W Financial Advisors

Most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA must now withdraw all funds within 10 years. The old stretch strategy was eliminated in 2019; many families still do not know.

Inherited IRAs: The Rules Have Changed. Here Is What Beneficiaries Need to Know

A durable power of attorney and healthcare directive protect you while you are alive but unable to act. Without them, a court may appoint someone to make those decisions for you.

The Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive: Planning for the Unexpected

Whether you need a will, a trust, or both depends on your assets, family dynamics, and how much privacy and control you want over how your estate is handled.

Wills vs. Trusts: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts pass directly to named recipients, outside of probate, and regardless of what your will says. An outdated designation can quietly override your entire estate plan.

Why Your Beneficiary Designations May Matter More Than Your Will

Working while collecting Social Security before Full Retirement Age can temporarily reduce your benefit if earnings exceed the annual limit. Withheld amounts are eventually returned as a higher monthly payment, making this a timing issue mo

Working in Retirement and Social Security: What You Need to Know Before Age 67 Working while collecting Social Security before Full Retirement Age can temporarily reduce your benefit if earnings exceed the annual limit. Withheld amounts are eventually returned as a higher monthly payment, making this a timing issue more than a permanent loss.

For married couples, Social Security is a household decision. When the higher earner delays benefits, it can increase the surviving spouse's income for decades. Coordinating both claims often leads to better lifetime outcomes than claiming

Spousal and Survivor Benefits: The Social Security Strategy Many Couples Overlook For married couples, Social Security claiming is a joint household decision. The higher earner delaying benefits can meaningfully increase a surviving spouse's income for decades. Optimizing both benefits together often produces far better outcomes than treating them separately.

The Social Security break-even age typically falls between 78 and 83, but it is only one piece of a larger picture. A complete claiming decision includes your health, taxes, spousal benefits, and full financial situation.

The Break-Even Analysis: How to Think About Social Security Timing

Last Thursday, we were able to join our clients at our Q3 Workshop with the full team. This summer, we were joined by two interns, Richard Salim and Theo Goldstein who have spent the past 8 weeks working on crucial projects that have helped to streamline operations and internal processes. We are so thankful for everyone who is apart of this ever-growing community!

Claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces your benefit by up to 30%. Waiting until 70 can increase it by approximately 77%. Understanding the long-term impact of that choice is essential before you decide.

The Real Cost of Claiming Social Security Early

IRMAA can increase Medicare premiums two to three times the standard amount for higher-income retirees. Because it is based on income from two years prior, the time to plan around it is well before you are affected.

IRMAA: The Retirement Tax Surprise That Catches Many People Off Guard