Wealth Planning Insights

While most married couples benefit from filing joint tax returns, separate filing can be advantageous in very specific scenarios. Our Bill Cass examines how filing separately could offer an advantage.

2025 brought new tax policy changes. Prepare early to understand deductions, charitable giving and retirement contributions. Our Bill Cass explains how organizing documents and consulting an advisor can optimize your filing, ensuring a smoother process.

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy; it's for everyone. Our Bill Cass explains how designating beneficiaries and regular reviews may help secure your legacy.

The OBBBA brings 10 tax changes for 2026. Some provisions benefit taxpayers while others impose new restrictions. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights.

New Trump Accounts, part of major 2025 tax legislation, provide a new way for families to save for their children through age 18. Our Bill Cass explains how these accounts work and how they compare with other savings vehicles.

In 2026 new tax deductions and inflation adjustments impact tax brackets, rates and contribution limits. Our Bill Cass talks about what is changing in 2026 and shares some planning considerations.

Many beneficiaries who inherited retirement accounts after 2019 must begin taking required minimum distributions in 2025 under the SECURE Act's 10-year rule. Our Bill Cass notes that heirs should plan distribution strategies based on their individual tax situations.

SECURE 2.0 mandates Roth catch-up contributions for certain retirement plan participants starting in 2026. Our Bill Cass shares highlights of the new provision that will impact high earners' tax bills and retirement savings.

Social Security's 2026 COLA is increasing, and so are Medicare Part B costs. Our Bill Cass shares some planning considerations to prepare for these key updates.

Leveraging 529 plans and community support can significantly boost college savings. These plans offer potential tax benefits and flexibility. Our Bill Cass explains that involvement from family and friends can provide additional resources and motivation.

The OBBBA introduced new provisions for charitable giving beginning next year that may impact the tax benefit of giving strategies. Our Bill Cass highlights four key questions to evaluate right now when considering donations for 2025.

As year-end approaches, it’s important to estimate income before acting on deductions. Most new deductions are available regardless of itemizing, but there are exceptions. Our Bill Cass highlights some of the new deductions introduced by the OBBBA.

Review investments, estimate income, maximize retirement savings and consider charitable donations are among many year-end planning ideas. Our Bill Cass shares a helpful checklist to use as a guide when planning.

The OBBBA extends tax rates and provisions, offering potential savings. Our Bill Cass shares several examples on how the new tax law may impact different types of taxpayers. Learn more about maximizing savings for the 2025 tax bill and beyond.

Medicare open enrollment, which is underway and runs until December 7, allows individuals to change or sign up for plans, potentially saving money and/or improving their coverage. Our Bill Cass shares the key things you need to know.

The OBBBA raises the federal estate tax lifetime exclusion permanently to $15 million next year, with inflation adjustments in the future. Our Bill Cass discusses how income tax efficiency through strategies like step-up in cost basis and optimizing asset distribution for heirs may make sense.

Social Security is a vital component for retirement. Learn more about maximizing benefits as a married couple and how to mitigate longevity risk. Our Bill Cass talks about claiming options for married couples.

Medicare provides health coverage for more than 60 million individuals. Understanding the details about enrollment periods and plan coverage is critical to getting the right plan for retirement. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights of the program.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) solidifies the current tax rate schedule, introduces new tax changes for individuals and businesses, and offers opportunities for tax-smart strategies. Our Bill Cass shares some planning considerations for 2025 and beyond.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act offers valuable tax benefits specifically for businesses. Our Bill Cass discusses the highlights of the new law and how business owners may benefit.

While most married couples benefit from filing joint tax returns, separate filing can be advantageous in very specific scenarios. Our Bill Cass examines how filing separately could offer an advantage.

2025 brought new tax policy changes. Prepare early to understand deductions, charitable giving and retirement contributions. Our Bill Cass explains how organizing documents and consulting an advisor can optimize your filing, ensuring a smoother process.

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy; it's for everyone. Our Bill Cass explains how designating beneficiaries and regular reviews may help secure your legacy.

The OBBBA brings 10 tax changes for 2026. Some provisions benefit taxpayers while others impose new restrictions. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights.

New Trump Accounts, part of major 2025 tax legislation, provide a new way for families to save for their children through age 18. Our Bill Cass explains how these accounts work and how they compare with other savings vehicles.

In 2026 new tax deductions and inflation adjustments impact tax brackets, rates and contribution limits. Our Bill Cass talks about what is changing in 2026 and shares some planning considerations.

Many beneficiaries who inherited retirement accounts after 2019 must begin taking required minimum distributions in 2025 under the SECURE Act's 10-year rule. Our Bill Cass notes that heirs should plan distribution strategies based on their individual tax situations.

SECURE 2.0 mandates Roth catch-up contributions for certain retirement plan participants starting in 2026. Our Bill Cass shares highlights of the new provision that will impact high earners' tax bills and retirement savings.

