Monolith Financial Group

10/06/2026

Can I tell you something I've noticed?

Some of the most generous people I meet give to their church or favorite charities every single year. And almost all of them do it the same way: they write a check from their checking account.

There's nothing wrong with that. But if you're over 70½ and have an IRA, there may be another way to make that same gift, and the charity receives the same amount either way.

The difference is how the gift fits into the rest of your retirement and tax picture.

So before you write your next check, it might be worth asking: where should this gift actually come from?

I walk through it in this week's video. 👇

10/02/2026

Our newest team member showed up early and refuses to leave his chair. 💀

The Monolith office is officially ready for Halloween! Witch hats are flying, the bats have moved in, and the candy bowl is guarded by a very serious skeleton.

Planning for retirement is serious business, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way.

If you're stopping by this month, grab a treat on your way in. We promise he doesn't bite. 🎃

Happy Halloween from all of us at Monolith Financial Group!

09/23/2026

Can I tell you something I've noticed?

Some of the most important tax-planning years of someone's life happen right after they retire — and most people never realize it. The paycheck is gone, Social Security hasn't started, required distributions are still years out... and for a little while, taxable income can actually be lower than it's been in decades.

That window doesn't stay open forever. And what you do with it — or don't — matters.

New video up now (link in first comment) 🎥

09/16/2026

Here's something I see all the time: someone has money in a 401(k), an IRA, maybe an annuity, some savings — and assumes that means they have a retirement income plan.

It doesn't, not on its own.

I walked through an example with a hypothetical couple, Robert and Elaine. They wanted $8,000 a month. Social Security and a pension covered $5,500 of it. That left a $2,500 gap — and that's exactly where the real planning starts.

Full video is up now. 🎥

09/16/2026

We've all done it. 🚗 That little light flicks on, and we just kinda pretend it isn't there. Turn up the radio. Look away. Hope it magically resolves itself by next week. Spoiler: It never does. Long-term care planning often works the same way. Don't wait for the breakdown on the side of the road....

09/09/2026

I will not think about my care. I will not map it here or there. I will not map it in a chair! But here's the twist you shouldn't miss: • Many folks past 65 are expected to need some form of long-term care in retirement. Yes, really. • Medicare won't foot the bill. Not here, not there, not anywh...

09/08/2026

Most couples plan retirement for two people.

But there's another question I think every couple needs to answer:

If one of us dies first, will the other actually be financially okay?

Social Security may change.

Pension income may change.

Taxes can change.

Expenses probably won't simply be cut in half.

And one spouse may suddenly become responsible for financial decisions the two of you used to make together.

It's not a fun conversation. But I think it's an incredibly loving one.

Your retirement plan shouldn't only work while you're both here.

It should also protect the person who's left.

That's what I'm talking about in this week's video.

Watch here:https://youtu.be/MOT2W-Yb5iY

09/02/2026

Plot twist: Many of us are expected to need some form of long-term care in retirement, and the costs are climbing fast. The good news? You don't need superpowers to help protect your future — just the right strategy. Grab Your Free Guide

09/01/2026

f something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know what to do?

Would they know where your accounts are? Who to call? How the bills are paid? Where your important documents are?

I've sat with families trying to answer those questions while they're also grieving. And one thing has become very clear to me:

One of the greatest gifts we can leave our family isn't necessarily more money.

It's more clarity.

This week's video is about a conversation every family should have, even if we hope they won't need the answers for a very long time.

Watch here:https://youtu.be/GvsRI8A7ZNc

09/01/2026

📱 The Scenario: You get a message that references your hometown, a recent purchase, or a family member by name. It feels like someone who knows you — but it’s a scam. 🤖 The Tactic: AI scrapes public info from social media, forums, and public records to make scam messages feel eerily personal. 🙅‍♀️ Keep It Private: - Limit what you share online (birthdays, vacations, job changes) - Tighten social media privacy settings - Think twice before completing those “fun” quizzes 🧠 Smart Move: If a message feels *too* specific — but you don’t know the sender — pause and verify before clicking, replying, or sharing.

Understand how AI is changing the game.