November 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) — signed into law on July 4, 2025 — includes several tax changes that apply for the 2026 tax year and may create planning opportunities for individuals and families. For 2026, the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap is $40,400, with a phaseout beginning at $505,000 of modified adjusted gross income.

Charitable giving rules have also changed. For taxpayers who itemize, beginning in 2026, charitable contributions are deductible only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income. Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction may claim an additional deduction for cash donations to qualifying public charities (donor-advised fund contributions generally do not qualify) of up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers.

Another new development is the introduction of Trump Accounts, which offer a long-term savings opportunity for eligible children. Eligible U.S.-citizen children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal pilot contribution if an account is opened and the election is made, and families and others may contribute up to $5,000 per year (subject to inflation adjustment and other program rules).

These are some of the notable tax and retirement planning provisions that apply for 2026 and are worth keeping in mind as you plan for year-end. Year-end is also an important time to review your tax strategy, retirement contributions, charitable giving, and estate planning. We encourage you to consult with your tax and financial advisors to determine whether any of these changes or planning opportunities may benefit your individual circumstances.

Read more on Investopedia

Recently, we helped a 401(k) participant after the sudden loss of her spouse, who had managed all of the family’s finances. He knew where all their assets were held, but his spouse did not. The family had to contact former employers and financial institutions to locate retirement and other accounts.

Losing a loved one is devastating. Having to search for financial assets during such a difficult time can make an already painful experience even harder.

This is also personal to us at Vibrance Wealth Management. Our founder’s family experienced the sudden loss of a working spouse without a financial plan in place. That experience became one of the reasons VWM was founded.

Estate planning is about more than legal documents. It is also about organizing your financial information, keeping beneficiaries up to date, and making sure your family knows where to find important records. We encourage families to maintain a “Life Folder” with recent account statements, insurance policies, estate documents, and information needed to access important financial accounts.

A little preparation today can give your family much-needed clarity when they need it most.

Read more on FINRA

The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield recently rose above 5.3%, the highest level since 2007. Why does this matter?

When yields rise, existing bond prices generally fall. The recent increase in long-term yields reflects several factors, including inflation concerns, government borrowing and Treasury supply, and investors demanding more compensation for holding longer-term debt.

After being inverted for several years, the yield curve has normalized, with longer-term yields once again above shorter-term yields. While a normally shaped yield curve is generally considered healthier than an inverted one, higher long-term rates can increase borrowing costs and put pressure on debt markets, businesses and asset valuation.

For investors, this may be an opportune time to reassess the role that fixed income plays in your overall portfolio. For those seeking retirement income, higher yields on high-quality fixed income may create attractive opportunities. However, investors should also be prepared for price volatility, particularly with longer-term bonds.

Bonds can continue to play an important role in a diversified portfolio, but their diversification benefits can vary depending on the economic environment. Some investors may also consider assets such as gold and other real assets as additional sources of diversification. These investments carry their own risks and should be evaluated in the context of an investor’s overall financial plan. Investors should consider their individual circumstances and consult with their financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Read more on Deloitte

Some workplace retirement plans now offer managed account services. These programs typically use information such as your age, retirement goals, risk tolerance and savings to create a personalized investment strategy using the plan’s available investments.

Managed accounts can be helpful for participants who prefer a professional, hands-off approach to investment management. However, they typically come with an additional fee, so participants should understand the cost and value of the service. In addition, the experience may feel less personal because when you call the managed account service to discuss your portfolio, you may speak with a different representative each time.

If your plan works with a fiduciary Investment Advisor, participants may already have access to a professional who understands the plan and can meet with them periodically to discuss their retirement account and investment questions. Over time, participants can build an ongoing relationship with an advisor who gets to know their circumstances and can put their retirement plan in the context of their broader financial picture.

Participants should understand their options, fees and level of service—and choose the approach that best fits their needs.

Read more on Morningstar

Starting July 4, 2026, the Trump Account is open for application and contributions via its official website. Any child under the age of 18 with a valid Social Security number is eligible to have an account opened on their behalf. No earned income is required. Parents, grandparents, and others can contribute up to a combined limit of $5,000 per year. The Federal Government provides a one-time $1,000 seed contribution for eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.

