Every December, investors ask the same question: “Is it still safe to stay invested, or should I move to cash?”

Today, Jason & Alex break down one of the most common (and dangerous) behavioral questions investors face. With markets at or near all-time highs and uncertainty ahead in politics, global events, and the economy, it’s completely natural to feel nervous. But the data tells a very clear story, and it might surprise you.

We walk through:

📌 Why market timing consistently destroys investor returns

📌 What 100+ years of bull and bear market history reveals

📌 Why behavioral mistakes are the #1 detractor of long-term wealth

📌 How often markets are positive vs negative

📌 Why endowments & family offices invest differently than the average investor

📌 What you should be doing with your portfolio before year-end

📌 How alternatives can improve risk-adjusted returns

📌 Why now is the time to get a second opinion on your strategy

💬 Book a consultation with us

Want a personalized review of your year-end planning? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.

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Disclosure:

The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Charts, data, and illustrations are provided for general context only and are not intended to predict or guarantee future results. Certain examples may reference outcomes experienced by actual clients; however, these examples are general in nature, may not be representative, and are not a guarantee of future performance.

References to having “better odds” when investing are based on historical market data showing that, over approximately the past 100 years, the S&P 500 Index experienced positive calendar-year returns in roughly 74% of years. This information reflects historical data only and does not guarantee future results. Market losses are possible in any period, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Charts referenced during this podcast are sourced from First Trust.

Statements regarding the potential benefits of avoiding behavioral mistakes and working with an adviser are based on research suggesting that behavioral coaching and disciplined planning may improve investor outcomes relative to self-directed decision-making. This perspective is informed by multiple industry studies, including research from (1) Value of an Adviser Report | 2019 – Russell Investments; (2) Alpha, Beta, and Now…Gamma | Aug 2013 – Morningstar; (3) Putting a Value on Your Value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha® | July 2022 – Vanguard; (4) Capital Sigma: The Advisor Advantage | 2019 – Envestnet; (5) Know Your Alternatives | 2019 – J.P. Morgan; and (6) Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) – DALBAR. While professional guidance and discipline may help improve the investor experience, no strategy or adviser can eliminate investment risk, guarantee outperformance, or ensure positive investment results. Actual outcomes will vary based on market conditions, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and individual circumstances.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tax-related strategies involve specific rules, limitations, and risks and may not be appropriate for every individual. Intelligence Driven Advisers (“IDA”) does not provide tax or legal advice; viewers should consult a qualified professional before implementing any strategy discussed. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Please review our Form ADV and Form CRS for additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest.

If you're a business owner, high-income earner, or someone who simply wants to stop leaving money on the table, this episode lays out six powerful year-end tax strategies you can still take advantage of before December 31. These are the moves that help reduce taxes, create long-term advantages, and bring real clarity to your financial picture.

In this quick yet high-impact conversation, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith break down the exact steps our clients take every December, from fully funding retirement plans and executing Roth conversions to using donor-advised funds and maximizing tax-loss harvesting. Each strategy can create meaningful tax savings when implemented correctly and tailored to your financial situation.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I be doing before year-end to avoid overpaying the IRS?” This episode is your guide.

What We Cover in This Episode:

📌 How fully funding retirement plans can still reduce 2024 taxable income

📌 When Roth 401(k) and Roth conversions make sense

📌 Why business owners should consider cash balance and defined benefit plans

📌 How a cost segregation analysis can put hundreds of thousands back in your pocket

📌 The right way to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

📌 Tax loss harvesting strategies, and the biggest mistakes to avoid

📌 Why donor-advised funds are a powerful tool for high earners and families focused on legacy

Every one of these strategies becomes more effective when tailored to your goals, especially for entrepreneurs and successful professionals who want clarity and confidence in their financial decisions.

💬 Book a FREE consultation with us

Want a personalized review of your year-end planning? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.

📬 Contact Jason directly: jason@financialdetox.com

🌐 Learn more: https://idawealth.com

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More on Financial Detox:

Buy the Book

Follow IDA Wealth:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers

===================

Disclosure:

The information in this video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Some statements refer to outcomes experienced by actual clients, but these examples are general in nature, may not be typical, and are not a guarantee of future results. Any illustrations or scenarios are for demonstration only and should not be relied upon as predictive. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal, and no statement here should be interpreted as a promise of performance or tax benefit. Tax-related strategies involve specific rules, limitations, eligibility requirements, costs, and potential risks, and it is important to evaluate whether any approach discussed is appropriate for your personal situation. IDA does not provide specific tax advice; viewers should consult a qualified tax professional or attorney before implementing any strategy. Intelligence Driven Advisers (“IDA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Before engaging IDA, please review our Form ADV and Form CRS at idawealth.com to understand our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest.

📅 Get your FREE Retirement Clarity Session: https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/LeadGen/Welcome/1fe6a74e-64ab-4070-bfca-112732c0fca1

🔔 Subscribe for more expert retirement planning insights: https://www.youtube.com/@idawealth?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Discover how to avoid toxic financial advice and plan your dream retirement today!

Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith from IDA Wealth dive deep into one of the most critical transitions in life – the first 1,000 days of retirement.

Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already navigating life after work, this episode will help you make smarter financial and emotional decisions.

💬 What You'll Learn:
• The biggest emotional and psychological shifts when entering retirement
• How to avoid common mistakes like under-living and overspending
• The 3 core risks in retirement:
1️⃣ Sequence of Returns Risk
2️⃣ Overspending vs. Under-living
3️⃣ Tax Traps & Strategic Withdrawal Planning
• How to reframe your portfolio as your new paycheck
• Why having purpose is more important than just having a financial plan
• Real-life stories from retirees and young professionals for inspiration
• The difference between fiduciary advice and commission-based “advice”

💼 Need help with your retirement plan?
Schedule your free, no-obligation Retirement Clarity Session today and discover what’s possible with cash-flow based planning, tax strategies, and a life-first approach.
👉 https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/LeadGen/Welcome/1fe6a74e-64ab-4070-bfca-112732c0fca1

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on YouTube.
👍 Like, comment, and share if you found value in this episode!

#FinancialDetox #RetirementPlanning #PurposefulRetirement #WealthManagement #FiduciaryAdvice #RetireSmart #First1000DaysRetirement

More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/
and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/

______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers

___________________________

Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC ("IDA"), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.

The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.

IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.