Winston & Companies

07/14/2026

One of the hidden gems in the world of real estate

Hint: it is probably down the street from you

07/07/2026

”Which 'unexciting' business is topping the charts?”

Which "unexciting" business leads the rankings?

07/07/2026

IRMAA Explained: The Hidden Medicare Cost That Could Catch You Off Guard

When it comes to Medicare, most people focus on coverage… but not enough attention is paid to what you’ll actually pay.
As Shane Stevenson with Winston & Companies explains to Erin Kennedy, if you’re considered a “high-income beneficiary” by the Social Security Administration, you could be hit with an extra charge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)… and it can significantly increase your Medicare Part B premiums.
Here’s what you need to know 👇
✔️ How high is “high-income”?
Even a modest increase in income can push you into a higher bracket.
✔️ It’s a cliff, not a slope
Go just $1 over the threshold, and you could pay hundreds more per year in premiums.
✔️ One-time events can trigger it
Selling a home, taking an RMD, Roth conversions, or realizing large capital gains can unexpectedly spike your income.
✔️ Planning is everything
Strategies like Roth conversions, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can help reduce or even avoid IRMAA.
The bottom line: Without careful planning, you could end up paying more for Medicare than necessary.
📞 Want to make sure IRMAA doesn’t catch you off guard? Call Shane at 602 456-1928 or visit www.WinstonandCompanies.com to put a plan together that could save you thousands in health insurance.

07/04/2026

07/01/2026

Getting Divorced May Cost You More Than You Think

Divorce isn’t just emotionally difficult... it can be financially overwhelming if you’re not prepared. If you're considering a divorce, Shane Stevenson with Winston & Companies and Erin Kennedy break down three major costs people often underestimate:
⚖️ Legal Fees
The average divorce costs $15,000–$20,000, but contested cases can exceed $100,000. Planning ahead can make a big difference.
🏠 Cost of Living
Going from one household to two can significantly increase expenses, often requiring tough lifestyle adjustments.
📈 Professional Development
After divorce, many women see their income drop by around 20%, making it critical to reassess earning potential and career opportunities.
The bottom line: Preparation is power. Understanding these costs now can help you protect your financial future later. To learn how to navigate this transition with confidence, call Shane at 602 456-1928 or visit www.WinstonandCompanies.com

06/25/2026

Claiming Social Security at 62: What You’re Really Giving Up

It sounds like a smart move: claim your Social Security early, invest the checks, and get ahead.
But for many high earners, that strategy can backfire… and cost far more than expected. As Shane Stevenson with Winston & Companies and Erin Kennedy discuss, claiming early and investing the benefit isn’t as simple as it sounds.
🎯 We also break down:
• How the Social Security earnings test can wipe out your benefit while you’re still working
• The true cost of claiming at 62 vs. waiting until full retirement age, or even 70
• The often-overlooked impact on your spouse, especially survivor benefits
💡 Bottom line: Timing when you claim Social Security isn’t just about getting paid sooner, it’s about maximizing income, protecting your spouse, and avoiding costly mistakes. It's one of the most important decisions you will make in retirement, and it's something Shane specializes in. To determine when you should claim, call 602 456-1928 or visit www.WinstonandCompanies.com

06/23/2026

When it comes to estate planning, it's crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls that could undermine your efforts

Intentions are great. Outcomes matter. Here's what to know.

06/17/2026

Expecting a Windfall? How to Make Sure Your Inheritance Doesn’t Disappear

A shocking stat from ThinkAdvisor:
👉 42% of heirs lose their inheritance within just ONE year.
The average amount?
💰 $133,000 — gone.
So what’s really going on here? And more importantly… how can families avoid it?
🎯 In this interview, Shane Stevenson with Winston & Companies and Erin Kennedy break down:
• Why inheritances are spent faster than other financial windfalls
• The biggest mistakes families make when passing down wealth
• Smart strategies to help ensure your legacy actually lasts

Receiving an inheritance often comes with more than just financial decisions... it can carry real emotional weight. The best way to protect your family and make thoughtful choices is to have a plan in place ahead of time. Connect with Shane at 602 456-1928 or visit www.WinstonandCompanies.com to start building a strategy that supports your family’s future.

06/16/2026

The Hidden Pitfalls of Property Deeds

Adding a child to the deed? Read this.

06/10/2026

Retirement Milestones: The Ages That Trigger Big Financial Decisions

There are a few birthdays that matter a lot more than the candles on the cake 🎂
Certain ages can unlock benefits, or create costly mistakes, if you don’t plan ahead. In this interview, Shane Stevenson with Winston & Companies and Erin Kennedy break down the key ages every investor and retiree should know, including:
• 59½ – Penalty-free withdrawals and in-service rollovers
• 62 – When Social Security becomes available… but should you claim?
• 65 – Medicare eligibility (and why missing this can be expensive)
• 70½ – A powerful opportunity for charitable giving with QCDs
• 73 – When Required Minimum Distributions begin
Whether retirement is right around the corner or still on the horizon, understanding these milestones can make a meaningful difference in your long-term plan. To talk to Shane to learn what to do, and what to avoid, at every stage, call 602 456-1928 or visit www.WinstonandCompanies.com