Stine Tax & Wealth Management

In recognition of Labor Day, our offices will be closed Monday, September 7th as our team takes time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.

From our Stine family to yours, have a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

Is retirement on the horizon?

Are you concerned about market volatility?

Maybe we can help you strategize for the future or even navigate uncertainty.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Your plan. Our priority.

Have you ever heard of the bucket strategy? With this approach, you segment your retirement expenses into three buckets, attempting to match income sources to essential expenses.

Small business owners often think of their employees as family, but are they set up like it? This post opens the conversation around retirement options available to small business employees, reminding owners that a 401(k) isn't the only choice and that some options are built specifically for smaller teams.

As the kids from our Stine office head back to school, we’re wishing them—and all the students in our community—a year filled with learning, friendships, and plenty of great memories!

And to all the parents making the back-to-school magic happen… we’re cheering you on, too! 😉

Here’s to a wonderful school year from our Stine family to yours! 💙

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. This post reminds small business owners that retirement benefits aren't just for big companies, and that something as straightforward as number of employees can determine whether a SEP-IRA or SIMPLE IRA is the better fit.

🎒📚 Back to School! 🍎✏️

Hey everyone! As the summer sun begins to set, it's time to trade in those flip-flops for some fresh kicks and head back to school. Whether you're starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, or reuniting with friends, this school year is your blank canvas. Let's fill it with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Remember, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Wishing you all a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

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📝 August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that estate documentation deserves your attention.

A whopping 76% of Americans don't have a will. This can lead to unintended consequences for those with asset distribution and care for children.

A comprehensive estate strategy can help preserve your legacy while helping manage the probate process. Consider reviewing your documentation periodically, particularly after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children and grandchildren.

Our team can help your legal counsel facilitate comprehensive estate coordination. Contact us to discuss how we can help.



Source:
Caring.com, February 18, 2025.

Healthcare costs for seniors continue to climb, averaging more than $7,000 annually, even with Medicare coverage. Many turn to Medigap supplemental plans to bridge the gap, but switching plans later can be difficult due to medical underwriting.

That’s where the Medigap birthday rule comes in. In about 18 states, this rule lets beneficiaries change to another Medigap plan of equal or lesser value each year during a window tied to their birthday, without facing new health screenings.

➡️Louisiana: 63-day window after birthdays to make changes.

While not available nationwide, the rule offers eligible seniors flexibility and potential savings. Understanding state-specific provisions can help Medicare beneficiaries make the most of their options.



Source:

https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment/the-birthday-rule-a-gift-to-medigap-enrollees/

Louisiana Medigap Birthday Rule (2026) Louisiana's Medigap birthday rule: 63 days from your birthday to buy any plan your insurer or an affiliate offers, guaranteed issue on equal-or-lesser plans.