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Income Tax vs. Capital Gains Tax: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between income tax and capital gains tax is a key part of smart financial planning. While both are ways the government collects revenue, they apply to very different types of money you receive. Here are the questions you most likely have, and the answers that can help you understand the basics of these two tax categories. Q: [...]
Tax Updates for 2026: Key Things to Know This Year
Thanks to the permanent changes made by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) and the annual inflation adjustments from the IRS, the 2026 tax year brings some changes you might want to make note of. Getting a handle on these updates can help you plan out your financial moves throughout this year, so let’s take a look at some [...]
A Brief History of the Social Security COLA
Although to some of us it may seem as if Social Security has always been around, that isn’t the case. The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. Its aim was to address the economic hardships of the Great Depression and provide an income source, specifically for the elderly. But automatic [...]
A How-To Guide to Your “my Social Security” Account
While the Social Security Administration will still mail you a statement once a year if you’re over the age of 60, they really encourage everyone to create a “my Social Security” account for better security and easier access to forms and information. With an online account, you don’t have to wait for the mail to arrive or worry whether you missed your letter, and [...]
How to Build a Meaningful Retirement Life Without a Work Schedule
One of the most underestimated challenges of retirement is not financial but personal. After decades of structured workdays, many retirees find themselves asking, “What now?” While the initial freedom can feel liberating, the absence of a daily routine can quickly lead to boredom, lack of purpose, or even depression and heart disease![1] Creating a meaningful daily life in retirement may [...]
Your 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment: The Good News, The Bad News and What It Means for Your Retirement
Every October, over 70 million Americans eagerly wait for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to announce the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This annual bump is designed to help your benefits keep pace with inflation, but will this actually help you cover your expenses, and what does this adjustment really mean for your wallet? Let’s take a look at these questions and [...]
5 Pillars of a Well-Constructed Retirement Plan
A well-planned retirement is not a single event, but a comprehensive strategy built on several interconnected pillars. As we look ahead for 2026 and the years to follow, it's more important than ever to ensure your plan is built for stability and flexibility. Beyond simply saving money, a truly successful retirement blueprint addresses five critical elements that work together to [...]
Give the Gift of Financial Planning This Holiday Season
As we gather with family and friends this week, many of us have spent time picking out the perfect gifts to wrap and lovingly place under the tree. We eagerly await them opening our gift and sharing in the joy we had while selecting it especially for them. And though traditional presents like gadgets and gift cards are always appreciated, [...]
