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HSB POA members gathered at Quail Point Lodge on May 12, 2026, for a Community Education Seminar presented by Morgan Stone, CFP®, CEPA®, MBA, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor with Avidian Wealth Solutions. The presentation focused on IRA planning, Roth conversions, and long-term retirement tax strategies. Here is a copy of Morgan's presentation. 

 

Stone opened the seminar with a simple but powerful reminder: for many people, an IRA will likely be one of the largest financial accounts they accumulate in their lifetimes. He stressed the importance of setting up and managing retirement accounts thoughtfully and strategically.

During the presentation, Stone shared details about his professional background and his transition from founding Stone Wealth Management in Austin to joining Avidian Wealth Solutions. He also spoke about growing up in the Highland Lakes area and fishing on Lake Buchanan, connecting with many attendees who share deep roots in the region.

A major focus of the seminar centered on understanding the differences between Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Stone explained that Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s generally provide tax advantages upfront, with taxes paid later during retirement withdrawals. Roth IRAs, by contrast, are funded with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals and future growth can be completely tax-free.

Stone outlined several reasons why investors may consider converting Traditional IRA assets into a Roth IRA. These included the potential for tax-free retirement income, eliminating future required minimum distributions (RMDs), improving estate planning flexibility for heirs, and protecting against the possibility of higher future tax rates.

One engaging moment came as Stone illustrated how retirement income changes through different life phases. He discussed how retirees see income shift between working years, early retirement, Social Security benefits, and the start of required minimum distributions. The discussion highlighted how careful tax planning during these transitions can significantly impact long-term wealth preservation.

 

Stone explained the two primary ways investors can contribute to a Roth IRA: through earned income contributions or Roth conversions from existing retirement accounts. He briefly touched on “backdoor Roth” strategies, noting they apply only in specialized circumstances.

Additional discussion included Roth conversion timing strategies, tax bracket management, SECURE Act changes, qualified charitable distributions, and ways retirees can potentially reduce future tax burdens through thoughtful planning.

The seminar concluded with an extended question-and-answer session, during which attendees asked thoughtful questions about retirement timing, taxes, Medicare impacts, inheritance planning, and long-term investment strategy. As usual, the Community Education Series continues to do what it does best: bring practical, real-world information to the community in a conversational, approachable setting. Here is a copy of Morgan's two-page handout from the seminar.