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AGI/MAGI Summary Guide

Reference guide explaining adjusted gross income (AGI) and modified AGI (MAGI) and their impact on tax plannin...

Am I Eligible for a Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for the QBI deduction for pass-through business income.

As Someone Who Is Working, What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My 2025 Tax Return?

Checklist of tax planning opportunities and issues to review on your 2025 tax return as a working individual.

As a Retiree, What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My 2025 Tax Return?

Checklist of tax planning opportunities and issues specific to retirees reviewing their 2025 tax return.

Can I Do a Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Distribution?

Flowchart to determine eligibility and tax benefits of an NUA distribution from an employer plan.

Can I Do a Section 1031 Exchange with My Rental Property?

Flowchart to determine eligibility and rules for a like-kind exchange of rental or investment property.

Do I Need to Start Making Estimated Federal Income Tax Payments?

Flowchart to determine whether you are required to make quarterly estimated federal income tax payments.

Pay Stub Review

Guide to reviewing your pay stub to ensure correct tax withholding and benefit elections.

Taxation Guide to Withdrawals and Income Sources

Reference guide summarizing the federal income tax treatment of common retirement income sources and withdrawa...

What Documents Do I Need to Collect for Filing My 2025 Tax Return?

Checklist of documents and records to gather before filing your 2025 federal income tax return.

What Issues Should I Consider Regarding My Incentive Stock Options?

Checklist of AMT, exercise timing, and tax planning considerations for incentive stock options (ISOs).

What Issues Should I Consider Regarding My Non-Qualified Stock Options?

Checklist of tax and planning considerations for non-qualified stock options (NQSOs).

What Issues Should I Consider Regarding My Restricted Stock Units?

Checklist of vesting, tax withholding, and planning considerations for restricted stock units (RSUs).

What Issues Should I Consider When Doing a Section 1035 Exchange?

Checklist of tax and planning considerations for a tax-free exchange of annuity or life insurance contracts.

What Will Have the Least Tax Impact — Harvesting Capital Gains or Roth Conversions?

Flowchart to compare the tax impact of harvesting capital gains vs. doing a Roth conversion.

Will I Have to Pay Tax on My Qualified ESPP?

Flowchart to determine the tax treatment of shares sold from a qualified employee stock purchase plan.

Will I Have to Pay Tax on the Sale of My Investment?

Flowchart to determine the tax treatment of investment sales including capital gains rates and exclusions.

Will I Receive a Step-Up in Basis for This Gifted Property?

Flowchart to determine the cost basis rules for property received as a gift.

Will I Receive a Step-Up in Basis for the Appreciated Property I Inherited?

Flowchart to determine whether inherited property qualifies for a step-up in cost basis.

Will the Deductibility of My Retirement Plan Contributions Be Impacted by the QBI Rules?

Flowchart to determine how retirement plan contributions interact with the QBI deduction rules.

Can I Contribute to My Roth IRA?

Flowchart to determine Roth IRA contribution eligibility based on income and filing status.

Can I Deduct My Traditional IRA Contribution?

Flowchart to determine whether your traditional IRA contribution is tax-deductible.

Can I Make a Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution?

Flowchart to determine eligibility and steps for a backdoor Roth IRA contribution.

Common Pension Plans for Small Business Owners

Reference guide comparing defined benefit and pension plan options for business owners.

Common Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners

Reference guide comparing retirement plan options available to small business owners.

How Must I Take Distributions from My Twice-Inherited Traditional IRA?

Flowchart for required distribution rules on a twice-inherited traditional IRA.

How Must I Take Distributions from the Roth IRA I Inherited?

Flowchart for distribution requirements on an inherited Roth IRA.

How Must I Take Distributions from the Traditional IRA I Inherited?

Decision flowchart for RMD rules on an inherited traditional IRA.

Should I Consider Doing a Roth Conversion?

Flowchart to evaluate whether a Roth conversion makes sense given your tax situation.

Should I Contribute to My Roth 401(k)?

Decision flowchart to determine whether Roth 401(k) contributions are right for you.

Should I Contribute to My Roth IRA vs. My Traditional IRA?

Decision flowchart comparing Roth vs. traditional IRA contributions for your situation.

Should I Establish a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE IRA for My Small Business?

Flowchart comparing SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA options for small business owners.

Should I Inherit My Deceased Spouse's Traditional IRA?

