Tuesday, January 27, 2026

The Essential Retirement Checklist: Your Month-by-Month Guide for 2025

Retirement planning goes beyond just saving money—it requires smart decisions and a proper checklist to maximize your benefits. Your retirement payments can start at age 62, but you’ll get 100% of your benefit only if you wait until your full retirement age of 66 or 67, based on when you were born.

Life-changing decisions shape both the moment you retire and your entire retirement experience. We created this month-by-month guide for 2025 to help you confidently plan your next steps. Our generation stands at a unique position regarding retirement planning in Fresno CA available with wealth building. Smart timing makes a huge difference—your benefit actually grows by 8% each year you wait past full retirement age, right up until you turn 70.

January to April: Laying the Financial Foundation

Q1 is a chance to build a strong financial foundation for your retirement. Start with a complete retirement plan checkup. Your retirement plan needs regular attention to run smoothly. You should check simple operations and update plan documents based on recent law changes.

Take time to assess your emergency fund. Most financial planners tell retirees to keep enough cash savings for a full year of expenses. This differs from working adults who typically need three to six months of savings.

Look through your bank and credit card statements to understand your spending habits. This helps you spot money leaks, subscriptions you forgot about, or lifestyle changes that could save you money. Most experts recommend planning to spend about 70-80% of your pre-retirement income when budgeting for retirement.

May to August: Planning for Benefits and Withdrawals

Summer brings the perfect time to map out your benefit strategies and withdrawal plans. Medicare enrollment needs your attention during these months, especially if you turn 65 soon. Your enrollment window lasts seven months. It starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after. Missing this timeframe could lead to lifelong premium penalties.

Your Social Security claiming strategy needs a fresh look too. Benefits that start at age 62 will reduce your monthly amount by up to 30% compared to waiting until full retirement age. The good news is that waiting past full retirement age gives you an 8% credit each year until age 70.

September to December: Final Touches and Lifestyle Planning

Your final quarter gives you vital time to complete your retirement checklist and think over lifestyle changes. You should review your healthcare strategy first. A typical couple retiring in 2025 will need about $345,000 for medical expenses without long-term care. Research shows 70% of retirees will need long-term care at some point—20% for at least five years. This makes it the perfect time to look into long-term care insurance or hybrid policies.

Make sure to update beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. These designations will override your will, so you should review them every 3-5 years.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement planning

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

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Saturday, January 24, 2026

The Retirement Guide They Don’t Teach You: A Beginner’s Roadmap for 2026

Half of all Americans haven’t even calculated their retirement needs. The numbers paint a worrying picture – the median retirement savings for households between 55 and 64 years was just $14,500 as of 2013.

Let’s break down retirement planning basics without complex financial terms. Your retirement consultant in Fresno CA will explore how this piece will help you build a secure financial future, whether you’re starting your career or getting ready to retire. Retirement shouldn’t cause anxiety – you can prepare for it confidently with proper knowledge and the right tools.

Understanding the Basics of Retirement Planning

Retirement planning in 2026 looks nothing like what our parents experienced. The security of guaranteed pensions and lifelong employer healthcare has disappeared. Workers now need to build their own financial security through savings and investments.

Recent statistics reveal a troubling reality. Only 40% of employees have saved more than $100,000 for retirement. Workers between 55-64 years old have saved just $185,000 on average. The situation looks even worse when you consider that 40% of Americans have barely $5,000 set aside for retirement.

These numbers make retirement planning one of the most important skills to master now. Retirees typically need 80% of their pre-retirement income to keep their lifestyle. Social Security covers only 40% of an average worker’s pre-retirement income. This leaves much of the gap to be filled through personal savings.

Building Your Financial Foundation

A strong retirement foundation depends on your grasp of savings options and future costs. You should make maximizing retirement accounts your top priority. Your employer’s 401(k) matching contributions are basically free money, so contribute enough to get the full match. The contribution limit for 401(k) plans will reach $23,500 in 2025, while those over 50 can contribute up to $31,000.

