Level Agency

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Partner & President

President

Senior Vice President of Operations

Developed product and market strategies that positioned the company to achieve long term growth, while meeting annual revenue and profitability goals. Continually identified and assessed new markets, product and technology opportunities and ensured resources were in place to drive marketing strategy and capitalize on opportunities. 

• Served as a key and active member of the senior management operating team
• Provided leadership for the development of global strategic marketing plans including objectives and strategy for targeted markets
• Drove efforts with product and business development to define an overall product and technology portfolio strategy to drive the long term growth of the organization
• Ensured the development of all strategic product roadmaps and corresponding marketing plans
• Continuously evaluated trends and adjusted strategy to capitalize on shifts in the marketplace. 
• Analyzed existing product and markets in terms of the ability to compete, gain market share, grow revenue and sustain or grow profitability
• Monitored business metrics in regard to revenues, profitability, market share and product portfolio mix. 
• Established metrics for the measurement of marketing program effectiveness
• Developed and manage the marketing budget
• Responsible (in collaboration with sales) for the development of the company’s revenue forecast
• Responsible for the overall management of the marketing team providing coaching, leadership and assistance with resources and strategy development

Vice President of Technology and Product

Member

Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

CallerReady LLC

Responsible for developing and implementing a product roadmap for the company that ensures development and testing of high quality, high value products/services that can be successfully marketed to consumers. Also responsible for leading the development of strategies to migrate customer service and sales onto a completely self service platform. 

• Drive the implementation of a Product roadmap within the company.
• Manage the existing stable of products and lead the ongoing development of enhancements to support increased value to customers.
• Gather and analyze feedback from sales, marketing, operations and partners/prospects to set the strategic vision for existing products and development of new products.
• Manage the execution of consumer research to further support rationale for product development and positioning within the marketplace.
• Direct our internal process to define the product strategy, roadmap and priorities.
• Research, develop & implement a best processes strategy for new product development, launch and analysis.
• Develop requirements documents and use cases for new product features.
• Monitor the status of development projects supporting new features
• Become an expert on other products in the marketplace
• Product life cycle & profitability management.
• Provide guidance and direction to the team on developing new products and managing the lifecycle of existing products
• Build a team to support rapid growth expectations.
• Develop & implement strategy to drive product and customer service onto the web.

Director of Interactive and Product Development

EDMC

As a member of EDMC Online Higher Education marketing department, the Search Manager is responsible for leading and executing search engine strategy for all OHE brands. This position entails development & management of search marketing plans, keyword campaigns, SEO, search inclusion and interactive advertising programs; negotiating contracts, monitoring results and making necessary adjustments in order to generate high-quality, cost-effective student inquiries. 

•	Direct and coordinate multiple “cross-platform” projects while working within established deadlines. 
•	Develop and implement strategy for Internet advertising campaigns designed to increase web site visitors, generate quality student inquiries, and strengthen all EDMC online brands. 
•	Manage and administer EDMC brands’ online budgets.
•	Ensure accuracy (BPC compliance) and quality of all electronic advertising and marketing creative.
•	Develops a collaborative relationship with EDMC to assure online marketing initiatives are in sync with EDMC philosophies and procedures.
•	 Adhere to budget constraints and adjustments while continuing to increase inquiries and web site traffic through the respective EDMC brands’ online marketing campaigns. 
•	Remain current with and possess a thorough understanding of available online advertising, SEO and marketing vehicles as well as measurement tools. 
•	Analyzes current procedures and processes to assure optimal utilization of web-based and email marketing initiatives. 
•	Monitor/track results of online marketing vehicles purchased.

