Category: Blog
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Should You Delay Social Security Until 70? Not If You’re Married With An Age Gap
/ September 11th, 2026
If you Google “when should I claim Social Security,” the answer is generally the same for most: wait until 70. Provided you plan to live into your early 80s, the cost of delaying is offset by the additional benefit you earn by waiting. That advice is fine, but what gets lost in the simplicity is…
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California Capital Gains Tax: A Comprehensive Guide
/ June 13th, 2026
California 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…
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11 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before You Hire One
/ April 9th, 2026Choosing the wrong financial advisor can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement. One bad recommendation — the wrong tax strategy, a poorly timed Social Security claim, or an unnecessary annuity — can do irreversible damage to your financial future. The problem? There are more than 300,000 financial professionals in the U.S., and…
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Investment Policy Statement (IPS): Everything You Need to Know
/ April 2nd, 2026An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is the single most important document standing between you and a costly investment mistake. Your IPS spells out exactly how your money gets invested — your goals, your risk tolerance, your asset allocation… all of it. And if you work with a financial advisor? Your IPS tells them exactly what…
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Letter of Instruction: How to Write One in 2026 (Free Template)
/ April 1st, 2026A Letter of Instruction is one of the most important estate planning documents you’ll ever create… yet most people have never heard of it. Here’s the deal: your will and trust cover the legal side of your estate plan, but they don’t tell your family how to actually manage things if something happens to you.…
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What Does Per Stirpes Mean? A Simple Guide With Examples
/ April 1st, 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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2026 Tax Changes Explained: 5 Things Retirees Need to Know
/ February 12th, 2026If you’re retired or planning to retire in the next decade, Congress recently made decisions that directly affect you and your financial future. On July 4th, 2025, lawmakers passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—an 870-page economic package that touches nearly every aspect of your financial life: This legislation has sparked intense debate, but as…
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The 7 San Diego Financial Advisors to Consider (2026 Updated)
/ February 1st, 2026
In 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 Inheritance Tax: What Residents Need To Know
/ September 13th, 2025Think California inheritance tax is going to take a bite out of what you inherit? Here’s the surprising truth: California doesn’t have an inheritance tax. But don’t relax just yet. Federal estate taxes, property tax reassessments under Prop 19, and even out-of-state inheritance rules can still shrink what ends up in your pocket. In other…
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California Estate Tax: Rules, Rates, and Planning Tips
/ September 12th, 2025Most people assume the California estate tax is just another cost of living in the Golden State. But here’s the surprise: California doesn’t currently have a state-level estate tax. Sounds like good news, right? Not so fast. Federal estate taxes can still take up to 40% of large estates, and if you own property in…
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