02 Feb 2026

ACA Health Insurance Subsidies Expire 2026: Cost Hikes and Coverage Impact

Millions of Americans are encountering sharply higher health insurance costs as enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies expire at the end of 2025. With these ACA health insurance subsidies expire 2026 changes, families who once received significant premium help now face steep increases in marketplace plan costs and rising risks of dropping coverage.

What Changed With ACA Subsidies

Enhanced ACA premium tax credits were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and later extended to help people afford marketplace coverage. These expanded subsidies eliminated income limits that previously excluded middle-income and higher-income enrollees from receiving meaningful assistance for their premiums for several years. With the expiration of those enhanced credits, many individuals and families are seeing their monthly insurance bills surge.

Rising Premiums and Financial Strain

Without enhanced subsidies, average annual marketplace premiums are expected to rise substantially in 2026, roughly doubling from prior years. Estimates show average premiums could increase from around $888 to $1,904 per year for subsidized enrollees. For some middle-income households, this jump means paying hundreds or even thousands more annually for the same plan.

Who Is Most Affected

Middle-income taxpayers and those earning above traditional subsidy thresholds may feel the most impact. Individuals and families who previously qualified under expanded eligibility now lose that protection, forcing them to pay full price or find alternatives. Early retirees, small business owners, and independent contractors often fall into this category and may not qualify for employer plans or government programs.

Coverage and Uninsurance Risks

The Congressional Budget Office projects that if enhanced subsidies are not restored, millions of Americans could become uninsured in the coming years. Without federal help to offset premiums, many may drop coverage due to unaffordable costs, increasing uninsurance rates and potentially straining emergency care systems.

State and Market Responses

Some states have introduced supplemental programs to partially offset federal subsidy losses, but these measures often do not fully replace the federal assistance. Insurers have already adjusted their pricing in anticipation of lower enrollment and cost shifts, which may further raise premiums for remaining enrollees even if some form of subsidy extension is enacted later.

Conclusion

The expiration of ACA health insurance subsidies in 2026 marks a major shift for millions of marketplace enrollees. With projected premium increases and potential increases in uninsured rates, understanding these changes and planning ahead is essential. Families and individuals should review their options carefully, consider coverage alternatives, and watch for possible policy developments aimed at mitigating the impact.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

Why You Should Check Your Tax Withholding in 2026

Many Americans are expected to receive larger tax refunds when filing their 2025 returns in early 2026. Because of outdated withholding tables and recent law changes, taxpayers may be withholding more than necessary. Taking time to check your tax withholding now helps avoid giving the government an interest‑free loan and could increase your take‑home pay throughout the year.

Why Withholding Matters

Federal income tax is a pay‑as‑you‑go system, meaning taxes are paid through withholding from each paycheck or via estimated tax payments throughout the year. If too much tax is withheld, you may get a large refund — but that means you gave the government an interest‑free loan. If too little is withheld, you may owe money or face penalties when you file. The goal is to balance withholding with your actual tax liability.

2025 Refund Estimates and 2026 Planning

This year, refunds are expected to be higher than usual because withholding tables were not updated to reflect recent tax law changes. These new provisions include increased deductions for seniors, expanded SALT caps, and new breaks for tip and overtime income, among others. Adjusting withholding now — via a new W‑4 form with your employer — can help align taxes taken from paychecks with your real tax bill.

How to Adjust Your Withholding

If you decide to check your tax withholding:

Review your income, filing status, dependents, and deductions.
Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or a similar tool to estimate correct withholding.
Submit a new W‑4 form to your employer to update how much federal tax is withheld from your paycheck.
This adjustment can be made at any time during the year and helps prevent underpayment penalties or overly large refunds.

Benefits of Reassessing Withholding

Checking your withholding has several benefits:

You can increase your take‑home pay immediately by reducing excess withholding.
You avoid surprises at tax time by better matching payments with liability.
You can prevent penalties for underpayment if your withholding is too low.
Regular reviews of your withholding — especially after life changes like marriage, a new job, or additional income — help maintain financial stability.

Conclusion

Taking a few minutes to check your tax withholding in 2026 can pay off with more consistent paychecks and fewer surprises at tax time. By updating your W‑4 and reviewing your tax situation regularly, you can better match what’s withheld to what you actually owe, improving your financial planning and reducing stress throughout the year.

by Donald Hayden

02 Feb 2026

Creating a financial plan can feel overwhelming, especially when doing it alone. Fortunately, modern DIY financial planning tools now give individuals access to powerful features once reserved for professional financial planners. These tools help estimate retirement needs, project future income, analyze investments, and model different financial scenarios with ease.

