HJP Lakes Financial Solutions

09/03/2026

Educator Classroom Expense Deduction – Did You Know?

Eligible K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses per year. Married couples filing jointly who are both eligible educators may deduct up to $350 each, for a combined maximum of $700.

You do not need to itemize deductions to claim this deduction. Be sure to keep receipts and other records for any classroom expenses you plan to deduct.

09/03/2026

Imagine waking up tomorrow and discovering that your family’s primary source of income is suddenly gone.

The mortgage is still due. Groceries must still be purchased. Children still have dreams for college, and retirement expenses do not disappear.

Would your family be financially prepared?

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month—a reminder that financial literacy is not only about growing wealth. It is also about protecting what you have worked so hard to build.

Life insurance can provide financial support when your family needs it most. Depending on the policy, it may help replace income, pay debts, fund education, protect a business, provide living benefits during a qualifying illness, or supplement retirement income.

The goal is not simply to own a policy. The goal is to have the right protection for your current needs and future plans.

Knowledge creates confidence. Planning creates protection.

09/02/2026

Small financial moves can pay off for years. Discover tax breaks for education, simple tax-planning strategies, ways to make banks compete for you, and how to avoid the technology upgrade tax.

College and trade schools are investments that can pay dividends for years. The same can be true of a few smart tax habits repeated year after year. In this month’s newsletter, we take a closer look at tax breaks for post-secondary education along with practical tax planning moves that can del...

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month—a meaningful time to review how well your family, income, and future are protected.

Life insurance is not only about what happens when you die. Depending on the policy and its terms, it may also:

Provide living benefits during a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness
Help protect your family’s financial future
Build cash value that may be accessed for future needs
Create a potential source of supplemental retirement income through properly structured policy loans and withdrawals

Life changes—and your coverage should keep pace. Marriage, children, a new home, career changes, business growth, retirement planning, or health concerns can all affect your protection needs.

08/28/2026

Charitable deductions are frequently challenged or denied during an IRS review. Protect your deduction by understanding the documentation and requirements before making a donation.

Too often a charitable tax deduction is disallowed upon review by the IRS. Don't let this happen to you. Here is what you need to know.

08/28/2026

Long-term care planning is about protecting your independence, your assets, and the people you love. The best time to explore your options is before care is needed.

Don’t leave your family to make difficult decisions during a crisis.

📩 Message me today to schedule your complimentary personal Long-Term Care Planning Review. Let’s create a strategy that provides more choices, dignity, and peace of mind for your future.

08/26/2026

Major Higher Education Tax Credits Now Require Valid SSN – Did You Know?

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) help many Americans pay for higher education. For eligible students pursuing a degree or other recognized credential, the AOTC can cover up to $2,500 in tuition, required school fees and certain course materials per year. Meanwhile, the LLC can offset up to $2,000 per tax return for qualified education expenses for eligible students taking higher education courses for a variety of reasons.

Beginning with tax year 2026, the taxpayer claiming either the AOTC or LLC (and spouse, if filing jointly) must have a Social Security number (SSN) valid for work in the United States that was issued before the due date of the tax return, including extensions. If the eligible student is not the person claiming the credit (for example, if the student is that person's dependent or spouse), then the student must also have a valid SSN issued by that deadline. Other qualification requirements, such as income limits, remain in effect. A tax professional can help you determine whether the higher education expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse or a dependent qualify for a tax benefit.

08/26/2026

EDUCATION MATTERS: Social Security and Taxes

Did you know that Social Security benefits may be taxable?

Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be included in your taxable income. This does not mean you pay an 85% tax rate—it means up to 85% of your benefits may be used when calculating your taxable income.

Income that may affect the taxation of your benefits includes:

• Pensions
• Traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals
• Investment income
• Wages or self-employment income
• Other taxable retirement income

Your income may also affect your Medicare premiums through IRMAA.

The lesson: Retirement planning is about more than choosing when to claim Social Security. It also means understanding how your income sources work together.

Planning before retirement may help you:

✅ Make an informed Social Security claiming decision
✅ Coordinate retirement-account withdrawals
✅ Manage taxable income
✅ Prepare for RMDs and Medicare costs
✅ Keep more of your retirement income

Don’t wait until retirement to learn how these rules may affect you.

Schedule a complimentary educational consultation:
calendly.com/rlakes

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08/21/2026

When an interest rate matters. This is what you need to know.

The IRS often sees the transfer of funds as a loan, whether there is a loan agreement or not. This also means there is an implied term and interest payment. When the IRS says a transaction is a loan, what interest rate do they use? Enter AFRs. Here is what you need to know.