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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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.
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 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.
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.
Social Security
Is Social Security Taxable? Federal Rules, State Taxes, and Earnings Limits
Up to 85% of your Social Security can face federal income tax, and 8 states tax it too. See the thresholds, the new senior deduction, and 2027 earnings limits.
Taxes
RMD Strategies: 6 Ways to Lower Taxes on Required Minimum Distributions
Your RMD age is 73 or 75, depending on birth year. These 6 RMD strategies, from QCDs to Roth conversions, can lower the taxes on your withdrawals.
Taxes
Qualified Charitable Distributions: 2026 QCD Limit and Rules
Give up to $111,000 from your IRA tax-free with a QCD in 2026. See who qualifies, how it counts toward your RMD, and how to report it.
Retirement Savings and Investments
16 Roth IRA and Roth Conversion Mistakes That Cost You in Taxes
A Roth conversion can raise your Medicare premiums two years later. Every mistake on this list comes with a solution.
Taxes
Best States to Retire for Taxes in 2027: All 50 States Compared
Nine states skip income tax, but property and sales taxes change the math. See how all 50 states tax Social Security, pensions, and IRA withdrawals.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Backdoor Roth, Mega Backdoor Roth & Your IRMAA/ACA Costs
Two CFP® professionals answer real questions on Roth conversion timing, the pro rata rule, and avoiding surprise Medicare or ACA costs.
Taxes
Did the Big Beautiful Bill End Taxes on Social Security? What Changed for Retirees
The Big Beautiful Bill didn’t end taxes on Social Security. It added a $6,000 senior deduction through 2028. Here’s what changed for retirees.
Taxes
Creative Tax Planning: 8 Unusual Strategies — and What Works Better
We cover 8 creative tax strategies, plus the retirement planning approach that can save you more money.
Retirement Planning
2026 Catch-Up Contribution Limits: 401(k) and IRA
After 50, you can contribute up to $32,500 to a 401(k) and $8,600 to an IRA in 2026. Here’s how catch-up limits work at every age.
Taxes
How to Pay Taxes in Retirement and Avoid IRS Penalties
Paying taxes in retirement means managing income streams, quarterly deadlines, and the IRS safe harbor, without an employer doing it for you.
Taxes
Timing Roth Conversions: Should You Convert at the Start of the Year? End? Or, Spread Them Out?
Learn the pros and cons of different Roth conversion timing strategies and how to choose the right approach for your retirement plan.
Taxes
OBBBA Tax Updates in Boldin: What Changed for Your Plan
See how the Boldin Planner applies the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: the higher standard deduction, $6,000 senior deduction, SALT cap, and permanent brackets.
Retirement Savings and Investments
Asset Location: How Tax-Smart Investing Helps Your Portfolio
Asset location is an important concept if you are trying to save and build wealth. Explore ways to locate funds to minimize taxes.
Planning
Government Shutdown and ACA Subsidies: User Survey
Boldin survey reveals most Americans worry a government shutdown and also the threat to ACA subsidies and retirement confidence.
Retirement Income
The Two Roth 5-Year Rules, Explained for Early Retirees
Want to retire in your 50s and withdraw from savings? You need to understand the Roth 5 year rules to avoid penalties.
Taxes
Roth Conversion Survey: What Boldin Users Reveal
Roth conversions are a powerful tax planning strategy, but how do retirement savers actually use them? A recent survey of Boldin subscribers reveals that users…
