This week, Tim Regan is joined by guest host Kaitlyn Hedger, head of the Kickstart program at PrairieView Wealth & Tax Advisors, for a practical discussion on how proactive tax planning can make a difference in your long-term financial journey. Many people think tax time is just about tallying up last year’s numbers and filing with your accountant.

But Kaitlyn explains why true tax planning should start long before the calendar year wraps up—and how aligning your tax decisions with personal goals can help you avoid missed opportunities and unnecessary penalties. “It has to take place before then,” Kaitlyn says about tax planning, “because otherwise if you wait until January 1st, you might miss the boat for some tax credits or benefits.”

Tim and Kaitlyn cover common questions about tax deferral, Roth choices, 401(k) contributions, and even saving for milestones like a first home or your child’s college education. They highlight the unique approach of the Kickstart program, which aims to understand your life goals—not just your income—and how regular check-ins can help you stay ahead of changes in your personal situation and tax law.

Listen in for a refresher on what proactive tax planning looks like, whether you’re just starting out or revisiting your strategy as life circumstances shift.

3 Key Takeaways:

– Effective tax planning is proactive, not just reactive—waiting until tax season can lead to missed opportunities.

– The best tax strategies are goal-oriented and tailored to your specific life plans, not just tax minimization.

– Regular, ongoing reviews are vital, as both tax laws and personal situations can change from year to year.