Ifft & Palmer

“I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true." -Wendell Willkie. Happy Independence Day, America!

With deepest gratitude, we honor our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

For more than 55 years, Ifft & Palmer has worked with homeowners throughout the greater Pittsburgh area who expect their insurance to perform seamlessly—especially during difficult moments.

Winter weather can place unexpected strain on a policy. When claims feel delayed, unclear, or inconsistent with the quality of your home, it’s worth asking whether your coverage was designed with intention.

As an independent agency, we represent leading carriers such as Chubb, PURE, and Cincinnati allowing us to provide objective advice and tailored solutions.

We welcome the opportunity to provide a confidential review.

📞 412-471-0500
🌐 www.ifftpalmer.com

Ifft & Palmer | Independent Insurance Advisors Since 1969

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by your loved ones.

Social Security's cost-of-living adjustments tell a story about inflation's ups and downs.

From 0% in 2016 to a peak of 8.7% in 2023, these annual COLA changes reflect the economic reality millions of retirees experience. The current forecast shows 2.7% for 2026, but we'll know for certain in October.

Unlike many tax rules that haven't kept pace with inflation, Social Security benefits have been automatically adjusted since 1975. It's a powerful example of what "adjusted for inflation" can mean in practice.

Now that it's September and we’ve had time to digest the 887-page law passed this July, here’s a snapshot of the provisions that may impact you:

👉 TCJA provisions now permanent, including tax brackets, standard deductions, and the 20% pass-through deduction

👉 2025 standard deduction increases—$15,750 (single), $23,625 (head of household), $31,500 (married filing jointly)

👉 Senior bonus deduction—up to $6,000 more for taxpayers 65+ (through 2028)

👉 SALT cap raised—up to $40,000 (2025–29) for incomes under $500K

👉 Child Tax Credit boosted—$2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable

👉 Estate & gift exemptions increased—$15M individual / $30M married (effective 2026)

👉 Small business incentives—permanent 20% QBI deduction, Section 179 expensing raised to $2.5M, and 100% bonus depreciation

Several provisions are temporary (expiring 2028–29), so proactive, coordinated strategies remain essential.

If you have questions, we’re here to help.

Ready, Set, Falll! With the cooler weather upon us, make sure your home is protected with our autumn maintenance guide.

https://www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/10-tasks-to-prepare-your-home-for-fall-weather.html?utm_source=chubbclub&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=advocacy