In Part 2 of our Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy series, Ryan Edwards from Southeast Retirement Planners sits down with CPA Jamie Eckard, lead of Southeast Tax & Consulting, to break down what a year-round tax strategy actually looks like—and why it’s so different from simply filing a return.

Together, they walk through the key “pillars” that can shape your tax picture over time, including income timing, tax-advantaged retirement contributions (and key 2026/SECURE 2.0 updates), charitable giving strategies, Roth contributions and conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and estate and gift planning considerations. They also share a simple, practical tax calendar to help you move from a stressful April deadline mindset to a more organized planning rhythm throughout the year.

If you’ve ever wondered what your tax strategy is supposed to be—or what you may need to adjust for 2026—this episode will give you a clear framework and next steps to discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional.

In this episode of Southeast Retirement Planners podcast, Ryan Edwards sits down with CPA Jamie Eckard to introduce Southeast Tax & Consulting Services and kick off a new tax strategy series. Join us as they break down the key differences between tax preparation (backward-looking, focused on accurate filing) and tax strategy (forward-looking, focused on minimizing taxes legally over time).

Ryan and Jamie explain why a proactive, year-round approach can help individuals and business owners avoid surprises, coordinate better with financial and tax professionals, and make smarter decisions that compound over multiple years. They also preview upcoming topics like income timing, tax-advantaged investing, charitable giving strategies, Roth contributions and conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and estate/gift planning.

Connect with Southeast Tax & Consulting Services at 828-218-4100 (ext. 200)

Caregiving can feel like a “silent second job.” Ryan Edwards and Les Stewart share the emotional and financial realities of caring for aging parents—and the planning steps that can prevent a crisis.

Connect with Southeast Retirement Planners here!

With so much financial information and data being sent out, pushed out, and processed every day, The Southeast Retirement Planners Podcast aims to help simplify what can sometimes be complex financial situations. Located in Hickory, NC – Southeast Retirement Planners is an independent financial advisory firm that works closely with individuals and businesses to help create sustainable financial plans.

The advisory team at SRP will host each episode and will routinely be joined by clients, business leaders, and other important guests. The SRP podcast will give you actionable ideas and invites you to be a part of important conversations about how to better navigate the financial landscape and how some things “beyond the balance sheet” may impact your financial success.