The account is a tax-advantaged investment account. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and investments grow tax-deferred. Investment earnings are generally taxable when withdrawn. The money is required to invest into safe and low-cost investment vehicles, such as domestic S&P 500 index funds or ETFs.

Once the account holder turns 18, the account converts into a traditional IRA. Then, standard IRA regulations apply, meaning the funds can continue to grow tax-deferred or be withdrawn for milestones like higher education or a first home purchase.

It will be nice to get $1,000 seed contribution and let it grow. If you like to grow the account faster for educational purposes and other goals, using Roth IRA for minor or 529 plans may serve the purposes.

Read more: Trump Accounts

Many people picture retirement as traveling with a spouse, enjoying grandchildren, and sharing life's next chapter together. But for millions of Americans, retirement is a journey taken alone. Whether you're single by choice, divorced, or widowed, your future deserves the same thoughtful planning and optimism. While single life offers freedom and independence, it also means bearing housing, healthcare, and daily living expenses on your own. Without a spouse's income or support to share financial responsibilities, building a secure retirement becomes even more important.

For singles without children, retirement planning extends beyond accumulating savings. It's important to prepare for potential long-term care needs, identify trusted individuals who can assist with financial or healthcare decisions if you're unable to do so, and establish essential estate planning documents such as a will, durable power of attorney, healthcare directive, and beneficiary designations. By saving and investing consistently, taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement and health savings accounts, and maintaining an estate plan, you can build not only financial security but also the dignity to enjoy retirement on your own terms. Just as important is cultivating a strong network of family, friends, neighbors, and trusted professionals who can provide companionship and support.

The reality is that everyone—whether single or married—should prepare for a time when they may need to manage life on their own. One spouse will likely outlive the other, and adult children may not always be nearby or able to provide care. Those singles who have always managed their own finances often develop confidence in making important financial decisions. For couples, it's equally important that both spouses understand their family's financial picture and participate in key financial decisions. Being financially prepared, maintaining meaningful relationships, and planning ahead can help preserve your independence, dignity, and confidence throughout retirement.

Read more: AARP

We've reviewed many life insurance policies that were purchased 10 or 20 years ago with a level premium period of 20 or 30 years. During the level term, the annual premium remains fixed, making term life insurance an affordable way to obtain a substantial amount of protection. However, once the level premium period ends, the policy automatically transitions to an Annually Renewable Term, causing the premium to skyrocket, sometimes by 10 times or more overnight.

If you purchased a policy when you were younger to cover heavy liabilities on a tight budget, this type of policy fits your needs perfectly by providing a high leverage of protection. But as life changes, your insurance needs evolve. Depending on your policy and the insurer's provisions, you may have options to convert eligible term coverage to a permanent policy, often without providing new evidence of insurability. This is why conducting a regular life insurance review with a licensed agent and Certified Financial Planner® is so critical. Your current circumstances may mean you need less coverage, additional protection, or a different type of policy altogether.

Today's life insurance can provide more than a death benefit. When thoughtfully integrated into a comprehensive financial plan, certain permanent life insurance policies may help provide lifelong protection, support legacy goals, offer tax-advantaged cash value accumulation, or include optional riders for chronic illness or long-term care needs. Life is full of uncertainties, but the right insurance strategy can offer peace of mind, financial guarantees, and a secure foundation for your retirement.

Read more: LegalClarity

Some employees at small businesses ask whether their retirement plan offers a Mega Backdoor Roth, a feature available in some large corporate 401(k) plans. This strategy allows participants to make after-tax contributions above the regular salary deferral limit and, if the plan permits, convert those dollars to a Roth account where future qualified earnings can grow tax-free. While attractive, this feature is often impractical for many small business retirement plans because of IRS nondiscrimination testing requirements and the added administrative complexity.

Instead, many small business employers choose to focus on benefits that can provide greater value to all employees. These may include generous employer matching contributions, Safe Harbor contributions, profit-sharing, and immediate vesting of employer contributions, meaning every dollar the company contributes belongs to you on day one. By comparison, many big companies use more restrictive and longer vesting schedules. In many cases, these employer-funded benefits can have a greater long-term impact on retirement savings than access to a Mega Backdoor Roth alone.

