Map out where your income "pressure points" are before year-end decisions pile up. Mid-May is the perfect time to look at your tax picture for 2026 while you still have months to make adjustments. The key insight from this week's research: income doesn't increase your costs in a straight line. There are specific thresholds where crossing by even a small amount can trigger Medicare premium jumps, cause more Social Security to be taxed, or push investment gains into higher brackets. By identifying these pressure points now, you can make smarter decisions about Roth conversions, capital gains harvesting, or which accounts to draw from. The goal isn't to avoid all taxes — it's to maintain control over when and how they show up. Get your estate plan started at Trust & Will Tuesday, May 12: The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. This inflation reading influences everything from Social Security COLA projections to how aggressively the Fed might adjust rates — both directly affecting retiree purchasing power. Wednesday, May 13: Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak publicly this week. Watch for any signals about the direction of interest rates, which impact bond yields, CD rates, and the overall environment for retirement income planning. Thursday, May 14: Second quarter estimated tax payments aren't due until June 16, but this week is a smart time to review your withholding and quarterly estimates. If you've had unexpected income from Roth conversions or investment sales, adjusting now prevents surprises later. This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here is personalized financial tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional. Some links may be affiliate links. |