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Retirement

2026 Retirement Plan Contribution Changes: What You Need to Know

Big Changes Are Coming to Retirement Contributions in 2026 The IRS has released updated retirement plan contribution limits for 2026, and several SECURE Act 2.0 changes take effect on January 1, 2026. For high-income earners and retirees who delegate financial complexity to advisors, these updates will influence tax strategy, plan contributions, and how much you…

Estate Planning, Retirement, Taxes

Year-End Financial Checklist

The end of year is nearing, and these final weeks of the year present a critical window for implementing strategies that can significantly reduce your tax liability and advance your long-term financial goals. With this timeline in mind, here are some things to consider before year-end to help ensure your financial plans remain on track. 1. Optimize…

Retirement

Permission to Spend in Retirement

At PDS Planning, we believe true wealth isn’t just about how much money you have, but how fully you’re living. Wealth should fuel purpose, joy, and peace of mind. Yet, many families struggle to feel the freedom their financial security should bring.  They’re financially sound on paper but can feel emotionally stuck. They hesitate to…

Retirement

Social Security Fairness Act: Update

In January, we first posted (here) about The Social Security Fairness Act concerning the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. Many clients were previously impacted by these provisions which reduced, or in many cases, eliminated Social Security benefits they would have been eligible for if they (or their spouse) did not…

Retirement

Even Rich Retirees Fear Outliving Their Money

This original article was published in the January 6, 2025, print edition of The Wall Street Journal by Anne Tergesen. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights a surprising trend among wealthy retirees: even those with significant savings fear running out of money. This anxiety leads many to live well below their means, even when…

Beyond Your Finances, Estate Planning, Retirement

The Value of an Advisor

In today’s unpredictable financial landscape, an experienced financial advisor helps to guide clients through life’s complexities, as well as market fluctuations. This goes well beyond basic investment management but rather is a comprehensive approach to financial well-being and peace of mind. If the role of a financial advisor is to guide investors through these unpredictable…

Retirement

Social Security Fairness Act

Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update By Kevin Doll, CFP® Many clients have been impacted by two Social Security provisions previously reducing, or even eliminating, Social Security benefits they might have been eligible for if they did not have a government pension.  The Social Security Fairness Act,…

Estate Planning, Retirement

Planning for an Inheritance

Planning for an Inheritance Receiving a substantial inheritance can be a transformative event, even for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and families. Properly managing this infusion of wealth is crucial to ensuring long-term financial success in preserving and growing that wealth for future generations, as well as preserving the benefactor’s legacy. This requires a comprehensive approach, careful…

Beyond Your Finances, Retirement

Health Care Costs in Retirement

Posted: 9/13/2024 Health Care Costs in Retirement: What High-Net-Worth Individuals Should Know You are successful and want to preserve what you have built as you embark on your retirement. While you may have a robust investment portfolio and a clear vision for what the next phase of life looks like, it’s difficult to plan for…

Market Commentary, Retirement

Equity Compensation – Stock Options

By: Kyle Euton Posted: 3/25/2024 Whether or not you have ever been fortunate enough to be a stock award holder for your company, you’ve likely seen headlines about executives who have. Those from Fortune 500 companies who have sold an enormous quantity of shares or received a large compensation package that included stock options. So, what…

Market Commentary, Retirement

What to Look for in a High Net Worth Financial Advisor

Navigating the Affluent Landscape: Choosing Your High-Net-Worth Financial Advisor For individuals with significant wealth, securing the expertise of a qualified financial advisor is paramount. Unlike navigating traditional personal finances, managing a few million in portfolio assets or more demands a specialized approach. Would you benefit from working with a High-Net-Worth Financial Advisor? Yes, if… You…

Retirement

Important Contribution Limits for 2024

Contribution limits have been released for 2024. Make sure you update your contributions accordingly if you intend to reach the maximum by the end of the year. RETIREMENT 401(k)/403(b)/457(b):  $23,000 (+500) Annual catch-up (age 50+):  $7,500 (+/-0) Traditional & Roth IRAs:  $7,000 (+500) Annual catch-up (age 50+):  $1,000 (+/-0) Income phaseout limits to contribute directly…

Beyond Your Finances, Estate Planning, Retirement, Taxes

Mid Year Check-in

Don’t Put Off Tomorrow What You Can Do Today – Benjamin Franklin Tax season is behind us, markets are up and summer is in full swing! It’s hard to believe we’re nearly halfway through the year, but as you drive towards the beach or that mountain getaway, it’s also a great time to take stock…

Beyond Your Finances, Retirement

When (and How) to Change Financial Advisors

Breaking up is hard to do. The unfortunate truth is sometimes relationships just don’t work. This applies to spouses, friends, business associates – and financial advisors. You likely entered the relationship with your financial advisor with high hopes of increasing wealth and creating financial stability. However, clients often begin to realize their own expectations and…

Don’t Pay More Simply Because You Have More Money.