Posts
Q3 Strategy Review: Preparing for Year-End Distributions
It’s Q4. Time to land the plane for 2026. 1. RMD Check 2. QCD Strategy 3. Capital Gains Harvesting Finish 2026 strong. Let’s review your year-end checklist. Book Your Strategy…
The “Tax Bumps”: Why Your Marginal Rate Might Be 40% (Not 22%)
Because of how Social Security becomes taxable, earning $1 extra might cost you $0.40 or more in tax. This is the Tax Bump. The Multiplier Effect Extra income triggers tax…
The “Survivor’s Checklist”: 5 Steps to Take Immediately After a Spouse Passes
When a spouse passes, take these steps to protect income. 1. Notify Social Security 2. Do NOT Cash the Deceased Check 3. Apply for the $255 Death Benefit 4. File…
Legacy Planning: Using Social Security to Protect Your Portfolio for Heirs
Maximize Social Security (which dies with you) so you can preserve your Portfolio (which goes to heirs). Spend the Benefit, Save the Asset Delaying Social Security creates a massive income…
Labor Day Special: “Un-Retiring” — What Happens If You Go Back to Work?
Bored in retirement? Going back to work affects your check. Under FRA? Earnings Test applies. Benefits may be withheld. Over FRA? Unlimited earnings allowed. Plus, new earnings might increase your…
2027 COLA Watch: Early Predictions and What They Mean
It’s late summer. Inflation data is rolling in for the 2027 COLA. Why Early Predictions Matter Knowing the likely COLA helps you plan Q4 moves like tax bracket management and…
Multiple Ex-Spouses: Can You Choose Which Record to Claim On?
Married more than once? You may be able to choose the highest benefit. The Answer: Yes If you were married 10+ years to multiple people, you are effectively “double insured.”…
The “Consultant” Trap: Self-Employment, Hours Worked, and the Earnings Test
Retiring to become a consultant? Social Security looks at Hours Worked, not just income. The “Substantial Services” Rule If you work more than 45 hours a month (or 15 hours…
Remarrying After 60: The One Rule You Must Know
Finding love later in life is wonderful. But check your birth certificate. Remarrying before 60 forfeits survivor benefits. The Golden Rule: Age 60 Wait until after 60 to remarry, and…
Capital Gains Surprise: Selling Your Home and the IRMAA Cliff
Planning to downsize? The capital gains from selling your home could trigger a massive Medicare surcharge two years later. The IRMAA Cliff Any profit above the exclusion ($250k/$500k) counts as…
“My Neighbor Gets $4,000 a Month. Why Don’t I?” (Understanding the Formula)
Comparison is the thief of joy. If your neighbor gets more, it’s due to the PIA formula. 1. It’s an Average Social Security averages your highest 35 years. One bad…
The “Bridge” Strategy: Using Your 401(k) to Buy a Higher Social Security Check
If you retire at 64 but delay Social Security until 70, how do you fill the gap? Use your 401(k) as a Bridge. Buying an Annuity from the Government Spending…
