All Articles

22 guides on taxes, deductions, credits, and more

Retirement·July 15, 2026How to Maximize Retirement Contributions Before Year-End: IRA, 401(k), and HSA Catch-Up Strategies for 2026It's November, and Sarah just realized she's been letting free money slip through her fingers all year. Her employer matches 401(k) contributions up to 6%, but ...Retirement·July 6, 2026Maximizing 401(k) Contributions Before Year-End: Mid-Year Catch-Up Strategies for 2026It's July 2026, and Sarah just realized she's been contributing only 3% to her 401(k) all year—barely enough to get her employer match. She's leaving thousands ...Retirement·July 1, 2026Mid-Year Roth IRA Conversion Strategy: Is Summer 2026 the Right Time to Convert?Imagine you're halfway through 2026, sitting on your porch with a cold drink, when you suddenly wonder: "Should I be doing something with my retirement accounts...Retirement·May 11, 2026What is Form 1099-R and How to Report Retirement Account DistributionsPicture this: You've just retired after decades of hard work, and you're ready to start enjoying the nest egg you've carefully built up in your 401(k). You take...Retirement·April 21, 2026IRA Contributions for 2025: Last-Minute Deadline and Tax Deduction RulesImagine this: It's mid-April 2026, and you're scrolling through your social media feed when you see a post from your friend Sarah celebrating her tax refund. "J...Retirement·April 7, 2026Early 401k and IRA Withdrawal: Penalties and ExceptionsWithdrawing from retirement accounts before 59.5 usually triggers a 10% penalty. But there are exceptions.Retirement·April 7, 2026Are Disability Benefits Taxable? SSDI SSI and MoreWhether disability income is taxable depends on the type. SSDI may be taxable but SSI is not.Retirement·April 7, 20267 Ways to Reduce Your Tax Bill in RetirementRetirement income is taxable, but strategic planning can dramatically lower what you owe.Retirement·April 7, 2026Form 1040-SR: The Senior Tax Return Step by StepForm 1040-SR is designed for taxpayers 65 and older with larger print and a built-in standard deduction chart.Retirement·April 7, 2026Inherited IRA Rules 2026: The 10-Year Distribution ExplainedIf you inherited an IRA after 2019, you must empty it within 10 years and may owe annual RMDs.Retirement·April 7, 2026The Widow Tax Penalty: Tax Traps for Surviving SpousesAfter a spouse dies, the shift from married filing jointly to single can dramatically increase taxes.Retirement·April 7, 2026Medicare IRMAA: How Your Income Affects Your PremiumsIf your income exceeds certain thresholds, you pay higher Medicare premiums called IRMAA surcharges.Retirement·April 7, 2026Is Social Security Taxable in 2026?Up to 85% of your Social Security may be taxable depending on other income.Retirement·April 7, 2026Complete Tax Guide for Seniors (65+): Deductions, Credits, and Strategies for 2026Seniors 65 and older qualify for higher standard deductions, a new $6,000 senior deduction, Social Security tax strategies, and credits most retirees overlook. ...Retirement·April 7, 2026401(k) Contribution Limits 2026: How Much Can You Save?The 2026 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 for employees under 50, with a total limit of $70,000 including employer contributions. Learn about catch-up contr...Retirement·April 7, 2026Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Which Is Right for You?A side-by-side comparison of Traditional and Roth IRAs covering tax treatment, income limits, contribution rules, and when each type makes sense for your retire...Retirement·April 7, 2026401(k) Rollover Guide: How to Move Your Retirement Money Without PenaltiesMoving your 401(k) to an IRA or a new employer's plan? Learn the difference between direct and indirect rollovers, the 60-day rule, tax implications, and how to...Retirement·April 7, 2026Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Rules, Deadlines, and PenaltiesRequired minimum distributions force you to withdraw from retirement accounts starting at age 73. Learn how to calculate your RMD, key deadlines, the 25% penalt...Retirement·April 7, 2026Social Security and Taxes: Strategies to Reduce What You OweUp to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income. Learn the thresholds, how taxation works, and strategies like Roth ...Retirement·April 7, 2026IRA Tax Deduction 2026: How Much Can You Deduct and Who Qualifies?Everything you need to know about the IRA tax deduction for 2026: contribution limits, income phase-outs, Roth vs Traditional rules, spousal IRAs, backdoor Roth...Retirement·April 7, 2026Roth IRA Conversion: When It Makes Sense and How to Do ItA Roth IRA conversion moves money from a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA, trading a tax bill today for tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. ...Retirement·April 7, 2026Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits 2026: How Much Can You Save?The Solo 401(k) is the most powerful retirement plan available to self-employed individuals. Here are the 2026 contribution limits, catch-up rules, Roth options...