Townsend Financial Life Management

10/23/2026

Bedtime Story: U.S. Federal Tax Code. How many pages have you read?

10/21/2026

❄️ Heating oil prices are climbing, and some households are facing difficult decisions as winter approaches.
In Maine, the average price reached $5.97 per gallon in early October. One homeowner estimates her family could spend nearly $5,000 heating their home this winter.
Nationwide, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects households that rely on heating oil to spend 21% more than last winter.
Some fuel suppliers say customers are ordering smaller deliveries because filling an entire tank has become too expensive.
For families already managing rising everyday expenses, keeping the house warm may take an even larger share of their household budgets this winter.

Amid surging inflation and a rise in fuel prices, Americans who rely on heating oil to warm up their homes this winter are bracing for increased financial strains.

10/21/2026

Terrible or wonderful; Could a variable annuity be right for you?

Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about if annuities are right.

10/19/2026

Social Security recipients will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027, translating to approximately $75 more per month on average.

The increase comes as inflation continues to affect everyday expenses. September's Consumer Price Index showed prices rising 3.7% over the past year.

But will the adjustment be enough? A September AARP survey found that roughly three-quarters of adults age 50 and older didn't believe a 3.5% COLA would keep pace with rising prices.

The actual increase will vary by recipient, and expenses such as health care, housing, and groceries may affect how far that additional income goes.

The Social Security Administration projects a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities starting in 2027.

10/19/2026

Settling an estate can be like putting together a puzzle. Make a cheat sheet for your heirs.

A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.

10/16/2026

How much more would you have to save for retirement if you owned your home rather than rented? Would it surprise you to learn it might be several times less? Learn more about the relative advantages below.

How much more would retirement cost if you owned your home rather than rented? It could actually be several times less.

10/14/2026

Over age 50? You may be able to catch-up on retirement.

Workers 50+ may make contributions to their qualified retirement plans above the limits imposed on younger workers.

10/12/2026

A surprise $90 deposit is landing for some Medicare enrollees this week. For roughly 40 million others, nothing is coming.

The payments are going to people in traditional Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive screenings. Medicare Advantage enrollees, people who pay income-related premiums, and those who already receive premium assistance are not eligible. Most deposits arrive through the Social Security Administration, while some beneficiaries will get a paper check later in October labeled “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment.”

📌 The standard Part B premium is $202.90 in 2026 and is expected to reach $209.50 in 2027.

That context matters. Some analysts note the $90 helps but won’t fully offset rising premiums, and healthcare costs remain a top financial concern across age groups.

For now, the payment is a welcome bit of relief. The bigger question is how coverage costs keep pace over time.

Millions of seniors are getting $90 direct deposits from Social Security this week, prompting questions about the source of the money.

10/12/2026

Selling an asset? Before you do, get a sense of what the federal capital gains tax could look like. Enter your numbers and see a quick estimate.

10/09/2026

What happens to your employer-sponsored retirement accounts when you change jobs? Find out in our latest video.

This video explores what to do with retirement accounts when you move on from your job.