Welcome To Our Blog
Welcome to our blog, your go-to source for insights, updates, and expert perspectives on wealth management, financial planning, and market trends. Here, you’ll find practical guides, timely news, and thought leadership designed to help you make informed financial decisions and stay ahead in an ever-changing financial landscape.

Fiduciary vs. Fee-Based Financial Advisor
A fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in the best interests of clients at all times. This fiduciary duty is enforced under federal law for registered investment advisors and investment advisors who provide ongoing advisory services. The fiduciary standard requires both a duty of care and a duty of loyalty.

Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
The estate planning environment has shifted significantly. The federal estate tax exemption in 2025 sits at historically high levels, yet scheduled changes and legislative uncertainty, including discussion around proposals such as the big beautiful bill act and related accountability act measures, create uncertainty around future tax laws. At the federal level, changes to exemption amounts can dramatically alter estate taxes for families with large assets.

Discretionary vs Non-Discretionary Investment Management
Discretionary investment management is a structure in which a client grants written authorization allowing a financial advisor or discretionary manager to execute trades and make investment decisions without seeking client approval for each given trade. A discretionary investment account operates under a written mandate that defines the parameters of the relationship.

Towerpoint Wealth’s President, Joseph Eschleman, Featured in Comstock Magazine: Why Succession Planning Matters More Than Ever
The article highlights why planning for leadership and ownership transitions has become increasingly critical in today’s environment, and what individuals and business owners can do now to protect the value they’ve worked so hard to build.

What’s the Difference Between Executor and Trustee?
An executor, sometimes called a personal representative, is the individual appointed in a will to administer a deceased person’s estate. The executor’s role begins after a person’s death and only becomes active once formally approved by the probate court.

Active vs. Passive Investment Management
Active investment management involves a hands on approach where investment managers attempt to beat the market by selecting individual securities, adjusting allocations, and responding to market trends. Active managers seek to generate excess returns relative to a market index through research, analysis, and tactical positioning.

Tax Planning in Retirement: What You Should Review Before Filing
At Towerpoint Wealth, we’re sharing our perspective on retirement tax planning, how retirement income is taxed, why the structure of that income matters, and why reviewing these decisions early can help preserve flexibility over time.

Winter 2026: Insights for Professional Fiduciaries Navigating an Evolving Planning Landscape
Recent federal and California-specific changes will meaningfully affect retirement funding, tax strategy, and compliance. In this article, are the key developments professional fiduciaries should have on their radar.

What Tax Strategies Can Help Reduce Taxes In Retirement?
Understanding the interaction between Social Security benefits and required minimum distributions rmds is essential, because required minimum distributions and Social Security income can push income into a higher tax bracket, increasing your federal income tax bill, state and local taxes, and capital gains tax imposed on selling investments or mutual funds within taxable accounts. Tax laws in 2025 and beyond are changing the treatment of taxable accounts, tax deferred accounts, and roth accounts, which means retirees must consider tax implications, tax treatment, and their long term tax situation as part of their retirement planning.

How Often Should My Investment Portfolio Be Reviewed?
Regular portfolio reviews are a foundational element of a sound financial plan. As your life circumstances and financial situation evolve, so should your investment strategy. These periodic reviews are opportunities to ensure that your investment portfolio reflects your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and desired asset allocation.

When Should I Start Estate Planning and What Documents Do I Actually Need?
Estate planning matters because life is unpredictable. Without proper planning, state laws determine what happens to your estate, your property, and in some cases your children. This can lead to delays, unnecessary costs, and family disputes during an already difficult time. A thoughtful estate plan brings structure and guidance when it matters most.

Supporting Adult Children Without Undermining Your Own Financial Goals
For many families, providing financial help to adult children begins with the best of intentions. It starts as a temporary bridge. A moment of support during a transition. A way to help them get on their feet. Over time, though, what starts as shorter-term assistance can quietly become an ongoing commitment — often without a clear plan, timeline, or shared expectations.

What is the Difference Between Wealth Management and Financial Planning?
At Towerpoint Wealth, we work with individuals across many stages of life, from professionals building financial stability to high net worth individuals managing substantial wealth. While both financial planning and wealth management aim to improve financial health, the scope, depth, and ongoing nature of these services vary in meaningful ways.

How Do I Know If I Need a Fiduciary Financial Advisor or a Traditional Advisor?
A financial advisor can act as a trusted partner, but the title alone does not guarantee that your interests come first. Some financial professionals are legally required to act in your best interest while others are not.

