How Can I Lower Taxes on My Investments? 5 Strategies Explained

Taxes aren't anyone's favorite topic, but tax planning is one of the most practical ways to keep more of what you earn. In this episode of Joe Knows Dough, Joe Wilson of Preferred Wealth Management walks through six tax planning strategies for 2026, from the 0% long-term capital gains bracket to Roth conversions and the Medicare IRMAA surcharges that catch many retirees off guard. IN THIS EPISODE • How the 0% long-term capital gains bracket works, and who may qualify in 2026 • Tax-loss harvesting, the $3,000 ordinary income offset, and the wash sale rule • Roth vs. traditional contributions, and when a Roth conversion may make sense • Asset location: why where you hold an investment can matter as much as what you hold • Bunching charitable gifts with a donor-advised fund • IRMAA: how income from two years ago can raise your Medicare premiums CHAPTERS 0:00 Why tax planning matters 0:21 Capital gains harvesting in the 0% bracket 2:29 Tax-loss harvesting and the wash sale rule 3:52 Roth vs. traditional contributions and Roth conversions 6:53 Asset location 8:21 Bunching charitable deductions with a donor-advised fund 10:38 IRMAA awareness ABOUT JOE WILSON Joe Wilson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with Preferred Wealth Management. Learn more: https://preferred-wealth.com None of these strategies is especially complicated, but they work best when your investments, tax picture, and retirement timeline are coordinated. The information provided by the Joe Knows Dough podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Everyone's situation is different, so before making any decisions, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified professional who understands your specific circumstances. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Harbour Investments Inc. Securities licensed in MI, IN, and CO | Member SIPC