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can boost your savings further. Traditional IRAs let you deduct contributions from taxes, and Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals when you retire. You can contribute up to $7,000 to IRAs in 2025, or $8,000 if you’re over 50.

Making Your Money Last in Retirement

After retirement, your priorities move from building wealth to making it last. A sustainable withdrawal rate is vital to ensure your savings survive long-term. Financial experts suggest taking 4% to 5% from your portfolio in the first year and adjusting that amount yearly for inflation. This strategy gives you a 90% chance that your money will be there throughout retirement.

Your retirement’s duration substantially affects how much you can safely withdraw. A 25-year retirement plan allows for 5% withdrawal rates that have worked 90% of the time, while a 35-year retirement needs 4.4%.

Your investment mix plays a vital role in success. Proper diversification in asset classes of all types helps manage risk and can boost returns. Your investments should spread across stocks with different market capitalizations, sectors, and geographic regions.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on financial management services

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

How to Save More for Retirement: Turn Your January Paycheck into Real Wealth

Social Security will replace just 40% of your preretirement paycheck for average wage earners. Most seniors need about twice that amount to live comfortably in retirement. This gap creates a pressing challenge that requires a proactive approach to retirement savings.

The year 2026 brings exciting chances to grow our retirement savings in this ever-changing landscape. Your retirement plan consultant in Fresno CA, knows that the contribution limits for 401(k) plans will rise to $24,500. People over 50 can make an extra $8,000 catch-up contribution. Workers aged 60-63 will get even better benefits with annual catch-up contributions up to $11,250.

Automate and Maximize Your January Contributions

January gives you a great chance to boost your retirement savings through automation. Your savings will grow steadily throughout the year when you set up automatic contributions now. This approach needs no extra effort or willpower.

Make recurring investments from your January paycheck flow straight into your retirement accounts. Your employer’s 401(k) plan with automatic enrollment can work to your advantage – just verify your contribution percentage. The contribution limit for 401(k) stands at $24,500 in 2026, and people 50 and older can add $8,000 more as catch-up contribution.

Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts to Grow Faster

Tax-advantaged accounts help you build wealth faster than traditional retirement plans through tax benefits. A Health Savings Account (HSA) stands out with its triple tax advantages. You get pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals when you use the money for qualified medical expenses.

The 2026 HSA contribution limits let you save up to $4,400 for individual coverage or $8,750 for family coverage. You can add an extra $1,000 each year once you reach 55. HSA’s long-term investment potential makes it better than Flexible Spending Accounts since there’s no “use-it-or-lose-it” rule.

Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) let you contribute up to $3,400 in 2026. These pre-tax funds help with health expenses throughout the year. Most FSA’s require you to spend the money by March 15 of the next year.

Boost Income and Match Opportunities

You leave free money on the table by not maximizing your employer’s match. Vanguard’s research shows 95% of defined contribution plans now offer employer contributions. Most common plans match $0.50 per dollar on the first 6% of your pay.

Let’s look at the numbers. A $60,000 annual salary with this typical match could get you up to $1,800 in free retirement contributions. Your benefits could reach $2,400 with a multi-tier formula that matches $1.00 per dollar on the first 3% and $0.50 on the next 2%.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement planning

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity. QCDs can be counted toward satisfying your required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) for the year, as long as certain rules are met. Some charities may not qualify for QCDs. First consult your tax advisor or the charity for its applicability.

This is not endorsed or affiliated with any Federal Medicare program, nor any U.S. government agency. If applicable, we do not offer every plan available in your area and contacting us will direct you to a licensed insurance agent. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.Gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

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Sunday, January 18, 2026

Why Your Short Term Financial Goals in January 2026 Make or Break Your Retirement

The retirement industry will grow massively and reach $52 trillion in assets by 2029. This makes short-term financial goals in 2026 more important than ever before. Your financial planner in Fresno CA understands that the financial world is going through its biggest changes in almost a decade.

