The strategies that build wealth are not always the same ones that preserve it from unnecessary taxation. As assets accumulate across accounts, businesses, and investments, the decisions grow more complex and the margin for error narrows. In our latest article, Director of Tax Planning Clayton Hostetter, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CIMA®, FRC℠ examines five tax planning mistakes high-net-worth individuals commonly make and the proactive approach that helps avoid them.
Read the full article below to see how strategic planning can mitigate each of these risks.
https://t.co/VFSjCsb0hu
After a difficult first quarter, markets have staged a strong recovery. The S&P 500 has gained approximately 14% since the end of March, supported by an earnings season that surpassed expectations by a wide margin and growing conviction around the long-term earnings potential of artificial intelligence. Inflation remains elevated and the path forward for new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is complex, but the fundamental backdrop for U.S. equities remains constructive.
Read the full update from Chief Investment Officer David Hunter, CFA, on our website.
https://t.co/txskSkEf0g
Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions are one of the most potentially lucrative tax strategies available to Amazon employees.
Through Amazon's After-Tax 401(k) account, eligible employees can contribute beyond standard IRS limits and convert those dollars into the Roth account, where future growth can be distributed tax-free in retirement.
In this strategy video, Kyle Nickerson, CFP®, CIMA® answers questions involving:
- What the Mega Backdoor Roth is
- How Pre-Tax, Roth, and After-Tax accounts differ
- How the After-Tax to Roth conversion works
- The potential tax benefits
- The Pro Rata Rule and when it applies
- And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
The IRS segment rates for Q3 2026 Benefit Commencement Dates have been published, and every tier moved higher compared to Q2. For ExxonMobil employees weighing their retirement timing, the Q2 window remains open through June 1 and reflects a more favorable rate environment. Our latest pension update outlines what the February and March rate movements mean for your pension lump sum, along with what the current rate environment suggests for employees considering a later commencement date.
Read the full article here:
https://t.co/Umj4JGnPQp
The Shell Pension Plan is one of the most valuable retirement benefits available to Shell employees, but getting the most out of it requires a clear understanding of how your benefit is calculated, when you can access it, and how your distribution choice affects your tax picture.
In this video, we cover both pension formulas available to Shell employees, how and when you can begin drawing your benefit, the distribution options available at retirement, and the tax implications of each.
Cydney Nash, CFP®, CIMA®, answers questions involving:
• The Accumulated Percentage Formula (APF) and the 80-Point Formula
• When you are eligible to begin drawing your pension
• Lump sum vs. annuity distribution options
• How taxes apply to each distribution type
• And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation:
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We are thrilled to announce that Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management has been named to USA TODAY’s Top Financial Advisory Firms list for 2026.
The ranking was determined by an independent third party based on assets under management, long-term growth, and recommendations from both clients and peers. We have spent years building a firm that delivers integrated wealth, tax, and estate planning under one roof, and being recognized alongside some of the best advisory firms in the country tells us that work is resonating. We are proud of our team and grateful for the clients who have been a part of this journey.
Awards Disclosure:
https://t.co/nUqwjfKXA6
We are proud to share that Jeff Rhame, Founder and President of Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management, has been named to the Forbes 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list, ranking 10th in the Texas South region.
The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list is one of the most respected advisor rankings in the industry. From a pool of over 52,000 nominated advisors, selection is based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes in-person interviews, telephone due diligence, client retention data, assets under management, credentials, and compliance review. It is a thorough, independent process, and one we are honored to be recognized through.
This recognition is a reflection of the work our team has committed to over the past several years. Building out integrated wealth, tax, and estate planning capabilities under one roof. Deepening our expertise for the clients we serve. Growing our credentials, expanding our team, and raising the standard of what comprehensive wealth management looks like. This is a well-deserved recognition for Jeff and a proud moment for our firm.
Awards Disclosure: https://t.co/nUqwjfKXA6
While the U.S.-Iran conflict and an accompanying oil price shock have dominated headlines in 2026, the more durable story emerging this spring is one of corporate and economic resilience, with the S&P 500 recovering from a ~9% correction to reach new all-time highs. Early Q1 earnings are running well ahead of estimates, consumers and small businesses remain in solid shape, and the fragile ceasefire represents a potential upside catalyst rather than a persistent headwind. In this month's update, Chief Investment Officer David Hunter, CFA makes the case for why the underlying economic and corporate foundation continues to support a constructive outlook for equity markets.