HIGHLIGHTS
•	Launched 3000+ page online education directory portal site from concept to completion in 3 months (2010)
•	Directly managed $20+ million marketing budget to drive year over year growth and drive direct response initiatives (2008-2010)

Search Marketing & Display Advertising Manager

• Analyze Web traffic using Omniture, Google Analytics, and other data collecting sources to support the analytic needs of the business
• Lead driving core insights from the data to suggest, create and execute multivariate or a/b/c tests that drive fundamental improvements to the site experience
• Develop and implement data strategy across multiple “listening posts” (websites, surveys, testing, CRM systems, market research etc) to provide a comprehensive view of students, faculty, and prospects across the online web experience 
• Work  with the Web Strategies team to identify gaps in the data capture strategy and implement enhancements  Improve and document processes for gathering metrics and data analysis

HIGHLIGHTS
•	Implemented multiple analytics software packages throughout web experience to facilitate creation of executive dashboards and reports (2007-2009)

Web Strategies Analyst

• Ownership for operational results of recruitment websites.  Personally manage and drive daily performance of metrics against internal requirements as well as competitive positioning
• Web strategy development including ensuring the brand experience by combining the convenience of on-line education with the experience of a top traditional school and making it come to life through our recruitment websites to support a consistent web-based end to end student experience.   Creates web environments to support the student recruitment goals and provide automation that supports growth and scale to the organization. 
• Provide leadership on web solutions development for the OHE organization.  Develop and manage scope, resources and project plans to deliver appropriate web solutions.
• Partner with OHE Marketing organization to implement marketing strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS
•	Introduced Landing Page Optimization and MVT testing to company leading to 100-300%+ increases in conversion across three different brands (2007-2010)
•	Successfully oversaw implementation of new student recruitment initiatives including: marketing site redesigns, microsite launches, online student tours, and admissions tools (2008-2010)

Web Producer, Student Recruitment

Recruit new students to meet new student plan. Develop and maintain positive relationships with students. Provide creative solutions to complicated admissions problems. Contribute to a positive results driven professional work environment. Serve as a job knowledge expert, trainer, and mentor for new hire and veteran ADAs.

Director Of Admissions

The Dinner Pantry, Inc

Developing and executing the go-to-market strategy for a food service startup. Creating and fully developing company network infrastructure and e-commerce website. Responsible for the content and publication of said website by coordinating, designing, and monitoring electronic publications for distribution. Developing and implementing strategies to improve group marketing.

Head of Marketing & Product

In his tenure as president & CEO of Level Agency, Patrick Patterson oversaw its transformation from a pioneering, fast-growing higher education shop into the performance-marketing powerhouse it is today. Under his leadership, the agency’s revenue grew 30% or more annually; its profit margin increased 4X; its marketing spend now tops $50M annually, and its capabilities have broadened to offer more complementary services for more industries.

Great marketing starts with asking great questions. From the outset of his career, Patterson applied his background in computer science and math to the challenge of reaching and engaging audiences (and carefully measuring every result). In an industry increasingly driven by automation and machine learning, he excelled, ultimately managing a $30+ million budget for Education Management Corporation. Patrick then took his passion for creating value to product development, implementing lean methodology at a technology startup that focused on using data to drive efficient sales enablement.

His drive for efficiency, performance, and continuous improvement led him to join agency founder Thomas Donohoe in 2012 to oversee Level’s operations and strategic direction - eventually purchasing the company in 2021 with his partner, Patrick Van Gorder.

Patterson’s vision for Level Agency is to be the go-to performance marketing agency when clients want real, measurable results. Reaching this goal requires an uncompromising commitment to performance: platform excellence, compelling creative, client partnership, growth mindset, and constant innovation. By surrounding himself with talented, adaptable colleagues, he knows he’s set the agency up for success.

Patrick Patterson

Top 100 Advisor By Investopedia. Helping 30-50 year old Business Owners and Those With Equity Comp Build Wealth 💰. Co-Founder & Financial Planner at AllStreet Wealth. Head of Community at Wealth.com

Hey there!

