ACap ReCap: Financial and Tax Tips

Ara Oghoorian
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

ACap Advisors & Accountants is a boutique fee-only Wealth Management and full-service Accounting firm based in Los Angeles. We handle everything from taxes to investments to risk management and estate planning, providing comprehensive, unbiased financial advice in one location. In our ACap ReCap episodes, we discuss the latest financial news, answer the frequently received financial questions, and share financial tips with you. If you have questions or suggestions email us hello@acapam.com Find more details at https://www.acapam.com/ #financialadvisor #fiduciaryfinancialadvisor​ #finance #financial #money #wealthmanagement #assetmanagement #investment #tax #taxplanning

  1. 2D AGO

    How Social Security Is Taxed, Avoid the 85% Tax Trap

    How Social Security Is Taxed, Avoid the 85% Tax Trap and Lower Your Retirement Taxes Most retirees don’t realize up to 85% of their Social Security can become taxable, and one small mistake can cost you thousands. In this video, Ara, wealth manager and CPA, breaks down exactly how Social Security benefits are taxed and how the IRS determines what portion of your income becomes taxable. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of retirement planning, and getting it wrong can significantly increase your lifetime tax bill. We start with the fundamentals so you understand how the system works from the ground up. You’ll learn how to qualify for Social Security using the 40 credit system, how benefits are calculated using your highest 35 earning years, and how inflation adjustments impact your final payout. From there, we walk through the IRS combined income formula, which determines whether your benefits are taxed at 0%, 50%, or up to 85%. This is not based on standard tax brackets, and that’s where many retirees get caught off guard. We also break down real examples so you can clearly see how different income levels impact how much of your Social Security becomes taxable. Finally, we cover advanced tax planning strategies to help reduce the tax impact, including: • Timing when you claim Social Security • Managing IRA and 401k withdrawals • Strategic Roth conversions • Using Qualified Charitable Distributions to lower taxable income The goal is simple, keep more of what you’ve earned and avoid unnecessary taxes in retirement. If you want to build a smarter retirement income strategy that integrates tax planning, investments, and Social Security, this is a must-watch. For personalized financial planning, retirement investing, and tax strategy guidance: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ #SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    7 min

  2. MAR 11

    How to Open Your First Investment Account and Buy Your First Investment, Step by Step

    How to Open Your First Investment Account and Buy Your First Investment, Step by Step Guide If you have never invested before, this episode walks you through the exact process to open your first brokerage account, deposit money, and buy your first investment without beginner mistakes. Learn the simple order of operations most new investors never get taught. Many people delay investing because they believe it is complicated or that they need a lot of money to start. In reality, getting started is straightforward when you understand the basic steps. In this episode, we break down exactly how investment accounts work and how beginners can start investing with confidence. You will learn what an investment account actually is, where to open one, and which type of account most beginners should start with. We also explain how to fund your account using ACH transfers, wires, or check deposits, and how to place your first investment purchase. We also cover one of the most common starting points for new investors, an S&P 500 index fund, and why it offers instant diversification across hundreds of companies. Finally, we discuss several beginner mistakes that can hurt long term results, including overtrading, buying investments you do not understand, and leaving cash sitting uninvested. If you are new to investing and want a clear, step by step roadmap, this episode will show you exactly how to open your account, fund it, and make your first investment. Topics covered include: • What an investment brokerage account is • Where to open an investment account • How to transfer money into your brokerage account • How to buy your first investment • Why many beginners start with an S&P 500 index fund • Common mistakes new investors make If you have questions or topics you would like covered in a future episode, leave a comment and let us know. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    7 min

  3. MAR 2

    Medicare Surcharges Explained: How IRMAA Can Shrink Your Social Security in 2026

    Your Social Security check can drop by hundreds per month without warning. The reason is IRMAA, the Medicare surcharge that catches many retirees off guard. In this episode, we break down exactly how IRMAA works in 2026, how the two year income look back rule impacts your Medicare premiums, and why higher Part B and Part D costs quietly reduce your monthly Social Security deposit. You will learn: • What IRMAA is and why it functions like a stealth tax • How modified adjusted gross income determines your surcharge • The 2026 IRMAA income brackets and premium jumps • Why one high income year can follow you into retirement • How IRMAA directly reduces your Social Security benefit • When and how to appeal using Form SSA 44 • Smart planning strategies to avoid unnecessary Medicare premium increases • How Roth conversions, capital gains, and RMDs can trigger higher premiums If you are approaching Medicare, already collecting Social Security, or planning income in your early sixties, this episode is essential listening. The key is proactive income planning before Medicare begins, not reacting after your check gets smaller. Understanding IRMAA is not optional if you want to protect your retirement income. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    8 min

  4. FEB 18

    RSUs Explained: Vesting, Taxes, and Smart Strategies for High-Income Professionals

    Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can be a powerful wealth-building tool — or a tax headache if mismanaged. In this episode, we break down exactly how RSUs work, when you can sell them, how they’re taxed, and the key decisions high-income professionals need to make after vesting. You’ll learn: What RSUs actually are (and what “vesting” really means)When you can sell your shares — and whether you shouldThe difference between income tax and capital gains tax on RSUsHow short-term vs. long-term capital gains impact your returnWhy concentration risk can quietly destroy your portfolioHow cash flow needs and tax-loss harvesting strategies factor inWe also address one of the biggest misconceptions: Are RSUs double taxed? (Short answer: no — but there are two tax components you must understand.) If you’re receiving equity compensation or planning around company stock, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter, forward-thinking decisions with your RSUs. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    7 min

  5. FEB 11

    Roth IRA Income Limits Explained: AGI vs. Modified AGI and Why It Matters

    Why can’t I contribute to a Roth IRA if I make too much? The answer almost always comes down to one thing — Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). In this episode, we break down the difference between Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — two terms that sound similar but have very different impacts on your financial life. You’ll learn: How AGI is calculated directly from your tax returnWhat income counts (W-2 wages, capital gains, rental income, RSUs, Social Security, business income, and more)Which deductions reduce your AGI (HSA contributions, SEP/SIMPLE IRA, self-employed health insurance, student loan interest, etc.)Why itemized deductions and the standard deduction do NOT affect AGIHow MAGI is calculated by adding certain items back to AGIWhy MAGI determines eligibility for Roth IRA contributions, premium tax credits, education credits, child tax credits, and income-based student loan repaymentWe also explain why lenders care about AGI — and why taxpayers often misunderstand what actually lowers it. If you’ve ever been told your income is “too high” for a Roth IRA contribution, this episode will make it clear why — and what that really means for your tax planning strategy. This is core tax planning knowledge. And if you earn a strong income, it’s not optional. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    25 sec

  6. FEB 4

    Backdoor Roth IRA: How High Earners Can Still Contribute

    Think your income is too high to contribute to a Roth IRA? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. In this episode, Ara breaks down how the Backdoor Roth IRA works and why many high earners can still contribute even after they’ve lost direct Roth access. You’ll learn: Why Roth IRA income limits existHow the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy works in practiceThe key tax rule you must follow to avoid mistakesWhy Roth IRAs can still play an important role in retirement planningThis strategy isn’t a workaround or a trick — it’s written into the tax code. But it must be done correctly to avoid tax issues. If you’re a high earner trying to make smart retirement and tax decisions, this episode will help you understand whether a Backdoor Roth IRA may fit your situation. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    3 min

  7. FEB 2

    5 Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill

    Most people overpay in taxes—not because they earn too much, but because they don’t plan. In this episode, CPA and wealth manager Ara breaks down five practical tax strategies that can help reduce your tax bill by using the tax code the way it was intended. These aren’t loopholes or shortcuts—just smart planning concepts that many taxpayers overlook. You’ll learn: How tax loss harvesting works and when it makes senseWhy holding investments long enough can dramatically reduce taxesThe importance of diversifying across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accountsHow borrowing against a portfolio can provide access to cash without triggering taxesWhy step-up in basis is a critical estate planning conceptSome of these strategies may apply to you, others may not—but understanding your options is the first step to better tax planning. If you want to know which strategies actually fit your situation, talk with a qualified financial advisor or CPA before making changes. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    4 min

  8. JAN 7

    1099 Mistakes That Cost Business Owners Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)

    Every January, 1099 forms trip up business owners—and the mistakes aren’t harmless. File late, use the wrong form, or skip filing altogether, and the IRS penalties can get brutal fast. In this episode, we break down exactly what a 1099 is, who must receive one, and when you’re required to file. You’ll learn the difference between a 1099-NEC and a 1099-MISC, the $600 threshold that actually matters, and why corporations aren’t always exempt. We also cover the most common (and costly) mistakes business owners make, including failing to collect W-9s and misunderstanding deadlines. If you’re a business owner, freelancer, or advisor who wants to avoid unnecessary IRS penalties—and keep your compliance tight—this is required listening. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

ACap Advisors & Accountants is a boutique fee-only Wealth Management and full-service Accounting firm based in Los Angeles. We handle everything from taxes to investments to risk management and estate planning, providing comprehensive, unbiased financial advice in one location. In our ACap ReCap episodes, we discuss the latest financial news, answer the frequently received financial questions, and share financial tips with you. If you have questions or suggestions email us hello@acapam.com Find more details at https://www.acapam.com/ #financialadvisor #fiduciaryfinancialadvisor​ #finance #financial #money #wealthmanagement #assetmanagement #investment #tax #taxplanning

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