Retirement Refined, LLC

06/03/2026

Your first RMD deadline is worth paying attention to.

You may be able to delay your first required withdrawal until April 1st of the following year, but that can mean taking two RMDs in one tax year.

Sometimes that helps. Sometimes it hurts.

Watch the latest clip now!

06/01/2026

Did you know Congress created new charitable giving rules for 2026 that apply differently depending on how you file?

Standard deduction filers now have access to a deduction they haven't had in years. Itemizers are subject to a new floor before deductions kick in. And for those 70½ and older, QCDs remain one of the most powerful tools in the planning toolkit.

Markets also continued higher last week, with technology leading the way. Full recap inside the latest edition of the Retirement Report:

READ MORE-

Discover how easing oil prices and interest rates are impacting markets, plus new charitable deduction rules for 2026 that affect taxpayers.

05/27/2026

RMDs can definitely put you in an awkward spot.

You may be required to withdraw more than you actually need, which can raise taxable income and possibly affect Medicare Part B and D premiums.

That’s why RMD planning should happen before the first withdrawal is due.

Check out the latest clip today!

05/27/2026

RMDs can feel like an unpleasant surprise, especially when you don’t need the income.

But if you’ve saved in traditional IRAs or pre-tax 401(k)s, you’ve likely received tax benefits for years. Eventually, the IRS requires withdrawals, and that means taxes.

Watch the clip for more!

05/26/2026

The S&P 500 is trading at a forward P/E of 25.53. Historically, markets have only reached this level twice before. Should that concern retirement investors? This week's Retirement Report breaks down what current valuations actually mean — and what's still driving corporate earnings higher.

READ MORE →

The S&P 500's forward P/E has only reached current levels twice in history. Here's what today's market valuations mean for your retirement.

05/19/2026

$4,400: that is the current round-trip airfare for two from Philadelphia to Aruba.
It is a small example of something much larger. Inflation is quietly reshaping consumer decisions, bond markets, and Federal Reserve policy all at once. This week's report explains what that means for your retirement plan.
READ MORE →

CPI and PPI both came in hot this week, reigniting inflation fears. See how rising interest rates could reshape your retirement planning strategy.

05/11/2026

What's really driving markets higher right now — and what risks are quietly building beneath the surface? Corporate earnings are up 25% this quarter, jobs remain resilient, and investors are in good spirits. But oil near $95 a barrel and inflation data due this week could change the conversation quickly. This week's report covers all of it, including an important update on Social Security taxation that every retiree should read.
Click below to read this week's edition of The Retirement Report:

The new Social Security tax relief for retirees 65+ may carry an unintended consequence for long-term funding. Plus: S&P earnings up 25% & oil prices climbing.

05/04/2026

Gas prices are climbing, the Fed is showing rare internal disagreement, and yet — markets just posted their fifth consecutive week of gains. What's driving it, and what should retirement-focused investors actually pay attention to? This week's Retirement Report breaks it all down: click below to read!

Discover how strong earnings are driving continued market growth despite rising gas prices. Stay informed for your financial future!

04/27/2026

Strong earnings, new market highs, and a potential shift at the Federal Reserve — there's a lot moving right now, and not all of it is pointing the same direction. This week's Retirement Report cuts through the noise with a clear-eyed look at what drove markets higher and what could push them either way in the week ahead.

Click below to read the full update on our site!

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs this week. Here's what strong earnings, rising oil, and Fed policy mean for your retirement plan.

04/20/2026

Markets are back in positive territory for 2026. Meanwhile, Social Security's 2033 deadline isn't getting any further away.

This week's Retirement Report covers both: what drove the broad-based rally, and why the latest reform proposal out of Washington still falls short of what's actually needed.

Both topics have real implications for your retirement plan. Click below to read the full blog on our website! 📖

Explore how strong earnings and ceasefire optimism impact Social Security and your retirement plan. Don't miss these crucial updates!