Wealth Planning Commentary – October 20, 2025
Medicare Open Enrollment: Rising Costs and New Restrictions Medicare open enrollment for 2026 runs through December 7, and several important changes are on the horizon. Many participants will likely face higher premiums, reduced benefits, and more restrictive provider networks. The baseline Part B premium is expected to rise from $185 to $206 a month, representing […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – October 13, 2025
Annuities as a Default Option for 401(k)s? U.S. Department of Labor Says Yes, But Be Wary Recent updates to retirement plan rules are designed to make it easier for employers to include lifetime income options—most commonly annuities—inside 401(k) plans. The purpose is straightforward: to help you turn a portion of your savings into a dependable […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – October 6, 2025
Year-End Wealth Planning Guide (2025–2026) As we approach the end of 2025, we would like to bring to your attention several important year-end planning considerations and deadlines. The following sections outline key strategies and timelines related to retirement accounts, gifting, and tax filing considerations. Planning Considerations for the End of the Year 1. Tax Brackets, […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – September 29, 2025
A Window of Opportunity: Home Energy Tax Credits Are Expiring Soon The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it, a significant opportunity for homeowners is set to expire. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has accelerated the termination of several federal home-energy tax credits, meaning that 2025 is the last chance for […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – September 22, 2025
The Fed Cut Rates. What About Your Debt? The Federal Reserve has recently lowered its benchmark interest rate and hinted at two more reductions this year. This pivotal move carries implications that will influence the economy and, more specifically, your personal finances. One critical area to review now is the liabilities section of your balance […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – September 15, 2025
Lower Rates Likely Raise Your Insurance Premiums It is very possible that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates this week, and this could potentially affect the premiums you pay for your property and casualty (P&C) insurance. The relationship between interest rates and insurance premiums isn’t immediately obvious, but it’s a fundamental part of the […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – September 8, 2025
A Love Story and a Financial Roadmap When you see a couple like Taylor and Travis in the news, it’s easy to get lost in the romance. The glitz, the glamour, the record-breaking stadium tours, and the Super Bowl wins—it’s all part of the modern fairy tale. But for a moment, let’s pull back the […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – September 2, 2025
Will Interest Rates Drop? How it May Affect Your Plan There’s increasing speculation that the Federal Reserve might start lowering interest rates later this year or next. While no one can pinpoint the exact timing, it’s helpful to consider how a lower rate environment could impact financial decisions related to housing, estate planning, taxes, investing, […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – August 25, 2025
Coping Financially After the Loss of a Spouse Losing a spouse is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and it can leave behind not only emotional pain but also a host of financial responsibilities. Amid grief, the idea of sorting through documents, accounts, and decisions can feel overwhelming. Having a plan in place before that […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – August 18, 2025
Did You Recently Inherit An IRA? The 10-Year Rule May Apply The SECURE Act reshaped how IRAs inherited after 2020 are distributed, and the so-called “10-Year Rule” now stands at the center of estate and retirement planning. Understanding these rules is essential, as they affect both the original account owner and those who inherit retirement […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – August 11, 2025
How Government Economic Data Impacts Your Plan The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has been in the headlines recently following the dismissal of its director over allegations of inaccurate employment reporting. The agency’s work is central to the economy, most notably through its monthly reports on employment growth and inflation. The accuracy of BLS data […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – August 4, 2025
What’s Happening to Renewable Energy Incentives? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a sweeping piece of legislation, covering a wide range of tax and incentive changes. One area generating a great deal of attention is the significant shift in federal support for renewable energy. With OBBBA, there’s a clear pivot away from the […]