My name is Thomas Kopelman. I am the Co-Founder of AllStreet Wealth, a financial planning firm for very high income 30-50 year old entrepreneurs and those with equity comp. I am also a:

- Blogger (thomaskopelman.com)
- Content Creator (podcast: The Long Game Podcast)
- Entrepreneur (Own AllStreet Academy and AllStreet Wealth)
- Top 100 Advisor By Investopedia in 2022 and 2023
- 2023 Young Advisor To Watch
- Top 23 Millennial Financial Advisor by Business Insider

For way too long, this age demographic has been neglected by the financial services industry. There are a large number of high income earners in my generation that are craving good, quality financial planning. That is what we are here for.

Let’s face it, life in your 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s can be hard. You have Multiple jobs, student loans, marriage, kids, a new 🏡 , starting a business, paying for education for your kids, etc. Juggling all of that is enough let alone figuring out how to accomplish it financially. You don’t have the time nor do you want to have to learn about taxes, investing, equity compensation, estate planning, the best accounts to use, etc. Your time is best spent doing what you love!

That is why I am here, to help you figure out how to use your resources to live the life you want. Isn't that the goal? To live the life you have dreamed of?

At AllStreet Wealth, we help our clients move beyond the surface level goals they think they want and determine the lives they truly want to live. Our goal is to help our clients live fulfilled lives by identifying what is enough, building a plan that takes them in this direction, and keeping them on track when things change.

We meet our clients where they are in life and show them the intersection between 'personal' and 'finance' so they can ultimately live the life they want.

If you want to learn more:

https://www.allstreetwealth.com/thomas

Thomas Kopelman

8 years ago, I had a business planning workshop with my first company

My goal I wrote down…by 30 to have 100 clients and to be making $100k a year

I thought this would be really hard to hit

Fast forward to today…. We are at $150k a month of revenue and a run rate of $1.8mil with a little over 100 high income/high net worth households 

And We get to work with some of most amazing, hard working, and successful people out there

What a wild ride it’s been and it’s only year 4! 

Building AllStreet Wealth has been one of the most fun and rewarding things I’ve done

Financial Planner Helping 30-50 year old Business Owners and Those With Equity Comp Build Wealth 💰. Co-Founder at AllStreet Wealth. Head of Community at Wealth.com

Most people know about asset allocation…
 
But very few understand asset location 

This is where tax savings get real

Getting asset location right can save 6–7 figures over a lifetime for high-income investors

What it looks like in practice
- Roth accounts: highest-growth assets go here. No bonds. No low-growth holdings that could be taxed elsewhere

- Pre-tax accounts: assets with higher tax drag. Taxable bonds, REITs, high-dividend investments. Anything that would be inefficient in a taxable account.

- Taxable accounts: most tax-efficient assets. ETFs, low-dividend stocks, municipal bonds. Investments designed to minimize taxes each year.

Why it matters
- Many investors focus on picking funds, but where you hold them often matters more than what you pick.
- A smart asset location strategy can compound tax savings exponentially over decades

A lot of financial advisors believe personal finance is black and white

I don’t at all

I have some non traditional views that a lot wouldn’t agree 

Here’s some examples:
- I believe in bitcoin and allocate a good percentage of my income there. Many of my clients do as well. But also don’t push it. It’s a personal choice. Most either hate it or they think you should allocate everything to it. I think both are wrong. 
- I believe you can have 10-20% of your portfolio outside of ETFs and index funds invested in things you enjoy and find interesting 
- cars are great. You can spend a lot of money on a car and take on a car loan if it fits your budget 
- the goal isn’t to spend as little as possible. It’s to spend as much as you can on things you love while still investing enough for the future 
- I think concentration is fine. Most say you shouldn’t have more than 10% in any Single thing. Many of my clients have 10-50% in their company stock, their business, a few investments, etc but they do all the right things to allow that to work 
- credit cards a great tool and should be used 
- budgeting isn’t needed for high income folks. They just need to understand average surplus and if that’s enough for their goals

I will say, a lot of this is due to working with a specific group that has more income

It creates more room for nuance

Running a business can be one of the most powerful wealth building and tax planning tools available

But only if you do it right 

I see the same early mistakes over and over, even from very successful business owners

If you want to set yourself up correctly from Day 1 (or fix it before it gets expensive), here’s what matters most 👇

1. Get your entity election right

This is foundational.

