Tax Concepts to Master in 2026 (Ep. 32)
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On this episode of the WE Money Talk podcast, Terry Wheeler breaks down the fundamentals of powerful tax planning, and why most investors and high earners unknowingly leave significant money on the table each year. Rather than focusing only on investments, Terry introduces the core tax framework every successful tax strategy is built upon: understanding how income is taxed, how deductions actually work, and how different “tax buckets” interact.
You’ll learn the critical differences between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts, why timing matters more than most people realize, and how strategic planning can help reduce ordinary income — often the most heavily taxed form of earnings. Terry also walks through the three primary income buckets (ordinary income, capital gains, and passive income) plus the powerful fourth category where advanced strategies, especially real estate planning, can unlock meaningful deductions.
Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or high-income professional, this episode lays the foundation for smarter tax decisions and explains why effective tax planning starts long before year-end. If you want to keep more of what you earn and understand how advanced strategies create six-figure deductions, this Tax Planning 101 episode is the place to start.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How different investment accounts are taxed and why diversification across tax types matters
- The “tax bucket” framework advisors use to structure effective deduction planning
- How capital gains, passive losses, and real estate strategies interact under IRS rules
- Why waiting until October or November is often too late for meaningful tax savings
- The foundational concepts required before implementing advanced tax strategies
Download the slides from this episode HERE.
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