Read the full market update here:
https://t.co/OnOKm9TNqn
For many taxpayers, charitable giving doesn't actually reduce their tax bill, but with the right approach, it can.
Two strategies can make a meaningful difference for those who give regularly to faith-based, educational, or other 501(c)(3) organizations: Deduction Lumping and Asset Gifting. Deduction Lumping involves strategically timing charitable gifts and other deductible expenses to exceed the standard deduction in years you otherwise wouldn't qualify. Asset Gifting involves donating appreciated assets directly rather than liquidating them first, avoiding capital gains tax while receiving a deduction for the full fair market value.
In this video, we cover how both strategies work, who they apply to, and how to implement them correctly.
Kyle McClain, CFP®, CIMA®, answers questions involving:
• Why many charitable gifts don't result in a tax deduction
• How Deduction Lumping works and when to use it
• Why donating appreciated assets is often smarter than giving cash
• The potential tax savings of each strategy
• And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
Chevron employees have access to a significant tax planning opportunity within the Employee Savings and Investment Plan: Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions.
The Chevron ESIP allows eligible employees to contribute After-Tax dollars beyond the standard IRS limits and roll those contributions directly into a Roth IRA. Any growth on those contributions can be rolled into a Traditional IRA, helping to manage the Pro-Rata Rule. For high earners looking to build additional tax-free retirement savings, this strategy can make a meaningful difference over time.
In this video, we cover how the Mega Backdoor Roth works within the Chevron ESIP, the tax features of each contribution type, and how to execute the strategy correctly.
Tyler Miller, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CIMA®, answers questions involving:
- What the Mega Backdoor Roth is
- How Pre-Tax, Roth, and After-Tax accounts differ
- How the After-Tax rollover process works in the ESIP
- The potential tax benefits
- And much more!
Backdoor Roth IRA conversions and Mega Backdoor Roth conversions can be powerful ways to save additional assets into a Roth account to unlock long-term tax advantaged growth. However, without proper planning, the IRS Pro Rata Rule can trigger unexpected tax liabilities. Our updated article breaks down this complex rule, explains how it applies, and outlines considerations to help you avoid costly mistakes while making the most of your Roth conversions.
Read the updated article here: https://t.co/mvqrnXduhl
ExxonMobil employees who have accumulated company stock in their Savings Plan may be sitting on shares that have appreciated significantly. This opens the door to a meaningful planning opportunity: Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). This strategy allows eligible retirees to transfer this stock in-kind to a brokerage account and receive preferential capital gains treatment on the growth, which can result in substantial tax savings throughout retirement.
In this video, we cover how to identify NUA eligible stock within the ExxonMobil Savings Plan, when to implement the strategy, how to avoid costly rollover mistakes, and strategies for tax-efficient distributions of NUA stock.
Kyle McClain, CFP®, CIMA®, answers questions involving:
• What Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) is
• What normal 401(k) distributions look like
• Potential tax savings
• NUA example
• And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
Apple employees have access to a powerful tax strategy that could significantly accelerate their retirement savings: Mega Backdoor Roth Conversions. This strategy enables Roth retirement savings well beyond the standard IRS limits for direct Roth 401(k) contributions.
In this video, Tyler Miller, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CIMA®, answers questions including:
• What the Mega Backdoor Roth is
• The specific mechanics of this strategy for Apple employees
• 401(k) contribution types and their tax implications
• The overall benefits of implementing this strategy
• And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
2026 marks a significant shift in the tax landscape. While several provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were once considered temporary, the landmark One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has made many of these features permanent, shifting the focus toward long-term strategic planning.
In this video, Clay Hostetter, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CIMA®, FRC℠ breaks down the updated tax environment, covering:
- Permanent Provisions: Current tax rates and the expanded standard deduction are now permanent fixtures.
- Bracket Thresholds: Tax brackets have shifted higher to reflect inflation.
- Retirement Limits: Contribution ceilings for 401(k)s and IRAs have increased.
- New Deductions: Introduction of a new senior deduction and non-itemizer charitable deduction.
