Author: Taylor R. Schulte
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10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring (2026 Guide)
/ March 1st, 2026
In this article, I’m sharing the 10 most important questions to ask a financial advisor in 2026—plus a step-by-step process for choosing the right one. I’m also sharing the biggest red flags to watch for during the interview process. Hiring a financial advisor is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. One wrong
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QCDs Explained: Tax-Smart Giving From Your IRA After 70½
/ February 28th, 2026If you’re over 70½ and still writing checks to charity from your bank account, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table every year. Here’s why: A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) lets you send money directly from your IRA to a charity — and that amount doesn’t count as taxable income. That means
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Investment Policy Statement (IPS) Defined + Free Sample
/ February 12th, 2026
The Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a document that dictates how you invest your money. If you’re working with a financial advisor, the IPS will also dictate how they invest your money for you. The IPS instructs them how, when, and where to invest so you can reach your financial goals. In other words, with
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Per Stirpes: The Estate Planning Decision You Can’t Ignore
/ February 11th, 2026Today I’m sharing everything you need to know about Per Stirpes. In fact, this confusing Latin word recently saved our client from sending over $500,000 to the wrong beneficiary. (And she didn’t need an attorney to take action!) If you want to ensure the right people inherit your hard-earned money, you’ll enjoy today’s article. What
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Letter of Instruction: How to Write One in 2026 (Free Template)
/ February 10th, 2026In this article, I’m sharing what a letter of instruction is and EXACTLY how to write one. In fact, ignoring this simple estate planning task could cause major challenges for your heirs if you pass away. If you want to learn what a letter of instruction is (and how to create one!), you’ll love this
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Avoid IRMAA Surcharges: A 2026 Medicare Premium Playbook for Retirees
/ February 10th, 2026
Most retirees budget for Medicare premiums. What they don’t budget for is paying 2–3x more than their neighbor for the exact same coverage. That’s what IRMAA does. If your income crosses certain thresholds, Medicare adds a surcharge to your Part B and Part D premiums—sometimes totaling $10,000+ per year for a married couple. The worst
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California Capital Gains Tax: A Comprehensive Guide
/ February 1st, 2026California Capital Gains Tax works just like income tax—the state treats profits from selling stocks, bonds, real estate, or other assets as ordinary income. Unlike the federal government, which separates short-term and long-term capital gains, California makes no distinction. Whether you held an asset for 10 days or 10 years, your profit is taxed using
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The 7 San Diego Financial Advisors to Consider (2026 Updated)
/ February 1st, 2026In this article, I share seven San Diego Financial Advisors to consider in 2026. I also provide dozens of free resources to help local retirement savers find a qualified professional. So, if you need help finding a financial advisor in San Diego (who has the right expertise for your situation!), this guide is for you.
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California Retirement Taxes: What High-Income Retirees Need to Know
/ January 5th, 2026
Living in California can be the payoff after a long career, yet California retirement often looks different once paychecks stop. You may have fewer levers than you did during your working years, while your mix of accounts, investments, and housing costs can still push your numbers around in surprising ways. Your focus shifts toward keeping
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What Medicare Doesn’t Cover, and How to Fill the Gaps
/ January 4th, 2026For many retirees, Medicare feels like the finish line. You pay into the system, you enroll, and you assume the big stuff is handled. Here’s the catch: Medicare coverage is a foundation, not a blank check. The moment you start thinking about real life in retirement, those gaps can show up fast. Retirement works better
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