Decision flowchart for spousal IRA inheritance options and tax implications.

Should I Roll Over My Dormant Traditional 401(k)?

Flowchart to decide whether to roll over, keep, or cash out an old 401(k).

Should I Set Up a Traditional 401(k) for My Business?

Decision flowchart to evaluate whether a traditional 401(k) is right for your business.

Should I Take My Pension as a Lump Sum?

Decision flowchart to evaluate lump-sum vs. annuity pension payout options.

What Issues Should I Consider When Inheriting a Traditional or Roth IRA?

Checklist of key decisions and tax issues when inheriting a traditional or Roth IRA.

Will My Roth IRA Conversion Be Penalty-Free?

Flowchart to determine whether a Roth IRA conversion will trigger the 10% penalty.

Will a Distribution from My Roth IRA Be Tax- and Penalty-Free?

Flowchart to determine whether a Roth IRA distribution is tax- and penalty-free.

Will a Distribution from My Traditional IRA Be Penalty-Free?

Flowchart to determine whether a traditional IRA distribution avoids the 10% penalty.

Am I Eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B coverage.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for Social Security spousal benefits after divorce.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Spouse?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for Social Security spousal benefits.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits as a surviving spouse.

Am I Impacted by the Social Security Fairness Act?

Flowchart to determine whether the repeal of WEP and GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act affects your b...

Can I Avoid Taking My RMD After Reaching My Required Beginning Date (RBD)?

Flowchart to determine whether you can delay or avoid required minimum distributions after your RBD.

Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

RMD Tables Summary Guide

Reference guide with IRS Uniform Lifetime Table and other RMD tables for calculating required minimum distribu...

Should I Change My Medicare Coverage During Open Enrollment?

Decision flowchart to evaluate whether switching Medicare plans during open enrollment makes sense.

What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire?

Comprehensive checklist of financial, healthcare, and lifestyle decisions to address before retiring.

What Issues Should I Consider If I'm Concerned About Outliving My Assets?

Checklist of income strategies, spending adjustments, and planning tools to address longevity risk.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My RMD?

Checklist of RMD calculation, timing, and planning considerations for retirement account owners.

What Issues Should I Consider with My Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Checklist of claiming strategies, timing decisions, and tax considerations for Social Security retirement bene...

Where Should I Withdraw My Next Dollar from for Retirement Expenses?

Flowchart to determine the most tax-efficient account to withdraw from for retirement spending.

Will I Avoid IRMAA Surcharges on Medicare Part B and Part D?

Flowchart to determine whether your income will trigger IRMAA surcharges on Medicare premiums.

Will I Avoid Medicare Enrollment Penalties?

Flowchart to determine whether you will face late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B or Part D.

Will I Be Enrolled Automatically in Medicare?

Flowchart to determine whether you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65.

Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?

Flowchart to determine whether your Social Security benefits will be reduced due to earnings, WEP, or GPO.

Common Home Equity Options

Reference guide comparing HELOC, home equity loan, and cash-out refinance options.

Common Savings Accounts for Children

Reference guide comparing savings and investment account options available for children.

Should I Consider Refinancing My Mortgage?

Decision flowchart to evaluate whether refinancing your mortgage makes financial sense.

Should I Pay Off My Debts?

Decision flowchart to prioritize debt payoff vs. investing based on your financial situation.

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

Decision flowchart to evaluate whether paying off your mortgage early is the right financial move.

What Accounts Should I Consider If I Want to Save More?

Flowchart to identify the best account types for additional savings based on your situation.

What Issues Should I Consider When Establishing and Maintaining My Emergency Fund?

Checklist for building and maintaining an adequate emergency fund.

What Issues Should I Consider When Funding an Unexpected Expense?

Flowchart to determine the best way to fund an unexpected financial expense.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing Cash Flow?

Checklist of income, expense, and savings considerations when reviewing your cash flow.

What Issues Should I Consider When Using a Reverse Mortgage?

Checklist of key considerations, risks, and benefits when evaluating a reverse mortgage.

Where Should My Next Dollar Go?

Flowchart to determine the optimal use of your next available dollar for savings or debt payoff.

Can I Do a Qualified Charitable Distribution from My IRA?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA.

Common Charitable Giving Vehicles

Reference guide comparing charitable giving vehicles including DAFs, CRTs, CLTs, and private foundations.

Common Deductible Charitable Gifts

Reference guide to types of charitable gifts that qualify for a federal income tax deduction.

