Michiko

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401(k) Millionaires aren’t Geniuses – They are people who used time and compounding

When people hear the term “401(k) millionaire,” they often assume it takes special investment skill or unusually high income. The truth is far simpler. According to Fidelity, more than 650,000 Americans now have over $1 million in their 401(k) accounts alone—a record high. Most of them aren’t professional investors. They’re regular employees who followed a few basic rules […]

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Best States to Retire: 5 Hidden State Taxes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you researching the best states to retire? Thinking about where to live in retirement can feel exciting—and overwhelming.Warm weather? Lower taxes? Better healthcare? Closer to family? There’s a lot to weigh, and the differences from state to state in the U.S. are surprisingly dramatic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one million Americans aged

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Social Security Benefits After Spouse Dies: What you need to know

Many people think that when a spouse dies, the surviving spouse will get their own Social Security plus an extra survivor payment. That’s not true. Social security survivor benefits after spouse dies replace your current benefit with the higher one between the two – not both. This rule often surprises families and can cause a sharp

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2026 Social Security COLA Announced: 2.8% Raise for Retirees

The Social Security Administration has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). After a short delay caused by the government shutdown, the final numbers are in.Starting with January 2026 benefits (paid in late December 2025), Social Security payments will increase by 2.8%. That’s about $56 more per month for average retirees and $88 more for couples. The raise is slightly above last

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Smart Ways to Save for Education: Expanded Uses of 529 Plans

Planning for education costs can feel overwhelming. Tuition, room and board, and everyday living expenses continue to rise, putting enormous pressure on families who are already juggling today’s household budget and tomorrow’s retirement savings. Fortunately, recent changes in the law have made one powerful tool—the 529 plan—more flexible than ever. In this post, we’ll look at:–

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Inherited IRA Rules for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries: Understanding the 10-Year Rule (Updated 2025)

When someone inherits an IRA, the tax rules vary greatly depending on who the beneficiary is. In this post, we focus on non-spousal beneficiaries and the “10-year rule” introduced under the SECURE Act. If you are a spouse inheriting an IRA, we covered those rules in our previous blog post, so be sure to check that article as

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Inheriting an IRA as a Spouse: Your 2025 Guide to Rules, RMDs, and Smart Choices

When a spouse inherits an IRA, the rules and options available differ significantly from other beneficiaries. In this article—the first installment of our “Inherited IRA Series”—we’ll focus on cases where the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary of the IRA. Why IRA Inheritance Rules Have Become Confusing Recent changes under the SECURE Act and its successor, SECURE Act 2.0, have

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New Tax Law Brings Major Changes for Nonprofits: What You Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), introducing sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code. While the final version of the law excluded some of the most controversial provisions, it includes several key updates that significantly affect nonprofit organizations, private colleges, and their donors. Below is a summary of the most

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How your income can increase your medicare premium: IRMAA explained

Did you know that your Medicare premiums can go up if your income is above certain thresholds? If you’re nearing retirement—or already enrolled in Medicare—this is something you can’t afford to ignore. In this post, we’ll explain what IRMAA is, how it affects your Medicare premiums, who’s at risk of paying more, and what you can do

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Unlocking the $6,000 Senior Bonus Deduction: A 4-Year Planning Opportunity

On July 4th—America’s Independence Day—President Trump signed into law one of the most sweeping tax reforms in recent years: the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), passed by Congress just one day earlier. This landmark legislation delivers major changes for both individuals and businesses. But if you’re retired—or approaching retirement—there’s one provision you absolutely need to know about:

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