“Is a one-time financial plan enough to get me through retirement?” It’s one of the most common questions I hear from people who want to enjoy retirement without worrying about running out of money. My new article explains when a one-time plan works well and why most retirees need someone reviewing their taxes every year.
You give to the same causes every year, and you’ve probably done it the same way every year. The 2026 tax rules changed how those gifts get deducted, and for some retirees the check they’ve always written now does less for them than it used to. Here are three ways to give the same amount and potentially keep more of your money.
You’ve spent the past decades refining your retirement savings strategy. But in many cases, how you withdraw money matters just as much as what you saved. This new article explores tax-savvy withdrawal strategies to help you keep more of your money.
The hardest part of discussing finances with aging parents is just starting the conversation. Delaying these vital talks until a crisis hits leaves families navigating complex systems under extreme stress. My latest article shares thoughtful ways to handle these challenging conversations.
Here’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately: Does your retirement plan actually account for inflation or does it just assume everything stays the same? A lifestyle that costs $5,000 a month today could cost nearly $6,700 a month 10 years from now at just 3% annual inflation. That is not a worst-case scenario… Continue reading Is Inflation Killing Your Retirement Savings?
A common question I hear from people approaching retirement: What do I do with my 401(k) when I stop working? It sounds like a straightforward question. But the answer matters more than expected, and the wrong move can mean a tax bill that catches you completely off guard or giving up a withdrawal benefit you… Continue reading The Biggest 401(k) Mistakes I See People Make in Retirement
By Joe Dowdall, CFP®, RICP®, CRPC®, CCFC, TPCP® Retirement doesn’t come with a single tax problem; it comes with a series of them, each arriving at a different stage, each requiring a different answer. Over the years, I’ve worked with couples across Dallas who are navigating these exact decisions. And what I’ve found is that… Continue reading 3 Couples, 3 Stages, 1 Goal: A Tax-Smart Retirement
Tax season is stressful, but for a growing number of people, it’s also when scammers strike. Every year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” list, a roundup of the most dangerous tax scams in circulation. The 2026 list is out, and this year’s edition includes something new: AI-powered phone scams that are getting harder… Continue reading The IRS Dirty Dozen: Tax Scams to Watch Out for in 2026
I wanted to share a story about a conversation that changed how I think about financial planning. I’ve been working with this couple for years—healthy, active, and building a future together. But then one of them was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. I wasn’t looking forward to the meeting, but when they came in, I was… Continue reading The Hardest Financial Planning Conversation I’ve Had With a Client (and Why It Mattered)
A 20% return sounds better than 8%. But which investor actually ends up with more money? The answer might surprise you.
