What key tax, geopolitical, and investment shifts will impact wealth structuring in 2026? Driven by the recent major shift in federal tax exemptions and persistent global volatility, the need for integrated, forward-looking planning has never been higher. For multi-generational families, this means acting now on the following three priorities as we enter the coming year.

1. Utilize the New, Higher Federal Exemption

The most urgent deadline impacting wealth structuring has recently changed. While the federal estate tax exemption was poised to revert to half its current level, new legislation has instead permanently increased the exemption to approximately $15 million per person (or $30 million for a married couple) starting in 2026.

While the exemption is higher, it’s not guaranteed to remain at this level long-term. Here are ways to pivot:

• Lifetime Gifting: UHNW families should strategically utilize the new, higher exemption amounts for lifetime gifting and funding new trusts to lock in wealth transfer at the highest possible level.
• Trust Review: Review existing irrevocable trusts, potentially using vehicles like Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) to maximize tax-advantaged transfer strategies under the new limits.
• Roth Catch-Up Rules: High earners (typically those aged 50 and older) face new restrictions requiring their catch-up contributions to be made on an after-tax Roth basis, necessitating a review of retirement savings strategies now.
• New Deductions: Be prepared to maximize potential new tax breaks aimed at seniors, tipped workers, and car buyers.
• Charitable Deductions: A new 0.5% floor on charitable deductions for individuals starting in 2026 requires advance planning, such as bunching donations.

2. Stress-Testing Portfolio Resilience

Volatility from geopolitics, tariffs, and interest rates has become a permanent feature of the economic landscape. UHNW families can translate these risks into practical, structural portfolio action by understanding the following: 

• Tariff Volatility: Escalating US-China trade tensions and tariff uncertainty remain a structural risk. This requires stress-testing supply chain exposure within concentrated stock positions and private company valuations.
• Cost of Capital: While interest rates may stabilize, the reality of higher capital costs continues to affect borrowing, business expansion, and asset valuations. Portfolios need to be structured for an environment where capital is no longer cheap.
• AI: While AI continues to fuel tech stock growth, it also exacerbates income inequality (a K-shaped economy), benefiting capital owners more than labor. This demands strategic, diversified exposure to the companies driving this bifurcation while protecting against the resulting economic shifts.

3. Capitalizing on Private Market Dynamics

For UHNW families with significant capital locked in illiquid assets, the private markets present both complex challenges and deep opportunities.

• Challenges in Private Exposure: Liquidity remains a primary concern. The high interest rate environment has extended exit timelines for many private equity and venture capital funds, creating pressure on legacy investments.
• Opportunities in Secondaries: The secondary markets are increasingly active. This presents an opportunity for strategic buyers to invest in discounted, high-quality assets where sellers need to generate liquidity. Conversely, it provides an exit mechanism for UHNW families who need to clean up older, poorly performing commitments.

Integrating Your Strategy

Recent conversations with clients reveal concerns about the environment’s complexity and lack of coordination among their various advisors (CPA, estate attorney, banker, etc.). 

Today’s UHNW families need an advisor who can coordinate advice across legal, tax, and investment disciplines to create one cohesive, unified framework. Schedule your 2026 integrated strategy review with Brian Flynn and the Journey Strategic Wealth team today.

This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Investment Advisory services offered through Journey Strategic Wealth, a registered investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The views expressed are for informational purposes only and do not take into account any individual’s personal, financial, or tax considerations. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please see Journey Strategic Wealth’s Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS for additional information.

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