After decades of filing taxes together, most couples assume their retirement plan will continue largely unchanged if one spouse passes away.

But for many surviving spouses, the first surprise is a higher tax bill, even when income hasn't changed much.

In this episode, I explain how a feature of the tax code can increase taxes after the loss of a spouse.

Using a real-world example, I show why tax brackets shrink, why retirement income often doesn't, and how that mismatch can quietly drive taxes higher over time.

More importantly, I share a planning framework couples can use while both spouses are still alive.

We'll cover common mistakes, why the "married window" matters, and how small, intentional decisions made years in advance can meaningfully protect the surviving spouse.

This isn't about fear or worst-case scenarios—it's about avoiding unnecessary surprises and making thoughtful, proactive decisions that support confidence throughout retirement.

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📆 BOOK A CALL:

For two decades, we've have helped hundreds of families across the U.S. plan smarter retirements—from tax strategies and investments to income and legacy planning.

The result?

Less stress. Lower taxes. More confidence about the future.

If you're looking for clarity and a proven, personalized process, we'd be honored to have a conversation.

👉 Click to Learn More and Schedule

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EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™

Every year, Wall Street rolls out its market predictions.

Targets get published, expectations get set, and the headlines make it sound like the future is just a spreadsheet away.

But markets have a long history of humbling even the most confident forecasts, and that creates a real problem for retirement savers.

Because, while short-term forecasts are usually noise, ignoring market expectations altogether isn't the answer either.

So in today's episode, I break down how to think about market outlooks the right way.

We'll cover why forecasts so often miss the mark, when long-term assumptions actually matter, and how market research can be used as a planning tool (not a prediction engine).

I also share key themes from Vanguard's Economic and Market Outlook for 2026, focusing on growth, inflation, and expected returns—and why all of that matters for your portfolio and retirement plan.

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📆 BOOK A CALL:

For two decades, we've have helped hundreds of families across the U.S. plan smarter retirements—from tax strategies and investments to income and legacy planning.

The result?

Less stress. Lower taxes. More confidence about the future.

If you're looking for clarity and a proven, personalized process, we'd be honored to have a conversation.

👉 Click to Learn More and Schedule

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Join the Stay Wealthy Retirement Newsletter

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™

Every January, we go through the same routine.

Limits adjust, brackets shift, and most years it's just a quick refresh.

But 2026 is different.

Sweeping tax legislation passed last summer is introducing some of the biggest changes we've seen in a while.

And buried inside those updates are two new rules that have already caused widespread confusion (even among experts).

In this bonus episode, I walk through the most important tax updates for 2026 and explain why they matter for your retirement plan.

I also also break down those two unique rules, sharing how they work, who they apply to, and why they matter.

So even if you feel up to speed on the 2026 changes, I'm confident you'll walk away with at least one new and useful insight.

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📆 BOOK A CALL:

For nearly two decades, we've have helped hundreds of families across the U.S. plan smarter retirements—from tax strategies and investments to income and legacy planning.

The result?

Less stress. Lower taxes. More confidence about the future.

If you're looking for clarity and a proven, personalized process, we'd be honored to have a conversation.

👉 Click to Learn More and Schedule

***

EPISODE RESOURCES:

→ Download the 2026 Tax Cheat Sheet

→ Grab the Episode Show Notes

→ Learn About the Total Retirement System™