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The rules changed dramatically. Most people don't know it. Here's what you're required to do — and the costly mistakes to avoid.If you've recently inherited an IRA — or you're expecting to — the information you find online is probably...

How do wealthy families invest $5M–$20M portfolios? Explore the asset allocation strategies many high-net-worth households use to balance growth, risk management, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth preservation.

A plain-English guide to in-kind transfers, firing your advisor, and what actually happens to your money when you switch.Here's a question I get more than you'd think: "I want to move my accounts, but I don't want to sell everything...

Real-world examples of high-net-worth investors who lost fortunes by holding too much of one stock. Lessons from Enron, Lehman, GE, Kodak, and Yahoo reveal why concentration risk quietly destroys wealth—and how disciplined diversification p

Markets in 2026 show sharp divergence across sectors. From AI and software repricing to renewed strength in energy and small caps, investors are being reminded that balance, patience, and discipline still drive long‑term success.

Learn how high-net-worth investors with $5M+ portfolios can use asset location, tax-loss harvesting, munis, Roth strategies, charitable tools, and advanced trusts to reduce taxes, boost after-tax returns, and strengthen long-term wealth pla

Alternative investments can diversify portfolios—but they come with trade-offs. Learn what alternatives are, how they differ from stocks and bonds, and when they may or may not belong in a thoughtful financial plan.

Wealth isn’t just investing. It’s a four-part system: build it, keep it (taxes), protect it (estate planning), and avoid behavioral pitfalls. Here’s how these pieces work together—especially for $4M–$5M+ households.

Volatility is visible. Risk is not. Standard deviation tells only part of the story. Learn how liquidity, timing, correlation, and behavior create real-world risks that often surface when investors least expect them.

Asset location: what goes whereAsset location—deciding which investments belong in which accounts—is a cornerstone of tax-smart portfolio design once you cross into multi-million-dollar territory. Broadly, tax-efficient equities and...

Your tax return is more than a filing requirement. A St. Louis financial advisor explains how income sources, deductions, and investment taxes reveal planning opportunities that most people overlook—and how better coordination can reduce li

A narrative-driven review of historical moments when the stock market hit all-time highs right before recessions — showing that buying at the peak is rarely catastrophic if investors stay disciplined, diversified, and long-term focused.

New Trump Accounts give kids a $1,000 government-funded jump-start plus up to $5,000 a year in family and employer contributions, growing tax-advantaged to help fund education, a first home, or other big goals starting in adulthood.

John Templeton proved that the best opportunities often hide in plain sight—when fear is high and confidence is low. His contrarian mindset turns emotion into advantage.

Learn what really happened during America’s biggest debt scares—1861, 1933, 1979, and 2011—and why long-term investors who stayed disciplined ultimately came out ahead despite short-term volatility.

Howard Marks reminds investors that true success isn’t about chasing returns—it’s about seeing risk clearly, protecting what you’ve built, and thinking independently when everyone else agrees.

Peter Lynch built legendary returns by keeping investing simple: buy what you understand. See why his timeless rule still matters in today’s AI-driven markets.

You’ve built $3 million in wealth—now make it work for you. Here’s how to invest wisely, retire confidently, and protect what matters most.

Charlie Munger’s “latticework of mental models” blends psychology, economics, and common sense to sharpen decisions. Learn how to think clearly—and invest wisely.

Warren Buffett’s greatest edge isn’t genius stock-picking—it’s patience. Discover why time in the market beats timing the market, and how his discipline can guide long-term investors today.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (August 12, 2025) One Bridge Wealth Management, a provider of financial services in St. Louis, Missouri, announced that John Wahl has been named to Forbes’ list of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State for 2025. The...

Investing isn’t about trading tickers—it’s about owning real businesses. Learn why the right mindset—thinking like an owner, not a stock trader—can bring confidence and clarity to your long-term wealth strategy.

Retirement planning isn’t just about savings and investments. Explore the hidden risks—healthcare costs, inflation, concentrated stock positions—that can threaten your future, and how to safeguard against them.

Retirement is more than a destination—it’s a journey across a bridge you build today. Learn the four key steps to create a tax-smart, risk-aware retirement plan that carries you confidently from work into financial freedom.

Financial Acronyms Cheat Sheet: Your Quick Reference Guide By One Bridge Wealth Management — Helping You Bridge the Gap to Financial Clarity Understanding financial jargon can feel like learning a new language. Whether you’re reading...

Taxes can erode your wealth if you don’t plan ahead. Here are six powerful tax-smart moves—from Roth conversions to charitable giving—that can strengthen your financial safety net and keep more of what you’ve earned.