Social Security's 2026 COLA is increasing, and so are Medicare Part B costs. Our Bill Cass shares some planning considerations to prepare for these key updates.

Leveraging 529 plans and community support can significantly boost college savings. These plans offer potential tax benefits and flexibility. Our Bill Cass explains that involvement from family and friends can provide additional resources and motivation.

The OBBBA introduced new provisions for charitable giving beginning next year that may impact the tax benefit of giving strategies. Our Bill Cass highlights four key questions to evaluate right now when considering donations for 2025.

As year-end approaches, it’s important to estimate income before acting on deductions. Most new deductions are available regardless of itemizing, but there are exceptions. Our Bill Cass highlights some of the new deductions introduced by the OBBBA.

Review investments, estimate income, maximize retirement savings and consider charitable donations are among many year-end planning ideas. Our Bill Cass shares a helpful checklist to use as a guide when planning.

The OBBBA extends tax rates and provisions, offering potential savings. Our Bill Cass shares several examples on how the new tax law may impact different types of taxpayers. Learn more about maximizing savings for the 2025 tax bill and beyond.

Medicare open enrollment, which is underway and runs until December 7, allows individuals to change or sign up for plans, potentially saving money and/or improving their coverage. Our Bill Cass shares the key things you need to know.

The OBBBA raises the federal estate tax lifetime exclusion permanently to $15 million next year, with inflation adjustments in the future. Our Bill Cass discusses how income tax efficiency through strategies like step-up in cost basis and optimizing asset distribution for heirs may make sense.

Social Security is a vital component for retirement. Learn more about maximizing benefits as a married couple and how to mitigate longevity risk. Our Bill Cass talks about claiming options for married couples.

Medicare provides health coverage for more than 60 million individuals. Understanding the details about enrollment periods and plan coverage is critical to getting the right plan for retirement. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights of the program.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) solidifies the current tax rate schedule, introduces new tax changes for individuals and businesses, and offers opportunities for tax-smart strategies. Our Bill Cass shares some planning considerations for 2025 and beyond.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act offers valuable tax benefits specifically for businesses. Our Bill Cass discusses the highlights of the new law and how business owners may benefit.

The OBBBA raises the federal estate tax lifetime exclusion permanently to $15 million next year, with inflation adjustments in the future. Our Bill Cass discusses how income tax efficiency through strategies like step-up in cost basis and optimizing asset distribution for heirs may make sense.

Social Security is a vital component for retirement. Learn more about maximizing benefits as a married couple and how to mitigate longevity risk. Our Bill Cass talks about claiming options for married couples.

529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.

Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.

With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.

Leveraging 529 plans and community support can significantly boost college savings. These plans offer potential tax benefits and flexibility. Our Bill Cass explains that involvement from family and friends can provide additional resources and motivation.

Before children head to college, parents should prepare a health care proxy, durable power of attorney, and other key documents to manage medical and financial affairs if needed. Our Bill Cass highlights important kneed-to-know information.

For many students, high school is about preparing for college. Our Bill Cass reviews a four-year plan with action items for both parents and students.

With provisions to simplify student loan repayment and enhance 529 plans, the new tax law may impact how you pay for college. Our Bill Cass explains what families need to know about the new law.

New graduates should prioritize budgeting, managing debt, and understanding employee benefits. Our Bill Cass highlights key tips for building a strong financial foundation.

Raising a family brings financial challenges, especially for education. Starting early with a 529 plan can help save for college. Our Bill Cass discusses the advantages of early college planning and seeking expert advice.

The House passed a comprehensive tax bill to avoid an expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) at the end of the year. Our Bill Cass discusses the key provisions and how they may impact taxpayers.

529 plans offer tax-free savings for a variety of education expenses, including K-12 tuition, vocational training and apprenticeships. Our Bill Cass discusses the trends in 529 savings plans.

529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.

The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.

Recent changes to the FAFSA form and process include a simpler form, fewer questions and a revised eligibility formula. Our Bill Cass highlights what you need to know to apply for federal financial aid for college.

College students may want to secure legal documents to ensure their parents can access important information and help them in medical emergencies. Our Bill Cass highlights the key documents students can prepare before leaving for college.

The last two years of high school can be particularly important as students approach the final college decision. Our Bill Cass highlights some action items for students and parents.

Families may want to consider a comprehensive plan for college, including actions to take during the high school years, and consider how a 529 plan can help guide savings. Our Bill Cass offers details on college planning.

Our recent 529 Month webinar focused on how 529 plans are used, the impact on federal financial aid, and expanded uses. Here are some of the leading topics discussed.

A grandparent may choose to fund a 529 plan for a grandchild’s education. Our Bill Cass discusses key tax and estate planning considerations as well as the impact on student financial aid.

Understanding the broader tax benefits, 529 plans may be a more tax-efficient way to save for college than custodial accounts. Our Wealth Planning Director Bill Cass highlights several reasons to consider this strategy.