Taking Charge of Your Financial Future: A Busy Professional's Guide

Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Let’s face it: life moves fast. Back-to-back meetings, inbox and voicemail full, and trying to squeeze in a workout or some semblance of a social life. It’s no wonder financial planning often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, especially for busy professionals.

Busy professionals understand that their financial future isn’t some far-off idea. They see in real-time how their future is being shaped right now with every decision they make, every dollar they spend, their job, their family, and several elements outside their control and purview.

Luckily, all you need is a plan and to stick to said plan.

This guide was created for the ambitious, over-extended, high-achieving professionals who want their money working as hard as they do.

1. Know Thy Numbers. Understand what matters and what doesn’t. What matters: your net worth, your savings rate, your monthly cash flow, and your progress toward your big-picture goals. With Financial Freedom as the goal, the way you get there is slowly over time. It’s decisions that compound (either upwards or downwards) that will set you in the direction you’re going.

2. Automate Often. Learn Your Plan. Automation is a busy professional’s bestie. Consider setting up auto-transfers for bills, savings, and everything in between. You might start with high-yield savings, even if it’s $50 bucks a paycheck—choose an amount that you will never have to stop saving until you have at least 3 to 6 months of spending in cash. It’s prudent to consider deferring at least up to the employer match (typically 4%) to your employer retirement plans (401k, 403b, etc.). Work your way up to saving 15-20% of your total household income, even if it’s by increasing your deferral by 1% each year until you max out your retirement plan. Utilize target date funds based on your age 65, set it, and then forget it. Understand your benefits you want to understand how your money is being allocated.

3. Taxes Are Cool! Tax planning is a year-round adventure. Every financial decision we make has some tax implication (for better or worse). Tax strategies can impact the longevity of your plan and help to ensure that your money lasts as long as you do or increase your probability of accomplishing your legacy goals.

4. Protect Yourself. The root of your plan should be defined by what you feel is success—whatever that looks like to you. Ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage to protect against unexpected losses. Regularly review and update policies as your circumstances change.

5. DIY Only Sometimes. There is power in delegation. Hiring a financial planner to create a personalized strategy for you and keep you accountable. More importantly, we are here through every change, expected or unexpected.

Financial Planning is not about perfection; it’s about intention. So, take pause often and ensure you are heading in the direction that YOU want to go. And if not, take the steps to course-correct with courage, clarity and probably a spreadsheet or two.

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Enjoyed this blog? Boost your financial confidence with our book, Finding Your Center: Achieving Confidence Through Financial Planning. Click HERE to learn more and get your copy.

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, join our book tour and receive a FREE copy!

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Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP®, and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. The Center for Financial Planning, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

401(k) and 403(b) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.

Matching contributions from your employer may be subject to a vesting schedule. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information.

What Financial Planning Really Means for You and Your Family

Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Let me start by telling you what financial planning is not. Financial Planning is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not only for the wealthy. It’s not a one-and-done exercise. And it’s certainly not just about creating a budget or calculating your net worth. Comprehensive financial planning is deeply holistic. It often starts with the numbers (budgets, investments, retirement projects, etc.), but it is ultimately driven by every area of life: social, emotional, physical, and even spiritual well-being.

Building wealth over the long term incorporates aspects of not only financial strategy but also your relationships, mental health, lifestyle, and values. At its core, financial planning is about designing a life that speaks to you and what really matters to you and your family—spending time with loved ones, creating meaningful memories, and making your money work in ways aligned with your values. Time and energy are some of our most finite resources. The art of planning lies in striking the right balance between the two, along with our financial resources while navigating the ever-shifting demands of life. To quote our recent publication, Finding Your Center, which I will do throughout this blog: “The Center was built on a belief that people deserve more than financial advice—they deserve partners who listen.”