How Can I Feel Truly Financially Secure? A Holistic Guide to Financial Peace of Mind
One of the most practical ways to achieve financial stability is to build an emergency fund. This fund serves as a safety net when life throws you a curveball. Whether it’s a medical bill, a car breaks down unexpectedly, or a job layoff, emergency savings ensure you’re financially prepared. A good starter emergency fund should cover at least three to six months of living expenses. Ideally, these funds should be kept in a separate savings account to remain accessible and untouched.

What Tax Strategies Can Help Reduce Taxes In Retirement?
Understanding the interaction between Social Security benefits and required minimum distributions rmds is essential, because required minimum distributions and Social Security income can push income into a higher tax bracket, increasing your federal income tax bill, state and local taxes, and capital gains tax imposed on selling investments or mutual funds within taxable accounts. Tax laws in 2025 and beyond are changing the treatment of taxable accounts, tax deferred accounts, and roth accounts, which means retirees must consider tax implications, tax treatment, and their long term tax situation as part of their retirement planning.

How Often Should My Investment Portfolio Be Reviewed?
Regular portfolio reviews are a foundational element of a sound financial plan. As your life circumstances and financial situation evolve, so should your investment strategy. These periodic reviews are opportunities to ensure that your investment portfolio reflects your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and desired asset allocation.

When Should I Start Estate Planning and What Documents Do I Actually Need?
Estate planning matters because life is unpredictable. Without proper planning, state laws determine what happens to your estate, your property, and in some cases your children. This can lead to delays, unnecessary costs, and family disputes during an already difficult time. A thoughtful estate plan brings structure and guidance when it matters most.

What is the Difference Between Wealth Management and Financial Planning?
At Towerpoint Wealth, we work with individuals across many stages of life, from professionals building financial stability to high net worth individuals managing substantial wealth. While both financial planning and wealth management aim to improve financial health, the scope, depth, and ongoing nature of these services vary in meaningful ways.

What Should I Be Doing About Healthcare and Long Term Care Costs?
Healthcare costs in retirement continue to climb faster than general inflation. Retirement research shows that medical costs accumulate gradually but persistently over time. About half of retirees report that health care spending is higher than expected, and one third say medical expenses are one of their top financial stressors.

Is It Smarter to Pay Down My Debt or Invest Extra Cash? A Strategic Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals
Is It Smarter to Pay Down My Debt or Invest Extra Cash? A Strategic Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals Deciding whether to pay down debt or invest extra cash is one

How Much Should I Keep in Cash vs Investing It?
How Much Should I Keep in Cash vs Investing It? Deciding how much cash to keep versus how much to invest is one of the most foundational decisions in personal

What Is Tax Lien Investing? A Comprehensive Guide For Wealth‑Minded Investors
A tax lien is a legal claim by the government against the property until the unpaid property taxes and associated tax debt are resolved.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits at Age 62: A Detailed Guide to Early Retirement Benefits
Applying for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 is a major decision with long‑lasting consequences. In this guide we explain how to apply for social security benefits at age

Is $2 Million Enough to Retire? 5 Steps to Retiring with $2 Million
As you build your retirement nest egg, you’re probably wondering if you have enough set aside to fund the lifestyle you crave in your “golden years”. You’ve worked your entire

How a Financial Advisor Helps You Protect and Grow Net Worth 07.07.2024
Building and Protecting Personal Net WorthEmotional Awareness – Strike a Balance between Life Now and Planning for LaterFinancial Advisor vs Financial PlannerFind a Financial Advisor Who Will Understand Your Specific

What is an RSU? | Restricted Stock Units, RSUs and Stock Options
Updated November 2024. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can be a significant component of an employee’s compensation package. But what is an RSU package? Do you have an RSU strategy? How

Real Estate Investing From Properties to Profits, Part One 01.25.2024
From Properties to Profits: Part One Mastering Taxes as a Real Estate Investing Pro!AUTHOR: MEGAN M. MILLER, EA, Associate Wealth Advisor, Towerpoint Wealth MEGAN M. MILLER, EA With a bachelor’s

Maximizing an Inheritance Estate Planning 01.21.2024
Navigating the Tax Laws to Maximize | Your Beneficiary’s Inheritance | Comprehensive Estate Planning When most individuals are establishing an estate plan, they generally only think about the tax consequences

What Estate Planning Documents Do I Need? 01.21.2024
Estate planning documents specify how you want your assets distributed upon incapacity or death. The collection of these documents together is called an Estate Plan. Some people don’t believe they

The Necessary Evils of Investing: Taxes and Expenses 03.18.2023
Are income taxes dragging you and your portfolio down, and at the same time reducing your real overall return? Do you know how much you are paying in fees and