By using the right tools, individuals can gain clarity and control over their finances without the cost of traditional advisory services.

Boldin: In-Depth Financial and Retirement Planning

Boldin is designed for users who want detailed projections and scenario analysis. It allows users to test retirement ages, healthcare expenses, and market assumptions while providing insights into long-term financial sustainability. This makes it ideal for planners who want a data-driven approach to decision-making.

MaxiFi: Realistic Spending and Cash-Flow Planning

MaxiFi focuses on helping users understand how much they can safely spend over time. It builds a personalized plan based on income, expenses, savings, and expected longevity. The tool emphasizes real-world spending behavior and offers guidance on retirement income and Social Security timing.

Empower: Portfolio Tracking and Free Planning Tools

Empower offers a free dashboard that allows users to track investments, analyze asset allocation, and estimate retirement readiness. While it is lighter on advanced planning features, it is an excellent starting point for DIY investors who want a clear overview of their financial picture in one place.

Origin Financial: AI-Powered Money Insights

Origin uses artificial intelligence to help users manage budgets, track spending, and forecast financial outcomes. Its conversational approach makes financial planning more accessible for people who prefer guided insights rather than complex spreadsheets or manual calculations.

Conclusion

DIY financial planning tools have evolved into powerful solutions for individuals who want to take control of their finances. Whether you need detailed retirement projections, realistic spending guidance, investment tracking, or AI-driven insights, there is a tool available to match your planning style. By choosing the right DIY financial planning tools, you can confidently build a personalized money plan for 2026 and beyond.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

Annual Financial Plan Made Easy: A Quarter‑by‑Quarter Guide

Creating an annual financial plan made easy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking your financial goals into quarterly steps that align with the seasons, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and steadily improve your financial health throughout the year.

Quarter 1: Set Intentions and Get Organized

Start the year by clarifying your financial goals and intentions. Write down specific, measurable targets — such as increasing your emergency fund, boosting retirement contributions, or saving for a major purchase. Organize key documents, update your estate planning details, and ensure beneficiary designations are current. Getting organized early provides a strong foundation for the rest of the year.

Quarter 2: Focus on Cash Flow and Adjustments

Spring is the ideal time to review your income and spending. Track every dollar you spend for a full month to understand where your money actually goes. Comparing your current expenses with your priorities can reveal opportunities to redirect cash toward saving, debt reduction, or investing in long‑term goals. Small adjustments now can make a big difference by year‑end.

Quarter 3: Remember Health as Part of Wealth

Midyear is a great time to consider how your health influences your financial well‑being. Make use of vacation days to recharge and schedule annual health checkups. Review your health insurance benefits and disability coverage to make sure they still align with your needs. Health challenges can impact both your income and long‑term plans, so proactive use of preventive care is a valuable part of your financial strategy.

Quarter 4: Finalize Benefits and Plan Ahead

As the year winds down, focus on maximizing retirement contributions, utilizing benefits, and wrapping up any outstanding financial tasks. Review open enrollment options for insurance, make any final charitable contributions, and consider tax‑planning moves that could benefit your 2027 return. Reflecting on the year’s wins and challenges helps shape a stronger plan for the next year.

Conclusion

An annual financial plan made easy is about consistency and intentional action. By structuring your financial to‑dos into quarterly milestones, you create momentum, reduce stress, and stay focused on what matters most. This season‑by‑season roadmap makes managing money simpler and more purposeful, helping you reach both short‑term needs and long‑term goals.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

2026 Tax Deductions and Refunds: Key Ways to Maximize Your Return

As U.S. taxpayers prepare to file 2026 returns, several changes in tax rules could increase refunds or lower tax bills. Knowing which 2026 tax deductions and refunds are available helps both individuals and families claim every benefit they qualify for and potentially boost their refund amounts.

Higher Standard Deduction for More Filers

For the 2026 tax year, the IRS raised the standard deduction amounts. Single filers can now claim $15,750, while married couples filing jointly can claim $31,500 as their base deduction. These increases — adjusted for inflation and new law enhancements — reduce taxable income for most taxpayers. Taking the standard deduction remains the best choice for nearly 90% of filers.

Expanded SALT Deduction Cap

The controversial state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap has risen from $10,000 to $40,000 for 2026. Taxpayers in high‑tax states may benefit by itemizing instead of taking the standard deduction if their combined state and local tax payments exceed the standard amount.

