Insights & Financial News | Oak Road Journal

Insights

Set Your Child Up for Success: The Power of a Roth IRA

Parents are known for investing in their kids’ futures: encouraging good habits, instilling values and skills, and helping them go through life on a path better than their own. But one item often gets overlooked: your children’s retirement.

Instilling Financial Values in Your Family

Over the next two decades, more than 84 trillion dollars will change hands in what has become known as the “great wealth transfer. More than $72 trillion of that will pass from older generations to their heirs, while nearly $12 trillion will be donated to charities.

Teaching Children About Money

Most parents can relate to the challenges of teaching their children about money—whether it’s explaining the difference between wants and needs, encouraging them to save, or helping them understand the value of a dollar.

Holding Too Much Cash Could Cost You More Than You Think

Over time, cash loses purchasing power—about 56% over the past 30 years due to inflation.

The Silent Thief: How to Stay Protected from Inflation

As a financial planner, I know that there are many risks threatening a retiree’s nest egg. But if you ask me what the most underestimated threat to a secure retirement is, my answer might surprise you.

5 Financial Misconceptions About Retirement

Planning for retirement is often seen as a straightforward task, but misconceptions can undermine even the best intentions. These myths, if left unchecked, can result in financial shortfalls or a less enjoyable retirement.

What Is Asset Location?

When it comes to your portfolio, asset allocation (the mix of stocks and bonds you have) is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. But just as important as asset allocation is a different strategy that helps you keep more of your money: asset location.

What’s Really Killing Your Credit Score?

Your credit score is more than a number; it’s a reflection of your financial health. Learn what impacts your score and how to improve it.

5 Questions You Must Ask Your Financial Advisor (To See If They Are A Fiduciary)

Choosing a financial planner is an important decision. Learn to know if you are working with an advisor held to the fiduciary standard.

Couple reviewing their financial plan together on a laptop at home

Is It Worth It to Pay for a Financial Advisor?

Is It Worth It to Pay for a Financial Advisor?

Welcome to Oak Road Wealth Management!

Welcome to Oak Road Wealth Management!

What football can teach us about diversification

What football can teach us about diversification

What REALLY matters when it comes to building wealth?

What REALLY matters when it comes to building wealth?

The truth about Social Security

The truth about Social Security

5 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely

5 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely

Accepting market cycles and focusing on the process

Accepting market cycles and focusing on the process

Choosing a Financial Advisor: Fee-Only vs Fee-Based

Choosing a Financial Advisor: Fee-Only vs Fee-Based

Where did we get this idea that we need to try to beat the market?

Where did we get this idea that we need to try to beat the market?

When Can I Retire?

When Can I Retire?

2026 Backdoor Roth IRA: The "Loophole" for High Earners

2026 Backdoor Roth IRA: The "Loophole" for High Earners

Image with text overlay in a green banner that reads "WHO CANNOT DO A BACKDOOR ROTH IRA?". Below the text are large silver three-dimensional letters spelling "ROTH IRA" on a dark wood grain table. The table is scattered with multiple US $100 bills. In the

Who Cannot Do a Backdoor Roth IRA? (2026 Rules & Restrictions)

Who Cannot Do a Backdoor Roth IRA? (2026 Rules & Restrictions)

Are Backdoor Roth IRAs Still Legal?

Are Backdoor Roth IRAs Still Legal?

A balanced wooden scale compares blocks labeled 'MERIT' on the left with blocks labeled 'DEMERIT' on the right. A green banner above asks 'What Are the Disadvantages of a Backdoor Roth?', illustrating a financial risk-reward assessment for high earners.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Backdoor Roth?

What Are the Disadvantages of a Backdoor Roth?

Couple meeting with a financial advisor to discuss the average cost of financial planning services — Oak Road Wealth Management, Lee's Summit MO

What Is the Average Cost of Using a Financial Advisor?

What Is the Average Cost of Using a Financial Advisor?

Red flag pin on a golden surface illustrating what is a red flag for a financial advisor and the warning signs every investor should know

What Is a Red Flag for a Financial Advisor?

What Is a Red Flag for a Financial Advisor?

Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I make over $200,000?

Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I make over $200,000?

Infographic showing a diagram of an IRA to Roth conversion with a red pencil circling 'ROTH' and text overlay asking, 'Do you pay tax twice on a backdoor Roth?'

Do You Pay Tax Twice on A Backdoor Roth?

Do You Pay Tax Twice on A Backdoor Roth?

Social Security card with U.S. Capitol building, representing how Social Security works and federal retirement benefits

How Social Security Works: Benefits, Taxes & Timing

How Social Security Works: Benefits, Taxes & Timing

Tax rate schedules highlighted on IRS tax table, illustrating federal tax brackets for retirement income

What Tax Rate Do You Pay in Retirement?

What Tax Rate Do You Pay in Retirement?

Social Security cards representing how Social Security benefits are taxed in 2026

How Is Social Security Taxed?

How Is Social Security Taxed?

Hand dropping a coin into a glass jar labeled "Pension," illustrating how pension income is taxed

How Is My Pension Taxed?

How Is My Pension Taxed?

