Beware the Medicare Premium Surprise (IRMAA)
The Tripwire that springs the trap two years later!
February 16, 2026
Category: Taxes
RMDs: The Retirement Tax Bill Most People Don’t See Coming
Retirement planning isn’t just about how much you’ve saved—it’s about not getting clobbered with excess taxes later. Managing RMDs is key!
February 3, 2026
Social Security in 2026: 4 Themes (and What They Mean for Your Retirement Plan)
Social Security 2026 has issues. It isn’t “ending”—but four things are changing fast: Gen X is lining up with new questions, reform pressure is getting real, the “best” claiming age depends on your life (not just math), and dealing with the Social Security Administration can still be a time-suck. Here’s what to watch—and what to do
January 19, 2026
Can AI Tell Me When I Can Retire?
It’s a typical question posed to AI. The simple answer is it cannot, by itself, answer the big one people are asking more often: Can AI Tell Me When I Can Retire?
December 8, 2025
Don’t Miss Your Roth Conversion Window
If you’ve built a large retirement nest egg, you’ve also built a large tax problem.
August 18, 2025
Is the “Trump Account” a Good Deal?
Short answer: Not really. Middle to high income families may not feel it’s worth the headaches and low income families may see little benefit.
July 29, 2025
How to Plan for a Tax Free Retirement
The Big Picture:
For years, baby boomers drove the housing market, and much of the economy, as they moved into their first homes, began raising families, and moved-up to larger homes finally ending-up in the “McMansions” we’re all familiar with today. The boomers are now older—they’re no longer moving up. In fact, they’re just beginning to “decumulate” and downsize.
April 4, 2025
IFG Viewpoint & Outlook
No Tax on Social Security Benefits?
We all love free money; and no taxes on Social Security sounds good! Hey, Social Security benefits weren’t taxed for many years!
January 27, 2025
Investing
Get Ready for Some Possible Tax Increases!
As you may or may not know, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is due to expire at the end of next year – just 16 months from now. The Biden Administration has proposed new tax increases worth knowing about.
August 5, 2024
Annuities
Want to Defer RMD Taxable Income? Try a QLAC!
Why are QLACs getting a attention now? Two reasons: (1) SECURE Act 2.0, and (2) rising interest rates.
June 3, 2024