Posts by Marissa Barnhill
Your January Financial Checklist: Simple Steps to Start the Year StrongÂ
January is one of the few times a year when your financial picture is still flexible. Income has not fully settled, contribution limits have reset, and key decisions are not yet locked…
Read More2026 RMD Planning: What Retirees Should Consider Early in the YearÂ
For many retirees, required minimum distributions often feel like a December issue, something to address once the year is nearly finished. In reality, RMD decisions shape your financial picture throughout the entire year. The timing…
Read MoreRoth Conversion Planning in 2026: What to Review Early in the YearÂ
The start of a new tax year brings updated numbers that quietly reshape the planning landscape for Roth conversions. Changes to tax brackets, income thresholds, and contribution limits for 2026…
Read More2026 Tax Updates: Key Changes Retirees and High Earners Should Review EarlyÂ
Every new tax year brings adjustments, and 2026 is no exception. The IRS has released updates that shape how income is taxed, how much can be saved within retirement accounts,…
Read MoreCharitable Remainder Trusts: Extending IRA Benefits Beyond 10 YearsÂ
Most people imagine an inherited IRA as a lasting gift that supports the next generation for years. That changed with the SECURE Act and the SECURE Act 10 year rule, which…
Read MoreYear-End IRA Planning: 3 Steps to Reduce Your TaxesÂ
The end of the year often brings a sense of reflection. For many retirees and high earners, it is also one of the most important moments to take a closer…
Read MoreLife Insurance as a Roth Alternative: Turning Tax Liability into LegacyÂ
You’ve spent years saving carefully and watching your retirement accounts grow. It is a sign of progress, but it also comes with a catch. The larger your IRA becomes, the larger…
Read MorePartial Roth Conversions: A Smart Move for High-Balance IRAs Â
For many savers, a growing IRA feels like a reward for years of hard work and disciplined investing. Yet as balances climb into the high six or seven figures, those…
Read More5 Year-End Giving Mistakes to Avoid Before December 31 Â
As the holidays approach, charitable giving often moves to the top of the list. Between family gatherings, year-end deadlines, and donation requests filling inboxes, many people end up making last-minute…
Read MoreHow Donating Appreciated Stock Can Make Your Giving More Tax-EfficientÂ
As the year comes to an end, many people begin thinking about the causes they want to support. Writing a check or making an online donation can feel simple, but…
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