Will vs. Revocable Living Trust in 2026: The Difference and Which One Your Family Actually Needs
One of the most common questions I hear from families at their first estate planning meeting is a simple one: Do I need a will or a trust? What is actually the difference? It is a reasonable question. And the honest answer for most families is: you need both. But they do completely different jobs,… View Article
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Medicare Costs Just Jumped 10% in 2026: What Every Retiree Needs to Know Before March 31
If you are on Medicare, or approaching eligibility, 2026 brought a cost increase you cannot afford to ignore. The standard Medicare Part B premium jumped from $185 to $202.90 per month in 2026. That is a nearly 10% increase in a single year, and the first time the Part B premium has ever exceeded $200…. View Article
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The Estate Tax Exemption Is Now $15 Million in 2026: Does Your Estate Plan Still Make Sense?
On January 1, 2026, the federal estate tax exemption increased to $15 million per person — $30 million for married couples. It is now permanent, with no scheduled expiration. If you read that and thought, ‘that doesn’t affect me — my estate isn’t anywhere near $15 million,’ I want to stop you right there. Because… View Article
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Social Security Full Retirement Age Just Changed in 2026: What It Means for You
In 2026, Social Security’s full retirement age officially reached 67 — completing a 42-year transition that began with a congressional reform in 1983. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is now 67. That is the final number. It will not go up again under current law. This change affects… View Article
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What Happens If I Die Without a Will in 2026? (Intestate Succession Explained)
One of the most common estate planning fears is: “What happens if I die without a will?” The answer is intestate succession — state laws decide who gets your assets, who raises your kids, and how everything is handled. In 2026, dying without a will (intestate) can create unnecessary delays, costs, and family stress —… View Article
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Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before I Retire in 2026? Pros, Cons & When It Makes Sense
One of the biggest questions people approaching retirement ask is: “Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?” With interest rates still elevated in 2026 and many homeowners carrying 3–7% mortgages, the decision isn’t as simple as “debt = bad.” It depends on your cash flow, tax situation, investment returns, and what you want… View Article
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