On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into the complexities of understanding your tax brackets and the impact on financial decisions. Many individuals are unaware of their effective tax rate, leading to misconceptions about their tax liabilities. Amy and Steve break down the new tax rates for 2025 and explain the importance of understanding the thresholds that determine your tax bracket.

With the Trump tax cuts set to expire at the end of 2025, they discuss the potential implications for future tax rates and the importance of proactive financial planning. Roth conversion strategies and direct indexing are highlighted as tools to help manage tax liabilities and diversify investments.

The episode also covers the potential risks of having a large portion of your portfolio tied to company stock, especially for those receiving equity compensation. Amy and Steve provide insights into how direct indexing can help mitigate these risks.

Lastly, the show touches on the significance of having end-of-life care conversations and selecting the right executor for your estate. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on tax planning, investment strategies, and estate planning to ensure a secure financial future.