Common Estate Plan Elements

Reference guide summarizing the key documents and components of a comprehensive estate plan.

Common Trusts Summary Guide

Reference guide summarizing common trust types, their purposes, and key features.

Should I Consider a Trust?

Decision flowchart to determine whether a trust is appropriate for your estate planning needs.

Should I Use a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) When Giving to Public Charities?

Decision flowchart to determine whether a donor-advised fund is the right vehicle for your charitable giving.

What Issues Should I Consider Before Closing the Estate?

Checklist of final steps and considerations before formally closing a deceased person's estate.

What Issues Should I Consider Before I Update My Estate Plan?

Checklist of key questions and considerations before updating or creating an estate plan.

What Issues Should I Consider When Creating My Estate Plan?

Comprehensive checklist of documents, decisions, and strategies to address when creating an estate plan.

What Issues Should I Consider When Establishing My Charitable Giving Strategy?

Checklist of tax-efficient giving strategies and vehicles to consider when planning charitable contributions.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Beneficiaries?

Checklist for reviewing and updating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance, and other ass...

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Estate Planning Documents?

Checklist for reviewing and updating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate documents.

Common Life Insurance Policies

Reference guide comparing term, whole, universal, and variable life insurance policy types.

Common Long-Term Care (LTC) Products

Reference guide comparing traditional LTC insurance, hybrid policies, and other long-term care funding options...

If I Retire Early, Should I Buy Health Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

Decision flowchart for early retirees evaluating marketplace health insurance options.

What Issues Should I Consider When Purchasing Disability Insurance?

Checklist of coverage definitions, benefit periods, and policy features to evaluate when buying disability ins...

What Issues Should I Consider When Purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance?

Checklist of key factors and questions to evaluate when shopping for long-term care insurance.

What Issues Should I Consider When Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy?

Checklist of coverage needs, policy types, and cost considerations when buying life insurance.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Existing Life Insurance Policy?

Checklist for evaluating whether your current life insurance policy still meets your needs.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Health and Life Insurance Policies?

Checklist for reviewing and evaluating existing health and life insurance coverage.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Property and Casualty Insurance Policies?

Checklist for reviewing home, auto, umbrella, and other property and casualty insurance policies.

Will Healthcare Change as I Transition into Retirement?

Flowchart covering healthcare coverage options and changes when transitioning from employer coverage to retire...

Can I Make a Deductible Contribution to My HSA?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for making a tax-deductible HSA contribution.

Can I Make a Mega Backdoor Roth Contribution?

Flowchart to determine eligibility and steps for making after-tax 401(k) contributions and converting to Roth.

Common Annuity Products

Reference guide comparing fixed, variable, indexed, and income annuity product types.

Does an Annuity Fit within My Financial Plan?

Decision flowchart to evaluate whether an annuity is appropriate for your financial situation.

Is My Rental Property Tax Deductible?

Flowchart to determine whether rental property losses are deductible against ordinary income.

What Issues Should I Consider When Harvesting Capital Losses?

Checklist of wash-sale rules, tax impact, and portfolio considerations when harvesting capital losses.

What Issues Should I Consider When Owning a Rental Property?

Checklist of tax, insurance, and financial planning considerations for rental property owners.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Existing Annuity?

Checklist for evaluating whether to keep, exchange, or surrender an existing annuity contract.

What Issues Should I Consider with the Income from My Taxable (Non-Qualified) Accounts?

Checklist of tax planning considerations for income and gains generated in taxable investment accounts.

Will the Distribution from My HSA Be Tax- and Penalty-Free?

Flowchart to determine whether an HSA distribution is tax- and penalty-free.

Should I Lease or Buy My Next Automobile?

Decision flowchart comparing the financial pros and cons of leasing vs. buying a vehicle.

What Issues Do I Need to Consider as My Child Becomes Independent?

Checklist of financial and planning steps as a child transitions to financial independence.

What Issues Should I Consider During My Divorce?

Checklist of financial and legal issues to address during the divorce process.

What Issues Should I Consider If I Experience a Sudden Wealth Event?

Checklist of financial, tax, and planning steps following a sudden wealth event such as an inheritance or busi...

What Issues Should I Consider If My Parent Passed Away?

Checklist of financial, legal, and administrative steps to take after the death of a parent.

What Issues Should I Consider If My Spouse Has Been Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness?

