Category: Retirement Planning

Secure 2.0 Act: Catch-Up Contributions Have Changed for High Earners

This year marks the start of a significant tax legislation update affecting many high earners nearing retirement. Since 2002, the federal government has permitted employees over the age of 50 to make additional contributions to their retirement accounts beyond the annual limit, creating greater saving opportunities for eligible employees. As of January 1, 2026, however, […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 03/31/2026

What to Know About Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Before Rolling Over Your 401(k)

As you approach retirement or move to a new employer, a 401(k) rollover probably feels like a natural next step on your to-do list. But if your retirement plan includes employer stock that has grown significantly over time, rolling everything into an IRA without a closer look could mean foregoing a powerful tax opportunity. Called […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 01/09/2026

What You Should Know About Changes to Medicare, Contribution Limits, COLA and more in 2026

The government is making a wide range of adjustments across the board for the coming year. Changes impact Medicare premiums, Social Security COLA, tax brackets, and retirement plan contribution limits. The changes could mean higher income and tax savings for some next year. Medicare Medicare Part B Premiums have increased. The base monthly premium for […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 11/25/2025

Medicare IRMAA: What is It and How Could It Impact Your Retirement?

Let’s start this post off with a question: Can you pay less for Medicare? Lowering your premiums is no small feat, especially for high-income earners who are subject to Medicare IRMAA. Read on in this article to learn more about “Medicare IRMAA” and how you can take action to potentially decrease its impact on your […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 11/05/2025

When Work No Longer Works: Planning for Early Retirement

More and more, we’re hearing from clients who don’t need to work—but until now, they’ve chosen to stay because they enjoyed the structure, the challenge, or the connection their careers provided. Lately, however, that’s changing. Today’s political and economic uncertainty is bleeding into the workplace. Many professionals are being asked to do more with less—facing […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 06/18/2025

SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) vs. SIMPLE IRA: Understanding the Difference

A traditional 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan is a foundational savings tool for most Americans, yet those who are self-employed may not have access to these traditional savings methods. While you could still reap the tax benefits of contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA, the annual contribution limits are relatively low (less than […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 04/17/2025

The Simple 3-Step Medicare Guide

When, Why, and How to choose a plan that’s right for you (especially if you’re already enrolled). Whether you’re looking into Medicare for the first time, or taking advantage of annual enrollment to update your strategy, we’ve broken down the critical choices you must make into a simple decision-making tool (including the easy-to-understand questions you […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 10/23/2024

Navigating the Latest Distribution Rules for Inherited IRAs

Few financial instruments carry as much significance as Inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). These accounts passed down from generation to generation have long been essential for legacy planning.  However, the SECURE Act has made changes that have reshaped the landscape for those inheriting IRAs after 12/31/2019. These changes affect how beneficiaries access and manage these […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 04/22/2024

Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) contributions; what’s the right choice for high-income earners?

In retirement planning, one thing is clear – when preparing for the future, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This especially applies to high-income earners, who often have more complex financial portfolios and other unique considerations to weigh. For those fortunate enough to enjoy a high income, the stakes are higher, and the choices are more significant. At […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 12/20/2023