It has been a wild year. I wrote earlier this year that I expected the markets to take a deep breath after three years of double-digit growth, but that the war in Iran was unexpected. The Iran conflict certainly shook markets in Q1, but they have since rallied back!
We all make hundreds of decisions every day—what to eat, how to spend our time, where to invest our money, and what kind of life we want to build. But few of us ever stop to ask: What am I using to make these decisions? Why do some people seem to make consistently good choices, while others repeat the same mistakes? And how many of us just do things based on what other people do rather than our own thinking? The answer lies in something called mental models.
The SECURE ACT was enacted on January 1, 2020. While it has been a few years since the act was passed, the effect of the largest retirement reform since 2006 is still being felt today. One of the major changes was the implementation of new required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for inherited IRAs. I like to call this the death of the Stretch IRA. First, let’s establish that an inherited IRA occurs when a loved one or family member dies with money left in their IRA, 401 (k), or even 403 (b), and you are named as a beneficiary. The funds are passed on to you through a vehicle called an Inherited IRA.
Few topics generate as much curiosity and, at times, consternation, as pension planning for those nearing retirement. For many pre-retirees, the pension represents a significant cornerstone of their future financial security, a reward for years of dedicated service. However, navigating the myriad of choices and implications can feel like solving a complex puzzle. I encourage you to spend a few minutes reading this article, which is intended to equip you with the knowledge to approach these decisions with confidence and clarity.
From where did you learn most of your life skills? How did you learn to brush your teeth, read, write, or drive a car? Personally, I learned these things from my parents and teachers. There is a topic that affects nearly every facet of our lives, and many parents have limited knowledge of it, and it is often not covered in school: finances! Finances are consistently listed as one of the top reasons for divorce, and money is one of the biggest causes of stress for Americans.
In my final update of 2025, I wrote about "The Year of the Threepeat," celebrating an incredibly rare market milestone: three consecutive years of double-digit S&P 500 growth. However, if you’ve been paying attention to the headlines—or checking your accounts over the last three months—you know that the first quarter of 2026 has brought us some unwelcome volatility.
Congratulations, graduates! You've worked hard, gained valuable skills, and are now standing on the precipice of an exciting new chapter. Whether you've earned a degree or a trade certification, you're about to embark on your first career job, and with it, your first taste of substantial income. This pivotal moment presents a unique and often overlooked opportunity to lay a financial foundation that will change your life.
When it comes to leaving a legacy, there are really two key factors: taxes and peace of mind. The tax planning options for legacy planning are numerous, but first and foremost, retirees must ensure that they can retire comfortably with the peace of mind in knowing they won’t run out of money.