Institute For Financial Awareness "IFA"

10/12/2026

Retirement is closer than it looks. Here's your 10-year checklist.

"Even if you've done nothing, there's still time to put yourself on sound footing." Kiplinger's checklist walks pre-retirees through each stage of the final decade, from maximizing contributions (401(k) up to $24,500 in 2026) to envisioning your lifestyle and clearing debt in the last year

Keep this 10-year retirement planning checklist on hand as you navigate saving, investing and other retirement decisions.

10/11/2026

Did you know some life insurance can help while you're living?

Over 140 million American adults lack life insurance, a coverage gap of roughly $14 trillion. Kiplinger explains accelerated benefit "living benefit" riders, which let policyholders tap part of the death benefit during their lifetime for qualifying health-related costs.

Millions of Americans have no protection for unexpected health costs in retirement. The answer isn't health insurance.

10/10/2026

Retirement tax planning shouldn't wait until December. 5 moves to review.

"In retirement, the question changes to, 'How much can I actually keep and efficiently turn into income?'" Topics include Roth conversions, planning for required minimum distributions, and the enhanced senior deduction of up to $6,000 per person ($12,000 per couple) through 2028.

As 2026 enters its final months, retirees and pre-retirees have a limited window to make tax-planning decisions that could affect how much of their retirement savings they ultimately keep.

10/09/2026

Trust or no trust? Not everyone needs one. Here's how to tell.

"Most people do not need it (especially our clients who are in or near retirement)." A financial pro explains the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts and when each makes sense, noting that federal estate tax doesn't apply until estates exceed $15 million.

Knowing the differences between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust can help you decide if you need one and, if you do, which kind.

10/08/2026

Mark your calendar: the 2027 COLA is announced October 14.

Social Security's 2027 cost-of-living adjustment arrives October 14, when third-quarter inflation data is released. The announcement also sets the earnings test limit, maximum monthly benefit, and wage cap; Medicare Part B costs follow in November. This year's 2.8% COLA lagged 3.4% inflation, so many retirees are watching closely.

Millions of retirees are already falling behind on inflation with this year's modest Social Security raise, and one date in October will determine whether 2027 brings relief or more financial pressure.

10/07/2026

October has historically been a solid month for stocks. Earnings season is the one to watch.

"The S&P 500 has averaged about a 0.9% positive return in October, making it one of the better months." Big tech earnings arrive mid-to-late October, with guidance on AI spending that could move markets. A good reminder to stay diversified and focused on the long term rather than headlines

Many earnings reports are due out in October that could shift market sentiment.

10/06/2026

The "4% rule" gets an update: 3.9% for steady spending, more if you stay flexible.

"3.9% is the highest safe starting withdrawal rate for retirees seeking a consistent level of inflation-adjusted spending." Morningstar's research suggests a 3.9% starting rate for a 30-year retirement with a 30–50% stock allocation, and that retirees willing to flex their spending may start higher.

Retirees can increase their spending power by taking a more flexible approach.

10/05/2026

New 2026 retirement limits = new opportunities. Are you using the 60–63 "super catch-up"?

"Planning ahead is more important than reacting late." The 2026 limits bring a $24,500 401(k) contribution limit with an $8,000 catch-up for those 50+, plus a new "super catch-up" of $11,250 for workers aged 60–63. Kiplinger also flags the expired enhanced ACA subsidies, which can create a "subsidy cliff" for early retirees.

Retirement planning in 2026 has come with new contribution limits, tax breaks and healthcare changes. Here's what savers and retirees need to know.

10/01/2026

Registration is now open for: Tax Planning

Thursday October 15th at 12:00pm EST

Presenter - Eric Sebold

Registration: e035a216-3c69-4bba-8122-929eb0ddbb2e@51a720d3-37df-4347-add6-905bcd61cd6d" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e035a216-3c69-4bba-8122-929eb0ddbb2e@51a720d3-37df-4347-add6-905bcd61cd6d

09/28/2026

Estate Planning Advice on Social Media Isn't All Wrong — But It Isn't All Right Either

"No two estate plans are the same. A strategy that worked well for one family may be inappropriate for another." Kiplinger cautions that generic estate strategies picked up online can backfire when applied to the wrong situation, and makes the case that the real value of professional planning is in asking the right questions for your specific family.

Estate planning tips on social media don't always contain misinformation, but what worked for one family may end up causing yours a whole heap of trouble.