"[OBBBA] creates 'Trump Accounts' under new IRC Sec. 530A, which functionally act like a more restrictive [IRA]. Qualifying children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will qualify for a one-time, $1,000 deposit to an account. No income limitations apply. The accounts must be created by an authorized individual such as a legal guardian, parent, adult sibling or grandparent, which may have some families asking: Is it worth it to open one of these accounts?"  MORE >>

"Typically, 401(k) withdrawals taken prior to age 59 and 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty. While some exceptions exist already, a new rule allows savers to tap their 401(k)s early to cover long-term care insurance premiums. There are still restrictions and drawbacks to keep in mind."  MORE >>

"The deadline was December 31, 2026, but [Notice 2026-9] has extended it to December 31, 2027.... This new extension does not apply to qualified plans, 403(b) plans, or 457(b) plans of state and local governments. The deadline for their amendments remain December 31, 2026, with certain exceptions for collectively bargained and governmental plans."  MORE >>

"The survey reveals a sustained shift toward passive target date funds ('TDFs'), an increase in managed account terminations, continued fee compression, changes in US large cap equity structures, and a selective approach to alternative investments."  MORE >>

"Among alternative asset classes, private equity was of greatest interest, with 67% of respondents saying they would be interested in evaluating it for retirement plans.... Overwhelmingly, responding advisers expected private market assets to be introduced to DC plans through professionally managed, multi-asset products, such as managed accounts (75%), off-the-shelf target-date funds (60%) or custom asset allocation funds (60%)."  MORE >>

"With new entrants still joining an already competitive market, annuity writers' pricing practices must maintain the level of sophistication necessary to succeed. VM-22 PBR both represents a significant increase in complexity relative to the existing commissioners' annuity reserve valuation method (CARVM) and serves as a new measure by which to evaluate product profitability and risk. This paper discusses several important considerations for insurers to keep in mind as they adapt their pricing models and philosophy to a VM-22 PBR world."  MORE >>

"The aggregate funded percentage for all multiemployer plans was 103% as of December 31, 2025, up from 97% at the end of 2024. The funded percentage has surpassed 100% and sits at its highest level in [Milliman's] nearly 20-year study period."  MORE >>

"For many retirees, spending more at the beginning of retirement is a top priority. And after spending decades working and saving, retirement can be the perfect time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Starting with a more generous withdrawal rate can make a meaningful difference in spending early in retirement, when retirees are more likely to be healthy, active, and able to enjoy travel, dining out, concerts, and the like."  MORE >>

"Australia's system is highly ranked in international comparisons -- receiving a grade of B+ and the U.S. only a C+. The U.S. receives low grades mainly because Social Security is not adequately financed and many workers have no workplace retirement program. To improve our grade, we must fix Social Security and give all workers access to supplementary plans. Good as it is, Australia can't help us."  MORE >>

"[1] Always report stock sales on Form 8949 and Schedule D, even if you sold all the shares immediately after acquiring them.... [2] [T]he cost basis reported by your broker on Form 1099-B is likely to be too low, requiring an adjustment on Form 8949. [3] Watch for the common error of double-reporting stock comp income on Form W-2.... [4] After an exercise/hold of ISOs, always calculate your alternative minimum tax (AMT). [5] If you owe the AMT, remember to use any AMT credit you may have."  MORE >>