Do You Pay More or Less Taxes When You Get Married?
In this article, we break down when couples may face a marriage penalty—and when they might receive a marriage bonus. You'll see side-by-side income examples, learn how the 2026 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could impact your future tax bill, and understand how marriage affects things like IRA eligibility, Social Security taxes, and student loan repayment plans.
Exceptions to the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty for IRA Distributions
Taking money from your IRA before age 59½? Normally, that means a 10% penalty on top of income tax—but there are exceptions.
In this article, we break down the most common situations where the IRS waives the early withdrawal penalty on IRA distributions. From first-time home purchases and higher education to medical expenses and unemployment, we walk through what qualifies and what to watch out for.
Social Security: A Complete Guide to Benefits
Social Security isn’t just a retirement check—it’s a complex system of benefits that could impact your entire family. In this article, we walk through the four major types of Social Security benefits.
Still Working at 65? Here’s What to Do About Medicare and Social Security
Turning 65 is a major milestone — but if you're still working, it can also bring confusion around Medicare and Social Security. Do you need to enroll in Medicare? Will claiming Social Security now trigger an earnings penalty? The answers depend on your specific situation.
Understanding the Order of Withdrawals In Retirement
The order in which you withdraw money in retirement can make a huge difference in how long your savings last—and how much tax you pay. In this article, we break down a smart withdrawal strategy to help retirees and pre-retirees keep more of their hard-earned money.
Should You Put Your House in a Trust or Gift It?
Your home is one of the most valuable assets you'll pass on—but how you transfer it to the next generation can have major tax, legal, and financial consequences.
Don’t Gift That Stock Yet – Why Inheriting Might Be Better
Thinking about gifting your stocks to your kids or loved ones? You might want to hit pause. In this video, we break down why inheriting appreciated stock is often a far smarter move from a tax perspective.
How to Minimize Taxes on Social Security
Many retirees are surprised to find that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits could be taxable. But with the right planning, it's possible to reduce or even eliminate those taxes.