Taxes
2026 and 2027 Capital Gains Tax Brackets: Why Your Rate Rises
Long-term capital gains are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%. See the 2026 and 2027 brackets by filing status and how other income pushes your rate higher.
Financial Planning Blog & Retirement Resources
Taxes
Year-End Tax Planning: 12 Moves to Make Before Dec. 31
Year-end tax planning for 2026: Roth conversions, RMDs, charitable gifts, and the 0% capital gains rate retirees can still use before Dec. 31.
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Family and Relationships
Giving Money to Family: How Much People Give and the Gift Tax Rules
About 1 in 5 families gave money to relatives in 2024, a median of $3,700. See amounts by age, recipient, and wealth, plus 2026 and 2027 gift tax limits.
Taxes
Tax-Free Roth Conversions: How Your Deductions Create Room
See how much a tax-free Roth conversion can cover in 2026 and 2027, how the senior deduction adds room, and what can still cost you.
Planning
2026 and 2027 Tax Brackets: Rates and Standard Deductions
See the 2026 tax brackets for the return you file in 2027, plus the new 2027 brackets, standard deductions, and the extra deductions at 65 and older.
Taxes
Roth Conversions in a Market Downturn: Benefits and Risks
A market downturn lets you convert the same shares to a Roth for less taxable income. See the benefits, risks, and how much to convert in 2026 and 2027.
Retirement Savings and Investments
What Is a Roth Conversion? How It Works and When to Do One
A Roth conversion moves pretax savings into a Roth IRA. You pay tax now, and withdrawals are tax-free later. See how it works and when it pays.
Retirement Planning
Retirement Tax Planning: 9 Strategies to Lower Your Taxes
Retirement tax planning comes down to which accounts you tap, when, and how much. Here are 9 strategies, updated for 2026 and the $6,000 senior deduction.
Taxes
Tax Season Checklist: 10 Things to Check on Your 2026 Return
What to gather and what to check before you file your 2026 return, from the senior deduction and RMDs to Roth conversions, QCDs, and Form 8606.
Retirement Savings and Investments
How Much Does the Average American Have in Savings? $8,200
The median family keeps $8,200 in bank accounts and $44,200 in total financial assets. See savings by age, for the middle class, and home equity.
Retirement Planning
The Midterm Elections Are Over. What Changes for Your Retirement?
The 2026 midterms put Democrats in control of Congress. Here’s what that could mean for Social Security, taxes, healthcare, and Roth conversions.
Medicare and Health Insurance
Health Insurance Age 62 to 65: Average Cost Before Medicare
Average health insurance cost from 62 to 65 often tops $1,000 a month without a subsidy. See real cost ranges and how to plan for it.
Retirement Planning
What Is Behavioral Finance? 10 Biases That Cost You Money
Behavioral finance explains why smart people sell low, save too little for retirement, and claim Social Security early. Here are the biases and the fixes.
Retirement Planning
Monte Carlo Simulation for Retirement: How It Works and What Your Odds Mean
A Monte Carlo simulation tests your retirement plan across 1,000 simulated markets to estimate your odds. Here’s how it works and what your score means.
Taxes
What Is NIIT? The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax Explained
The net investment income tax adds 3.8% to investment income once MAGI tops $200,000 or $250,000. See who pays it, how it’s figured, and how to cut it.
Retirement Planning
Best Places to Retire in 2027 and How to Choose Yours
U.S. News ranks Midland, Mich., No. 1 for 2027. See where the major lists agree, where retirees are moving, and how to test a move in your plan.
Retirement Planning
Leaving Money on the Table When You Retire: 10 Places to Look
From your last paychecks to your first years retired, here are 10 places people leave money on the table, with 2026 and 2027 figures for each.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning Checklist for Retirees: 10 Documents
A step-by-step estate planning checklist: the documents you need, how beneficiary designations and probate work, and when to update your plan.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Asset Allocation by Age: The Right Mix at Every Stage
The best asset allocation strategy for you today? As you age? Is age the best way to determine investment strategy? Get answers.
Retirement Planning
Fear of Spending Money in Retirement and How to Overcome It
Retirees spend about half of what a safe withdrawal rate allows. See why the fear of spending money in retirement sets in and how to ease it.
Pensions
When Can You Collect Your Full Pension? Age, Rules, Payouts
You can collect your full pension at your plan’s normal retirement age, 65 or earlier in most plans. See early cuts, working rules, payouts, and taxes.
Pensions
Pension Lump Sum vs. Annuity Calculator: Which Is Better?
Use this free pension lump sum vs. annuity calculator to find your break-even age, the return a lump sum must earn, and your odds of living long enough.
Retirement Income
What Is Fixed Income? Meaning, Examples, and Retirement Risks
What is fixed income? It’s income paid on a set schedule, like Social Security or a pension, or bonds and other investments that pay set interest.
Medicare and Health Insurance
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: 14 Tips for Choosing 2027 Coverage
Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026. See what changes for 2027, from the $2,400 Part D cap to Part B premiums, and 14 tips to compare plans.
Retirement Planning
Can You Retire at 62? How Much You Need and What to Plan For
You can retire at 62 if savings cover your spending until Social Security and three years of health coverage. Here’s how to check the math.
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