by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Sep 15, 2026 | Article, Estate Planning, Portfolio Management, Tax Planning
Required Minimum Distributions for Illinois Retirees: Rules, Taxes, and Planning Strategies Key Takeaways RMDs affect more than your tax bill. Once distributions begin, they can influence your Medicare premiums, how much of your Social Security is taxed, and your...
by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Aug 12, 2026 | Article, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
Illinois Capital Gains Tax: What It Means for Retirement Planning Key Takeaways Illinois taxes capital gains at one flat rate, in retirement or otherwise. Most taxable gains are taxed at the state’s 4.95% individual income tax rate, no matter your age or how...
by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Jul 15, 2026 | Article, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
Illinois Estate and Inheritance Taxes: What Retirees Should Know Key Takeaways Illinois can tax an estate that owes the federal government nothing. The state’s exclusion sits far below the federal one, so families who assume estate tax is someone else’s...
by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Jul 8, 2026 | Article, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
Should I Do a Roth Conversion? When It Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t Roth conversions can help reduce future taxes, but are not right for everyone. The best opportunities often occur after retirement but before Social Security and RMDs begin. Medicare premiums,...
by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Feb 24, 2026 | Article, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
2026 Retirement Contribution Limits Explained Key Takeaways 2026 retirement account limits have increased, giving savers more room for tax-advantaged contributions across IRAs, 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs. Age-based catch-up and “super catch-up” rules create important...
by Joe Allaria CFP®, MBA | Dec 30, 2025 | Article, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k): Which One Is Right For You? Key Takeaways Roth and Traditional 401(k)s both offer valuable tax advantages, but the key difference is whether you receive the tax benefit now or in retirement. Choosing between Roth and pre-tax...
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