Andy | Saving to Invest

IRS to Start Processing 2025 Tax Returns From Jan 26th

The IRS has confirmed it will start processing 2025 tax filings and refunds from January 26th, 2026. Key dates to be aware of are shown in the table below. See this detailed article for more information and expected refund processing schedule. Although the IRS will not start accepting and processing tax returns until late January, people…

2027 and 2026 Military Pay Charts — Latest Raise Proposals, Basic Pay Tables, and History

The military pay raise for 2026 was confirmed at 3.8% for all pay grades. For 2027, the White House proposed a tiered raise up to 7%, the House backed it, and the Senate countered with a flat 3.6%. Final figures won't be set until the NDAA conference wraps in late…

The Million-Dollar Question: What It Takes to Join America’s Wealthiest 10%

The concept of being "wealthy" means different things to everyone. For some, it means being debt-free and financially comfortable. For others, it means reaching the highest echelons of American affluence. The top 10% of households represents a major financial milestone for personal finance enthusiasts. It signifies a profound level of…

The Tax and Financial Planning Playbook: Maximizing Deductions, Credits, and Retirement Savings for 2026–2027

The IRS has finalized its 2026 inflation adjustments, and paired with provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), they add up to real opportunity: a higher standard deduction, wider tax brackets, bigger retirement contribution limits, and two brand-new deductions for hourly and tipped workers. This page is my running…

This Rising Costs of Our Financial Life Now and into the Future

I saw this interesting graphic on the rising costs of basic needs from Goldman Sachs. It prompted me to think about my life in retirement and what future spending patterns will look like for my kids. Unless things change, this pattern will likely continue for the next couple of decades.…

Changes to Your 2026 Medicare Coverage — Plus the 2027 Part B Premium and Part D Outlook

Here is a snapshot of the major changes to your 2026 Medicare coverage, primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Following the snapshot are details that can help you manage your out-of-pocket health costs and refine your plan benefits. Part I: Key Changes to Prescription Drug (Part D) Costs…

The $10,000 Investment: 10 Low-Cost Exercises to Bulletproof Your Financial and Physical Health

Personal finance is about more than just stocks and savings accounts. Your greatest asset, often overlooked, is your physical health. A strong, flexible body is a powerful hedge against massive future expenses. Ignoring chronic low back pain is a financial time bomb waiting to explode. It can lead to expensive…

SECURE 2.0 Act Updates for 2026 and 2027: Roth Catch-Up Rules, the New Saver’s Match, and Mandatory Auto-Enrollment

SECURE 2.0 has been rolling out in phases since it passed in 2022, and 2026 is the year several of its biggest provisions stopped being "coming soon" and started being real. The Roth catch-up mandate for high earners is now in effect. Mandatory auto-enrollment applies to newly created plans. And…

What Are You Really Quitting To Chase?

There’s a classic story about a fisherman and a businessman. The businessman is on vacation and sees a fisherman relaxing on his boat. The businessman asks why the fisherman doesn’t stay out longer to catch more fish. The fisherman says he catches enough to feed his family. The businessman, a…

The Psychology of Money In Group Trips That Damages Friendships

We’ve all been there. You’re on a group trip, the sun is setting, and the cocktails are flowing. You’ve just had the best day of your life, but then someone pulls out their phone and says, “Alright, let’s figure out who owes who.” The air goes stale, the laughter dies,…

2026 Tax Season Preview: A Complete Guide to Key Filing Dates and Deadlines

While the official start date can vary slightly each year, the IRS typically begins accepting and processing individual tax returns in late January 2026. This is the green light for you to submit your tax return electronically. Even if you've been working on your taxes since the new year started,…

The Great Escape: Why Younger Generations Are Ditching Traditional Credit for BNPL and Digital Banking

For years, the gold standard for financial health was a robust credit score built on a foundation of responsible credit card use. But a new generation of consumers has arrived, and they are writing a new financial rulebook. Younger Americans, burdened by student loans and wary of the 2008 financial…

The Real Story Behind Your Zillow and Redfin Home Estimates

In the world of personal finance, few assets feel as significant as your home. For many, it's not just a place to live; it's a long-term investment and the biggest number on their balance sheet. So, when it comes to understanding its value, it's easy to get fixated on two…

The High Price of Trust: Unmasking a Crypto Recovery Pig Butchering Scam

The digital age promised unparalleled connectivity and opportunity, but with it came a darker side – sophisticated scams designed to prey on the unsuspecting. We recently encountered a harrowing account from a friend, let's call him Alex, who found himself ensnared in what appeared to be a lucrative crypto investment,…