Your Financial Bridge: From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. At One Bridge Wealth, we use what we call the 'Bridge Visual' to help clients clearly understand where they stand today, where they’re trying to go, and most importantly...

We’ve listened to what clients want from the best financial advisors in St. Louis: clarity, honesty, consistency, and personalized advice that puts their lives first.

John Bogle (May 8, 1929 – January 16, 2019), fondly known as "Jack," revolutionized the investment world by making long-term, low-cost investing accessible to everyday people. As the founder of Vanguard Group and the pioneer of index...

If estate planning terms like "trusts" and "wills" make your head spin, you’re not alone—these aren’t exactly topics that come up during happy hour. But when it comes to protecting your legacy and keeping family drama at bay, knowing...

When it comes to estate planning, the goal isn’t to take it with you—that’s what Egyptian pharaohs tried. With a $5 million portfolio, your focus should be on ensuring your hard-earned wealth is protected, efficiently passed to loved ones.

If you’ve been offered or currently hold a Unit Investment Trust (UIT) in your investment portfolio, it’s worth asking: Is this truly working in your best interest? While UITs are often presented as a simple, one-time investment with a...

Discover how boxing champ Evander Holyfield, NBA star Antoine Walker, NFL's Vince Young, baseball's Lenny Dykstra, and Mike Tyson squandered their fortunes. A cautionary tale of fame, wealth, and financial ruin.

The recent proposal by President Donald Trump to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund (SWF) has reignited debates about how the federal government can leverage its assets to secure long-term economic benefits. Sovereign wealth...

Leonardo da Vinci’s principles of diversification, long-term thinking, and lifelong learning offer timeless lessons for investors. Focus on patience, adaptability, and aligning wealth with purpose to create a financial plan that stands the

Mental accounting—the way we psychologically categorize money based on its source, use, or emotional attachment—can be a powerful financial tool when used wisely. While traditional advice focuses on budgeting and tracking every dollar,...

Most people have seen those thick binders full of charts, graphs, cash flows, and projections. Let’s be honest—it can be tough to digest and even harder to stick with. This is where a one-page financial plan can make a big difference.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR RSUS AND YOUR ESPP: A STRATEGIC APPROACH

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, August 26, 2024

Are you asking, "What are restricted stock units?", “What to do with RSUs?”, “What should I do with an ESPP?”, or “How do I maximize my ESPP and RSUs?” You’re in the right spot. When it comes to managing your equity compensation...

Managing a portfolio worth over $1 million is a major responsibility. As an experienced investor, you've successfully built substantial wealth—congratulations! However, now may be the ideal time to consider allowing professional...

THE 8 WAYS TO GET INCOME IN RETIREMENT AND HOW THESE INCOME SOURCES ARE ALL TAXED DIFFERENTLY

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, June 20, 2024

What income sources are available to retirees? How are these income sources taxed? And how does taking from one source affect the tax rates on another source? There are several possible sources for your retirement income, and many are...

Here are some notable periods when inflation went down, highlighting the economic conditions and impacts during those times: The Early 1980s: In the late 1970s, the United States experienced very high inflation, often referred to as...

Inflation is when the prices of goods and services go up over time. When inflation goes down, it means that prices are not rising as quickly as they were before. This change can have a big impact on different parts of the economy...

Planning for retirement is a cornerstone of financial security, and a 401(k) plan is a powerful tool to help individuals achieve their long-term savings goals. At One Bridge Wealth Management, St. Louis Financial Advisors, we understand...

TAX CUTS AND TRAGEDY: JFK WANTED TO LOWER INCOME TAXES AND LBJ’S POLITICAL MANEUVERINGS TO GET IT DO

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, April 8, 2024

A pivotal moment in American tax policy unfolded during President Lyndon B. Johnson's tenure with the passage of the Revenue Act of 1964, a culmination of political maneuvering initiated by President John F. Kennedy.

There has never been a greater disconnect between how the economy is performing and how we feel about it. People feel so negative about the economy and the way the country (and the world) is headed, yet the economy is strong. Look at the...

The roots of income taxation in the United States can be traced back to the Civil War era. In 1861, to finance the Union's war effort, Congress passed the Revenue Act, which levied a 3% tax on incomes over $800. This tax was repealed...

YOUR RETIREMENT DEFENSE CHECKLIST: CAN YOU CHECK THESE 8 ITEMS OFF YOUR LIST?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, March 29, 2024

Check the following 8 points off your list to help ensure you’re prepared for a successful retirement. A black swan event is an unpredictable, unexpected occurrence that has widespread, major consequences.

Transitioning to a new job is an important milestone that can impact your financial landscape. Whether you're embarking on a career change or seizing a fresh opportunity, it's crucial to take proactive steps to manage your finances...