Extra Deduction for Seniors 65 and Older

Taxpayers age 65 or older can claim a new $6,000 bonus deduction in addition to the standard deduction, and a couple where both spouses qualify can claim up to $12,000. This extra break is available even if you don’t itemize, although it phases out at higher income levels.

New Above‑The‑Line Deductions

New deductions for 2026 tax filing include qualified overtime pay and tip income — with eligible amounts deductible regardless of whether you itemize. Additionally, taxpayers who bought a new vehicle in 2026 may deduct up to $10,000 in interest paid on the loan for personal use. These provisions help reduce taxable income and potentially increase refunds.

Child Tax Credit and New Accounts

Families with children can benefit from an enhanced Child Tax Credit, offering up to $2,200 per qualifying child. A new government‑backed savings account also gives a $1,000 federal contribution for eligible children born from 2026 through 2028, potentially affecting tax planning and savings strategies.

Itemize or Not? Making the Best Choice

While most filers use the higher standard deduction, itemizing may pay off if total eligible deductions — including SALT, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses, and other breaks — exceed the standard deduction. Careful review of itemized deductions can lead to lower taxable income and a larger refund.

Conclusion

Understanding 2026 tax deductions and refunds gives taxpayers an edge when filing returns. With an expanded standard deduction, higher SALT caps, new senior breaks, and additional above‑the-line deductions, more filers can take home larger refunds or owe less tax. Planning ahead, reviewing eligibility, and choosing the right deduction strategy helps ensure you capture every available tax benefit.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

2026 401k Catch-Up Roth Requirement Explained

In 2026, retirement savers face a notable shift in how catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans are treated for tax purposes. Under the 2026 401k catch-up Roth requirement, workers aged 50 and over with sufficiently high earnings will no longer be able to make extra catch-up contributions on a pre-tax basis. Instead, those catch-up contributions must be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions, meaning they are taxed up-front but can grow and be withdrawn tax-free in retirement if qualified.

What the Roth Requirement Means

Traditionally, older workers who are eligible to contribute extra beyond standard 401(k) limits — called catch-up contributions — could choose to make these contributions as pre-tax, thereby reducing current taxable income, or as Roth, which does not provide an upfront tax break. Starting in 2026, if a worker earned more than a set income threshold in the previous year (roughly $150,000 for most plans), those catch-up contributions must be made as Roth contributions.

Why the Change Matters

This rule affects when taxes are paid. Pre-tax catch-up contributions reduce taxable income in the year of contribution, while Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars. The new Roth requirement eliminates the immediate deduction for high earners but offers the benefit of tax-free growth and withdrawals later on — a valuable feature if your tax rate in retirement is higher than during your working years.

Who Is Affected

Employees who are 50 or older and whose prior-year wages from their current employer exceed the income threshold (commonly around $150,000) will need to make their catch-up contributions as Roth contributions in 2026. Workers below that threshold can still decide whether to make catch-up contributions as traditional pre-tax or Roth, depending on their plan options. If a retirement plan does not yet offer a Roth 401(k) option, high-earning participants may be unable to make catch-up contributions until one is added.

Preparing for the New Rule

To navigate this change, savers should review their retirement plan options and check whether a Roth 401(k) is available. Understanding whether your plan’s payroll system can handle after-tax Roth catch-up contributions is essential. Consulting a financial or tax professional can also help you balance tax planning, current income needs, and long-term retirement goals under the new rule.

Conclusion

The 2026 401k catch-up Roth requirement represents a significant change in retirement savings rules for higher-earning older workers. While it may eliminate an immediate tax break for catch-up contributions, the shift toward Roth treatment provides valuable long-term benefits in the form of tax-free growth and withdrawals. Adapting your retirement strategy now can help you make the most of this change and protect your savings as tax laws evolve.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

2026 401k Catch-Up Rule: What High Earners Must Know

A significant change to retirement savings rules goes into effect in 2026 that could reshape how many older workers save in their 401(k) plans. Under the new 2026 401k catch-up rule, employees aged 50 and older who earned above a certain income threshold last year must make catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions rather than traditional pre-tax ones. This shift changes when income taxes are paid on the extra retirement savings.

What Are Catch-Up Contributions?

Catch-up contributions are additional amounts that workers aged 50 and over can contribute above the standard annual 401(k) limit. They were designed to help savers close gaps in their retirement accounts as they approach retirement age. In past years, individuals could choose whether these extra contributions were made to traditional 401(k) accounts on a pre-tax basis or to Roth accounts on an after-tax basis.