The right structure can dramatically reduce taxes and expand planning opportunities

The wrong one can mean:
- Unnecessary self-employment taxes
- No access to PTET
- Reduced or eliminated QBID
- Limited retirement contribution options
- No QSBS
- Less tax efficient for reinvesting and growing the business 

This decision should be proactive and can change as your business evolves

2. Keep business and personal finances completely separate

Commingling accounts is one of the most common  and costly mistakes

It can:
- Create audit risk
- Destroy LLC liability protection
- Turn tax prep into a nightmare
- Cost you far more in professional fees and your time 

Clean separation from Day 1 saves money, time, and stress.

3. Track all your expenses 

Most business owners leave money on the table simply because they don’t track well

Good tracking:
- Maximizes legitimate deductions
- Makes tax planning actually work
- Gives you clarity on real cash flow

The easiest time to do this is before the business gets “busy.” 

4. Save for taxes monthly

This is non-negotiable

I see too many high-income business owners fall behind, then have to scramble to make things work 

Treat taxes like a fixed expense, not a surprise

This is a huge reason we give clients new tax updates at every call 

5. Understand safe harbor taxes and pay your estimates

Underpayment penalties are completely avoidable.

You need to Know:
- Your safe harbor number
- Your quarterly payment schedule
- What you will get in from withholding
- How income volatility affects estimates

If you don’t know these numbers, you’re guessing

And guessing is expensive

6. Do real tax planning 2–3x per year (not just in April)

One of the biggest advantages of business ownership is tax flexibility

But it only works if you plan:
- Mid-year
- Again in Q3
- Then finalize in December

Tax planning is proactive. Tax prep is reactive

7. Setup the right retirement accounts

Set up the right retirement accounts

Not all retirement plans are created equal.

In most cases:
- Solo 401(k) > SEP IRA
- 401(k) > SEP IRA and Simple's 

The wrong setup can cost you tens of thousands per year in missed contributions 

And limit Roth strategies

Owning a business gives you incredible leverage... if it’s structured correctly

But I see so many overpaying in taxes because they do not invest in tax planning

Buying a house today that stretches your budget, hoping to refinance in a few years… is a risky bet

Sure, it might work out.

But what if it doesn’t?

Interest rates could stay high for years.

Unexpected expenses, market changes, or life events could make that “stretch” unbearable.

The smarter approach
- Buy what’s affordable today
- Leave room in your budget for emergencies, lifestyle, and wealth-building
- Avoid relying on “hope” as part of your plan

I’ve worked with many clients who bought more house than they could comfortably afford.

All it led to was stress and regret

When does an S Corp actually make sense?

Despite what social media says, an S Corp is not a default move for every business owner

Here’s how I generally frame it for clients 👇

➡️ Under ~$100k of profit

An S Corp rarely makes sense. The added:
- Payroll costs
- Compliance
- Accounting fees
- Administrative burden
- Reasonable comp requirement 
- Reduced QBID

Often outweigh any potential tax savings from SE taxes

➡️ $100k–$200k of profit

Now it becomes a real consideration

At this level, the math can start to work

But only if:
- A reasonable salary is properly established
- Retirement contributions are modeled correctly
- QBID is factored in
- State taxes (and PTET eligibility) are included

This is where typical “rules of thumb” break down and real analysis matters

➡️ $200k+ of profit

The benefits often become meaningful

Now you might see:
- Material savings on self-employment taxes
- Better retirement plan optimization
- More flexibility in overall tax strategy

But only if the structure is done correctly

➡️ $500k+ of profit

For non-SSTB businesses, an S Corp can be critical to:
- Preserve or maximize QBID
- Control taxable income more intentionally
- Layer in advanced state and retirement strategies

At this level, not structuring correctly can be very expensive

We see a lot of folks come into working with us above the $500k level that are getting $0 in QBID because they are not an S Corp

One of the biggest allocation mistakes I see:

People early on rushing to invest in private investments

Private investments absolutely have a place.