Five specific strategies to help you recession proof your portfolio 12.07.2022
Is the United States economy on the verge of slipping into a recession? Or is the exact opposite happening – is the economy continuing to recover, and is more robust

Cryptocurrency future | Why Crypto is Here to Stay and Not Going Away 09.23.2022
In this video, Towerpoint Wealth’s president and Sacramento wealth manager Joseph Eschleman addresses the following: Common concerns about the cryptocurrency future, and why we believe that crypto is here to stay and not

Webinar on alternative investments 09.23.2022
For virtually all investors, 2022 has been a challenging and frustrating year. Persistently high inflation has resulted in an environment of quickly rising interest rates, leading to a “double-whammy” of

Duty of Fiduciary Financial Advisor 08.03.2022
What is the definition of a fiduciary financial advisor, and why should you care? Here are 3 common considerations when deciding whether to partner with a fiduciary. Duty of a

Avoid Probate by developing an estate plan 05.10.2022
This post focuses on the benefits of developing an estate plan to avoid probate and assure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and in a timely fashion. What

How Restricted Stock Units Work | What are RSUs? | Video 04.08.2022
Restricted Stock Units | If you’re wondering how restricted stock units work, what is stock compensation, what are RSUs or what the taxation of restricted stock units looks like, we’re

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the $3.5 Trillion Infrastructure Bill 10.01.2021
Are Federal Income Tax Increases Looming? Our elected officials in Washington DC are working diligently to pass a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, and also a much larger $3.5 trillion human infrastructure bill. Click

Social Security Explained 09.07.2021
Imagine you are offered a job, and you are counting on it to provide income for you and your family for many, many years. But you didn’t ask about 1.)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 04.21.2021
What is an Employee Stock Purchase Plan? Employee Stock Purchase Plan | If you are an employee of a publicly traded company, it most likely offers an employee stock purchase

Trading vs. Investing 04.15.2021
Trading vs. Investing | These two terms Trading vs. Investing are often used interchangeably by many, understanding the goal of both is to generate profit in the stock market. However,

Coinbase | Largest cryptocurrency exchange 04.15.2021
Today, Coinbase Global Inc., the largest cryptocurrency exchange platform in the U.S., went public on the Nasdaq exchange via a direct listing under the ticker symbol COIN. Coinbase is the

401(k) Loans 03.31.01
401(k) Loans | You’ve recently made some money in the stock market and interest rates are still low, so you decide it is the perfect time to buy a home.

Rental Passive Activity Losses
Do you invest in #rentalrealestate? Are you considering doing so? You have heard about the potential #taxdeductions and benefits, right? Not so fast! Watch this quick video from our Wealth

Funding a “Backdoor” Roth IRA
Do you have the enviable problem of NOT being able to contribute to a tax free Roth IRA every year because you make too much money? Click to watch the video below from

Towerpoint Wealth Featured in CityWire RIA
Six Advisors’ Highs and Lows of Working From Home With the spread of coronavirus continuing to keep many Americans away from the office, we spoke to six advisors to find

Introducing James Keefe – Towerpoint Wealth’s new Director of Client Experience
Sacramento, CA- Based Wealth Management Firm, Towerpoint Wealth, Adds James Keefe as Director of Client Experience SACRAMENTO, CA ——Towerpoint Wealth is pleased to announce that the firm has added James Keefe

President Joseph F. Eschleman Profiled in CityWire RIA Magazine
Our President, Joseph Eschleman was featured in the September 30, 2019 issue of RIA Magazine, a very popular and widely-read wealth management industry periodical. Joseph spoke about Towerpoint Wealth’s investment and wealth management

President Joseph Eschleman Featured in Financial Advisor IQ Article About Tech Employees
Our President, Joseph F. Eschleman, CIMA®, was featured in this month’s Here’s How You Win Hundreds of Prospective Tech Millionaires From the Wall Street Firms article in Financial Advisor IQ magazine. Along with Towerpoint Wealth, Joseph

TPW’s Director of Client Services, Lori Heppner, Featured in Financial Planning Magazine
Our Director of Client Services, Lori Heppner, was featured in this month’s the “Most Outrageous Client Requests” article in Financial Planning magazine. She was published for her “interesting” story about helping a client

President Joseph Eschleman published in the Sacramento Business Journal
We were very pleased to see our Joseph Eschleman, Joseph Eschleman, have his article about year-end charitable giving published in the Sacramento Business Journal last month.

