Hello from the 305!

Miami’s always buzzing but your financial strategy should be calm, focused, and resilient. 

This week, we’re spotlighting a couple who cut $14K from their tax bill with savvy timing, exploring inflation-proof side gigs, and breaking down estate planning with warmth (yes, it’s possible).

Wealth isn’t about what you earn—it’s about what you keep. Let’s protect that together.

The S&P 500 posted a 0.9% gain last week as inflation data came in cooler than expected.

Bond yields dipped slightly, with the 10-year Treasury settling around 4.15%.

This move has sparked renewed interest in balanced portfolios and dividend-paying equities.

Ana and Carlos Rodriguez had built wealth through property and a family-run logistics business.

When planning for retirement and beyond, they discovered a simple trust structure helped them shield nearly $1.2M from future estate tax.

“We didn’t want our kids arguing about money. Now we know they’ll get clarity—not conflict.”

 

📌 Their key moves:

• Created a revocable living trust

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• Consolidated real estate into one holding company

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• Assigned power of attorney & health directives early

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Lesson: The sooner you plan, the simpler it gets.

Cost Basis

This is what you originally paid for an investment—including fees. It matters, because when you sell, you pay tax on the gain (selling price – cost basis).

📌 Pro tip: Keep records. That $6,000 stock gift from 2010? You’ll need the purchase docs later.

• Florida Amendment 3 (2024) expanded homestead exemptions for seniors & disabled vets—could impact retirement planning.

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• Local REIT investments in Wynwood & Brickell have grown 9% YoY—watch this space for fractional property investing opportunities.

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• Crypto investors: The IRS’s Form 1099-DA pilot rolls out in FL this year—get ahead on tax prep.

Sally’s Savers – Florida Edition

• Heat Wave Hack: Use utility apps to monitor A/C usage—one reader cut $38/month.

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• Car Inspections: New FL rule lets you waive emissions if EV—small savings, big hassle reducer.

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• Online Grocery + Cashback: Try linking Rakuten to Instacart for 2–5% back.

Borrow Bravely—Not Blindly”

• Use debt as a tool, not a trap.

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• Refinancing an older HELOC? Sam’s tip: Ask about closing costs and prepayment penalties one reader saved $1,400 in surprise fees.

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• Rule of thumb: If your credit card debt is growing faster than your net worth, hit pause and re-evaluate.

More Miami families are investing together—siblings buying condos or friends splitting second homes.

Be cautious:

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• Get a legal agreement

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• Outline “exit” plans if one wants to sell
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• Consider escrow savings for shared costs

Events That Make You Wiser

• July 25: Miami Women of Wealth – Bal Harbour. Featuring fund managers, founders & financial planners.

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• July 26: Crypto + Real Estate Mashup – How tokenisation is changing buying & selling. Wynwood.

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• July 27: Kid-Proofing Your Finances – Family-focused budgeting class in Coral Gables Library.

Sunrise Wealth Miami

Trustworthy advice, tax-smart growth, and personal attention—every step of the way. 📞 305‑555‑8123 •  Coral Gables •  sunrisewealthmiami.com

Money shouldn’t be scary. It should be empowering.

Thanks for letting us be your guide—see you next week with more stories, strategy, and smart thinking.