Even when you’re not quite sure what outcome you’re aiming for—or how you might get there, you and your family are the starting point. Your unique talents, desires, fears, values, and current life circumstances shape your financial strategy. Think of it like a fitness plan or a nutritional diet: the best one is the one that is tailored for you and your family. Financial Planning is a tool to help optimize your life, not just your portfolio. “True wealth is found in the freedom to live life on your terms, with clarity and confidence.” Whether that looks like living on $2,000/month or $200,000/year, the goal isn’t a specific dollar amount or net worth value. It’s that deeply satisfying sense of clarity, confidence, and calm that comes from designing a plan, following it, and living it. There is no crystal ball that can protect us from pain, fear, or grief. That’s not the goal of planning. “Financial planning isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about preparing you to meet it—wholeheartedly.”

Financial planning can have ripple effects in every direction: from saving for your children or grandchildren’s education to supporting your aging parents or grandparents to navigating windfalls or inheritances to hardships and difficult times. One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is not money; it’s clarity and confidence. “Our work isn’t just for today—it’s for the generations that come after, and the values they’ll carry forward.”

The clients we serve are diverse—young professionals, retirees, blended families, small business owners, your next-door neighbors, your kid’s teachers, and college graduates who are just starting out. “You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. In fact, that’s why we’re here.”

At the end of the day, financial planning is about more than money, dollars, and cents. It’s about living with alignment and purpose. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, and finding freedom in structure. So, let me leave you with this question: What would it mean to you and your family to feel financially at peace? “Our greatest joy is helping people write their own definition of success—and walking with them as they live it.”

Are you curious about what a personalized financial plan might look like for you or your family? Let’s talk: Discovery Call with Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP®.

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Enjoyed this blog? Boost your financial confidence with our book, Finding Your Center: Achieving Confidence Through Financial Planning. Click HERE to learn more and get your copy.

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, join our book tour and receive a FREE copy!

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Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP®, and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. The Center for Financial Planning, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Are You a Fiduciary? What Are Your Fees? How Does It Work?

Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Contributed by: Nick Errer and Ryan O'Neal

Fiduciary vs. Financial Advisor

There is often confusion surrounding the differences between financial advisors and fiduciaries. While anyone who gives financial advice may call themselves a financial advisor, what separates fiduciaries is their legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients. In other words, a fiduciary is a person or organization with a legal and/or ethical obligation to act on behalf of someone else (or a group of people) and to put the interests of that individual or group ahead of their own. A fiduciary typically has more knowledge or expertise in a particular area than the person or group the fiduciary is helping.

A fiduciary relationship is intended to eliminate the conflicts of interest and abuses that could occur in such an uneven situation by requiring the fiduciary to always act for the exclusive benefit and interest of those they are serving (common examples are doctors, lawyers and fiduciary financial advisors and investors).  A financial advisor who is not held to the fiduciary standards may provide recommendations that could result in higher commissions or other personal incentives, whereas a financial fiduciary must give advice that best suits a client’s needs, regardless of the consequences to themselves.

Who Regulates Fiduciaries?

Financial Advisors who have a fiduciary commitment to their clients will be registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). All RIAs are required to always act as fiduciaries, which means they put their client’s interests above their own. Additionally, financial advisors may hold professional designations such as Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), which have their own ethical standards that must be adhered to.

What Are the Fees?

Fiduciaries are compensated in various ways, and the specific payment structure will vary from one client to another. In some cases, fees are based on a flat rate or hourly charge for a particular plan, while most times, they are calculated as a percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM). Non-fiduciary advisors often receive commissions as part of their payment structure. These advisors are held to a “suitability standard,” meaning they must have a reasonable belief that an investment or transaction is suitable for their customer.

When seeking new financial advice, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research to confirm that the advisor prioritizes your best interests over their own financial gain.

Kelsey Arvai, MBA, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kelsey Arvai, Nick Errer, and Ryan O’Neal and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc® Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

If You’re a Single Woman, These Are the Top 5 Things to Plan for Prior to Retirement!