But for most people, that place comes much later than they think.

Before private investments, you want to:
- Fully use tax-advantaged accounts (401(k), Roth, HSA, Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k), etc.)
- Build meaningful liquidity in a taxable account

Establish flexibility for:
- Opportunities
- Emergencies
- Life changes

Liquidity gives you options

Illiquidity takes them away.

Private investments are often:
- Illiquid for years
- Hard to value
- Difficult to exit
- Riskier than advertised

This is totally fine when the rest of your financial foundation solid

It’s dangerous when it’s not

And For business owners specifically, your business already is a private investment

Early on, most of your Net worth, Cash flow and risk is tied to a single, illiquid asset

Layering on more illiquidity too early only increases risk

You want to be smart here

AllStreet is currently at ~90% capacity

Each January, we’re intentional about onboarding a limited number of clients we plan to work with in the first half of the year

The first year working together is the most intensive

We typically meet 6-8 times to fully understand your financial life, goals, business or equity compensation, tax situation, and risks

From there, we build a comprehensive plan and help implement everything

After that, we become your long-term financial partner

Our goal is simple…

✅ Be proactive every year & be available exactly when you need us

Here's a quick breakdown of what it looks like to work with us in 2026:

Happy 2026 everyone, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and were able to spend meaningful time with family. I was fortunate to spend most of th

Open article: A Look Inside AllStreet Wealth by Thomas Kopelman • 3 min read

The best tax strategies don't just reduce taxes this year

Sometimes, it is best to INCREASE taxes this year

I know, it sounds wrong, but it’s usually a sign you’re thinking long-term

Examples I see all the time 👇
- Choosing Roth contributions when it makes sense
- Executing Roth conversions intentionally
- Locking in capital gains at favorable rates
- Structuring as a C Corp to qualify for QSBS

Paying tax today to create flexibility later can be a great move

Good tax planning isn’t about minimizing this year’s return

It’s about:
- Reducing lifetime tax exposure
- Creating future flexibility
- Avoiding forced distributions at high rates
- Controlling when and how you pay taxes

The most successful people I know have no problem spending money to make sure things are done well

They understand something many don’t:

Time is the most valuable asset they have.

Instead of trying to do everything themselves, they:
-Hire top-tier professionals
-Delegate aggressively
-Remove friction from their lives
- Focus their time on the work only they can do

This isn’t about being careless with money

It’s about being intentional with it.

They know that:
- A great advisor prevents costly mistakes
- A strong team creates leverage
- Buying back time often has the highest ROI

The goal isn’t to spend less

It’s to spend better, in ways that compound

That mindset is a major reason they continue to win

Diving into social media 7 years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business.

It helped me grow AllStreet Wealth  from $0 to $1.5M in revenue in about 4 years (2025 numbers).

Now, I have ~30 advisors every week asking to meet, pick my brain, and learn how to use social media to grow their firms.

Because of that, Rachael Camp, CFP®, Treyton DeVore , and I built a social media course specifically for financial advisors — showing you exactly how to get started and build a sustainable content system.

