End of Year Newsletter – Wrapping up 2025!

Published by ken.luckinbill on

Year-End Tips: Soar Into 2026 Confidently

Wrapping up 2025

It’s the perfect time to review your retirement plan and make smart moves before the year ends. At Luckinbill Financial Advisors, we’re here to help you navigate toward a secure, inflation-protected retirement—sooner than you might think.

3 Quick Year-End Moves to Save on Taxes in Retirement

Roth Conversions

Consider converting part of your traditional IRA/401(k) to Roth before December 31.

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Selling losers can offset gains and reduce your taxable income.

Charitable Giving

If you’re 70½+, use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your IRA to satisfy RMDs tax-free.

A Quick 2025 Reflection

2025 has delivered another resilient year for markets, with strong gains amid shifting economic signals.

S&P 500 Strength: The index is up approximately 16-18% year-to-date (including dividends), continuing the bull run driven by technology and growth sectors—all 11 sectors posted gains.

Precious Metals Boom: Gold and silver have truly “gone to the moon.” Gold climbed over 60% YTD, trading around $4,200-$4,300 per ounce, fueled by safe-haven demand, central bank purchases, and geopolitical factors. Silver outperformed with gains exceeding 100%, hitting record highs near $62 per ounce, boosted by industrial uses in solar, EVs, and AI infrastructure.

AI Dominance: Artificial intelligence remained the centerpiece, with hyperscalers and chipmakers leading the charge. Massive investments in data centers and infrastructure broadened gains, though concentration risks persist.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I’m excited for our quarterly seminars starting in March—topics like Maximizing Social Security and Healthcare Planning Before Medicare. Stay tuned for invites!

As we head into 2026, the market remains unpredictable. That’s why I value ZEGA Investments strategies, like the “buy and hedge” approach—it keeps us invested for long-term growth while adding protection when things get bumpy. It’s like flying: enjoy the clear skies, but stay ready for turbulence.

What This Means for Your Retirement: Robust equity returns and precious metal surges underscore the power of diversification—stocks for long-term growth, alternatives like gold/silver as inflation hedges. With rates possibly stabilizing, fixed-income options may offer steady yields. For those eyeing early retirement, this environment highlights building resilient, inflation-proof portfolios with reliable income streams.

Ready for a complimentary retirement review? Call me at 515-462-0020 or book online at luckinbillfinancial.com.

Best Regards,

Ken Luckinbill

Luckinbill Financial Advisors

Where your Financial Freedom Takes Flight!

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1: Advisory services are provided by ZEGA Investments (“ZEGA”). ZEGA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in the U.S. in states where it is properly notice filed or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC or any other securities regulator and does not mean the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

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