Contributed by: Kali Hassinger, CFP®, CSRIC™

Retirement planning comes with its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. When you're a single woman, deciding to retire and the many subsequent decisions surrounding that life change can feel like it presents even more anxiety. Focusing on a few key areas to optimize your financial future can help ease these doubts and ensure you make the right financial choices. Here are the top five items to plan for as you consider retirement:

1. Build and maintain a Diversified Investment Portfolio

Throughout your career, you've successfully built your retirement savings pool. When you're working and living off of your income, it can be easier to weather the market's ups and downs. When your portfolio is needed to provide income for your lifestyle and well-being, the stakes are a bit higher. Building a balanced portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and retirement goals is extremely important. With those guidelines in mind, your investment portfolio should be well-diversified across various asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions.

2. Understand your Budget, Expenses, and Lifestyle Needs

At all stages of our lives, having a budget and understanding of spending is important. When making the decision to retire, you'll want to plan for both current and future expenses. Women often have longer life expectancies than men, meaning their savings need to last longer in retirement. A detailed budget and retirement spending projection can help you determine if you've saved enough to have a financially confident retirement.

3. Create a Comprehensive Withdrawal Strategy

A well-thought-out withdrawal strategy can help preserve your portfolio and ensure it lasts throughout your lifetime. One common approach is the "bucket strategy," where you segment your savings and portfolio into different buckets or investments based on when you will need to use the money. When working with clients, we recommend keeping approximately 12 months of your portfolio income need in cash or low-risk, cash-like positions that are not subject to market volatility. Beyond that 12-month need, your ability to handle risk can vary.

Your withdrawal strategy should also incorporate and consider the tax implications of your withdrawals to avoid unforeseen tax burdens.  Strategic tax planning can also help to extend the life of your portfolio.

4. Develop an Estate Plan

Estate planning is often overlooked, but it's one of the most critical steps in helping to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Whether you choose family or charitable causes, deciding how your savings and possessions are handled can avoid unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

Without a spouse who would be the default decision-maker in a situation where you cannot make them yourself, it's extremely important to ensure that you've appointed a power of attorney for financial or healthcare decisions.

5. Understand your Social Security Benefits

For many, Social Security is the only fixed source of income in retirement, and the decisions are often irrevocable. As a single person, you'll want to optimize the Social Security benefits available to you. Although you can collect as early as age 62, your benefit will be higher if you collect at your full retirement age or even as late as age 70. A financial planner can help you determine the best strategy for you based on your assets, life expectancy, and retirement goals.

As retirement approaches, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the decisions that need to be made. Working with a financial planner can provide you with the expertise and personalized advice to feel confident in your financial future. It can also provide a partner you can trust with any of life's financial decisions.

Kali Hassinger, CFP®, CSRIC® is a Financial Planning Manager and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She has more than a decade of financial planning and insurance industry experience.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kali Hassinger, CFP®, CSRIC™ and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial adviser about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc®. Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Managing Financial Decisions after a Traumatic Event

Contributed by: Sandra Adams, CFP®

Life happens…someone we love passes away, we are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, we are involved in a horrible automobile accident that totals our vehicle and makes us scared for our lives. And then, to add to the stress, we need to make a significant financial decision. How can we do that when we are completely traumatized and overwhelmed?

1. Take an intentional time out—called the Decision Free Zone—to ensure you get your mind clear, your emotions settled, and your financial goals clear before making any big financial decisions.

2. Acknowledge the impact of your trauma — understand how your trauma experience may be influencing your financial decisions, and be intentional about putting off big decisions until you feel ready to do so with your future purpose in mind.

3. Prioritize self-care – whether it is taking time to grieve, making sure you get the proper medical or psychological treatment, or just taking time to rest, relax, and recover from the traumatic event, take care of yourself first before pressing yourself to make significant financial decisions.

4. Communicate – Talk to a trusted friend, partner, family member, or professional about your financial concerns or challenges — do not try to manage the stress alone. It is also important to let others know that it may be a while before you are ready to make big decisions so they are not pressuring you based on their timelines.

5. Set boundaries – like the above, set boundaries based on the timelines you feel comfortable with, not with the timelines others are pressuring you to stick to. Only make decisions when you are ready to make them.

