Posts by Chelsie Smith
Tax Planning Is a Lifetime Strategy, Not a Once-a-Year Event
When most people think about tax planning, they think about April — or, if they’re a little more proactive, December. They think about this year’s return, this year’s deductions, this year’s bill. That’s not a bad instinct. But it’s an incomplete one. We think about tax planning differently. We’re not just asking, “How we lower…
Read MoreIn Plain English – Beneficiary Designations
Introducing: In Plain English – Our New Monthly Term Series Financial jargon can get in the way of good decisions. Each month, we’ll break down one term or concept you’ve likely heard into a clear explanation you can use. Whether it’s something you’ve heard us mention in a meeting or seen on a statement, this…
Read MoreFinancial Spring Cleaning: 6 Things to Review This Season
Have you done your spring cleaning yet? I’m not talking about scrubbing baseboards or sorting through those drawers that somehow fill up with things we don’t need. I’m talking about financial spring cleaning—a dedicated time to review your goals, accounts, and overall financial plan to make sure everything is organized, efficient, and not creating unnecessary…
Read MoreWhat Are Retirement Gap Years?
What Are Retirement Gap Years? Timing Social Security, Roth Moves, and Medicare When people hear “gap year,” they often think of the year between high school and college. But there’s another kind of gap year that can have a big financial impact: the years between retiring and starting Social Security or pension income. These retirement…
Read More2026 Key Financial Changes
The annual exclusion for gifts remained at $19,000 for 2026. The limitation on deferrals for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans is increased to $24,500 for 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025. The catch-up for those over age 50 was increased to $8,000 from $7,500, so if you are maxing out your plan and over age…
Read MoreNew Retirement Rule Coming in 2026 for High-Income Earners: Roth Catch-Up Contribution
Starting January 1, 2026, a change under the SECURE 2.0 Act will affect how some employees age 50 and older make catch-up contributions to their workplace retirement plans. What’s Changing? If you turn 50 or older in 2026 and your 2025 FICA wages (Box 3 of your W-2) with your current employer were over $150,000*,…
Read MoreSocial Security and Medicare Changes for 2026
Starting in January 2026, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation. The adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index, reflecting changes in the cost of goods and services over the past year. Beneficiaries will be notified of their new benefit amounts by mail…
Read MoreHealth Insurance Open Enrollment Season Is Here
It’s that time of year again — Open Enrollment season! Whether you’re covered through Medicare, the Marketplace, or a Group/Employer plan, this is your opportunity to review your benefits and make sure you’re prepared for 2026. Health insurance plan details, provider networks, and prescription coverage can change each year — and your own health or…
Read MoreHappy Retirement, Molly!
It is with appreciation and warm wishes that we share the news of Molly Hoff’s retirement from Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors. Molly’s last day with us will be November 7th 2025. Molly has been a part of our team since 2005, bringing her professionalism, warmth, and deep commitment to both clients and colleagues. Her presence…
Read MoreCongratulations, Glenn!
We’re excited to celebrate Glenn McKee’s achievement of his Master of Science in Financial Management, with a concentration in Investment Analysis, from Boston University. Glenn is a research analyst on our investment and trading team, and this milestone is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Your perseverance has truly paid…
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