News

20
Oct

How The “Big Beautiful Bill” Affects Long-Term Financial Planning

The recent tax legislation, known as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ introduces a number of changes that may affect various aspects of personal finance. This reform impacts various aspects of personal finance, from income tax rates and brackets to modifications in deductions and exemptions. Here’s what investors need to know about the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which is now law.

Changes in tax brackets

One of the most significant changes under the “Big Beautiful Bill” is the restructuring of the federal income tax brackets. While there were previously seven tax brackets, the new system also maintains seven, but at different rates.

For many taxpayers, these lower rates may result in reduced tax liability, depending on their individual circumstances. This could potentially free up funds that might be redirected toward other financial priorities.

Standard deduction and personal exemptions

Another critical aspect of the tax reform is the changes to standard deductions and personal exemptions. The “Big Beautiful Bill” has now nearly doubled the standard deduction.

However, it eliminates personal exemptions. For individuals who traditionally itemize deductions, this means reassessing whether it’s beneficial to continue doing so. In some cases, taking the increased standard deduction could lead to more significant tax savings.

Changes to estate and gift taxes

The reform has implications for estate planning, too. The “Big Beautiful Bill” has effectively doubled the federal estate and gift tax exemptions.

This change increases the amount of wealth that may be transferred free of federal estate or gift tax, which could influence estate planning strategies for some individuals.

Financial and tax professionals can provide guidance regarding how estate and gift tax changes may impact your estate and gift tax situation.

Impact on the mortgage interest deduction

The bill includes changes to the mortgage interest deduction, including a reduction in the cap from $1 million to $750,000 for new mortgages.

Social Security taxes

The Big Beautiful Bill temporarily increases the standard deduction of up to $4,000 for individuals 65 and over, from 2025 to 2028.

Child tax credit

The current $2,000 child tax credit, set to return to the pre-2017 level of $1,000 in 2026, now permanently increases to $2,200 under the bill.

Working with financial and tax professionals can help you navigate this landscape and work toward your goals under the new tax environment.

SWG4708884-0825a This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial guidance. Before you make any decisions regarding your personal financial situation, you should consult a financial or tax professional to discuss your individual circumstances and objectives. The sources used to prepare this material are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but are not guaranteed.

In addition, 1st Financial Investments specializes in providing strategies and guidance for those who are seeking a better lifestyle in retirement. If you have retirement savings of five million dollars or $50,000, we can ensure it works as hard. As a result, we offer our experience and knowledge to help you design a custom strategy for financial independence. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting!

13
Oct

Seven-Generation Thinking: How Indigenous Planning Principles Can Help Transform ‘Retirement Thinking’

One of the values embedded in many Indigenous cultures worldwide is something known as Seven Generation Thinking. This philosophy invites individuals to consider the impact of today’s decisions far into the future—potentially offering a complementary perspective to traditional retirement planning models.

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6
Oct

Financial Wellness in the Digital Age

As the world advances at a rapid pace, our lives are becoming increasingly digitized. The digital age has seen remarkable advancements that have intrinsically changed how we navigate our daily lives, especially in financial matters. Financial wellness now extends beyond balancing checkbooks- it involves understanding and utilizing digital tools to manage, save, and invest for goals.

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29
Sep

End-of-Summer Financial Reset: Preparing for Q4 Tax Planning

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, it’s the perfect time for a financial reset, to reassess your financial situation, and prepare for Q4 tax planning. With these tips and guidance from a financial professional, you can tackle Q4 tax planning with ease!

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22
Sep

When’s The Suitable Age to Purchase an Annuity?

Determining when to purchase an annuity can play a critical role in some retirement income strategies. Annuities are long-term insurance products that can provide a steady income stream during retirement. But when is the appropriate time to buy one? Here, we provide information to help investors make a more informed decision before purchasing an annuity.

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15
Sep

Mental Health and Money: Addressing Financial Anxiety in Uncertain Times

Financial confidence is a cornerstone of one’s overall well-being. Yet, in today’s volatile economic environment, it is increasingly challenging to maintain this stability. Unforeseen circumstances can arise for many, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Here, we provide strategies on how to navigate financial anxiety in these uncertain times.

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8
Sep

Financial Lessons from History’s Greatest Disasters

History is a great teacher, offering insights and financial lessons on a wide range of subjects. By examining some of the most catastrophic financial disasters in history, we can learn valuable lessons to apply in our lives.

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1
Sep

Labor Day Legacy: Teaching Children About Work, Money, and Retirement

Labor Day, a nationally celebrated holiday in the United States, offers more than a day off from work or school. It’s a valuable opportunity to honor the contributions of the labor force while also teaching children about work, money, financial stability, and saving for retirement.

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25
Aug

The Rise of Roth IRA Conversions

In the realm of retirement planning, one strategy is Roth IRA conversions, which can offer tax-free distributions in retirement. As with any financial strategy, it’s essential to understand how Roth IRA conversions work, their benefits and tax implications, and overall suitability before making any decisions.

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18
Aug

Alternatives to Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance

Purchasing long-term care insurance (LTCI) is one method to help prepare for future healthcare needs. However, the costs of premiums can be high, and not everyone qualifies for this type of insurance. Therefore, understanding alternatives to LTCI that may be suitable and offer similar benefits may be essential.

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