What Could Cost You More Than You Expect in 2026

Money PIG Podcast Episode 111

What could cost you more than you expect in 2026

In Episode 111 of the Money PIG Podcast, host Tim Goodwin and co-host Joe Beckford talk about the “quiet costs” that can sneak up on high net worth families in 2026 — not from the market, but from missed planning, unaligned professionals, and waiting too long to act. Their core message: be intentional, not accidental with your financial decisions.

They walk through common planning opportunities people often miss, like Roth conversions, backdoor Roth contributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and more strategic charitable giving using donor-advised funds and appreciated securities instead of cash. They also explain how money “leaks” out through tax drag and simple oversights — like not telling your CPA about a QCD, or creating a trust but never actually funding it.

A major theme is how costly assumptions can be. Many people expect the next year to look like the last, but Tim and Joe remind listeners that change is the only constant — especially when laws and tax rules shift. They discuss how proactive planning helps families adapt rather than react.

They also highlight the cost of waiting: procrastinating on estate documents, delaying estimated tax payments, or putting off strategic adjustments can lead to real penalties, missed opportunities, and long-term tax consequences.

To close, they encourage listeners to review one key area in 2026: the tax “types” of your money. If most of your wealth is concentrated in pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s, it may be time to intentionally build a healthier mix of Roth (tax-free), after-tax, and pre-tax assets — creating more flexibility and tax control in retirement.

Bottom line: Don’t do this alone. Coordinate your advisor, CPA, and estate attorney, keep your plan updated, and revisit your “why” so your money supports the life you actually want to live.

Resources and next steps:

Podcast: Things we do not recommend and why, Part I

Podcast: Things we do not recommend and why, Part II

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