Your short-term financial goals need attention right now. These manageable financial steps you take in January should fit with your bigger retirement dreams. A recent study shows 41% of adults have set bigger money goals for 2026 compared to 2025. However, 52% fear that rising prices might hurt their plans. Social Security recipients will get a 2.8% increase in benefits, adding about $56 monthly. Medicare Part B premiums will rise by 9.7% to $202.90.

Set the Stage: Why January 2026 Is a Critical Month

Your financial future could change dramatically in January 2026. The first day of the year brings major tax and retirement policy changes. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will change several tax provisions, giving you a small window to make smart financial moves.

Good news for retirement savers – contribution limits are going up. You can now put $24,500 into your 401(k) and $7,500 into your IRA. The rules for catch-up contributions are changing too. If you earn more than $150,000 in 2025, you’ll need to make all your 2026 catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. This might increase your tax bill.

Short Term Financial Goals That Can Make or Break Your Retirement

Recent financial reports show that 64% of Americans plan to make financial resolutions for 2026. This number has risen from 56% in 2025. Research and financial data point to eight short-term financial goals that can substantially affect your retirement security.

The new 2026 limits allow you to contribute $24,500 to 401(k)s and $7,500 to IRAs. You can utilize age-based catch-up provisions with $8,000 for ages 50-59 and 64+, or $11,250 if you’re between 60-63.

Your emergency savings should cover at least six months of expenses. This aligns with 78% of Americans’ plans. High-interest credit card debt reduction stands as a priority for 36% of Americans in 2026.

How to Align Short-Term Goals with Long-Term Retirement Plans

A strategic approach helps balance your immediate financial needs with retirement goals. Studies reveal that people who maintain strong emergency savings are 70% more likely to contribute to retirement plans. This vital link between short-term financial stability and long-term security creates the foundation for effective financial planning.

Your time horizons play a crucial role in this planning process. Financial experts classify goals into three categories: short-term (one year or less), midterm (one to five years), and long-term (more than five years). These timeframes should guide your resource allocation – keeping emergency funds accessible while directing retirement savings toward potentially higher-yielding investments.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement consultant

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party. The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Why Smart Investors Choose Year-End Roth IRA Conversion

Roth IRA conversion strategies matter more than ever as we get closer to major tax changes in 2025. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions will expire at the end of 2025. This creates a unique planning window to think about moving your retirement accounts.

You’ll need to pay taxes today when you convert funds from a pre-tax IRA or 401(k) to a Roth account. The trade-off gives you tax-free growth and withdrawals down the road. Our generation stands at a unique position regarding retirement planning in Fresno CA available with wealth building. This strategy works well especially when you have younger retirees. They can often convert funds at lower tax rates than during their working years. On top of that, Roth IRAs come with a great advantage – they’re not subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73. This age requirement will increase to 75 in 2033.

Why Year-End is the Smart Time for Roth IRA Conversions

Your Roth IRA conversion timing can substantially affect your tax burden and long-term financial outcomes. December offers the best window to execute this wealth-building strategy.

Year-end conversions let you accurately assess your taxable income and plan conversion amounts. This smart timing helps you avoid collateral damage like pushing yourself into a higher tax bracket. Most financial professionals suggest waiting until late in the year for this exact reason.

Top 4 Roth IRA Conversion Strategies for 2025

Tax changes are coming in 2025, and becoming skilled at Roth conversion strategies is more significant than ever. My analysis of numerous client scenarios reveals four powerful tactics that work best:

1. Bracket-Bumping Conversion This strategy lets you convert funds up to your current tax bracket’s limit without stepping into the next tier. To cite an instance, if you’re in the 24% bracket, you would convert amounts that keep you below the 32% threshold to maximize each bracket’s value.

