You’ve Built the Income. Let’s Build the Wealth.
Your income is growing. Make sure your financial strategy keeps up.
A strong income doesn’t automatically become wealth. Taxes decide how much of what you earn is left to save, invest, and spend on the life you want.
30 minutes. Free. No tax return needed.
What’s on Henry’s mind?
HENRY stands for high earner, not rich yet: a household earning roughly $250,000 to $500,000 that hasn’t yet turned that income into lasting wealth. If that’s you, these probably sound familiar.
“I earn well, so why does it never feel like enough is left?”
“Is my bonus being taxed the right way?”
“Where should the next dollar go: retirement, a home, or investing?”
“Am I missing something my CPA doesn’t have time to tell me?”
Four things every high earner should weigh
The team at WealthQuant Advisors looks at these together, because each one changes the others.
Bonuses and withholding
Bonuses are generally withheld at a flat 22% federal rate on supplemental income, which doesn’t reflect your total income. If your bracket is higher, the shortfall shows up when you file.
Tax-advantaged accounts
A 401(k), an HSA, and Roth strategies can lower today’s tax and build tax-free growth. Direct Roth IRA contributions phase out at high incomes, so the order and method matter.
Phaseouts
Many credits and deductions shrink as income rises, so each additional dollar can cost more in tax than it appears to.
Life events
A home purchase, a growing family, and education savings all change your tax picture. They go better when they’re planned around your calendar than when they’re reacted to.
Strategies that fit a high earner’s plan
Your customized tax plan draws on these strategies, depending on what’s coming up on your calendar.
Bonus and withholding planning, HSA and 401(k) design, backdoor Roth contributions where eligible
Home purchase, growing family, and education funding timed around your tax picture
Roth conversions in lower-income years, plan design, long-term withdrawal planning
Tax-aware investing, loss harvesting, and where to hold each type of asset
A needs-based review of life and disability coverage
If your income also includes RSUs or options, see Equity-compensated professional. We build the plan with your CPA, on a timeline that protects every deadline.
Common questions from high earners
Is my bonus taxed at a higher rate than my salary?
Not as a rule. Employers usually withhold a flat 22% federal rate on bonuses, but your actual tax is set when you file, based on your total income. If the withholding is too low, you owe the difference then.
Can I still contribute to a Roth IRA at my income?
Direct contributions phase out at higher incomes. A backdoor Roth can still be an option for high earners, but existing traditional IRA balances can make part of it taxable, so it needs to be set up carefully.
Which accounts should I fill first?
It depends on your bracket, goals, and employer plan. A common starting point is capturing any employer match, then comparing an HSA, a 401(k), Roth options, and taxable investing. We map the order to your situation.
I already have a CPA. Do I need this?
Your CPA files the return for the year that just ended. The team at WealthQuant Advisors plans the year ahead, before the tax is due, and coordinates with your CPA so nothing is missed.
I also get RSUs. Does this page still apply?
Yes, for your salary and bonus. For vesting, options, and stock purchase plans, see our page for equity-compensated professionals.
Educational only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Strategies depend on your situation.
See where your income is going
A free 30-minute Tax X-Ray. We’ll look at your income, your calendar, and the moves worth considering. No tax return needed.