✔️ 3+ hours of practical, step-by-step training
✔️ Built for real advisors with real practices
✔️ Already used by 100+ advisors in the last year
We’re offering 33% off to kick off the year.
Use code NEWYEAR before it expires

The link to buy is in the tweet below

No alternative text description for this image

I'm a financial planner that works with the wealthiest 1% of people in their 30s and 40s

I've learned that personal finance, investing, taxes, etc. is made out to be way more complicated than it should be

My role is to simplify it and help people accomplish their goals

So this week, I want to share 10 critical lessons I wish everyone understood about money:

1) Your income is your most important resource People spend so much time talking about budgeting and lowering your expenses. And I get it, this can be

Open article: 10 Critical Money Lessons Everyone Should Know by Thomas Kopelman • 6 min read

10 Critical Money Lessons Everyone Should Know

Equity compensation can be an incredible wealth builder…
 
Or a tax disaster if you don’t understand how to manage them

Here’s a high-level breakdown of the most common forms I see with executives and high earners 👇

1. RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)

They are taxed as ordinary income on the vest date

Most companies withhold a flat amount (often 22% or 37%), which can be very wrong

You need to understand that taxes are due immediately, whether you sell or not

Key question to ask on buying vs selling decision:

If someone handed you that amount of cash today, would you buy this stock?

If the answer is no, holding the RSUs probably isn’t the right move.

And remember, your future RSUs have the price changes built into them

2. ISOs (Incentive Stock Options)

No regular income tax on exercise, but you have to worry about AMT

AMT can be triggered, creating a surprise tax bill for many

This is why early exercising before the stock has grown much can be powerful 
but only with proper AMT modeling

The risk:
- You can pay tax on paper gains for stock that Never becomes liquid
- It Declines in value
- Or never has a successful exit

This requires real planning, not guesswork

3. NSOs (Non-Qualified Stock Options)

Taxed as ordinary income at exercise on the spread

Early exercising can reduce income taxes

But it also means paying tax before certainty exists

The risk... Paying income tax on something that ultimately becomes worthless.

Equity compensation is not “free money.”

It’s a series of:
- Tax decisions
- Cash flow decisions
- Concentration risk decisions

What works for one person can be completely wrong for another

“We’re moving. Should we turn our primary home into a rental or sell it?”

This is one of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions I get

And the real answer is: it depends..

But not in a vague way where we're trying to avoid answering the question

It depends in a numbers & strategy way

Here are the key variables that actually matter 👇

1. Your broader real estate plan

- Do you already own rentals?
- Do you plan to build a portfolio, or is this a one-off decision?

Accidental landlords often underestimate the complexity and capital required

2. Rental economics

You need to look at:
- Realistic market rent
- Ongoing maintenance
- Property management (even if you self-manage, your time has a cost)
- Vacancy risk

If the numbers don’t work cleanly, emotion shouldn’t override math

3. Equity and the capital gains exclusion

Up to $500k (married) of capital gains may be excluded if you qualify

Turning it into a rental can reduce or eliminate this benefit later

Once that window closes, the tax cost can be very real and it is hard to recapture anytime soon 

4. Your capital gains tax bracket

- Federal
- State
- Net investment income tax

This materially impacts the true cost of selling versus holding

5. Funding your next home

- Do you need this equity for the next down payment?
- Would selling reduce leverage and stress in the next purchase?

Liquidity matters more than most people realize

6. Future real estate plans

If you plan to buy more rentals:
- Selling may provide cleaner capital
- It may allow better asset selection
- It can improve diversification

Keeping a property simply because you already own it isn’t a strategy..

This decision isn’t about: “Is real estate the right move?”

It’s about: “Is this specific property the right use of capital given your goals, taxes, and risk tolerance?”

Doing the Backdoor Roth IRA every year for you and your spouse can be a small step with a huge long-term impact

$7,500 per person per year may sound small, but it can grow to millions of tax-free dollars when you have a long time horizon of 20–50 years

The issue with backdoor Roths is that many people make mistakes when executing it 

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Having other pre-tax IRA funds: triggers the pro-rata rule and could create unexpected taxes
- Not converting after contributing: growth is taxed if left in the IRA
- Failing to invest after converting: account type ≠ investment
- Not filing Form 8606: you must track basis to avoid double taxation
- Reporting conversions incorrectly: can result in paying more taxes than necessary

Short term planning is where I see people make some of their biggest mistakes

In today's new episode, Benjamin Lake, CFA, CFP® and I break down:

