Stefan Rosuck of Gateway Financial Partners

Recent IRS numbers show the average refund around $3,676, reflecting a modest increase compared to last year.

Refund size can vary widely depending on factors like:
• Income and withholding
• Credits and deductions
• Changes in tax law

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/03/13/tax-refunds-are-up-in-2026-but-not-as-much-as-some-expected/

Tax Refunds Are Up In 2026—But Not As Much As Some Expected New IRS data shows the average refund rising to $3,676, well below earlier projections that suggested refunds could increase by $1,000 or more this year.

You can’t manage what you don’t see.
Financial risks don’t always come with flashing warning signs.

Some common blind spots include:

• Overconcentration in company stock
• Outdated beneficiaries
• Lack of estate planning
• Inflation or interest rate exposure

These risks might not show up in your performance report, but they can quietly erode your financial picture over time.

A great symphony makes sure nothing overpowers each other, that everything blends.

The same goes for your investments. Asset classes should support each other, not compete for attention.

I talk with a lot of people who are surprised to find out how much of their portfolio is tied to a single stock, often their own company’s.

It doesn’t always feel risky until the market shifts.

If you’re not sure how concentrated your holdings are, I’d be happy to walk through it with you.

847.752.8358 [email protected]

Stock options, RSUs, and employee ownership plans can create meaningful opportunities. But over time, they can also quietly shift your portfolio out of balance.

I often help people take a step back and assess how much of their wealth is tied to their employer. Awareness is a good first step toward making informed decisions.

Your portfolio should reflect where you are today, not where you were five or ten years ago.

Big life and career changes can shift your comfort level with risk, even if your goals haven't changed.

If you haven’t looked at your portfolio through that lens lately, it could be worth revisiting.

Many wonder what it takes to receive the maximum Social Security benefit.

The answer often involves several factors, including lifetime earnings, how long you work, and the age at which benefits are claimed.

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/how-to-get-the-maximum-social-security-check

Want the Maximum Social Security Check? Here's What You Need to Do Now The top Social Security payment is $5,181 if you delay until age 70. Want to lock in the biggest possible check — or at least grab the largest share you can? Start taking these steps today.

What does leaving a legacy mean to you?

For some, it's about passing on values. For others, it's about making a lasting mark on the community.

Legacy looks different for everyone, and there's no one right way to define it.

If you've been thinking about what comes next, we can explore some ideas that align with what matters most to you.

RSUs, ISOs, NSOs: on paper, they may look similar. In practice, they can be treated very differently.

Each type of equity grant comes with its own timing, tax considerations, and decisions to think through.

When multiple grants are in play, it’s easy for things to feel disconnected.

Taking time to understand what you hold can help you make more informed decisions.

By the time you’re thinking about it, the window may already be closing.

This means decisions around when and how you’ll receive those payout elections funds (lump sum vs. installments, separation from service, specific dates, etc.) are often locked in ahead of time.

Once the deferral year starts, making changes may be limited and, in some cases, may require additional waiting periods or restrictions depending on the plan.

If you’re participating in a deferred compensation plan, it may be worth reviewing:
• Your current payout elections
• How they align with expected income in future years
• Whether timing overlaps with other income events like bonuses, vesting, or retirement

A quick review ahead of deadlines can help keep everything aligned with your broader plan.

Even small tax planning adjustments can have a big impact.