Most people think retirement planning ends the day they retire. In reality, one of the most important planning opportunities doesn’t even start until after work stops — and it quietly closes a few years later. I call it the retirement planning window, and it’s one of the most underutilized opportunities I see when working with … Read more
Client Profile (Names Withheld) Like many people I work with, this couple believed they were “in good shape” for retirement. They had done a lot of things right — steady careers, consistent retirement savings, and no major debt heading into retirement. But when we looked closer, there was a hidden tax issue that could have … Read more
If there’s one thing I hear over and over from retirees and pre-retirees, it’s this: “I thought Social Security wasn’t taxable… or at least not much.” Unfortunately, that assumption is one of the most expensive mistakes I see people make in retirement planning. Social Security itself isn’t the problem.The tax rules surrounding it are. And … Read more
As we move through 2026, investors are navigating a market environment that feels very different from the ultra-easy money era of the 2010s. Higher-for-longer interest rates, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty have reshaped how smart capital is allocated. For long-term investors and active traders alike, 2026 is less about “set it … Read more
The Social Security Administration has officially announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026.That means beginning in January 2026, Social Security recipients will see a modest increase in their monthly benefits to help offset inflation. For most retirees, this translates to about $56 more per month on average. It’s not a life-changing boost, but it’s … Read more
Every year, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees release their annual reports—and the 2025 update delivers a reality check for millions of Americans planning their retirement. According to the report, the Social Security trust funds are projected to run short by 2034, one year sooner than previously forecasted. At that point, incoming payroll taxes would … Read more
When most people think about Social Security, they picture a reliable monthly income stream that’s tax-free. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Depending on your other sources of income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. In this article, I’ll break down how Social Security taxes work, the thresholds you need … Read more
What’s Happening at the Fed — September 2, 2025 The Federal Reserve is approaching a pivotal moment: the September 16–17 FOMC meeting. All eyes are on whether the Fed will implement its first rate cut since 2024. In the past three months, job growth has slowed sharply, averaging just 35,000 new positions—levels not seen since the … Read more
Why 2025 Is a Critical Year for Roth IRA Conversions When it comes to retirement planning, timing is everything. And for many retirees and pre-retirees, 2025 may be the most important year yet to consider a Roth IRA conversion. Here’s why: 👉 In short: If you’ve ever considered a Roth conversion, 2025 may be your … Read more
The headlines can feel overwhelming right now. That’s why I want to share some current economic insights—in plain English—about what’s really happening with growth, tariffs, housing, and the Federal Reserve. That’s why I want to break this down for you in plain English. We’ll look at: The Global Picture Think of the global economy like … Read more