Jonathan LaTurner
Towerpoint Wealth, part of the Dynasty Financial Partners’ network of advisory firms, says Jonathan LaTurner has moved to it from Wells Fargo Advisors in Sacramento, where he has managed about $50 million

Introducing Jonathan LaTurner – New Partner, Wealth Advisor
Sacramento, CA- Based Financial Advisory Firm, Towerpoint Wealth, Expands with the Addition of Advisor Jonathan LaTurner Mr. LaTurner Provides a Specialty Focus on Professional Private Fiduciaries NEW YORK, NY —September 5,

The Towerpoint Wealth Minute
Towerpoint Wealth’s President, Joseph Eschleman, prepared to head to the airwaves on Friday, as he began recordings for the “The Towerpoint Wealth Minute,” 60 second radio updates highlighting various financial

A Financial Planner’s Advice for Surviving the Wall Street Rollercoaster
Financial Planner’s Advice: Towerpoint Wealth’s president, Joseph Eschleman, was the featured guest yesterday in reporter Ali Wolf’s Fox40 story about how to survive the recent stock market volatility. Eschleman and

Towerpoint Teams Up With Dynasty as Independent RIA
July 26, 2017, Towerpoint Teams Up With Dynasty as Independent RIA Though California’s Bay Area is riddled with RIAs, Sacramento, the state’s “rapidlygrowing” capital, is not. Towerpoint Wealth’s recent inception

Joseph Eschleman has launched Sacramento, California-based Towerpoint Wealth
July 26, 2017, Joseph Eschleman has launched Sacramento, California-based Towerpoint Wealth with Lori McKinney and Nathan Billigmeier, all of whom are joining from Wells Fargo Advisors. A team of advisors

TPW Representing at the 2022 Schwab IMPACT Conference! 11.04.2022
After two years of having to host the conference virtually, the 2022 Schwab IMPACT conference, aka the “World Series of Investment Conferences,“ is in full effect in Denver, CO! Among the

The Continued Due Diligence of the Towerpoint Wealth Investment Committee 09.27.2022
Our Director of Research and Analytics and TPW Investment Committee member, Nathan Billigmeier, spent an productive hour-long meeting yesterday with Lance Oman, CFA and Chris Murphy, CIMA® of T. Rowe Price, discussing specific ideas and strategies to help

Community Volunteer Day 07.19.2022
The entire Towerpoint Wealth Team came out on Community Volunteer Day to lend a hand to the American River Parkway Foundation program to clean up trash along Sacramento’s urban gem. Spanning 23

Great Job Michelle! #500 Peleton Ride 07.20.2022
Perseverance is the name of the game for Michelle Venezia, TPW’s Client Service Specialist —in all ways! Getting stronger every day, she recently achieved milestone ride #500 on her Peloton bike.

Keeping Uncle Sam at Bay over a Crisp Chardonnay! 06.23.2022
Our President, Joseph Eschleman, connected for a glass of wine with Catherine Tindall, CPA, to collaborate about tax minimization, portfolio and wealth management, the current state of the US economy,

TPW Marketing Meeting of the Minds! 06.9.2022
No time was wasted in introducing our new Marketing Specialist, Luis Barrera, to the rest of the Towerpoint Wealth marketing team (from left, Joseph Eschleman, Niki Dawson of TaylorMade Web Creations, Robin Martin

Our President, a MIT Grad??!! 05.18.2022
Our President, Joseph Eschleman, spent an intensive three days last week at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, learning (and practicing) how to be a better leader and CEO as an invitee and

It’s a Family Affair at TPW, Part II! 05.22.2022
It felt like a Billigmeier family reunion at Towerpoint Wealth, as Marc and Glenda, two good TPW clients, flanked Nathan, our Director of Research and Analytics, before their comprehensive financial,

It’s a Family Affair at TPW! 02.17.2022
Earlier this week, our Director of Tax and Financial Planning, Steve Pitchford, got to spend some “extra time” with his sister, Michelle, here at TPW’s headquarters. BOTH of them are

TPW Winter Vests Are In! 02.09.2022
The entire TPW family was proudly rocking their new company-branded winter vests today at the office. Everyone is excited at how both warm and chic their new gear is, and

Another Happy TPW Client! 01.31.2022
At Towerpoint Wealth, we fully recognize that our clients are our lifeblood, and very little makes us happier than to have the privilege of working side-by-side with great, hard-working people

President Joseph Eschleman Earns New Digital Assets Credential 1.7.2022
Earlier this week, our Joseph Eschleman, earned his Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets from the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals. The Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets course is the only certificate

TPW Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration! 11.30.2021
When the cat’s away, the mice ???? will play… The happy TPW family, minus President Joseph Eschleman, enjoyed a pre-Thanksgiving lunch (and #oysters) last week at Camden Spit & Larder in downtown Sacramento!

