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Insights

11.2025

Zachary Patzik

CFA, CFP®

Managing Director, Senior Wealth Advisor

Bio

About Burling Wealth Partners

Zach Patzik is a founding member of Burling Wealth Partners with over a decade of experience across the wealth advisory landscape. At Burling Wealth Partners, Zach designs and implements personalized wealth planning solutions for high-net-worth individuals, emphasizing straightforward, strategic and timely advice with the client’s short- and long-term objectives at the forefront. Zach’s career reflects the intentionality with which he approaches everything—having managed tax-advantaged equity strategies at Northern Trust, performed fixed income research at Morningstar and delivered holistic advice across the many facets of a client’s financial life at Curi RMB Capital. Zach leverages those experiences to provide exceptional client service in a tax efficient and risk-adjusted manner.

In addition to his deep commitment to helping clients achieve their goals, Zach strives to make a positive impact on the community and dedicates time to organizations and causes dear to his heart. Zach currently serves on the JCC Chicago Board of Directors and the ADL Midwest Associate Board.

Zach graduated with high honors from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance. In addition, Zach is both a CFA® Charterholder and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

About Burling Wealth Partners

Burling Wealth Partners is a Chicago based, independent, fee-only fiduciary serving high-net-worth individuals and families from coast to coast. We provide comprehensive wealth management services designed to protect and preserve your wealth today, foster sustainable growth for the future, and instill the confidence to focus on what matters most to you and your family. Our client-centric approach ensures tailored strategies that align with your financial goals, offering clarity, simplicity, and long-term security.

Year-End Choices That Shape the Year Ahead

As the year winds down, it’s not just about reflecting on your successes and challenges. It’s about setting the stage for a stronger and more intentional 2026. Taking time now to review your finances ensures your plan reflects where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow and in the years ahead. Are you comfortable and confident in your financial health?

Investments & Portfolio Planning

Review your mix of stocks, bonds, and cash – is rebalancing appropriate?

Confirm your portfolio’s risk level still aligns with your long-term goals.

Why it matters: Ensure your portfolio is in sync with your objectives.

Tax & Retirement Planning

Maximize contributions to your 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans before December 31.

Consider a Roth conversion if it can help lower your overall lifetime taxes.

Realize available losses to offset gains within taxable accounts.

Why it matters: Strategic tax planning spans multiple facets of your financial life and can impact both cash flow and flexibility today and in the future.

Cash, Liquidity, & Insurance

Ensure you have adequate cash set aside for taxes, gifting, or major expenses.

Determine if life changes warrant changes to insurance and overall coverage.

Consider paying down or refinancing if rates remain high or are above market.

Why it matters: Protects your family and keeps your financial foundation flexible.

Charitable Giving

Tax changes in 2026 may reduce charitable deduction benefits for many families.

Make use of a donor-advised fund to lock in better tax savings and keep flexibility for future donations.

Consider qualified charitable distributions for more tax efficient donations than traditional cash if over 70 ½.

Why it matters: New tax rules in 2026 will soon reduce the tax benefits for generous high-net-worth families, making 2025 the optimal year to maximize your charitable impact and savings.

Estate Planning & Beneficiary Review

Confirm beneficiaries across accounts and policies as circumstances may have changed.

Review your will, trust, and powers of attorney to ensure they reflect your wishes.

Why it matters: Keeps your legacy and intentions clear across generations.

Plan for Today, Tomorrow, and the Years Ahead

At Burling Wealth Partners, we take a customized approach that brings together your broader advisory team of CPAs, attorneys, and insurance professionals to ensure your financial well-being is coordinated, efficient, and purposeful.

Whether you’re reviewing your portfolio, planning for retirement, or creating a legacy for future generations, our advisors can help you align today’s actions with tomorrow’s goals.

Connect with us to schedule a conversation and make sure your financial plan finishes the year strong — and starts 2026 even stronger.

DisclosuresThe information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general and educational purposes only. Nothing contained in this commentary is intended to constitute legal, tax, accounting, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type.

Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Burling Wealth Partners and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and the possible loss of principal. Burling Wealth Partners, LLC (“Burling”) is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Burling may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Additional information about Burling Wealth Partners, LLC is available at burlingwp.com or on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.