Here are 10 ways to help ensure your assets transfer smoothly to your heirs – and so that they don’t squander your money after you’re gone.

In the realm of financial planning, one powerful tool often overlooked is the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). This strategy allows individuals to support charitable causes while...

Historically, investing has been perceived as a predominantly male domain, with women often underrepresented in the investment landscape. Women tend to have longer lifespans. In today’s world, many women choose to remain single throughout..

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, ensuring that individuals can effectively transfer wealth to their loved ones while minimizing tax liabilities. Among the various estate planning strategies available,...

In the world of wealth management, one of the key objectives for investors is to maximize returns while minimizing tax liabilities. Tax-efficient wealth management is a strategy that focuses on achieving this delicate balance, allowing...

0% TAX BRACKETS, TAX CHANGES AND PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of politics and finance, staying abreast of tax law changes is crucial for individuals seeking to minimize their tax burden and maximize their financial well-being.

In understanding the evolution of the Federal Reserve and its communication practices, it's essential to recognize the historic significance of Jekyll Island. In November 1910, a secret meeting of just six men - influential bankers and...

If you're an investor with a substantial portfolio, you may be wondering if target date funds or robo-advisors are right for you. While alluring in their simplicity and low costs, both options have considerable downsides for...

With a 401k balance exceeding $1 million, retirees in St. Louis (and across the country) face an important decision - should they roll over funds into an IRA or leave it with their employer? This guide examines the pros and cons of both opt

Professional guidance for retirees in St. Louis, MO with substantial portfolios over $750k. Discover popular and unique planning strategies to generate retirement income, reduce taxes, and create a legacy.

RISING YIELDS, THE ECONOMY, AND THE STOCK MARKET

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Longer term bond yields are rising. Why? And this hurts stocks, why? But the economy is strong? Read on.

A Defined Outcome ETF, also known as a Buffered ETF or Target Outcome ETF, is a type of exchange-traded fund (ETF), or financial product, that provides some protection for your investments. They're designed to protect your money from...

CAN YOU RETIRE ON 1 MILLION DOLLARS ?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, May 26, 2023

Many Americans believe they can retire on 1 million dollars in a retirement account like a Traditional IRA or a 401k. Is this possible for the average retired couple? Can you retire on 1 million dollars?

As we venture into the golden years of our lives, retirement beckons as a time of relaxation and enjoyment. However, the path to a stress-free retirement can be obstructed by a challenge many retirees face: taxes. The intricate nature of...

Compound interest is like magic money that grows over time... Put your money to work for you.

ARE YOUR ACCOUNTS SAFE AFTER THE RECENT BANK COLLAPSES?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Are Your Accounts Safe After the Recent Bank Collapses? Yes. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has been dominating headlines and causing confusion and concern among investors. Our clients are our number one priority,and we want...

What does it mean that the stock market leads the economy? And why does it? What are some examples?

Here are ten of the most common investment mistakes:

WHAT IS EVIDENCE-BASED INVESTING?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Evidence-based investing (EBI) is an investment philosophy and strategy built on decades of historical data and research, not on gut feelings or best guesses. The research shows that asset allocation, usually via low-cost index funds,...

IT’S HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SECURE 2.0

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, January 26, 2023

This article, however, addresses only key provisions pertaining to individual retirement savers (or accounts) and rules applicable to individuals rather than plan sponsors and administrators. The bill is quite broad (more than 4,000 pages..

WHAT WILL THE MARKET DO IN 2023?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

While thinking and talking about this can be fun and entertaining, we should remember no one has a crystal ball. No one. Too many of us are fooled by randomness. Therefore, instead of planning for one outcome or one prediction, we need to..

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE MARKET?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

It is still wild times indeed and volatility continues. The bear market is upon us. Buckle up, but brace yourself to make it through unscathed. There’s nowhere to run with stocks down, bonds down, crypto down, inflation eating away at...

INTEREST RATE HIKE EXPECTATIONS AND NEEL KASHKARI'S TAKE

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Inflation data has come in and changed interest rate expectations. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari provided clear insight a few weeks ago. Read more here.

RETIRE ON 500K ?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Many Americans believe they can retire on 500k in a retirement account like a Traditional IRA or a 401k. Is this possible?

WHAT HAPPENED WITH HIGH INFLATION AFTER WWII IN 1946 WHEN OUR SOLDIERS RETURNED HOME?

John Wahl, CFP^®, ChFC^®

Thursday, July 28, 2022

We keep hearing about how this inflation cycle is going to be like the 1970s, but what if it is more like 1946? Remember that one? Me neither. WWII had ended. Soldiers came back home, got married, bought houses and tons of other things...

