Financial Foundations, Inc.

09/01/2026

“You’ll pay less tax in retirement” isn’t always true. Combining Social Security with required minimum distributions can trigger the “tax torpedo,” potentially raising the effective tax rate on additional withdrawals. See how careful planning may help: https://bit.ly/3U4oJIl

Your Social Security income and RMDs will most likely combine to deliver a tax torpedo, but there are ways to reduce your income in retirement to pay less tax.

08/25/2026

Skipping a bank account beneficiary could leave your money tied up in probate when loved ones need it most. Naming one can help funds pass directly to them and typically takes precedence over what your will says. See how to choose the right beneficiary: https://yhoo.it/4hRATOt

What happens to the money in your bank accounts when you die? Hopefully, it goes to a loved one who needs it. Naming a bank account beneficiary ensures that happens. Here's what to know about bank account beneficiary rules.

08/19/2026

Will or trust: which one do you really need? The answer may be both. 🤔 Trusts, beneficiary designations and other documents can all play a role in your estate plan. Learn about the differences and how wills and trusts can work together to create a stronger estate plan.

Wealth Enhancement reports on the estate planning debate between trusts and wills, highlighting that both serve unique purposes and can complement each other.

08/11/2026

For women, retirement isn’t only about how much they save. Longer lifespans, caregiving-related career gaps, and the possibility of retiring without a spouse’s income can make turning savings into lasting support especially important.

💬 Take an active role: Consider how your career, health, family responsibilities, and relationship status affect your plan.
🏠 Build an income foundation: Identify what you’ll need for essential expenses before planning for travel, hobbies, and other goals.
⏳ Prepare for the long term: Explore how Social Security, savings, and options such as annuities may work together to provide income.

Learn how to build a retirement strategy around the life you want: https://bit.ly/4pTgudK

Retirement planning often starts with a simple question: Have I saved enough? For women, though, that question captures only part of the picture.

08/05/2026

Scammers can now use AI to imitate a loved one’s voice, adding a convincing twist to familiar fraud schemes. Knowing these tactics can help older adults and families pause before responding.

📞 Watch for emotional pressure: Grandparent and romance scams use fear, trust, or urgency to push victims into sending money quickly.
🏦 Question unexpected claims: Fake bank representatives, government officials, and tech-support workers may say your accounts or benefits are at risk.
🛡️ Stop and verify: Contact the person or organization through a phone number you know is legitimate before sharing information or making a payment.

Learn more common warning signs and what to do if you or a loved one may have been targeted: https://bit.ly/4pUtOyJ

07/29/2026

Teaching kids about money doesn’t require a formal lesson. Everyday choices can help them practice budgeting, saving, and decision-making in ways that feel natural.

💬 Talk openly: Discuss costs, household budgets, and needs versus wants during grocery trips, shopping, or meals.
🎯 Make goals visible: Use jars or trackers to show progress toward something meaningful, such as a bike or video game.
🤝 Let them learn: Give kids small amounts to manage, then talk through mistakes without judgment or immediately bailing them out.

Explore more practical ways to raise financially confident kids: https://bit.ly/4wWQbG2

At the grocery store, Jamie Corum sets a two-minute timer for her 10-year-old daughter to look around. Then she resets it to 10 minutes so her daughter

07/21/2026

Inflation can quietly make each paycheck cover less, one bill and grocery trip at a time. Try these strategic shifts:

💵 Build, then redirect: Fund emergency and short-term needs without constantly chasing rates, then put extra cash toward other priorities.
📉 Tackle costly debt: Consider directing extra funds toward balances with the highest interest charges.
🛒 Spend with intention: Cancel unused subscriptions, compare grocery prices, and wait 24 hours before nonessential purchases.

Get the full debt-repayment checklist and more ways to make each dollar go further: https://bit.ly/4wR5oZ0

With inflation eroding purchasing power, here are three pivots to help you get back ahead of rising costs.

07/15/2026

You worked hard to save for retirement, now it's time to enjoy it. Learn how small investments in travel, hobbies, technology, and social connections can deliver lasting rewards. Read about 5 lifestyle upgrades. https://bit.ly/4vz3VpC

Reframing splurges as "intentional reallocation" of money can help you overcome spending anxiety and enhance your quality of life. Here are some suggestions.

07/08/2026

Retirement sneaking up faster than your savings? You still have time to strengthen your plan:

• Check Your Gap: Use a retirement calculator and your Social Security estimate to see how much income you’ll actually have.
• Boost Contributions: Workers 60–63 can save up to $35,750 annually in a 401(k) under SECURE 2.0.
• Delay Benefits: Waiting past 62 can increase Social Security payments by up to 8% per year.

Source: https://bit.ly/4s83UI7

Try not to panic—there are ways to bridge the gap.

06/30/2026

This Fourth of July, independence is worth celebrating (and planning for). Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful holiday.