6. Seek professional help – Find a professional partner, like a financial advisor trained in transition planning, who understands your need to take your time and can help you through your trauma and transition.

When you have experienced a traumatic event, it is important to be patient with yourself and to make sure to take the proper steps to heal and prepare yourself before making big financial decisions. By taking the appropriate steps and aligning yourself with the right financial partners, you can overcome the trauma and come out the other side making solid financial decisions. If you or someone you know has been through a traumatic event and is struggling with financial decisions and could benefit from some assistance, please send them our way. We are always happy to help.

Sandra Adams, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® and holds a CeFT™ designation. She specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and serves as a trusted source for national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine, and Journal of Financial Planning.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Sandra D. Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Three Financial Planning To-Dos for New Parents

Contributed by: Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP®

If you’ve recently become a new parent, maybe your first thoughts when meeting your new child were like mine: feelings of overwhelming joy and gratitude, but also immense responsibility for this new life. Not only do you need to feed, clothe, and shelter this child, but you are also responsible for providing for their health, mental, and financial well-being for the next 18+ years. Talk about a commitment!

Hopefully, you have some trusted people in your life to help you with the health and mental well-being part, but we want you to know we’re here to help you with the financial part of the equation. In addition to stocking up on diapers and assembling the crib, we want you to add three very important to-dos to your New Parent Checklist:

1. Review Your Life Insurance Coverage

First, ensure you have enough life insurance to care for your loved ones if something happens to you. Many of us are fortunate to receive some life insurance benefits from our employer through what is called “group term life insurance.” Often, this is equal to a certain dollar amount (for instance, one times your annual salary) and is available at little to no cost to you. The plus side of group term life insurance is that it is cost-effective and usually doesn’t require medical underwriting. The downside of group term life insurance is that it typically does not provide enough coverage that your family would need if you were gone, and it usually does not stay with you if you were to leave your employer.

That is why we frequently recommend that our clients consider getting their own term life insurance through an independent insurance agent. In most cases, term life insurance (as opposed to other kinds of permanent insurance) that provides financial coverage for a certain period of time is the best way to get the most death benefit for the least amount of premium dollars. The length of that term and the dollar amount of coverage can be dictated by financial needs as well as what is important to each client. For instance, some clients want to be able to pay off a mortgage, fund college costs, allow their spouse to hire childcare, and so on. Depending on the dollar amount, you may be required to go through medical underwriting to be approved for the death benefit you want. Your financial advisor can help you determine what time and dollar amount is right for you.

2. Meet with an Estate Planning Attorney

Everyone should have an estate plan in place, which is especially important for parents. An estate plan – that usually includes a Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare/Advanced Medical Directive, and sometimes a Revocable Living Trust – can make sure all your wishes are correctly carried out in the event of your incapacity or death. This could include everything from who you want to make healthcare decisions on your behalf to at what ages your children should receive any inheritances you leave them. One of the most important things you specify in an estate plan is the guardian for minor children if something happens to you.

When choosing a guardian, parents should discuss who is the best person to care for their children’s needs. The guardian is often a relative or close friend near the same age. The guardian does not have to be the person who manages investments on the children’s behalf (in that case, parents may want to name a separate conservator—someone who handles money on behalf of their minor children). Many times, the guardian and conservator are the same people, but there are situations when the duties are best split (usually depending on the skills and strengths of the friends or family that they choose). In that case, the guardian and conservator work together to determine an appropriate monthly stipend for the guardian to care for their children.

3. Review Your Beneficiaries

Meeting with an estate planning attorney and drafting documents is only one piece of the puzzle. You’d be surprised to learn how often we meet with married couples, help them review their financial statements, and discover that their parents are still named as the primary beneficiaries on their accounts. It is surprising but understandable; between checking and savings accounts, workplace retirement accounts like 401(k)s, Individual Retirement Accounts, and a myriad of other investment account options, there is a lot to keep track of!

When this happens, beneficiaries could be required to go through probate court to obtain inheritances, resulting in additional expenses to settle the estate. Once a client is deceased, their account could be frozen, which delays accessing funds for family members who might rely on the assets (namely, spouses and minor children). Because of this, we regularly help clients keep track of their beneficiaries and account titling.