Checklist of financial, legal, and planning steps when a spouse receives a terminal diagnosis.

What Issues Should I Consider If My Spouse Passed Away?

Checklist of financial, legal, and administrative steps to take after the death of a spouse.

What Issues Should I Consider When Buying a Home?

Checklist of financial, tax, and planning considerations when purchasing a home.

What Issues Should I Consider When Getting Married?

Checklist of financial and legal issues to address when getting married.

What Issues Should I Consider When Having or Adopting a Child?

Checklist of financial, insurance, and estate planning steps when welcoming a new child.

What Issues Should I Consider When Moving Out of State?

Checklist of tax, legal, and financial issues to address when relocating to a new state.

What Issues Should I Consider When Selling My Home?

Checklist of tax, financial, and planning considerations when selling a primary residence.

What Issues Should I Consider When Starting Out Financially?

Checklist of foundational financial steps for young adults just beginning their financial journey.

What Issues Should I Consider for My Aging Parents?

Checklist of financial, legal, and care planning considerations for aging parents.

What Issues Should I Consider for My Child with Special Needs?

Checklist of financial, legal, and benefit planning considerations for families with special needs children.

What Issues Should I Consider If I Get a Promotion or Raise at Work?

Checklist of tax, savings, and benefit adjustments to consider after receiving a raise or promotion.

What Issues Should I Consider If I Lose My Job?

Checklist of financial, insurance, and benefit steps to take immediately after losing a job.

What Issues Should I Consider When Planning for the Sale, Disposition, or Succession of My Business?

Checklist of tax, legal, and financial planning steps when preparing to sell or transfer a business.

What Issues Should I Consider When Starting a Business?

Checklist of legal, tax, insurance, and financial planning steps when launching a new business.

What Issues Should I Consider When Starting a New Job?

Checklist of benefit elections, retirement plan enrollment, and financial steps when starting a new job.

What Issues Should I Consider as a Business Owner or 1099 Worker?

Checklist of tax, retirement, insurance, and financial planning considerations for self-employed individuals.

What Issues Should I Consider with My Employer-Provided Benefits?

Checklist for evaluating and optimizing employer-provided benefits including health, retirement, and equity pl...

Am I Eligible for an IDR Plan for My Federal Student Loans?

Flowchart to determine eligibility for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans for federal student loans.

Can I Make a 529-to-Roth Transfer?

Flowchart to determine eligibility and rules for rolling over unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA.

Is the Distribution from My 529 Plan Subject to Federal Income Tax?

Flowchart to determine whether a 529 plan distribution is taxable at the federal level.

What Issues Should I Consider When Paying Off My Student Loans?

Checklist of key decisions and strategies when repaying or managing student loan debt.

What Issues Should I Consider to Fund My Child's College Education?

Checklist of savings strategies, account types, and timing decisions for funding college education.

What Issues Should I Consider During a Recession or Market Correction?

Checklist of portfolio review and planning opportunities to consider during a market downturn.

What Issues Should I Consider When Dealing with High Inflation?

Checklist of portfolio and financial planning adjustments to consider during periods of high inflation.

What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Investments?

Checklist for reviewing asset allocation, fees, performance, and rebalancing needs in your investment portfoli...

Important Financial Milestones

Reference guide of key age-based financial milestones and deadlines.

Master List of Financial Goals

Comprehensive checklist of common financial goals to prioritize with your advisor.

What Issues Should I Consider Before the End of the Year?

Year-end financial planning checklist covering tax, retirement, and investment actions.

What Issues Should I Consider at the Start of the Year?

Year-start financial planning checklist to set priorities and take early action.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act — Comparison Guide 2026

Side-by-side comparison guide of key tax and financial planning changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

What Important Issues Should I Consider Regarding Changes Made by the OBBBA?

Checklist of key financial planning considerations arising from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

What Important Issues Should I Consider Regarding Changes Made by the SECURE Act 2.0?

Checklist of retirement planning changes and opportunities created by the SECURE Act 2.0.

Am I at Risk of Having My Identity Stolen or Being a Victim of Fraud?

Checklist of warning signs and protective steps to reduce the risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

Important Numbers 2026

Quick-reference sheet of key 2026 tax limits, contribution limits, and thresholds.

What Documents Do I Need to Keep on File?

Reference guide for how long to retain financial, tax, legal, and personal documents.