The High Earner’s Wealth Playbook for 2026

High earner? 2026 could quietly change how much you keep.

In this episode, Dave Grant and Heather Townsend break down the tax playbook for 2026. What you'll learn:

• Why “it’s not how much you make, it’s what you do with it” (and why high earners still feel broke)

• The core foundation: cash flow is the engine of wealth, not returns

• How to create intentional surplus without killing your lifestyle

• 2026 planning priorities (accounts, savings targets, and timing decisions)

• How to think about income spikes, bonuses, and planning ahead

• The money conversation most couples avoid (and why it matters)

• The single most important step: know your numbers, know your goals, then execute

Chapters:

00:00 Setting up 2026 for high earners

00:55 Foundation: it’s not how much you make

01:19 Cash flow is the engine of wealth

03:14 Emergency fund + lifestyle design

04:31 2026 contribution limit refresh

05:58 Pre-tax vs Roth decision framework

08:14 2026 tax changes to watch

10:39 Housing decisions and cash flow reality check

14:10 Bonuses, vesting, and irregular income planning

23:26 Know your savings targets

23:59 Money conversations with your spouse

26:21 Q&A

35:15 Disclaimer

I’m here to make wealth planning and retirement simple, clear, and approachable. No jargon, no fluff... just real talk about what matters most to your financial future.

On this channel, we cover everything from Social Security and tax strategies to IRAs, 401(k)s, job changes, inheritance, and so much more. My goal is to help you feel confident about your retirement plan, so you not only have enough, but you're also prepared for the risks that could affect your money along the way.

Let’s take the mystery out of retirement and build a plan you can feel good about.

For more about Retirement Matters, or to contact us, visit our website:

https://www.retirementmatters.co/