Now, I know life insurance, estate planning, and beneficiary designations are not the most exciting things to think about after you bring your new bundle of joy home. But knowing that you have a plan in place to care for your child regardless of what happens to you can be one of the greatest gifts you give them. Reach out to discuss your personal situation and let us help you through this process!

Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP®, is a Partner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and Director of Operations at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She works with clients and their families to achieve their financial planning goals.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Lauren Adams, CFA®, CFP® and not necessarily those of Raymond James. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

Center for Financial Planning, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Are You and Your Partner on the Same Retirement Page?

Contributed by: Matt Trujillo, CFP®

Retirement and Longevity

Many couples don't agree on when, where, or how they'll spend their golden years.

When Fidelity Investments asked couples how much they need to have saved to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement, 52% said they didn't know. Over half the survey respondents – 51% – disagreed on the amount needed to retire, and 48% had differing answers when asked about their planned retirement age.*

In some ways, that's not surprising – many couples disagree on financial and lifestyle matters long before they've stopped working. However, adjustments can become more complicated in retirement when you've generally stopped accumulating wealth and have to focus more on controlling expenses and dealing with unexpected events.

Ultimately, the time to talk about and resolve any differences you have about retirement is well before you need to. Let's look at some key areas where couples need to find common ground.

When and Where

Partners often have different time frames for their retirements, an issue that can be exacerbated if they are significantly older. Sometimes, differing time frames are due to policies or expectations in their respective workplaces; sometimes, it's a matter of how long each one wants – or can physically continue – to work.

The retirement nest egg is also a factor here. If you're planning to downsize or move to a warmer location or nearer your children, that will also affect your timeline. There's no numerical answer (65 as a retirement age just isn't relevant in today's world), and this may be a moving target anyway. But you both need to have a general idea on when each is going to retire.

You also need to agree on where you're going to live because a mistake on this point can be very expensive to fix. If one of you is set on a certain location, try to take a long vacation (or several) there together and discuss how you each feel about living there permanently.

Your Lifestyle in Retirement

Some people see retirement as a time to do very little; others see it as the time to do everything they couldn't do while working. While these are individual choices, they'll affect both of you as well as your joint financial planning. After all, if there's a trip to Europe in your future, there's also a hefty expense in your future.

While you may not be able to (or want to) pin everything down precisely, partners should be in general agreement on how they're going to live in retirement and what that lifestyle will cost. You need to arrive at that expense estimate long before retirement while you still have time to make any changes required to reach that financial target.

Your Current Lifestyle

How much you spend and save now plays a significant role in determining how much you can accumulate and, therefore, how much you can spend in retirement. A key question: What tradeoffs (working longer, saving more, delaying Social Security) are you willing to make now to increase your odds of having the retirement lifestyle you want?

Examining your current lifestyle is also a good starting point for discussing how things might change in retirement. Are there expenses that will go away? Are there new ones that will pop up? If you're planning on working part-time or turning a hobby into a little business, should you begin planning for that now?

Retirement Finances

This is a significant topic, including items such as:

• Monitoring and managing expenses

• How much you can withdraw from your retirement portfolio annually

• What your income sources will be

• How long your money has to last (be sure to add a margin of safety)

• What level of risk you can jointly tolerate

• How much you plan to leave to others or to charity

• How much you're going to set aside for emergencies

• Who's going to manage the money, and what happens if they die first

... and the list goes on. You don't want to spend your retirement years worrying about money, but not planning ahead might ensure that you will. Talk about these subjects now.

Unknowns

"Expect the unexpected" applies all the way along the journey toward retirement, but perhaps even more strongly in our later years. What will your healthcare costs be, and how much will have to come out of your pocket? Will you or your spouse need long-term care, and should you purchase insurance to cover that? What happens if the market suffers a severe downturn right after you retire?

