December 2025

High Earners Over Age 50 Will Lose a 401(k) Tax Break

If you're 50 or older and in a high-income bracket, a new rule means that a familiar tax deduction for extra catch‐up contributions to your 401(k) may vanish and you'll be required to make those extra contributions to an after-tax Roth account.

Annual Gift Tax and Estate Tax Exemptions for 2026

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the gift tax and estate tax exclusions going into effect January 1, 2026. The federal estate tax exemption will increase to $15 million per individual; the annual gift tax exemption will remain at $19,000.

Giving to Grandkids? Consider Gift Tax, 529 Plans, and More

Here are some issues grandparents should consider before making gifts to grandchildren or other family members.

Survey Highlights Inheritance Expectation Gap

A recent survey shows that fewer younger adults said they expect to receive an inheritance, despite the fact that older adults report that they are likely to leave one. These and other findings point to an interesting gap between older adults’ plans and younger generations’ more modest expectations.

Your Unpaid Medical Debt Won't Be Erased From Credit Reports

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) had finalized a 2025 rule that was designed to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. However, a few months ago, a federal judge reversed this rule.

Protecting Loved Ones From Funeral Debt

As the median cost of a funeral in the United States, including viewing and burial, reaches more than $8,000, new findings reveal that one in three Americans are taking on debt to cover a loved one's funeral expenses.

Probate Law: A Look Across States

Trusts are a common tool for bypassing probate, but states offer other options as well. These vary widely, underscoring the importance of understanding local laws if probate avoidance is a priority.

Special Needs Trusts as a Safeguard for Medicaid Eligibility

Special needs trusts enable people with disabilities to receive financial support without losing eligibility for needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.

5 Downsides to ABLE Accounts You Should Know About

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that people with disabilities can use to cover qualified disability-related expenses.

Caring for Yourself and Your Child With Special Needs

For many parents of children with special needs, caregiving is not a temporary role but a lifelong responsibility. This role can be deeply meaningful and filled with love, yet it often comes at a steep personal cost.