? • A giving account that allows you to make charitable contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction (if itemizing), and then recommend grants to your favorite churches and/or charities. • Separates the act of giving from the decision of when and where to give. You can gift the funds out of the DAF immediately, maintain your normal giving schedule, or wait to gift funds years down the road. • Funds can be invested for growth just like any other investment account. • Can fund with cash, appreciated securities, real estate, and more. Whether you're bunching charitable gifts, managing a big income year, or just want to give more intentionally, a DAF can be a smart planning move. 💡 Give now. Grant later. Grow in between. Let’s talk if you’re curious how this fits into your bigger financial plan. #MoneyMonday #TaxPlanning #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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💡 We recently met with new clients whose income had increased significantly over the last few years—but their financial strategy hadn’t kept up. They didn't feel like they were optimizing things like they should, so they reached out for help. Through financial planning, a few of the things we helped them with: 🔹 Adjust account allocations that didn't match their risk tolerance or goals 🔹 Increase 401(k) contributions to get retirement savings rate on track for retirement goal 🔹 Start backdoor Roth IRA contributions to build more tax-free retirement savings 🔹 Open Donor Advised Fund for charitable bundling to benefit both their tax plan and causes they care about 🔹 Open non-qualified brokerage account to better position excess savings to help them achieve long-term goals The goal isn’t just to earn more—it’s to keep more and plan with purpose. When life changes, your strategy should too. #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

💡 We recently met with new clients whose income had increased significantly over the last few years—but their financial strategy hadn’t kept up. They didn't feel like they were optimizing things like they should, so they reached out for help. Through financial planning, a few of the things we helped them with: 🔹 Adjust account allocations that didn't match their risk tolerance or goals 🔹 Increase 401(k) contributions to get retirement savings rate on track for retirement goal 🔹 Start backdoor Roth IRA contributions to build more tax-free retirement savings 🔹 Open Donor Advised Fund for charitable bundling to benefit both their tax plan and causes they care about 🔹 Open non-qualified brokerage account to better position excess savings to help them achieve long-term goals The goal isn’t just to earn more—it’s to keep more and plan with purpose. When life changes, your strategy should too. #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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⛳ Third year playing in the Advocates for Victims and Justice outing—and it’s always a blast supporting a great cause. We came out hot at -7 on the front… and cooled off just in time to finish -10. Still a great day with a great group for an even better mission. Already looking forward to next year! #CharityGolf #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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⛳ Third year playing in the Advocates for Victims and Justice outing—and it’s always a blast supporting a great cause. We came out hot at -7 on the front… and cooled off just in time to finish -10. Still a great day with a great group for an even better mission. Already looking forward to next year! #CharityGolf #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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💡Through a recent financial planning engagement, we uncovered overlooked tax opportunities that could make a meaningful long-term difference: 🔹 The client hadn’t taken a deduction for their 2024 HSA contribution—costing nearly $1,000 in avoidable taxes. They will be amending their return. 🔹 HSA funds were sitting in cash—not invested—missing out on potential long-term growth. 🔹 They were using HSA funds each year for medical expenses, even though they had sufficient bank savings available—missing the chance to let the HSA compound for retirement. 🔹 They want to fully fund daughter’s education but haven't been maximizing Indiana’s $1,500 state tax credit available for 529 plan contributions. 🔹 401(k) contributions were all pre-tax—despite projections showing they won’t be in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Switching to Roth will not increase federal tax rate and will provide needed tax diversification. 🔹 Significantly under withholding federal taxes from pay resulting in taxes owed, plus penalties and interest. They were able to correct this moving forward. This is the kind of clarity that only comes from looking at the full picture—not just the portfolio. #FinancialPlanning #TaxStrategy #HSAPlanning #Roth401k #CollegePlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

💡Through a recent financial planning engagement, we uncovered overlooked tax opportunities that could make a meaningful long-term difference: 🔹 The client hadn’t taken a deduction for their 2024 HSA contribution—costing nearly $1,000 in avoidable taxes. They will be amending their return. 🔹 HSA funds were sitting in cash—not invested—missing out on potential long-term growth. 🔹 They were using HSA funds each year for medical expenses, even though they had sufficient bank savings available—missing the chance to let the HSA compound for retirement. 🔹 They want to fully fund daughter’s education but haven't been maximizing Indiana’s $1,500 state tax credit available for 529 plan contributions. 🔹 401(k) contributions were all pre-tax—despite projections showing they won’t be in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Switching to Roth will not increase federal tax rate and will provide needed tax diversification. 🔹 Significantly under withholding federal taxes from pay resulting in taxes owed, plus penalties and interest. They were able to correct this moving forward. This is the kind of clarity that only comes from looking at the full picture—not just the portfolio. #FinancialPlanning #TaxStrategy #HSAPlanning #Roth401k #CollegePlanning #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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Preparing for financial surprises doesn't have to be complicated. Proactive planning can help you stay ahead of market swings and other risks that can impact your financial plan. Learn more about strategies to set you up for long-term success: https://bit.ly/4m32xHO

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Preparing for financial surprises doesn't have to be complicated. Proactive planning can help you stay ahead of market swings and other risks that can impact your financial plan. Learn more about strategies to set you up for long-term success: https://bit.ly/4m32xHO

