Tax Strategies for Larger Portfolios: Direct Indexing, Estate Planning & What to Avoid

Tax Strategies for Larger Portfolios: Direct Indexing, Estate Planning & What to Avoid

From Money Matters by Allworth Financial by Allworth Financial

April 4, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 521

About this episode

Scott and Pat discuss tax strategies for larger portfolios, including direct indexing and estate planning considerations.

In this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat react to a listener being pitched a complex direct indexing strategy using margin, while another wrestles with whether setting up trusts for their grandchildren is worth the hassle—breaking down what actually adds value and what doesn’t. They expand into tax strategies for larger portfolios, including when more sophisticated approaches create more cost and complexity than benefit. You’ll also hear practical guidance on estate planning, gifting, RMDs, and charitable giving through QCDs. What You’ll Learn: When a direct indexing strategy using margin may do more harm than good How to approach tax strategies for larger portfolios without overcomplicating your plan When trusts make sense for gifting—and when they don’t Smarter ways to handle RMDs and reduce taxes with QCDs Why some strategies are driven more by firm incentives than investor outcomes Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our…

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott Hanson, Pat McClain

Topics covered

  • tax strategies
  • direct indexing
  • estate planning
  • trusts
  • RMDs
  • charitable giving

Keywords

  • tax strategies
  • direct indexing
  • estate planning
  • trusts
  • RMDs
  • QCDs
  • gifting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Allworth Financial

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