A new year doesn’t just bring new headlines, it brings new rules that can quietly impact your money. Phil walks through the most important financial changes coming in 2026, and shares what you need to know if you want to start the new year informed instead of surprised.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📈 COLA & Inflation: What the Social Security adjustment really means

🏥 Medicare Costs: Premium increases and the give-and-take effect

🧾 Senior Deductions: New opportunities for Roth conversions

🏛️ SALT Deduction: Expanded limits and who benefits most

❤️ Charitable Giving: New above-the-line deductions

For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com

Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96

Get your copy of The Tax-Smart Retiree: https://www.thetaxsmartretireebook.com/welcome

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Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment

Daycare costs are out of control, and for many families, grandparents feel like the only safety net left. But should your retirement plan be the thing that fills the gap? Today, Phil walks through a real-life question that blends love, money, timing, and long-term consequences. Daycare may last a few years, but retirement can last 30, so the goal is building a plan that supports both generations.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧸 Grandparent Childcare: the impact of stepping in as family safety net

🔄 Middle Ground: exploring compromises and shared solutions

📉 Long-Term Impact: early retirement affects lifetime income

🧭 Practical Steps: how to run the numbers before deciding

For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com

Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96

Want to learn more about financial planning? Please subscribe to our channel and you won't miss a video ➟ https://bit.ly/33RO6mV

Book an appointment with Phil to get your customized planning process started ➟ https://www.afswealthmgt.com/schedule-appointment

Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner, or it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. In this episode, Phil breaks down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make without letting emotion lead the way. Before you file, make sure you’re choosing the strategy that supports your long-term retirement, not just the date on the calendar.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎂 Filing at 62: temptation to claim benefits early

❤️ Emotional Decisions: how fear and advice are driving choices

⏳ Waiting Advantage: higher lifetime benefits at full retirement age

📉 Early Impact: permanent reduction in monthly payments

👫 Spousal Strategy: survivor benefits affected by timing

📊 Client Examples: real scenarios reveal best-fit strategies

For more, visit us online: http://philstaxhacks.com

Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WdDG96