John-Mark Young

On a warm July 4th night in 2025, as fireworks lit the Florida sky, a quiet but powerful shift in the tax code took place. The One Big Beautiful Bill didn’t just extend the largest standard deduction in U.S. history—it created a rare window for thoughtful generosity. In this chapter, we explore how Donor-Advised Funds and charitable “bunching” can turn faithful giving into an even greater act of stewardship, allowing families to give more, pay less in taxes, and align their wealth with values

Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors has acquired Goude Tax, led by Enrolled Agent Starr Goude, who has served clients since 1996. This partnership preserves a legacy rooted in military-focused tax expertise while supporting Starr’s thoughtful transition toward retirement. Clients will continue receiving trusted care—now enhanced by coordinated tax and financial planning through the Whitaker-Myers team.

Whitaker-Myers Group is expanding its presence in Bluffton, South Carolina with the acquisition of John Mosca CPA, PC. This addition strengthens our integrated tax and wealth management services while preserving the trusted relationships clients value. With John Mosca continuing through 2026 and our CFP® and tax professionals working together, clients benefit from coordinated planning designed to serve families well—today and for generations to come.

Most people don’t realize you can make a one-time, tax-free transfer from an IRA into an HSA. If you’re covered by an HSA-eligible health plan and not yet on Medicare, this strategy can quietly turn tax-deferred IRA dollars into tax-free money for future healthcare costs. For people in their early 60s with large IRAs, it can reduce future RMDs and create meaningful flexibility for medical and long-term care expenses.

How much can you safely withdraw in retirement without running out of money? While the 4% rule is a good starting point, research by Bill Bengen—and tools like Monte Carlo simulations—help us build smarter, more personalized plans. At Whitaker-Myers, we go further by using strategies like rebalancing, managing sequence of return risk, and diversifying into non-correlated assets to help your retirement income last as long as you do.

Choosing between a 529 plan and a UTMA account can shape your child’s financial future. 529s offer tax-free growth for qualified education expenses, while UTMAs provide flexibility for any use benefiting the child. A balanced approach—starting with a UTMA and shifting to a 529—can mix tax benefits and preserve eligibility for education tax credits. Saving just $166 per month from birth can grow to $65,000–$100,000 by age 18, giving your child a strong start in life.

Ohio residents can choose where their tax dollars go—either to the state or directly to a local Christian school. Through the Ohio SGO tax credit, your donation provides scholarships for students in need while giving you a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your state tax bill, up to $750. Whitaker-Myers Tax Advisors makes filing simple and ensures your gift both lowers your taxes and strengthens Christian education in Ohio.

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers proudly announces that President & CIO John-Mark Young, CFP®, has earned the prestigious Tax Planning Certified Professional® (TPCP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. This advanced credential highlights his commitment to helping families maximize their financial plans through smart, values-based tax strategies—always with the heart of a teacher and a mission to serve clients with clarity and confidence.

Small-cap investing isn’t what it used to be. With private equity fueling growth before companies ever hit the public markets, true small-cap opportunities are shrinking. At Whitaker-Myers, we define Aggressive Growth as both mid-cap and small-cap stocks—splitting exposure to capture resilient names like Invesco and Smithfield Foods while still positioning for a small-cap rebound, which research partner Tom Lee believes may be just around the corner.

The idea that the U.S. dollar is on the verge of collapse is largely hype. Despite rising debt and global tensions, no other currency offers the trust, liquidity, and stability of the dollar. The U.S. economy’s size, innovation, and rule of law keep it at the center of global finance. While headlines fuel fear, the dollar’s dominance remains strong. Long-term investors are wise to stay steady and not be swayed by doomsday predictions.

John-Mark Young, CFP®, was named to AdvisorHub’s “Advisors to Watch” for the third year in a row — one of only 11 RIA-based advisors in Ohio and 10 in Florida. As a fiduciary RIA, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers offers independent, client-first advice with no revenue sharing. “We are so thankful for our clients and their trust,” says John-Mark. “Your referrals and relationships mean the world to us — and we pray for you weekly!”

While headlines scream about rising U.S. debt, the real story might be more hopeful. From untapped national assets to a coming wave of AI-driven productivity, America’s balance sheet may be stronger than it seems. In this article, we explore why debt-to-GDP headlines don’t tell the full story—and why long-term investors can remain confident in the nation’s resilience and capacity to grow through innovation, strength, and strategic planning.