September is over and class is in session! Had a great time talking with the estate planning team at Cody, Cody, & McCarthy about Social Security and all facets of wealth planning. It is always fun to share tips that help families make smarter financial decisions - and to do it with other professionals who are just as passionate as I am. Here are a few crib notes from the session that you may not know: - The One Big Beautiful Bill did NOT change Social Security collection rules for US citizens - The OBBB does allow for a $6k deduction per person over 65 if their MAGI is under $75k - Max benefit for someone turning 70 this year? About $5,100/month - it ain't peanuts - Widows can potentially claim their widow's benefit at 60 and delay their personal benefit to 70, maximizing their personal benefit - Kids born later in life? They could collect up to 50% of your benefit if under 18 (or 19 in high school), and your spouse can also get up to 50% if your child is under 16 - If you pass away after collecting, both your child under 18 and your spouse (if your child is under 16), are eligible to collect up to 75% of your benefit amount We covered a lot of ground! If you or your team could benefit from a little "class time" together, let me know. And yes... this will be on the final! ;) #SocialSecurity #EstatePlanningServices #ClassIsInSession Sources: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-tax-deductions-for-working-americans-and-seniors; https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01897.html; https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf; https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf

When approached to be featured as a Dynamic Woman in Boston Common Magazine, I said “Only if my mom can be spotlighted!” Her story of arriving in the U.S. with only a few crinkled dollars, raising my brother and I on her own, building a thriving business, and breaking generational barriers is the reason I do what I do today. She showed me what true grit, resilience, and vision look like—and I carry that legacy forward through EmpowHER House Financial Group at RBC and my mission to financially empower women. As women, we don’t have generations of female financial role models to look to for guidance because we weren’t allowed financial independence. Only 35 years ago, a woman needed a man’s signature for a mortgage or business loan. I was lucky enough to have my mom who broke the chain for me - and I bring her perseverance and spirit into my work every day to help other women break their family’s chains of financial disempowerment. This recognition is not just mine - it’s hers, it’s ours, and it’s for every woman rewriting what’s possible. And yes, I know she looks more like a sister, but she is in fact, my mother. lol Special thanks to powerhouse Noel DiCarlo for nominating me. She’s not only a stellar attorney, but also a prime example of someone who truly uplifts others! #DynamicWoman #BostonCommonMagazine #FinancialEmpowerment #WomenWhoLead #EmpowHER #piggybank

A big thank you to our summer intern, Matt, as he heads back to Stonehill College. We've enjoyed having him on our team this summer and can't wait to see all the amazing things he'll do next. On the subject of heading back to school, college savings plans are a great way to fund education related expenses. They can even be specifically great for grandparents to gift into, if they're seeking to reduce their taxable estate. Be in touch for best practices relating to college savings strategies. #CollegeSavings #SmartMoneyMoves #BacktoSchool