The 2026 Rule Change for High Earners

Starting in 2026, workers who earned more than a specified income threshold in the prior year must make all catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, meaning those contributions are made after taxes are taken out of pay. Previously, eligible employees could allocate these contributions to traditional 401(k)s and reduce their taxable income for the year. Now, high earners lose that immediate tax benefit on catch-up contributions and instead pay taxes upfront.

Income Threshold and Definitions

The income threshold that triggers this rule applies to annual wages reported by an employer in the prior year. Individuals who exceed that threshold — typically those with significant earnings — will need to direct catch-up savings into a Roth 401(k) if their retirement plan permits it. If the employer’s plan does not offer a Roth option for catch-up contributions, employees may not be able to make catch-up contributions at all under this rule.

How This Affects Retirement Planning

This change can increase a worker’s taxable income in the year contributions are made but offers a major long-term benefit: Roth contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free provided certain conditions are met. For savers who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, this can improve overall tax efficiency. However, for those who prefer reducing taxable income today, this rule may require adjustments in retirement strategy.

Preparing for the New Rule

Experts recommend that affected workers review their retirement contributions and payroll setup before 2026 arrives to ensure catch-up contributions are correctly coded as Roth contributions. Checking whether the employer’s plan offers a Roth option is essential, and planning with a financial advisor or tax planner can help evaluate whether making catch-up contributions, shifting to a Roth strategy, or reallocating savings balances makes the most sense.

Conclusion

The 2026 401k catch-up rule represents a notable shift in retirement planning for high-earning, older workers. By requiring catch-up contributions to go into Roth accounts for those above a certain income, the rule changes the timing of taxes and encourages strategic planning to maximize tax-free income in retirement. Understanding these changes and preparing accordingly can help savers adapt and make the most of their retirement savings strategy.

by Reynald Bryan Pamittan

02 Feb 2026

Asset Class Returns by Era: How Investments Performed Since 1990

Investors often focus on short-term performance, but long-term data tells a much clearer story. Reviewing asset class returns by era highlights how different investments perform across economic cycles, inflation periods, and market disruptions. This historical view helps investors make smarter allocation decisions and manage risk more effectively.

Why Asset Class Performance Changes Over Time

Each investment era is shaped by interest rates, inflation, technological growth, and global events. Assets that thrive in one decade may underperform in another. Stocks generally benefit from economic expansion, while bonds tend to perform better during slower growth. Alternative assets such as gold and private markets often gain attention during periods of uncertainty.

Asset Class Returns (1990–2025)

The table below shows average annualized returns over the long term, giving a broad perspective on how major asset classes have performed since 1990.

Table 1: Long-Term Annualized Returns (1990–2025)

Asset Class	Approx. Annual Return
Private Equity	~13%
Global Equities	~10%
Real Estate	~8%
Gold	~7%
Corporate Bonds	~6%
Government Bonds	~5%
Cash	~3%

Private markets and equities delivered the strongest long-term growth, while bonds and cash provided stability with lower returns.

Asset Class Returns by Era

Looking at returns by specific time periods reveals how market leadership shifts over time.

Table 2: Asset Class Returns by Investment Era

Era	Top-Performing Asset	Notable Trend
1990–2000	Equities	Strong economic growth and tech expansion
2000–2010	Bonds	Dot-com crash and global financial crisis
2010–2020	Equities	Low interest rates and market recovery
2020–2025	Gold	Inflation and global uncertainty

This comparison highlights why diversification matters. Relying on a single asset class can expose portfolios to significant risk during economic shifts.

Post-Pandemic Performance (2020–2025)

Recent years show a noticeable change in performance rankings as inflation and rising interest rates reshaped markets.

Table 3: Asset Class Returns After 2020

Asset Class	Performance Trend
Gold	Strong gains during inflation
Equities	Volatile but positive long-term
Real Estate	Mixed performance due to rates
Bonds	Negative pressure from rate hikes
Cash	Improved yields but limited growth

Gold emerged as a leading performer, while bonds struggled amid rising interest rates.

What Investors Can Learn From These Trends

Historical performance shows that no asset class consistently leads every era. Stocks and private markets tend to outperform over long periods, but defensive assets play a critical role during downturns. Diversifying across asset classes can reduce volatility while maintaining growth potential.

Understanding asset class returns by era allows investors to balance risk, adjust expectations, and stay committed to long-term financial goals.

Conclusion

Asset performance changes with economic conditions, inflation cycles, and global events. Reviewing returns from 1990 to 2025 highlights the importance of diversification and long-term thinking. Investors who understand historical trends are better positioned to build resilient portfolios that adapt to changing markets.