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The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. L Holt Financial and Insurance deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
Mid-Year Financial Checkup: Why June Is the Perfect Time to Reassess Your Financial Plan
As we reach the halfway point of the year, many people take stock of their health, careers, and personal goals—but often overlook one of the most important areas of their lives: their finances. Just as an annual physical helps identify potential health concerns before...
Retirement Isn’t Just About Saving Money—It’s About Creating Income You Can Count On
For many Americans, retirement planning begins with one simple question: "How much money do I need to retire?" While building savings is important, a more critical question is often overlooked: "How will I create a reliable income throughout retirement?" Retirement...
7 Financial Mistakes That Can Derail Your Retirement — And How to Avoid Them
Retirement should be a time filled with freedom, confidence, and peace of mind — not uncertainty and financial stress. Yet many people unknowingly make decisions during their working years that can create major challenges later in life. The good news is that most...
Retirement Planning in 2026: Building Confidence for the Years Ahead
Retirement is no longer viewed as simply “stopping work.” For many individuals and families, retirement is about creating freedom, protecting the lifestyle they’ve worked hard to build, and gaining peace of mind for the future. With rising healthcare costs, market...
Understanding Fixed Indexed Annuities: Balancing Growth Potential and Protection
In today’s unpredictable financial environment, many retirees and pre-retirees are searching for ways to protect their savings while still maintaining the opportunity for growth. One financial tool that continues to gain attention is the Fixed Indexed Annuity, often...
Why Retirement Planning Should Start Earlier Than Most People Think
When people hear the words “retirement planning,” many immediately picture someone in their 60s preparing to leave the workforce. The reality is very different. The most successful retirement strategies often begin decades before retirement is even on the horizon....
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan
For many people, financial confidence is not about having millions of dollars or a perfect investment strategy. It is about feeling secure, prepared, and in control of what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. Expenses appear unexpectedly, markets fluctuate, health...
Protecting Your Wealth Through Every Stage of Life
When people think about financial planning, they often focus only on retirement accounts or investment strategies. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, true financial security comes from creating a complete plan that protects your wealth through every stage...
The Hidden Risk of “Waiting Too Long” to Get Your Financial House in Order
Most people do not ignore their finances because they do not care.They ignore them because life gets busy. Work takes over. Family needs attention. Retirement feels far away. Insurance paperwork feels confusing. Estate planning gets pushed to “later.” Before long,...
The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. L Holt Financial and Insurance deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
Weekly Market Commentary
It was a hectic week on Wall Street as investors contended with heightened tensions in the Middle East, awaited the largest IPO in history, and received elevated inflation readings. The US and Iran appear to be very close to extending a fragile ceasefire, but as I...
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 was unable to make it a 10th straight week of gains as the market pulled back sharply late in the week amid a sense that the AI trade may have gone too far, too fast. Technology issues were absolutely hammered on Thursday and Friday after...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global equity markets rallied in May and received a final boost in the final week of the month on optimism that the US and Iran were close to extending the current ceasefire agreement. However, the negotiations between the two parties were described as “clear as mud”...
Weekly Market Commentary
Happy Memorial Day weekend, and thank you to all the brave men and women who have served our country to ensure our freedom. Markets took a step forward last week in what I would consider a complete reversal of the prior week's action. A broadening-out trade could...
Weekly Market Commentary
US equity markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. Hotter-than-expected inflation data, coupled with increased tensions in the Middle East, sent US Treasury yields significantly higher. The US-China summit ended with both sides with no real incremental...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets hit record highs as Q1 earnings continued to exceed expectations. Despite continued tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, investors bought mega-cap technology issues alongside Semiconductor companies. AMD posted...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets had mixed results last week as headlines about the US-Iran conflict continued to affect trade. Conflicting reports of the US and Iran meeting to negotiate a ceasefire came and went without the two sides meeting. The Strait of Hormuz continued to be...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets continued to rally in hopes of an extended ceasefire and Friday’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the rally will be tested on Monday after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, with the ceasefire ending on Tuesday. Negotiations...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets rose for a second week as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. The two sides met in Pakistan on Saturday to negotiate an end to the war, but talks ended without a resolution. The fragile ceasefire will be tested on Monday as markets reopen,...
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IRS Issues Guidance on Permissible Trump Account Investments
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst One of the most important features of Trump accounts is that they must be invested a certain way during the period before January 1 of the year the child turns age 18. (The IRS calls this the “growth period.”) The IRS recently issued...
Avoid These 4 Common IRA Trust Mistakes
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary can help you meet important estate planning goals. However, if you are considering this, you should proceed with caution. Here are four common mistakes with IRA trusts you...
Inherited Roth IRAs and Contributions: today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I inherited a Roth IRA from a sister who was one year younger than me. If I choose to stretch distributions over my life expectancy, which chart do I use, and whose age do I use for the first required minimum distribution...