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Last week we reviewed a new client's financial plan for the first time. As part of their financial plan, we took a closer look at their investment strategy. They had several retirement accounts spread across 5 different institutions—built up over time through job changes and one-off decisions. This included both IRAs and previous employer 401(k) plans. By stepping back and looking at the full picture, we uncovered opportunities to: ✅ Simplify their financial life through account consolidation ✅ Allow them to gain better understanding of what they own ✅ Eliminate overlapping or unnecessary fees ✅ Align their portfolio with their updated retirement goals and risk tolerance ✅ Lay the groundwork for more efficient income planning in the future ✅ Uncover tax planning opportunities for Roth conversions and gifting appreciated stock This is a great reminder: a financial plan isn’t just about what you've saved—it’s how it all works together. Clarity often starts with simplification. #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #SimplifyYourFinances #RetirementPlanning #WealthBuilding #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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Last week we reviewed a new client's financial plan for the first time. As part of their financial plan, we took a closer look at their investment strategy. They had several retirement accounts spread across 5 different institutions—built up over time through job changes and one-off decisions. This included both IRAs and previous employer 401(k) plans. By stepping back and looking at the full picture, we uncovered opportunities to: ✅ Simplify their financial life through account consolidation ✅ Allow them to gain better understanding of what they own ✅ Eliminate overlapping or unnecessary fees ✅ Align their portfolio with their updated retirement goals and risk tolerance ✅ Lay the groundwork for more efficient income planning in the future ✅ Uncover tax planning opportunities for Roth conversions and gifting appreciated stock This is a great reminder: a financial plan isn’t just about what you've saved—it’s how it all works together. Clarity often starts with simplification. #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #SimplifyYourFinances #RetirementPlanning #WealthBuilding #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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5 financial risks (and how to adapt your financial plan)

Are you prepared for financial changes? With proactive planning and flexible strategies, you can manage risks and habits that could impact your financial plan. Learn more about protecting your finances from what-ifs. ⬇️

Life is unpredictable, but the right financial plan can help you navigate changes with confidence. Learn about five major financial risks and strategies that...

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💰 Money Monday As we approach the halfway mark of 2025, it’s a great time to review your financial plan. Are you still on track for what you set out to accomplish in January? Here are 3 key reasons to take a closer look: 1️⃣ Life Changes — Have there been career shifts, a move, or family changes that may affect your goals or cash flow? 2️⃣ Tax Strategy Shifts — Are you on pace with 2025 contribution plans or charitable giving strategies? Are you on pace for increased/decreased income and need to make adjustments to tax strategies? 3️⃣ Market Fluctuations — Volatility can expose risks or opportunities you didn’t see in January. Remember: a great plan is built to adapt—not just sit on the shelf. Let’s check in and make sure you’re still on track for the year ahead. #MoneyMonday #FinancialPlanning #MidYearReview #WealthStrategy #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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💰 Money Monday As we approach the halfway mark of 2025, it’s a great time to review your financial plan. Are you still on track for what you set out to accomplish in January? Here are 3 key reasons to take a closer look: 1️⃣ Life Changes — Have there been career shifts, a move, or family changes that may affect your goals or cash flow? 2️⃣ Tax Strategy Shifts — Are you on pace with 2025 contribution plans or charitable giving strategies? Are you on pace for increased/decreased income and need to make adjustments to tax strategies? 3️⃣ Market Fluctuations — Volatility can expose risks or opportunities you didn’t see in January. Remember: a great plan is built to adapt—not just sit on the shelf. Let’s check in and make sure you’re still on track for the year ahead. #MoneyMonday #FinancialPlanning #MidYearReview #WealthStrategy #PilotWealthAdvisors See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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🔷 100 Miles. $100K Goal. One Cause. 🔷 On June 20, I’ll be riding 100 miles in the Solstice Century cycling event to raise funds for two outstanding organizations—Hesed House and DuPage Pads. Both serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the community. This ride is part of a collective effort to raise $100,000 to have an incredible impact on local charities and the countless individuals they serve 💡 How you can help: ✔️ Click the link or scan the QR code to donate ✔️ Share this post to help spread the mission ✔️ Or simply wish me luck—I'll need it after mile 80 😅 Whether it's $1 or $1,000, every dollar donated makes a difference. Together, we can turn miles into meaningful impact. Thanks for supporting the ride and the mission. 🚴‍♂️ https://givebutter.com/2025solsticecentury/community-services/gregdurivage2 #SolsticeCentury #CommunityImpact #HesedHouse #DuPagePads #CyclingForACause #FundraisingChallenge #PilotWealthAdvisors #MakeADifference See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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🔷 100 Miles. $100K Goal. One Cause. 🔷 On June 20, I’ll be riding 100 miles in the Solstice Century cycling event to raise funds for two outstanding organizations—Hesed House and DuPage Pads. Both serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the community. This ride is part of a collective effort to raise $100,000 to have an incredible impact on local charities and the countless individuals they serve 💡 How you can help: ✔️ Click the link or scan the QR code to donate ✔️ Share this post to help spread the mission ✔️ Or simply wish me luck—I'll need it after mile 80 😅 Whether it's $1 or $1,000, every dollar donated makes a difference. Together, we can turn miles into meaningful impact. Thanks for supporting the ride and the mission. 🚴‍♂️ https://givebutter.com/2025solsticecentury/community-services/gregdurivage2 #SolsticeCentury #CommunityImpact #HesedHouse #DuPagePads #CyclingForACause #FundraisingChallenge #PilotWealthAdvisors #MakeADifference See thrivent.com/social for disclosures.

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