• Why investing short term money can backfire
• Where cash actually belongs when you need it in the next 1-3 years
• Pros & cons of high yield savings, money markets, munis, and treasuries

Listen on Apple or Spotify

Tax loss harvesting can be a massive value add for high-income investors

If you’re like most of my clients, your capital gains are being taxed at 23.8%- 37% depending on the state you are in:
- 20% long-term capital gains rate
- 3.8% net investment income tax
- 4–13.3% state taxes, depending on where you live

That means every $100,000 of gains you offset with harvested losses can save $23,800–$37,000 in taxes

This is huge

Tax loss harvesting is particularly impactful for those who:
- Have a liquidity event coming from a business sale like many of my clients 
- Need to diversify from concentrated equity compensation
- Hold older investments with very low cost basis

You can do this with stocks and ETFs

But there are also some tools that make this easier:
- Direct indexing
- Long/short direct indexing
- Boxx spread loans (comes through as capital losses)

These allow for more precise harvesting, more losses, and keeping your portfolio aligned while capturing tax benefits along the way

If you welcomed a child in 2025 (like me), then you need to know about the new Trump Accounts

They’re government-created, tax-advantaged investment accounts opened in a child’s name

You can put funds in after-tax that grow tax-deferred

Then you pay income tax when you take them out in the future

And... for kids born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, you get an initial $1,000 from the federal government (if you claim it)

Here’s what you need to know about claiming & taking advantage of these new accounts:

To get started, you currently have two options: Option 1 (likely the easiest): Visit trumpaccounts.gov and enter your email. You’ll receive instructio

Open article: New “Trump Accounts” Explained (& How to Claim $1,000) by Thomas Kopelman • 2 min read

New “Trump Accounts” Explained (& How to Claim $1,000)

One of the most common goals I hear from parents: help cover college costs

There are multiple ways to approach this and the best solution depends on your goals, timeline, belief on how college looks in the future, and overall financial plan

1. 529 Plan
- Tax-free growth if used for qualified education expenses
- Avoids capital gains tax... a huge advantage for high earners
- Flexible, easy to contribute, and can cover tuition, room, board, and more
- Can be used for school before college, trade school, etc.
- Can be changed to other kids or anyone else
- $35k can be converted to Roth IRA after 15 years

2. UTMA/UGMA Account
- Grows outside of your estate
- Ownership transfers to the child at 18 or 21, so you lose control
- Can be useful for long-term gifting, but less flexible for planning

3. Taxable Brokerage Account
- You retain control over how and when funds are used
- Capital gains tax applies
- Can pay for education without contribution limits or age restrictions
- Flexible if college plans change

4. Cash Flow
- Some high-income families prefer paying directly as expenses come up
- Preserves investment flexibility for retirement or other priorities
- Useful when college plans are uncertain

5. Paying Down Loans
- Helping with student debt after graduation can reduce stress and free up your child’s future cash flow
- Allows you to prioritize saving and investing for your own financial goals today

The right strategy is different for everyone

Some use many of these combined

Not everyone needs an ongoing financial planner

But I think 99% of people could benefit from working with one..

Why?

Everyone I've worked with realized there were 10-20 blind spots & areas of improvement they never even thought of

Imagine how impactful a few of those areas are over a lifetime

Let me show you 5 reasons why a financial planner would benefit you as a high income accumulator:

1. Financial Planners Create Forced Accountability One of life’s most useful tools is accountability. Think of why you have a workout partner. By havi

Open article: 5 Reasons You Would Benefit From a Financial Planner  by Thomas Kopelman • 4 min read

5 Reasons You Would Benefit From a Financial Planner

taplio

The Battle

Patrick Patterson

Thomas Kopelman

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreThomas Kopelman's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Patrick Patterson

Thomas Kopelman

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Thomas Kopelman's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreThomas Kopelman's LinkedIn Performance