Roth Distribution Rules: IRAs vs. Plans
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The foundational premise of a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) is the same – after-tax dollars go into the Roth account (either via contribution or conversion), and eligible earnings are tax-free. Pretty easy. But when it comes to...
IRS Issues Guidance on Trump Account Employer Contributions
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Recent IRS guidance confirms that any employer that wishes to make employer contributions to Trump accounts must comply with several administrative requirements. Especially for small employers, these requirements are likely to be...
The Five-Year Holding Period for Roth IRA Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: Does each conversion from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA require a five-year holding period? I have made several conversions and know that taxes are due when conversions are done. But how long must each conversion remain in the...
The Look-Through Rules for Trusts
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and subsequent regulations have brought us a complex set of rules for IRA beneficiaries, including trusts. Only individuals who are named on the IRA beneficiary form (or named...
The Roth Conversion Transaction Custodians Dislike
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Anyone with a traditional IRA can do a Roth conversion. As long as the funds are eligible to be rolled over, they can be converted. With a Roth conversion, traditional IRA funds are moved into a Roth IRA. This movement of funds is...
Does the Secure Act’s 10-Year Rule Apply to Inherited Roth IRAs?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education QUESTION: Does the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule apply to inherited Roth IRAs? ANSWER: Yes, the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule also applies to inherited Roth IRAs for non-eligible designated beneficiaries (NEDBs). That...
The views reflected by the author in this article are subject to change at any time without notice. L Holt Financial and Insurance deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources included in this article, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
Medicare and Retirement: Why Turning 65 Is More Than Just a Medicare Decision
For many Americans, turning 65 feels like a major milestone. While Medicare enrollment is often the first thing people think about, the reality is that Medicare is just one piece of a much larger retirement puzzle. Decisions made during this period can have a lasting...
read more
The Medicare–Social Security Timing Puzzle: How One Decision Can Affect Your Retirement Income
For many Americans approaching retirement, two of the most important financial decisions they will make involve Medicare and Social Security. While these programs serve different purposes, the timing of when you enroll and claim benefits can have a lasting impact on...
read more
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): How to Review Your Coverage and Avoid Costly Surprises
As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches, many beneficiaries assume their current plan will remain the best option for the coming year. Unfortunately, Medicare plans, provider networks, prescription drug formularies, and costs can change annually. Taking...
read more
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans: Which One Fits Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. One of the biggest decisions retirees face is whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap). While both...
read more
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available today. One of the most common questions people ask when approaching retirement is: “Should I choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan?”...
read more
Understanding Medicare Part D Changes in 2026: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Medicare continues to evolve each year, and 2026 is bringing several important updates that could directly impact prescription drug costs, coverage choices, and overall healthcare planning for Medicare beneficiaries. One of the biggest areas of focus this year is...
read more
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Both options are designed to help manage healthcare costs during retirement, but they work very differently. Understanding how each type...
read more
Medicare in 2026: What Every Senior Should Know Before Choosing a Plan
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with plan options, deadlines, and yearly changes. For many retirees, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make. Working with a trusted advisor can help...
read more
2026 Medicare Coverage Gaps Seniors Should Know About
Medicare provides valuable health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to discover that it does not cover everything. Understanding where coverage gaps exist can help seniors plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed...
read more
Medicare and Retirement: Why Turning 65 Is More Than Just a Medicare Decision
For many Americans, turning 65 feels like a major milestone. While Medicare enrollment is often the first thing people think about, the reality is that Medicare is just one piece of a much larger retirement puzzle. Decisions made during this period can have a lasting...
The Medicare–Social Security Timing Puzzle: How One Decision Can Affect Your Retirement Income
For many Americans approaching retirement, two of the most important financial decisions they will make involve Medicare and Social Security. While these programs serve different purposes, the timing of when you enroll and claim benefits can have a lasting impact on...
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): How to Review Your Coverage and Avoid Costly Surprises
As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches, many beneficiaries assume their current plan will remain the best option for the coming year. Unfortunately, Medicare plans, provider networks, prescription drug formularies, and costs can change annually. Taking...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans: Which One Fits Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. One of the biggest decisions retirees face is whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap). While both...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available today. One of the most common questions people ask when approaching retirement is: “Should I choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan?”...
Understanding Medicare Part D Changes in 2026: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Medicare continues to evolve each year, and 2026 is bringing several important updates that could directly impact prescription drug costs, coverage choices, and overall healthcare planning for Medicare beneficiaries. One of the biggest areas of focus this year is...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Both options are designed to help manage healthcare costs during retirement, but they work very differently. Understanding how each type...
Medicare in 2026: What Every Senior Should Know Before Choosing a Plan
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with plan options, deadlines, and yearly changes. For many retirees, Medicare is one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions they will make. Working with a trusted advisor can help...
2026 Medicare Coverage Gaps Seniors Should Know About
Medicare provides valuable health coverage for millions of Americans, but many beneficiaries are surprised to discover that it does not cover everything. Understanding where coverage gaps exist can help seniors plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and make informed...
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