How Inflation Impacts Your 2026 Financial Plan and What to Adjust
Prices keep climbing. Wages struggle to keep pace. The dollars you saved five years ago buy less with each passing month, and traditional retirement calculations suddenly look insufficient when you factor in persistent inflation over decades. Inflation doesn’t just make things more expensive today. It changes how you should approach every financial decision, from retirement contributions to debt management and investment allocation. According to research, inflation is expected to remain elevated at 2.8% by the fourth quarter of 2026, well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Understanding how this persistent inflation affects your financial plan determines whether you maintain […]
Tax-Efficient Charitable Giving: Strategies Beyond Cash Donations
Learn tax-efficient ways to give beyond cash donations, including appreciated assets, QCDs, and donor-advised funds, to maximize charitable impact and tax savings.
How to Adjust Investment Portfolios for Changes in Tax Laws
Tax laws never stay still for long, and 2025 has brought sweeping changes that could reshape your investment strategy. With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 4, 2025, investors face a new landscape of opportunities and challenges that require attention. These aren’t minor tweaks to existing rules; they’re fundamental shifts that could cost you thousands in missed opportunities or unnecessary taxes if you don’t act. Tax planning isn’t something you do once a year in April. It’s an ongoing process that requires adapting your financial plan whenever laws change. The new legislation permanently extends […]
What Triggers a Taxable Event?
In the labyrinth of personal finance, few phrases strike as much curiosity – and perhaps a twinge of anxiety – as “taxable event.” It’s a term that can make even the most seasoned investors pause, yet understanding it is crucial for anyone looking to navigate their financial journey successfully. Let’s say you’re playing a game of financial chess. Each move you make on the board – be it selling a stock, receiving a bonus, or even winning a prize – could potentially trigger a taxable event. But unlike chess, where the consequences of each move are immediately visible, the […]
What is “Tax Alpha”, and How Can You Use it to Boost Your Returns?
In the world of investing, performance is often measured by the numbers we see on our account statements. But savvy investors know that what truly matters is not just what you earn, but what you keep after taxes. This is where the concept of “Tax Alpha” comes into play – a powerful tool that can significantly boost your after-tax returns without necessarily increasing your investment risk. Tax Alpha represents the additional return generated through tax-efficient financial planning and investment strategies. It’s the unsung hero of portfolio management, often overshadowed by its more glamorous cousin, Investment Alpha. Yet, for many […]
How Will Tax Planning Affect Your Filing Strategy?
With Social Security benefits, many retirees focus solely on the timing of their claim. However, an equally crucial factor that often goes overlooked is the impact of Social Security benefits on your income taxes. Proper tax planning can significantly affect your overall retirement income and, consequently, your Social Security filing strategy. Understanding the tax implications of your Social Security benefits is essential for making informed decisions about when and how to claim. By considering the tax consequences, you can potentially increase your net income in retirement and ensure that your benefits are working as hard as possible for you. […]
Tax Planning for Today and the Future
3 Tax Optimization Strategies to Remember for Retirement
As you plan for retirement, it’s important to consider tax optimization strategies to minimize your tax liabilities. Here are three key ways to optimize taxes in retirement. Consider the Tax Structure of Your State and Locality Where will you live? Consider living in a tax-friendly state like Tennessee. [1] Many states offer tax breaks for retirement income or have no income tax, which can help you reduce your tax liabilities in retirement. Some states also offer tax exemptions for Social Security benefits and other retirement income sources. Assessing the tax structure of your state and constructing your retirement plan […]
Jim Brogan joins NewsTalk 98.7 to Discuss Building Your Long-Term Wealth
Jim Brogan, President & Founder of Brogan Financial, joins Bob Yarbrough on NewsTalk 98.7 to discuss building your long-term wealth, tax restrictions surrounding retirement savings accounts, and break down why workers aren’t contributing to their 401(k)s.
Plan for the Tax Rates of the Future
Retirees may no longer receive taxable income from an employer, but they will likely receive income from other sources which can be taxed. And while we know what the tax rates are now, we don’t know what they’ll be in 10 or 20 years – or even one year from now. This is why it’s important to plan for the tax rates of the future when it comes to taxes. Now vs. Tomorrow Right now, many people are enjoying relatively low tax rates: In 1946, the highest income tax rate was 94%, and in 1978 the maximum capital gains […]