While you obviously can't plan precisely for an unknown, talking about what might happen and how you'd respond will make things easier if the unexpected does occur. Included here is the reality that one of you will likely outlive the other, so your estate planning should be done together, and the day-to-day manager of your finances should be sure that their counterpart can take over when needed.

Communication is vital, especially when it comes to something as important as retirement. Almost all of us will have to make some tradeoffs and adjustments (as we do throughout our relationships), and it's important to remember that the earlier you discuss and negotiate what those are going to be, the better your chances of achieving the satisfying retirement you've both worked so hard to achieve.

*2021 Fidelity Investments Couples & Money Study

Matthew Trujillo, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® A frequent blog contributor on topics related to financial planning and investment, he has more than a decade of industry experience.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

The Widow’s Penalty: Lower Income, Higher Taxes

Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®

A newly widowed example client, whom we'll call "Judy," receives communication from Medicare that her Part B and D premiums are significantly increasing from the prior year. To make matters worse, she also notices that she's now in a much higher tax bracket when filing her most recent tax return. What happened? Now that Judy's husband is deceased, she is receiving less in Social Security and pension income. Her total income has decreased, so why would she have to pay more tax and Medicare premiums? Unfortunately, she's a victim of what's known as the "widow's penalty."

Less Income and More Taxes. What Gives?

Simply put, the widow's penalty is when a surviving spouse ends up paying more taxes on less income after the death of their spouse. This happens when a widow or widower starts filing as a single filer the year after their spouse's death.

When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse typically sees a reduction in income. While the surviving spouse will continue to receive the greater of the two social security benefits, they will no longer receive the lower benefit. In addition, it's also very likely that the surviving spouse will either entirely or partially lose income tied only to the deceased spouse (ex., employment income, annuity payments, or pensions with reduced or no survivor benefits). Depending on how much income was tied to the deceased spouse, the surviving spouse's fixed income could see a sizeable decrease. At the same time, the surviving spouse starts receiving less income, and they find themself subject to higher taxes.

With some unique exceptions, the surviving spouse is required to start filing taxes as single instead of as married, filing jointly in the year following their spouse's death. In 2024, that means they will hit the 22% bracket at only $47,150 of taxable income. Married filers do not reach the 22% bracket until they have more than $94,300 of income. To make matters worse, the standard deduction the widow will receive will also be cut in half. In 2024, for a married couple (both over 65), their standard deduction will be $32,300. A single filer (over the age of 65) will only have a $16,500 deduction! Unfortunately, even with less income hitting the tax return, widowed tax filers commonly end up paying higher taxes due to the compression of tax brackets and the dramatic standard deduction decrease for single filers.

Medicare Premiums Increase

Tax brackets are not the only place surviving spouses are penalized. Like the hypothetical example above, many surviving spouses see their Medicare premiums increase even though their income has decreased because of how the income-related monthly adjusted amount (IRMAA) is calculated (click HERE to visit our dedicated Medicare resource page). Whereas there is no surcharge until a married couple filing jointly reaches an income of $206,000, single filers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $103,000 are required to pay a surcharge on their Medicare premiums. This means that a couple could have an income of $127,000 and not be subject to the Medicare IRMAA surcharge. However, if the surviving spouse now has income over $106,000, their premium will increase by almost $1,000 per year. In this same example, the widow could now be in the 22% bracket (as compared to the 12% bracket with $120k of income filing jointly) and be paying approximately $3,600 more in federal tax.

Proactive Planning

Short of remarrying, there is no way to avoid the widow's penalty. However, if your spouse has recently passed away, there may be some steps you can take to minimize your total tax liability.

For most widows, the year their spouse dies will be the last year they will be allowed to use the higher married filing jointly tax brackets and standard deduction. In some cases, it can make sense to strategically realize income during the year of death to minimize the surviving spouse's lifetime tax bill. A surviving spouse might do this by converting savings from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA while they are still subject to the married filing jointly rates.