IRS Form 1040 tax documents — understanding federal taxes on retirement income

Do I Have to Pay Federal Taxes on My Retirement?

Do I Have to Pay Federal Taxes on My Retirement?

401(k) label on hundred dollar bills — Oak Road Wealth Management

What Is a Good 401(k) Balance at Age 65?

What Is a Good 401(k) Balance at Age 65?

A ceramic jar labeled "Retirement Fund" surrounded by coins, dollar bills, and dice — illustrating the uncertainty and planning involved in retirement savings.

How Much Do I Need to Retire?

How Much Do I Need to Retire?

The truth about Social Security

The truth about Social Security

5 Financial Misconceptions About Retirement

5 Financial Misconceptions About Retirement

Accepting market cycles and focusing on the process

Accepting market cycles and focusing on the process

Who really benefits from complex financial products?

Who really benefits from complex financial products?

Physical gold Bitcoin coins scattered over a pile of US dollar bills, featuring a prominent green text box with the headline: "What Happens When Too Few Own Too Much? Bitcoin, Intrinsic Value, and a Warning for the Average Investor."

What Happens When Too Few Own Too Much Bitcoin?

What Happens When Too Few Own Too Much Bitcoin?

Why Simple, Disciplined Investing Builds Real Wealth

Why Simple, Disciplined Investing Builds Real Wealth

Calendar with a pen highlighting a date, alongside text reading "Why Parents, Not Grandparents, Should Own 529 Savings Plans"

Why parents, not grandparents, should own 529 savings plans!

Why parents, not grandparents, should own 529 savings plans!

Hands holding a glass charity jar filled with coins. Text overlay: Gifting Appreciated Stock: The 2026 Tax Strategy for High-Net-Worth Portfolios.

2026 Stock Gifting: Avoid the 23.8% Tax Trap

2026 Stock Gifting: Avoid the 23.8% Tax Trap

Graphical overlay titled "Qualified Charitable Distribution: The Premier 2026 Tax Strategy for Retirees" next to a glass jar filled with coins labeled "IRA," representing a tax-efficient retirement donation strategy.

Tax Shortcuts: Why QCDs Are the Ultimate 2026 Strategy for Retirees

Tax Shortcuts: Why QCDs Are the Ultimate 2026 Strategy for Retirees

Title card: Wills for Retirees with $1 Million: The 2026 Guide to a Simple, Secure Legacy. Background shows blurred eyeglasses and legal documents.

Is Your Will Heading for the $50,000 Probate Trap? (2026 Guide)

Is Your Will Heading for the $50,000 Probate Trap? (2026 Guide)

What is the biggest mistake with wills? A judge's gavel resting on a Last Will and Testament document, representing estate planning errors and probate risk.

What Is the Biggest Mistake with Wills?

What Is the Biggest Mistake with Wills?

Why Does Everyone Want to Avoid Probate?

Why Does Everyone Want to Avoid Probate?

What assets should not be in a will — financial documents, gold coins, and an umbrella representing estate planning and asset protection — Oak Road Wealth Management

What Assets Should Not Be in a Will?

What Assets Should Not Be in a Will?

Living trust and estate planning form on a clipboard — what is the major disadvantage of a trust | Oak Road Wealth Management

What Is the Major Disadvantage of a Trust?

What Is the Major Disadvantage of a Trust?

A gavel, scales of justice, and legal document on a desk — illustrating the main purpose of having a trust in estate planning.

What Is the Main Purpose of Having a Trust?

What Is the Main Purpose of Having a Trust?

Roth IRA and 401(k) retirement account paperwork with a calculator and question mark note, representing the question: how can I avoid paying taxes on my retirement account

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on My Retirement Account?

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on My Retirement Account?

Tax rate schedules highlighted on IRS tax table, illustrating federal tax brackets for retirement income

What Tax Rate Do You Pay in Retirement?

What Tax Rate Do You Pay in Retirement?

Social Security cards representing how Social Security benefits are taxed in 2026

How Is Social Security Taxed?

How Is Social Security Taxed?

Hand dropping a coin into a glass jar labeled "Pension," illustrating how pension income is taxed

How Is My Pension Taxed?

How Is My Pension Taxed?

Wooden dice spelling "TAXES" stacked on rising piles of coins, representing retirement tax planning

What Taxes Go Away When I Retire?

What Taxes Go Away When I Retire?

Person reviewing tax documents and using a calculator to calculate the new $6,000 senior tax deduction

What Is the New $6,000 Tax Break for Seniors?

What Is the New $6,000 Tax Break for Seniors?

IRS Form 1040 tax documents — understanding federal taxes on retirement income

Do I Have to Pay Federal Taxes on My Retirement?

Do I Have to Pay Federal Taxes on My Retirement?

A flat-lay photograph of a leather briefcase, a notebook with the handwritten words "Roth IRA Conversions," a pair of glasses, and a leather journal on a wooden desk.

You Should Want to Pay More Taxes — Here’s Why Roth Conversions Can Save You a Fortune

You Should Want to Pay More Taxes — Here’s Why Roth Conversions Can Save You a Fortune

2026 Backdoor Roth IRA: The "Loophole" for High Earners

2026 Backdoor Roth IRA: The "Loophole" for High Earners