Posts by Marissa Barnhill
What Happens When You Claim Social Security While Still Working
More people are choosing to work longer, which has led to a common question: can you collect Social Security and still work while earning income at the same time? The…
Read MoreHow Full Retirement Age Shapes More Than Just When You Claim Social Security
Most people have heard of full retirement age at some point, often as a number tied to Social Security eligibility, but it rarely becomes the focal point of the decision.…
Read MoreWhy Social Security Decisions Aren’t as Flexible as They Seem
Most people assume Social Security is something they can adjust later if needed, especially if their plans or circumstances change over time. It’s a reasonable way to think about it, given how…
Read MoreTax Return Retirement Planning: What Your Numbers Reveal About Your Timeline
“Am I on track to retire when I want to?” It is one of the most common questions people ask, and it is usually answered in a familiar way. Savings balances are…
Read MoreTax Return Numbers That Matter More Than Your Refund
Most people open their tax return and go straight to one number. The refund or the amount is owed. It feels like a scorecard. But that number is more of a…
Read MoreWhat to Do After Tech Layoffs in the Bay Area: Key Financial Steps to Take Right Away
Tech layoffs across the Bay Area and Silicon Valley have become more frequent, and many people begin searching for answers almost immediately after a job loss. Questions come quickly. What should I…
Read MoreIncome Composition and Taxes: Why Two People With the Same Income Can Pay Very Different Taxes
Two people can earn the same income and still have very different tax outcomes. It’s a common assumption that taxes are driven primarily by how much you make. But in practice, how your…
Read MoreAdjusted Gross Income (AGI): What It Really Says About Your Financial Life
For many people, a tax return becomes something to file away once the deadline passes. The focus tends to be on the outcome, whether a refund was received, or a payment was due, and then…
Read MoreTax Planning Conversations: A Smarter Way to Start the Right Discussion
Most tax planning conversations start in the wrong place. They begin with tactics. Should I convert it? Should I defer? Should I shift my income this year? The desire to act is…
Read MoreCash Flow Review-Why Good Tax Results Don’t Always Tell the Full Story
A smooth tax filing can feel reassuring. The numbers line up, the return is submitted without issue, and the balance due or refund is manageable. It is easy to interpret that experience as…
Read More