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A History of the Sales Tax
Before we take a peek into the past to see how sales tax became a part of our lives, let’s define our terms. Sales tax is a tax on the sale or exchange of an item or service and is usually paid by the consumer or purchaser. It is a[...]
How Home Sales Are Taxed: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Selling a home is a significant financial event, and understanding the tax implications can help homeowners protect their profit and avoid unexpected liabilities. When you sell your residence, the gain you realize may be subject to capital gains tax, but in many cases, favorable tax rules can help reduce that[...]
Income Tax vs. Capital Gains Tax: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between income tax and capital gains tax is a key part of smart financial planning. While both are ways the government collects revenue, they apply to very different types of money you receive. Here are the questions you most likely have, and the answers that can help[...]
Tax Updates for 2026: Key Things to Know This Year
Thanks to the permanent changes made by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) and the annual inflation adjustments from the IRS, the 2026 tax year brings some changes you might want to make note of. Getting a handle on these updates can help you plan out your financial moves[...]
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Price of Panic
Navigating Retirement Planning Through Volatility
Staying invested during times of crisis is critical to long-term financial success, but it can be challenging to maintain perspective when markets are volatile and negative news is constant. Emotional reactions like shifting to cash investments may feel safer in the short term, but they can undermine the long-term growth essential for reaching your financial goals.
Federal Employee’s Guide to Retirement
A Foundation For Your Retirement Life
Your financial strategy is the foundation of your retirement life. However, it can be difficult and complex to keep up with the changing financial landscapes, laws, and regulations, especially if you’ve been a federal employee and have worked for the government throughout your career.
Why 59 1/2 is an Important Age
Prepare for 59 1/2
You’re nearing your 60th birthday, which doesn’t seem as significant a milestone as the moon landing or important birthdays like 16, but that’s where you’re wrong! Turning 59 ½ is almost as exciting as when you turned 16 and could drive because at 59 ½ you can withdraw from your retirement accounts without incurring a penalty. Hopefully you’ve been taking advantage of the ability to contribute extra money to your retirement accounts since you turned 50. You’re also nearing the age at which you’re eligible for Social Security benefits and Medicare. Keep reading to learn about your retirement options and how you can successfully transition into retirement.
A Short Introduction to Long-Term Care
Your Guide to Long-Term Care
If you know someone who takes care of their parents or if you’ve done it yourself, you know how stressful it can be. Now, think about a time when you might need that same care. Even if your family members are nearby and can help you around the house as you get older, they might not be able to provide you with all the care you need. That’s why having a long-term care strategy can help give you and your family peace of mind and help lessen the burden of an unexpected expense.
Social Security Guide
Optimizing Social Security In Today’s World
Social Security planning is one of the most important elements in any retirement plan, but getting the most from your Social Security benefit can also feel complex and frustrating. In our guide, “Optimizing Your Social Security in Today’s World,” you’ll uncover practical tips and easy-to-understand steps to get the most out of your Social Security benefits.
Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement
Your Guide to Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement
If you’re preparing for retirement or looking for more financial stability, you’ve likely thought about how your retirement savings can be used smartly to cover your costs and maintain your lifestyle. It’s normal to fear running out of money in retirement, given that you are done with your working life and are turning to your own source of savings and wealth for your financial security. But there are ways you can replace that steady paycheck that used to be the bedrock of your financial life by applying your savings to certain income-focused financial strategies.
Your Guide to Replacing Your Paycheck in Retirement
Your numbers can help determine next steps
Personal Planning Services we always plan by the numbers. The calculators below are a great tool to begin a conversation about where you are today and where you want to be in the future.