Let's look at a hypothetical scenario with a couple we'll call John and Mary. After several years in a long-term care assisted living facility, John sadly passed away at age 85. Because John and Mary did not have long-term care insurance, they had sizeable out-of-pocket medical expenses that resulted in a significant medical deduction in the year of John's passing. Several months after her husband's passing, over $100,000 was converted from her IRA to a Roth IRA. Because this was the last year she could file jointly on her taxes and had the significant medical deduction for the year John passed, Mary only paid an average tax rate of 10% on the $100,000 that was converted. As we stand here today, Mary would now be filing single and find herself in the 24% tax bracket (which will likely increase to 28% in 2026 as our current low tax rates expire at the end of 2025).

The widow's penalty should be on every married couple's radar. It's possible that while both spouses are living, their tax rates will always remain the same, as we've highlighted above. Unless both spouses pass away within a very short period of time from one another, higher taxes and Medicare premiums are likely inevitable. However, proper planning can help dramatically reduce the impact of this penalty on your plan.

Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Nick specializes in tax-efficient retirement income and distribution planning for clients and serves as a trusted source for local and national media publications, including WXYZ, PBS, CNBC, MSN Money, Financial Planning Magazine and OnWallStreet.com.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Center for Financial Planning, Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services Investment advisory services are offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP® and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Raymond James and its advisers do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

These examples are hypothetical illustrations and are not intended to reflect any actual outcome. they are for illustrative purposes only. Individual cases will vary. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Prior to making any investment decision, you should consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

When is the Right Time for a Family Meeting?

Contributed by: Sandra Adams, CFP®

In the context of our financial planning work with clients, family meetings can be scheduled for many different reasons. These meetings are often scheduled because something has changed, and the family needs to discuss a family transition or crisis. However, family meetings, like most planning, are most effective when done proactively — before a stressful life transition or crisis.

What does a proactive family meeting look like?

When we talk to clients about scheduling a family meeting with their children, what is the purpose? What is on the agenda?

Purpose(s):

One of the purposes of the meeting is to ensure that our clients’ children get to know us. They are most often the future decision-makers for their parents if anything happens with their health or decision-making ability in the future (as future powers of attorney, trustees, etc.), and it is always nice if they have met us and are comfortable contacting us when that time comes. Another purpose for the meeting is to communicate to the children the parents’ long-term plans and wishes and (if the parents are comfortable) review their overall assets, estate plan, and how everything works and will work in the future when and if needed.

Agenda Items:

The agenda is something that can change based on the family and based on the parent’s needs and desires. Some clients are comfortable going over their complete plan with their families, covering everything we would cover in our full annual review. Others want to keep things much higher level and explain their long-term plan and wishes without discussing specific assets and amounts.

No family meeting will look the same, but most clients and children leave feeling that they are valuable and are helpful to everyone involved to help plan for the future.

So, when is the right time for a family meeting? When it is needed. That means when a family transition or a crisis is looming, that is the right time. If you are part of a family that would like to be proactive and communicate your plan to your family in advance of a transition or crisis, then scheduling a family meeting with your financial advisor early as part of your retirement planning or early longevity planning may be the best time. In any case, there is no wrong time unless you never do it.

If you or someone you know is interested in scheduling a family meeting and has questions about the process, please let us know. We are always happy to help. Reach out to me at Sandy.Adams@CenterFinPlan.com

Sandra Adams, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® and holds a CeFT™ designation. She specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and serves as a trusted source for national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine, and Journal of Financial Planning.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Sandra D. Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Does It Make Sense to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Contributed by: Matt Trujillo, CFP®

Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child's college education, or some other goal. Putting extra cash toward one of these goals may mean sacrificing another. So how do you choose?

Evaluating the Opportunity Cost

Deciding between prepaying your mortgage and investing your extra cash is challenging because each option has advantages and disadvantages. But you can start by weighing what you'll gain financially by choosing one option against what you'll give up. In economic terms, this is known as evaluating the opportunity cost.

Here's an example. Let's assume you have a $300,000 balance and 20 years remaining on your 30-year mortgage, and you're paying 6.25% interest. If you were to put an extra $400 toward your mortgage each month, you would save approximately $62,000 in interest and pay off your loan almost six years early.

