The IRS allows grandparents to give up to $19,000 per grandchild in 2025 without filing a gift tax return, and up to $13.99 million over their lifetime before any tax applies. Gifts are rarely taxable for recipients — but understanding Form 709, 529 plan rules, and tuition exemptions can help families transfer wealth efficiently and avoid IRS issues.

Even the most disciplined retirees can be caught off guard by hidden tax traps and penalties. Our analysis highlights five of the biggest “retirement gotchas” — including Social Security taxes, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, RMD penalties, the widow’s penalty, and state-level tax surprises. Learn how to anticipate these costs and plan smarter to preserve more of your retirement income.

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, slightly higher than 2025’s 2.5% increase but still below the long-term average. This modest rise may not keep pace with the real cost of living, as retirees continue to face rising prices for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare. Learn how this affects your benefits, why COLA timing matters, and strategies to help offset inflation in retirement.

Many people fund their donor-advised funds with cash, but gifting appreciated securities can be a smarter move. By donating stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs instead of cash, you can avoid capital gains tax and still claim a charitable deduction for the asset’s full market value. Our analysis at Greenbush Financial Group explains how this strategy can create a double tax benefit and help you give more efficiently.

Healthcare often becomes one of the largest and most underestimated retirement expenses. From Medicare premiums to prescription drugs and long-term care, this article from Greenbush Financial Group explains why healthcare planning is critical—and how to prepare before and after age 65.

Retirement doesn’t always simplify your taxes. With multiple income sources—Social Security, pensions, IRAs, brokerage accounts—comes added complexity and opportunity. This guide from Greenbush Financial Group explains how to manage taxes strategically and preserve more of your retirement income.

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement income—but when and how you claim can have a major impact on lifetime benefits. This article from Greenbush Financial Group explains 2025 thresholds, how benefits are calculated, and smart strategies for delaying, coordinating with taxes, and managing Medicare costs. Learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits and plan your income efficiently in retirement.

Social Security can be one of your most powerful retirement assets—if you claim it strategically. In this article from Greenbush Financial Group, we compare early versus delayed claiming paths, explore spousal and survivor benefits, and explain how tax and income planning can help you unlock more lifetime income.

Retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about spending wisely. From medical care and home repairs to travel and vehicles, this guide shows 7 smart purchases to consider before leaving the workforce, with tax and planning tips to help you retire stress-free.

Market downturns feel different in retirement than during your working years. Learn strategies to protect your nest egg, avoid irreversible mistakes, and balance growth with safety to keep your retirement plan on track.

Planning for long-term care is harder than ever as insurance premiums rise and availability shrinks. In 2025, families are turning to two main strategies: self-insuring with dedicated assets or using Medicaid trusts for protection and eligibility. This article breaks down how each option works, their pros and cons, and which approach fits your financial situation. Proactive planning today can help you protect assets, reduce risks, and secure peace of mind for retirement.

“Sell in May and Go Away” sounds clever, but the data tells a different story. Since 2020, investors who followed this rule would have missed out on strong summer gains. We break down why discipline and staying invested consistently beat market timing.

On September 17, 2025, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in years. Here’s how the FOMC voting process works, who gets a say, and why these decisions matter for the economy.

Target date funds adjust automatically as you approach retirement, offering a simple “set it and forget it” investment strategy. They can be a smart option for early savers, but investors with complex financial situations may need more customized solutions.

Social Security is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2034, leading many Americans to wonder if it will still be there when they retire. While the system won’t go bankrupt, benefits could be reduced by about 20% unless Congress acts. Our analysis at Greenbush Financial Group explores what 2034 really means, why lawmakers are likely to intervene, and how to plan your retirement with Social Security uncertainty in mind.

When you leave a job, your old 401(k) doesn’t automatically follow you. You can leave it in the plan, roll it to your new employer’s 401(k), move it to an IRA, or cash it out. Each choice has different tax, investment, and planning implications.

Dying without a will means state laws decide who inherits your assets, not you. It also creates longer, more expensive probate and leaves guardianship decisions for your children up to a judge. This article explores the risks of dying intestate and how a simple will can protect your family.

Is $1 million enough to retire? The answer depends on withdrawal rates, inflation, investment returns, and taxes. This article walks through different scenarios to show how long $1 million can last and what retirees should consider in their planning.

Living longer is a blessing, but it also means your savings must stretch further. Rising costs, inflation, and healthcare expenses can quietly erode your nest egg. This article explains how to stress-test your retirement plan to ensure your money lasts as long as you do.

Retirement planning isn’t just about hitting a number. From withdrawal rates and inflation to taxes and investment returns, several factors determine if your savings will truly last. This article explores how to test your retirement projections and build a plan for financial security.