Toney Financial Services

08/31/2026

Everyone should have a will. But should the will or a trust control most of the assets in an estate?

08/07/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

07/31/2026

🎒📚 Back to School! 🍎✏️

Hey everyone! As the summer sun begins to set, it's time to trade in those flip-flops for some fresh kicks and head back to school. Whether you're starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, or reuniting with friends, this school year is your blank canvas. Let's fill it with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Remember, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Wishing you all a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

🌟

06/09/2026

One of the most overlooked questions in building a retirement strategy isn't "How much do I have?" It's "When do I need it?"

That's exactly what a bucket strategy does. It matches your assets to your timeline, so every dollar is working as hard as it can for as long as it can.

Do your buckets match your time horizon?

06/03/2026

At Toney Financial Services, our goal is to help you build and protect your financial future through our TIGER Process:

T – Tax Planning
I – Investments
G – Giving
E – Estate Planning
R – Risk Management

While many people focus on growing their wealth, protecting what they've worked so hard to build is just as important. That's why Risk Management is a key part of our planning process.

We'd like to offer a complimentary review of your current auto and home insurance coverage. Our insurance specialists, Trudy and Debby, can help determine whether your current policies provide the appropriate protection for your family, assets, and financial goals while also ensuring you're receiving competitive rates.

An insurance review may uncover opportunities to:

Improve coverage and protection
Identify potential gaps in your policies
Evaluate liability limits
Reduce premiums through discounts or policy adjustments
Better align your coverage with your overall financial plan

Our objective isn't simply to provide an insurance quote—it's to ensure your Risk Management strategy supports the rest of your financial plan and helps safeguard the progress you've made toward your goals.

If you'd like to schedule a complimentary insurance review or receive a quote, please contact us at 770-765-1945 or [email protected].

Thank you for the trust you've placed in Toney Financial Services. We appreciate the opportunity to help you navigate every aspect of your financial life through our TIGER Process.

04/18/2026

Mom taught me that "waste not, want not."
That grocery lists matter.
That rainy day jars aren't just for spare change; they're one way she prepared for life's "what ifs."

Whether she balanced the checkbook down to the penny or found creative ways to stretch a budget, many of us carry her financial wisdom with us.

What's a money lesson your mom shared that still sticks with you?
Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear what stayed with you. 💬👇

04/08/2026

What if your most expensive tax decision in 2026 happens long before you file your return?
Tax prep looks backward; tax strategy looks ahead, and that gap is where real after-tax outcomes get decided.

A few high-impact levers to keep on the radar:
➡️ When Income Lands: Timing bonuses, self-employment income, and retirement distributions can help manage brackets.

➡️ How You Might Save: Consider taking advantage of the higher 401(k) limits in 2026 and catch-up provisions—but be sure to look into whether you need to use a Roth for those catch-up contributions.

➡️ Where Giving Shows Up: New rules change how charitable gifts and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits work together.

➡️ What You Do in Down Markets: Tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into a tool, not just noise.

➡️ With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.

Preparing year-round can help shape future cash flow, flexibility, and choices.



Sources:
➡️ https://www.affiancefinancial.com/news/tax-planning-or-tax-preparation-which-do-i-need
➡️ https://www.bdo.com/insights/tax/irs-issues-final-catch-up-contribution-regulations-for-salary-deferrals-in-retirement-plans
➡️https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf
https://silvertaxgroup.com/donor-advised-funds-strategy/
➡️ https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/charitable-tax-strategies/bunching-charitable-donations.html
➡️ https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/convert-to-roth-ira/

04/03/2026

Today is Good Friday. Let us take a moment to reflect on the profound significance of this holy day. May it be a time of peace, of prayer, and of reflection.

Please note that some financial markets will be closed due to this sacred occasion.

03/31/2026

One coffee roaster’s ride on the roller coaster of coffee pricing can help explain the many reasons consumers keep paying more for a cup of joe.