- Roth Catch-Ups: Specific catch-up rules now apply to high earners age 50+.
- Estate & Gifting: The lifetime exemption has risen to $15 million per person.
- And much more!
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation. We will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
The BP Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP) is a cornerstone of retirement for many BP employees, but understanding how the benefits accrue, the distribution options, and important tax considerations is essential for planning. In this article, we explore the mechanics of the plan, including how pay credits are calculated based on age and service, the differences in interest credit guarantees, and the trade-offs between choosing a lump sum or an annuity at retirement.
Click the link in our bio to read the full article.
Read the full article here: https://t.co/EB1Me5PG25
Are you considering an early retirement but concerned about penalties for accessing your accounts before age 59 ½?
In this video, Kyle Nickerson, CFP®, CIMA® explores two IRS-approved strategies that may offer a solution:
The Rule of 55: Permits penalty-free withdrawals from a 401(k) if you separate from your employer at age 55 or older.
Section 72(t): Allows for Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) regardless of age, but requires strict adherence to specific IRS calculation methods.
Watch as we explain how each option works, when they apply, and how to evaluate which one might be right for your situation.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this information or the other services our firm offers, we invite you to contact our team for a complimentary consultation where we will review your financial situation to determine opportunities for optimization from an employer benefits, executive compensation, investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning perspective.
We are pleased to announce that Maggie Griffin-Book, JD, has joined Rhame & Gorrell as our Director of Estate Planning. As a Board-Certified attorney in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Maggie brings a specialized level of expertise that marks a significant expansion of our firm’s internal capabilities.
The addition of an in-house Estate Planning Director allows us to facilitate comprehensive estate planning strategies directly within the firm. It’s our belief that as the size and complexity of your total wealth grows, the core elements of your planning (Wealth Management, Tax Strategy, and Estate Plan) should become less fragmented. By integrating this discipline into our existing in-house wealth management and tax planning services, our team can ensure every aspect of your financial picture is coordinated with precision.
For our clients, this means a more complete and streamlined experience. Estate planning is a critical component of a successful long-term strategy, and having this expertise in-house ensures your legacy goals are addressed with the same rigor as your overall financial plan. Whether you are focused on business succession, tax-efficient wealth transfer, or the refinement of foundational documents, Maggie’s expertise provides the necessary oversight to help protect your interests.
We remain committed to providing a sophisticated service offering, and the ability to offer integrated estate planning guidance is a vital step in that mission.
Please join us in welcoming Maggie to the firm. We look forward to the enhanced value her counsel will provide.
Learn about Maggie here:
https://t.co/OhHs9bt8tJ
High-income earners are typically ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA based on income phase-outs. However, the Backdoor Roth IRA remains a widely utilized strategy for those exceeding these thresholds. By making a non-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA and subsequently converting those funds to a Roth IRA, individuals earning over $168,000 (single) or $252,000 (married) can continue to build tax-free retirement savings.
Notably, recent legislation left this strategy untouched, keeping it available for 2026 and beyond. However, because of complexities like the Pro Rata Rule and specific IRS filing requirements, professional oversight is highly recommended to ensure the conversion is executed correctly. In this updated article for 2026, we explore how this strategy works and important considerations to be aware of.
Click the link below to learn about the Backdoor Roth IRA:
https://t.co/D4CSr3sRVD
The first quarter of 2026 has been marked by significant under-the-surface movement, even as the U.S. Large Cap indices appear relatively flat. While some previous headlines have faded, new narratives regarding equity dispersion and shifting Federal Reserve leadership are now taking center stage. In this month’s update, our Chief Investment Officer David Hunter, CFA examines the sharp divergence in sector performance, the emerging impact of AI-driven disruption, and why a disciplined approach to risk remains vital as geopolitical tensions evolve.
Read the full Market Update using the link below:
https://t.co/bTuPLkIYAR
Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management is proud to welcome Austin Manning, CFP® to the team as a Wealth Manager. A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a specialty track in Personal Financial Planning, Austin has built a strong academic and technical foundation. His commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and his successful completion of Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) program. This dual focus on comprehensive planning and rigorous investment analysis ensures our clients receive forward-looking, informed advice.
Learn more about Austin here: https://t.co/uTJh4pKI0U