2021 Dynasty Financial Partners Investments Forum in NASHVILLE 11.17.2021
In addition to the venue (Music City!), the lineup of talent and the level of content was truly amazing at this year’s Dynasty Financial Partners Investments Forum. Our President, Joseph Eschleman, Partner, Wealth

TPW Participates in Jesuit HS Back to School Drive 07.26.2021
Most of the Towerpoint Wealth team spent some time this morning prepping new backpacks full of #backtoschool supplies we purchased for low income and homeless students in the greater-Sacramento area. Cheers and ???? to Jesuit

Trump’s Tariffs in Effect: What Tariffs on Imports Mean for Everyday Americans and Investors
It’s official. As of this month, tariffs on imports are officially in effect — and while that may sound like a headline for economists or politicians, the reality may hit

The Great Wealth Transfer: How to Prepare for the $84 Trillion Intergenerational Shift
In this article, we’ll talk about why the great wealth transfer is such a big deal, the most common mistakes families make, and how fiduciary planning can help ensure your family’s wealth doesn’t just survive the transition, but grows stronger because of it.

Your Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Steps to Avoid Common Estate Planning Pitfalls
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is NOT just about what happens after you’re gone. It’s about making sure your wealth, values, and intentions are both documented and protected —

How to Plan for Longevity Risk in Retirement
Most people dream of a long, fulfilling retirement. But what if living longer, a gift in many ways, quietly puts your financial future at risk? At Towerpoint Wealth, we believe

The Psychology of Market Cycles: Why Investors Buy High and Sell Low
When it comes to investing, the goal is simple: buy low, sell high. But as any experienced investor knows, the reality can be far more complicated. Despite having access to

Is Crypto the Future of Wealth? What Every Investor Should Know About Digital Assets
There’s no question that digital assets have captured the spotlight — and not just among tech enthusiasts. Over the past several years, investors have increasingly explored investing in crypto and blockchain-based innovations.
But what’s driving the interest?

Warren Buffett Is Stepping Down… But His Greatest Lesson Is About You
After more than six decades at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the most influential investors in history is officially passing the torch. But while headlines focus on not only his $161 billion net worth, who will take over at Berkshire, or what this means for Berkshire’s stock, we believe the bigger story is the investing legacy Buffett leaves behind.
Fiduciary vs. Broker: Why Independent Wealth Management Firms Stand Apart
We’ll explore the benefits of independent wealth management — what sets it apart, what it means for you as an investor, and why so many people just like you are choosing this type of professional partnership when working to build lasting financial security.

How to Recession-Proof Your Portfolio in 2025: Five Strategies for Smart Investors
We’ll walk you through five proven strategies to help recession-proof your portfolio. Whether you’re already worrying about the impact of today’s economy or simply want to be proactive, these strategies are designed to help you manage risk, stay focused, and uncover opportunity — even when headlines say otherwise.

Taxes and Investing: How to Build a Tax-Efficient Portfolio
When it comes to investing, many people focus on maximizing returns — finding the right investments, properly diversifying their portfolios, and shrugging off shorter-term market noise. But there’s one factor that can quietly eat away at those gains if not managed properly: TAXES.

The 2025 Sacramento Real Estate Market: What’s Changing and How to Stay Ahead
Sacramento remains a prime destination for rental demand and long-term real estate investment potential. But with higher mortgage rates, shifting market conditions, and new real estate laws, investors must be more strategic than ever.

The Future of Social Security: What You Need to Know (and Why It’s NOT Going Away)
Social Security is not on the brink of disappearing, and both current and past administrations — including Trump’s — have acknowledged the importance of maintaining the program’s longevity.

What is a 1099 Tax Form? What Investors Need to Know for a Smooth Tax Season
Tax season is here, and if you’re an investor, that means there’s something that should be on your radar — 1099 forms. Whether you’ve earned interest from bonds, dividends from stocks, or capital gains from your trading activity, the IRS wants to know about it.

Investing in the Trump Presidency: How to Navigate Market Changes and Protect Your Portfolio
Navigating Market Volatility and Potential Tariffs in the U.S. As Donald Trump takes his seat as the 47th President of the United States, investors are closely monitoring the potential impacts

Stress-Free SPENDING in Retirement!
How Retirement Income Planning for Retirement Can Give You the Confidence to Spend After dedicating a good portion of your life to earning and saving, the idea of spending in