2. Market-Timing Roth Conversion Market dips create perfect opportunities for conversions. Lower balances mean less tax liability, and you position yourself well for tax-free growth once markets bounce back.

3. Back-Door Roth Conversion High earners who exceed the 2025 income limits ($165,000 for singles, $246,000 for married couples) can benefit from this approach. The process involves contributing to a non-deductible traditional IRA and quickly converting it to a Roth IRA. This smart move bypasses income restrictions that block direct Roth contributions.

Key Tax Considerations Before You Convert

You need to understand the tax implications before jumping into a Roth IRA conversion. This knowledge will help you avoid tax surprises that can get pricey. The tax changes coming in 2025 bring several points to think over.

A new Senior Deduction gives an extra $6,000 deduction if you have individual filing status or $12,000 for couples age 65+. The benefit starts decreasing for singles with MAGI over $75,000 and goes away above $175,000. The expanded SALT deduction cap has grown from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029. This starts phasing out when MAGI goes beyond $500,000.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement planning

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

A Roth conversion may not be suitable for your situation. The primary goal in converting retirement assets into a Roth IRA is to reduce future tax liability on the distributions you take in retirement, or on the distributions of your beneficiaries. The information provided is to help you determine whether or not a Roth IRA conversion may be appropriate for your particular circumstances. Please review your retirement savings, tax and estate/legacy planning strategies with your legal/tax advisor to be sure a Roth IRA conversion fits into your planning strategies.

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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Why December Portfolio Rebalancing Could Save Your Retirement

Portfolio rebalancing might not get your heart racing, but it can greatly affect your retirement success. Research shows that a rebalanced portfolio beat the traditional buy-and-hold strategy by more than 100 basis points yearly over 5 years within the S&P 500 universe. You might be missing out on this substantial growth.

Your portfolio’s allocations can drift far from their planned targets without regular rebalancing. Take this example: A portfolio starting with 60% global equities and 40% global bonds at the end of 2003 would have moved to 80% in equities by the end of 2022 if left untouched. Your retirement consultant in Fresno CA will explore how this unexpected risk exposure could wreck your retirement plans when markets turn south.

Why December is a Critical Time to Rebalance

December presents a perfect opportunity to rebalance your portfolio because several unique financial factors meet at year-end.

Market liquidity patterns experience significant changes during this period. Trading volumes drop to 45-70% of normal levels between December 23 and New Year’s Day. This creates wider spreads and different market dynamics that experienced investors can use to their advantage. The fixed income markets see volume reductions of 20-40% in Europe and up to 50% in Asia.

The final month of the year gives investors their last chance at tax-loss harvesting—selling underperforming investments to offset capital gains. You can offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income while positioning your portfolio for future growth. The IRS lets investors carry forward excess losses to future tax years, which helps maximize tax efficiency over time.

How to Rebalance Your Portfolio Effectively

A systematic approach, not emotional decisions, helps you rebalance your portfolio effectively. My experience shows three strategies that work best, and each offers unique benefits.

The first strategy adjusts your portfolio at fixed times – usually once or twice a year. Studies show that yearly rebalancing works just as well as doing it more often, and every 2-3 years might be enough.

Your second option triggers changes when asset allocations move past set limits. Many experts suggest using the 5/25 rule – you should rebalance when an asset class moves 5% absolute or 25% relative from your target.

What Retirees Should Consider Before Rebalancing

Retirees must think about more than simple asset allocation adjustments when rebalancing their portfolios. Their retirement years bring unique financial risks that just need careful planning.

Many retirees face a reality gap in risk assessment. They feel comfortable with a potential 10% loss of savings. However, their portfolios could drop 30% or more during market downturns. These losses hit retirees harder since they don’t have decades to bounce back.

Your asset allocations should evolve as you age. Financial experts recommend that retirees between 60-69 years should keep a moderate portfolio (60% stocks, 35% bonds, 5% cash). Those between 70-79 years should move to safer investments (40% stocks, 50% bonds, 10% cash).

