Life Insurance vs AD&D: What Your Workplace Really Covers
Reviewing your open enrollment options? Make sure you understand the two types of life insurance benefits your employer may offer: 1️⃣ Basic Life Insurance: Usually a multiple of your salary. Helpful to have, but If you leave your job or your employer changes the benefit, the coverage goes away. This is why having your own […]
How to Compare Spousal Benefits During Open Enrollment
As you go through open enrollment, don’t forget to compare spousal benefit options for life insurance, medical coverage, and sometimes disability. Costs and coverage can vary a lot between employers. 👉 Compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maxes 👉 Consider a private life insurance policy for long-term protection 👉 Sometimes it’s cheaper for each partner to […]
What’s the Value of Direct Indexing?
What if you could mirror an entire index and take charge of your tax strategy? That’s the advantage of direct indexing. Rather than buying a fund, you own the underlying stocks, giving you flexibility and control others can’t. Here’s what that means for you: ✅ Maintain full market exposure and diversification ✅ Harvest losses from […]
Smart Strategies to Avoid the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)
Are you paying the extra 3.8%—when you may not have to? The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) kicks in once your income rises above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). The good news? There are strategic ways to help reduce or avoid it: 🔶 Prioritize tax-exempt options like municipal bonds 🔶 Maximize contributions to retirement accounts […]
Why Time Matters More Than Money in Investing
Many young professionals think investing only works once you have a lot saved, but compounding is what actually levels the playing field. When your money earns interest, and that interest earns more interest, your growth accelerates. And here’s the key: time matters even more than the amount you invest. Starting in your 20s with small, […]
HDHP vs HMO vs PPO: Choosing the Right Health Plan
As you make your benefit elections for the new year, understanding your health plan options can make a big difference in both your care and your wallet. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose wisely: 👉 High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): Lower monthly costs and access to the powerful, triple tax-advantaged HSA. Great if you […]
Disability Insurance 101: What to Review During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is the perfect time to review your disability insurance. Here are the basics: Short-Term Disability: Covers you for a few months up to a year. Long-Term Disability: Can cover you from a year up to age 65 (sometimes longer). How Much Coverage? Aim for ~60% of your income, but adjust based on your […]
529 College Savings – What if your child doesn’t end up using it all?
What if your child doesn’t end up using all of their 529 college savings? Thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, up to $35,000 per beneficiary can now be rolled tax-free from a 529 into a Roth IRA—if certain requirements are met: 🔸 The 529 must have been open for at least 15 years 🔸 Only […]
3 Types of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three types of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): 1. Healthcare FSA: Helps pay medical, dental, and vision expenses not covered by insurance. 2. Limited-Purpose FSA: Dental and vision only. Ideal if you’re also contributing to an HSA. 3. Dependent Care FSA (DC-FSA): Covers childcare, preschool, and even day camps. Your […]
Make Childcare, Preschool, or a Babysitter Tax- Deductible? Here’s How
Paying for childcare, preschool, or a babysitter? A Dependent Care FSA can be a smart tool, making expenses you already pay tax-deductible. A few things to keep in mind: ✔️ Annual limit: Up to $5,000 in 2025 ✔️ Use it or lose it: FSAs don’t roll over ✔️ Great for families with childcare or dependent-care […]