Small business retirement plans also offer advantages that are difficult for larger organizations to replicate, including customized plan design and personalized retirement planning with a dedicated fiduciary Investment Advisor. At Vibrance Wealth Management, we help small business owners customize retirement that align with their goals while meeting with participants individually on on-going basis to answer questions, develop personalized retirement strategies, and build confidence in their investment decisions.

Employees interested in additional tax-advantaged retirement strategies beyond the 401(k) should discuss their individual circumstances with a qualified financial advisor.

Read more: ASPPA

Many individuals enter marriage owning separate property. In California, assets acquired during marriage are generally considered community property, while separate property, such as gifts, inheritances, and insurance proceeds, remains individually owned.

Some couples choose to commingle their separate assets, while others intentionally keep them separate. However, one of the most common issues is that couples do not discuss finances before marriage.

We believe that open financial communication prior to marriage is essential. The ability to discuss money matters reflects strong communication skills and can strengthen a relationship. Conversely, if couples are unable to talk about finances early on, it may indicate difficulty addressing other sensitive topics during marriage.

Maintaining separate property does not imply selfishness or a lack of trust. Rather, it reflects financial maturity. To protect separate assets, couples may consider maintaining separate accounts, establishing individual trusts, or entering into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Ultimately, a healthy relationship and marriage have a direct impact on long-term financial well-being.

Read more: Forbes

When evaluating annuity policies for guaranteed retirement income, many investors focus primarily on accumulation rates, such as credited interest. However, it is equally important to consider the withdrawal rate.

Accumulation rates can be influenced by multiple factors, including upfront bonuses and participation rates tied to investment options. These variables can make future outcomes uncertain.

In contrast, withdrawal rates are typically more predictable and are largely determined by the age at which withdrawals begin. For example, many policies offer withdrawal rates of around 4% for individuals between ages 60 and 65, with higher rates available at older ages, such as 70 and above. Some carriers may offer rates closer to 7% or more, which could be more attractive depending on your goals.

When comparing annuities, it is important not to focus solely on accumulation potential but also on the sustainability of income through withdrawal rates to align with your goals. Since annuities are designed as long-term, lifetime income solutions, careful comparison and due diligence are essential.

Read more: Investopedia

The loss of a spouse is not only emotionally difficult but can also create financial challenges. One such issue is the “widow’s tax penalty,” where a surviving spouse may face higher tax rates despite having a similar level of income.

This often occurs because the tax filing status changes from married filing jointly to single, which results in narrower tax brackets and potentially higher taxes. There are strategies that may help mitigate this impact, such as implementing Roth conversions and downsizing a primary residence while still filing jointly, in order to take advantage of lower tax brackets and higher exemptions available before the transition to single filing status.

Given the emotional strain during such times, it can be difficult for surviving spouses to manage both personal loss and financial decisions. Adult children may play a supportive role by helping parents stay aware of these considerations and encouraging planning. Working with trusted professionals, such as a Certified Financial Planner® and a CPA, can provide valuable guidance during this transition.

Read more: yahoo!finance

Hardship withdrawals and loans from retirement plans are rising to record levels. If access to retirement funds becomes necessary, loans are generally preferable to hardship withdrawals, assuming the plan allows them.

The key difference is that loans can be repaid, while hardship withdrawals are permanent and cannot be restored to the account. Additionally, hardship withdrawals are subject to stricter rules and may have tax consequences.

That said, tapping retirement savings should typically be a last resort. Building an emergency fund is more important than ever, especially as many households face rising living expenses and are living paycheck to paycheck.

While budgeting and expense reduction are important, there may be limits to how much can realistically be cut. Increasing income is often a more impactful strategy. This could include negotiating higher compensation, pursuing certifications or skills to advance your career, and taking on additional income streams or side work.

Ultimately, financial well-being is more than balancing our budget, but feeling good about ourselves and expanding our potential to generate wealth to achieve financial freedom.

Ultimately, financial well-being is not just about balancing a budget, it’s about expanding your capacity to generate income and wealth, and positioning yourself to achieve long-term financial independence.

Read more: MORNINGSTAR