Do We Undervalue Financial Flexibility Too Much?
Retirement Planning, Financial Flexibility Garrett Crawford, CFP® Retirement Planning, Financial Flexibility Garrett Crawford, CFP®

Do We Undervalue Financial Flexibility Too Much?

The Wall Street Journal published an article this morning by Jonathan Clements, a financial writer I've long followed. Sadly, Clements is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, and his article offers insights into personal finance management during life's most challenging moments. One particular line struck me:

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IRMAA and Medicare: Unmasking the Scary Surcharge for Retirees
Medicare, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning Garrett Crawford, CFP® Medicare, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning Garrett Crawford, CFP®

IRMAA and Medicare: Unmasking the Scary Surcharge for Retirees

Many retirees are unfamiliar with this spooky feature of Medicare, and today I aim to shed some light on this surcharge. While paying extra for Medicare isn't pleasant, our goal is to ensure you're not avoiding important financial planning that could trigger an IRMAA surcharge but prove highly beneficial in the long run.

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Navigating Social Security Tax Withholding: A Guide to Form W-4V
Social Security, Tax Planning Garrett Crawford, CFP® Social Security, Tax Planning Garrett Crawford, CFP®

Navigating Social Security Tax Withholding: A Guide to Form W-4V

I want to focus today on an often-overlooked aspect of the Social Security filing process that could be much easier: federal tax withholding. Many retirees are surprised to learn that their Social Security benefits are subject to federal taxes. In fact, up to 85% of benefits may be taxable, especially for our more affluent clients.

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