Guides for retirees and pre-retirees
Each guide covers the rules, the 2026 numbers, a worked example, common mistakes, and when to bring in a professional.
Qualified charitable distributions: the most tax-efficient way retirees give
How QCDs work, the $111,000 limit for 2026, the one-time $55,000 split-interest option, and why QCDs beat itemized gifts under the new charitable rules.
7 min read →ConnecticutRetiring in Connecticut: income, property, and estate tax, with a Fairfield County focus
How Connecticut taxes Social Security, pensions, and IRAs in 2026, the $100,000 cliff, property tax relief, the 12% estate tax, and moving to Florida.
9 min read →DistributionRMDs, Roth conversions, and IRMAA: managing the retirement tax brackets
When RMDs start, how Roth conversions in the gap years can lower lifetime taxes, and how to avoid Medicare IRMAA surprises from the two-year lookback.
8 min read →New lawThe $6,000 senior deduction and the new charitable rules: keeping MAGI in range
Who gets the 2025–2028 senior deduction, how the phase-out works, and how the 0.5% charitable floor and 35% itemized cap change retiree tax planning.
6 min read →EstateEstate planning under the $15 million exemption
What the $15 million exemption means, why portability and the basis step-up matter more than ever, and how to use annual gifts and 529 superfunding.
8 min read →See the tax effect of a Roth conversion, QCD, or gift before you act.
In a consultation, we look at your recent returns and account balances, project your RMDs and Medicare premium tier, and tell you whether a Roth conversion or QCD could lower your federal and Connecticut tax over the next decade.