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON THE MARKET

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Going back to WWII, three years after a recession, we have had negative returns zero times. Five years after a recession: All positive returns with many triple digit returns. Ten years after a recession: All but once, the cumulative...

OVERHEARD ON THE ECONOMY

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, July 11, 2022

One of the tallest office towers in St. Louis lost 96% of its appraised value. Denver’s former World Trade Center complex faces foreclosure. An oil company’s vacant Houston workplace sold this year at a $67.4 million loss to lenders...

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN AN ECONOMY AND MARKET LIKE THIS? AND OVERHEARD POSITIVES ON THE ECONOMY

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Overheard Positives on the Economy and What You Can Do. Is there a positive sign anywhere with all the strange stuff going on in the economy?

SPECULATIONS ON THE ECONOMY

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

We are in unchartered territory with the combination of high inflation rates, the Fed increasing interest rates, high home values, low unemployment, and a bear market, all while potentially entering recession. It is uncommon for the Fed...

WHAT IS TAX LOSS HARVESTING?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Is tax loss harvesting for you? There are many benefits and if done correctly, it could help you. Read on to learn more.

MIDTERMS AND THE STOCK MARKET - ANOTHER BRIEF HISTORY

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, May 19, 2022

A little over five months from now, we will know if the Republicans have flipped Congress or not. Which is better for the market?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INFLATION AND THE STOCK MARKET

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Learn more about inflation and the stock market.

TAXES AND YOUR INVESTMENTS

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Here at One Bridge, we talk a lot about tax-efficiency and your investments. Add value to your overall portfolio and overall net worth by controlling what you pay in taxes as much as you can. But what does that mean and how do we do it?

TAX-FREE INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS AND HOW TO MAXIMIZE THEM

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, October 15, 2021

Do you know that you might be able to contribute up to $61,000 to tax-free accounts each year? Most people know about Roth IRAs, but what about Roth 401ks and After-tax 401ks? Learn how to grow your tax-free accounts.

Have you received an inheritance recently, or do you expect one in the future? Was it expected or unexpected? Was it more or less than you originally thought, or was it a total surprise? Are you wondering what to do with an inheritance?

A BRIEF, MODERN HISTORY OF SURPRISE FED ANNOUNCEMENTS.

John Wahl, CFP^®, ChFC^®

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

The Fed has said it's unlikely it will raise rates this year. Many are taking to the airwaves suggesting the Fed raise rates earlier. Enough is enough, they say. The economy is booming and raising rates will help it from overheating. So,...

Have your property taxes increased recently? Do think they should be lowered? Are you interested in learning how to appeal your property assessment? Read this to find out more information on how to do so.

Interested in finding a qualified and trustworthy wealth management firm? Learn how to pick a wealth management firm you can trust and rely on for first-class client service and results.

Thinking about starting your own business and concerned with how much you will pay in taxes? Don’t let the concern stop you, learn about how much does a small business pay in taxes, and allow your company to be armed with the knowledge...

If you are a business owner, it is critical to have some sort of succession planning. Learn about what succession planning is and find out more on how to do this for your business!

If you are a business owner, it is critical to have some sort of succession planning. Learn about what succession planning is and find out more on how to do this for your business!

If you are wondering about what tax liability is, it is taxes owed. Read more about what tax liability is and what it means for you.

If you are looking for which investment type typically carries the least risk, check out all the information provided by One Bridge Wealth Management

Interested in a Health Savings Account (HSAs)? This article helps you learn about HSAs and why you need to take advantage of them.

Risk is hard to see and quantify for most people, yet being able to management risk is extremely important. In this article learn why risk management is so important.

If you are unsure whether or not you need a financial advisor, One Bridge Wealth Management offers guidance and advice on a path forward.

For reliable life insurance St Louis MO, as well as nationally, we provide a guide for important information to think about when looking for life insurance.

Want to learn more about Missouri Social Security? This article will help you understand what social security is and how you are getting taxed.

Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session Today How To Save For Retirement - A Long Term Plan Unlike a rainy day fund set aside to cope with an unforeseeable event, such as job loss, illness, or economic downturn, a retirement fund...

Interested in estate planning? Learn what is estate planning and why is it so important here at One Bridge Wealth Management.

Whether you have made it to retirement or will soon, One Bridge Wealth Management will offer you financial advice on how long your retirement savings will last.

Why is financial planning important? Learn how One Bridge Wealth Management will give you the advantage having a financial plan.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CAPITAL GAINS TAX?

John Wahl, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Are your capital gain taxes too high? Review this article to learn how to reduce your capital gains tax.