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on financial management services

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

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Thursday, December 25, 2025

The Hidden Winter Costs in Different Stages of Retirement

Retirees face unexpected financial challenges during winter that can disrupt their carefully planned budgets. Most retirees actually spend 20% to 30% more in November and December compared to other months.

Your retirement plan consultant in Fresno CA, knows that your retirement budget needs to account for these often-overlooked seasonal cost increases. Medicare changes take effect each January after October enrollment periods, which typically leads to higher healthcare costs. 

Go-Go Years: Winter Costs in the Early Retirement Phase

Your most active retirement stage happens during the “Go-Go” phase, and winter expenses can substantially affect your financial plans. Most retirees don’t realize how much their leisure activities will cost during the cold months. An active lifestyle in retirement needs about 15% more budget than you might expect.

Winter travel becomes a big expense as retirees head to warmer places. Retired couples spend anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 on yearly travel, and a two-week trip abroad can easily hit five figures. “Snowbirding” brings its own costs to think about, though monthly vacation rentals become 19% cheaper for stays over 30 days.

Slow-Go Years: Mid-Retirement Adjustments for Cold Weather

The “Slow-Go” years of mid-retirement bring unique winter challenges that need smart financial planning. Older adults spend about 14% of their income on energy bills, making home energy inefficiencies a significant burden.

Many retirement-age homes built before the 1960s need proper insulation. You might notice signs like rooms with different temperatures, walls that feel cold, and surprisingly high utility bills. A good investment in weatherization with proper insulation can help you save hundreds of dollars each year. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income seniors with free energy efficiency upgrades.

No-Go Years: Late Retirement and Hidden Winter Expenses

The “No-Go” years in late retirement bring tough financial challenges, especially when winter arrives. Medicare open enrollment changes start in January, and doctor visits increase during cold and flu season.

Seniors make up much of our healthcare spending. People aged 65 and older spend an average of $12,411 each year on medical care. A hospital stay can cost anywhere from $20,000 for short visits to more than $100,000 for longer care.

Conclusion

We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”

Other Related Articles on retirement planning

Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Dale Soutas. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”) and is provided for educational purposes only and the contents are solely maintained by and the responsibility of the applicable 3rd party . The 3rd party content is subject to change at any time without notice, and does not represent an express or implied opinion or endorsement of any specific investment opportunity, investment strategy or planning strategy. Foundations in no way deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources in this commentary, nor does Foundations guarantee its accuracy or completeness. No legal or tax advice is provided or intended.

A Roth conversion may not be suitable for your situation. The primary goal in converting retirement assets into a Roth IRA is to reduce the future tax liability on the distributions you take in retirement, or on the distributions of your beneficiaries. The information provided is to help you determine whether or not a Roth IRA conversion may be appropriate for your particular circumstances.

Tax loss harvesting is a strategy that may help minimize the amount of current taxes you have to pay on your investments by choosing to sell an investment at a loss. It is only appropriate for certain taxpayers in certain scenarios. Please review your retirement savings, tax and legacy planning strategies with your legal/tax advisor before attempting a tax loss harvesting strategy. Please review your retirement savings, tax, and legacy planning strategies with your legal/tax advisor to be sure a Roth IRA conversion and/or tax loss harvesting opportunities fits into your planning strategies.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity. QCDs can be counted toward satisfying your required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) for the year, as long as certain rules are met. Some charities may not qualify for QCDs. First consult your tax advisor or the charity for its applicability.

This is not endorsed or affiliated with any Federal Medicare program, nor any U.S. government agency. If applicable, we do not offer every plan available in your area and contacting us will direct you to a licensed insurance agent. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.Gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

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The Essential Retirement Checklist: Your Month-by-Month Guide for 2025

Retirement planning goes beyond just saving money—it requires smart decisions and a proper checklist to maximize your benefits. Your retirem...