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Tax season is officially here—and a little preparation now can save you time, stress, and potential headaches later. Whether you meet with a tax professional or prepare your taxes yourself, proper planning helps the processes go more smoothly and may reduce the risk of costly errors. Check out the tips below and prepare to tackle this tax season with confidence.  Tax Prep Tip #1: Gather All of Your Forms  In January, you likely started to receive the forms you need to properly complete your

January is Financial Wellness Month, which means it’s a good time to remind people to plan and update their financial strategy.  Now is a great time to connect with your Patriot advisor to discuss your financial situation and aspirations for the future. You should also assess if your financial strategy needs any adjustments based on your lifestyle.  Defining Financial Wellness  The first thing to do is define what “financial wellness” means for you. This varies drastically from person to person. It is informed by who you are, where you are

U.S. Markets  U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.35%, while the Nasdaq Composite added 2.57%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.59%. 1  October Shutdown  U.S. stocks rose for the sixth consecutive month in October as AI- and tech-led advances pushed major averages.2  Solid Q3 corporate results helped drive market momentum

Receiving Social Security benefits is advantageous in retirement, but like almost every other form of income, these benefits are taxed by the government. To accurately predict your retirement income (and taxes), it’s important to understand how Social Security benefits are taxed.  Here, we explain everything you need to know about Social Security benefit taxation.  How are Social Security Benefits Taxed?  While Social Security benefits are a vital source of income for many retirees, a portion of these benefits may be subjected to federal income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service

Understanding your tax bracket is crucial for effective financial planning in 2026 and beyond. Tax brackets are adjusted annually due to inflation and policy changes. Here, we outline the tax brackets for 2026 and some ways to reduce your taxable income.   2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets  The IRS adjusts tax brackets annually based on inflation, and for 2026, here are the tax rates for different income levels:1  Single Filers:  37% for incomes over $640,600  35% for incomes over $256,225  32%

Wondering if you’re prepared for the upcoming giving season?  The holidays are here, and to minimize stress and maximize your gifting abilities, it’s important to keep in mind a few ideas that you may or may not be aware of.   If you’re not sure how your finances match up with your upcoming year-end giving strategy, now is the time to prepare by making your lists and checking them twice. Organization is key to proper gifting this holiday season. Follow the

When you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.  Over time, however, any of these three factors may have changed, and your portfolio may need adjustments to reflect your new investing priorities.  Diversification  The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” has some application to investing. Over time, certain asset classes may perform better than others. If your assets are mostly held in one kind of investment, you could find yourself under

Open enrollment (the annual period when you can enroll in major medical health insurance plans), begins November 1, 2025, and will remain open until January 15, 2026. You will need to enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage that begins January 1, 2026.1 For someone looking to change or add coverage, this offers a short window of time to decide on and select your health insurance plan. To avoid a hasty decision to meet this deadline, take some time now to

U.S. Markets Stocks powered ahead in the third quarter as solid economic data, strong corporate results, and a positive shift in Fed policy drove market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 7.79% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.22%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the way, gaining 11.24%.1 A Jumpstart in July Stocks rose steadily in July as investors viewed economic updates, trade development, and second-quarter corporate results in a positive light. The White House announced a

Whether you’ve officially retired or are still working full time, it’s possible your health insurance options are changing. Depending on your age or health status, you may soon be qualified for Medicare. While you’ve likely heard of it before, we’re breaking down what exactly it is, who Medicare benefits and what each Medicare part covers.  What Is Medicare?  Medicare is a government-funded national health insurance program that was established in 1966. It is designed to offer coverage to individuals including:1