If you have followed the news lately, it may feel like the markets are constantly reacting to the next crisis, headline, or global event. For many investors, especially those approaching or living in retirement, that uncertainty can feel unsettling. However, when we step back and look at the bigger picture, a different story appears.
While taxes are rarely anyone’s favorite topic, they do play an important role in protecting the life you have built and the flexibility you value. Our goal is simple: reduce friction, increase clarity, and help you move through tax season feeling prepared rather than pressured.
Beginning January 1, 2026, SECURE 2.0 requires that catch-up contributions must be designated Roth (after-tax), but only for certain high earners: • If your FICA wages from the prior year exceed $150,000, all catch-up amounts you make in 2026 must be Roth — not pre-tax. That means the extra $8,000 or $11,250 in catch-up contributions must be made with after-tax dollars, deposited into a Roth 401(k).
Every December, I see the same pattern in retirement with women. Smart, thoughtful retirees enjoy the holidays and then, almost on cue, January shows up with a quiet sense of unease.
Roth Conversion vs. Backdoor Roth. Many women we work with want to build more retirement savings in accounts that grow tax-free. Two common strategies are a Roth conversion and a backdoor Roth contribution.
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, and new grandchildren can make old beneficiary designations outdated. Reviewing and updating your beneficiaries ensures your assets go to the right people and avoids costly mistakes.