Michael Hall of Gateway Financial Partners

05/29/2026

Don't forget about COLA!

The purpose of the COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is not eroded by inflation.

05/26/2026

Curious about Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)?

They’re a flexible way to support causes you care about, on your timeline.

Here’s what stands out:
• Contributions may be tax-deductible the year they're made
• Assets can grow tax-free while you decide when to give
• You can donate cash, stocks, and other appreciated assets

DAFs can simplify your giving strategy while keeping it aligned with your values.

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

What is a pour-over will and how does it work with a trust?

A pour-over will is designed to work alongside a living trust. It acts as a backup to ensure any assets not placed in the trust during your lifetime are transferred (“poured over”) into it after your passing.

Here’s how it works:

You set up a trust and transfer as many assets as possible into it.

You also create a pour-over will that says anything left outside the trust at death should go into it.

These leftover assets still go through probate, but the will directs them into your trust.

Once there, the trust handles distribution to your chosen beneficiaries.

In short: a pour-over will helps keep your estate plan unified, even if something gets missed.

05/21/2026

When retirement plans are left unmanaged after job changes, coordination and long-term alignment can become more difficult.

For contract-based careers, multiple retirement accounts are common. Taking inventory and reviewing how they fit into your broader financial picture can wlp you stay oganized.

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/forgotten-401-k-plans-are-costing-americans-billions-in-lost-investment-gains-f1d7da48?

As workers change jobs, more retirement accounts are being left behind.

05/18/2026

Inflation Demystified: Inflation affects every part of our economy. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Demand-Pull: Think booming demand during holidays or shortages of hot items.

Cost-Push: Supply chain delays and energy price hikes often trigger this.

Built-In: A ripple effect when wages and prices increase together.

05/10/2026

Today, we honor the love, strength, and care of mothers and mother figures everywhere. Thank you for all that you do.

05/07/2026

Retirement can feel far away until suddenly, it doesn’t.

The decisions you make today, how much you save, how you invest, when you review your accounts, and how you prepare for taxes, income, and healthcare, can all play a role in your future retirement picture.

Take inventory of where you are today:
What are you saving?
What accounts do you have?
When do you hope to retire?

05/06/2026

Are you on track for retirement? I'd be happy to help you craft a plan that aligns with your goals and helps you feel confident about the road ahead.

Let’s chat about what’s next!

715-514-2526
[email protected]

05/05/2026

Most people plan for retirement income.
Fewer plan for retirement taxes.

Yet how you withdraw can matter as much as how much you've saved.

A few ideas worth considering:

1. Know where your money lives

Not all retirement dollars are taxed the same way. Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are generally taxed as ordinary income, Roth accounts may offer tax-free qualified withdrawals, and brokerage accounts follow capital gains rules. Understanding the mix can help shape a more thoughtful drawdown strategy.

2. Consider the years between retirement and RMD(s)

The window between leaving the workforce and Required Minimum Distributions at age 73 is often a lower-income period. For some, this can be a time to explore Roth conversion strategies — though the right approach depends on your specific situation.

3. Don't overlook Social Security and Medicare

Up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax, and higher income can affect Medicare Part B and D premiums (IRMAA). Coordinating when you claim and how you withdraw can make a meaningful difference.

A tax-aware retirement plan won't eliminate taxes, but it may help you approach them with intention rather than surprise.

Need help on your road to retirement? I'd be happy to help you craft a plan to fit your needs.

715-514-2526
[email protected]