By making extra payments and saving all of that interest, you'll gain a lot of financial ground. But before you opt to prepay your mortgage, you still have to consider what you might be giving up by doing so—the opportunity to potentially profit even more from investing.

To determine if it makes more sense to pay off your mortgage with extra cash on hand or invest the cash, you first need to see the risk-free return rate. The risk-free rate of return is the return you could get on your money if you invested in a savings account at the bank, a CD, or a money market fund, something that has little risk of loss of principle. If that rate is lower than your current mortgage rate, then deploying your cash to pay down that debt makes sense. If the risk-free rate is higher than your mortgage rate, you may want to consider investing your money and paying your planned mortgage payments.  

Keep in mind that the rate of return you'll receive is directly related to the investments you choose. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Investments with the potential for higher returns may expose you to more risk, so consider this when making your decision.

Other Points to Consider

While evaluating the opportunity cost is important, you'll also need to weigh many other factors. The following questions may help you decide which option is best for you.

• What's your mortgage interest rate? The lower the rate on your mortgage, the greater the potential to receive a better return through investing.

• Does your mortgage have a prepayment penalty? Most mortgages don't, but check before making extra payments.

• How long do you plan to stay in your home? The main benefit of prepaying your mortgage is the amount of interest you save over the long term; if you plan to move soon, there's less value in putting more money toward your mortgage.

• Will you have the discipline to invest your extra cash rather than spend it? If not, you might be better off making extra mortgage payments.

•  Do you have an emergency account to cover unexpected expenses? Making extra mortgage payments now doesn't make sense if you'll be forced to borrow money at a higher interest rate later. And keep in mind that if your financial circumstances change, if you lose your job or suffer a disability, for example, you may have more trouble borrowing against your home equity.

• How comfortable are you with debt? If you worry endlessly about it, give extra consideration to the emotional benefits of paying off your mortgage.

• Are you saddled with high balances on credit cards or personal loans? If so, it's often better to pay off those debts first. The interest rate on consumer debt isn't tax deductible and is often far higher than your mortgage interest rate or the rate of return you're likely to receive on your investments.

• Are you currently paying mortgage insurance? If you are, putting extra toward your mortgage until you've gained at least 20% equity in your home may make sense.

• How will prepaying your mortgage affect your overall tax situation? For example, prepaying your mortgage (thus reducing your mortgage interest) could affect your ability to itemize deductions (this is especially true in the early years of your mortgage when you're likely to be paying more in interest). It's important to note that due to recent tax law changes, specifically the increase in the standard deduction, many individuals aren't itemizing their taxes and are no longer taking advantage of the mortgage interest deduction.

• Have you saved enough for retirement? If you haven't, consider contributing the maximum allowable each year to tax-advantaged retirement accounts before prepaying your mortgage. This is especially important if you are receiving a generous employer match. For example, if you save 6% of your income, an employer match of 50% of what you contribute (i.e., 3% of your income) could potentially add thousands of extra dollars to your retirement account each year. Prepaying your mortgage may not be the savviest financial move if it means forgoing that match or shortchanging your retirement fund.

• How much time do you have before retirement or until your children go to college? The longer your timeframe, the more time you have to potentially grow your money by investing. Alternatively, if paying off your mortgage before reaching a financial goal will make you feel much more secure, factor that into your decision.

The Middle Ground

If you need to invest for an important goal but also want the satisfaction of paying down your mortgage, there's no reason you can't do both. It's as simple as allocating part of your available cash toward one goal and putting the rest toward the other. Even minor adjustments can make a difference. For example, you could potentially shave years off your mortgage by consistently making biweekly, instead of monthly, mortgage payments or by putting any year-end bonuses or tax refunds toward your mortgage principal.

Remember, no matter what you decide now, you can always reprioritize your goals later to keep up with changes in circumstances, market conditions, and interest rates.

Matthew Trujillo, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® A frequent blog contributor on topics related to financial planning and investment, he has more than a decade of industry experience.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James.