Many households unknowingly pay more in taxes over a lifetime than any other expense. Brickley explains the difference between tax preparation and forward-looking tax planning—and why the latter can unlock long-term value when paired with investment and estate strategies.

As 2025 wraps up, there are several actionable strategies that may help reduce your tax burden and strengthen your financial plan. From charitable giving to retirement contributions and equity compensation planning, timing matters—and the deadline is December 31.

With deduction limitations set to begin in 2026, 2025 offers a unique window for high-income donors to pair charitable gifts and IRA withdrawals. When structured properly, this approach can help offset income and maximize available deductions especially before Qualified Charitable Distributions become available at age 70½.

For IRA balances above $5 million, Roth conversions aren’t just about marginal tax planning. With the right strategy, they can reduce estate taxes, capture market rebounds tax-free, and align with long-term charitable goals. Brickley Wealth Management explains how it could work.

This final part of the series addresses the long-term pressures on retirement income—especially longevity risk and inflation. By keeping options open, revisiting plans regularly, and designing for flexibility, retirees can build a more sustainable and resilient strategy that adjusts as life changes.

This article explores why fixed income plans often fall short in retirement, and how flexible strategies—like dynamic guardrails and tax-coordinated withdrawals—can better support real-life shifts such as family needs, market volatility, or changing health.