Investment Management Associates of Eau Claire

12/23/2025

From all of us at IMA, we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season, filled with time to relax and recharge! Find our holiday hours below!

12/18/2025

🚀 Big News for Your 2026 Retirement Plans! 🚀

The IRS announced new contribution limits for 2026 in November, and there's a lot to look forward to! Here's a quick breakdown:

🔹 401(k), 403(b), 457 Plans & TSP: Contribution limit increased to $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). If you're 50 or older, you can contribute up to $32,500 annually!

🔹 IRA Contributions: Limit increased to $7,500. Catch-up contributions for those 50 and older are now $1,100.

🔹 Roth IRA & Saver’s Credit: Income phase-out ranges have increased, making it easier to qualify and maximize your savings.

🔹 SIMPLE Accounts: Contribution limit up to $17,000, with higher limits for certain accounts.

🔹 Medicare Part B: Monthly premiums will rise to $202.90, impacting how much of your Social Security COLA you'll see.

Stay up-to-date with details about your retirement savings! For full details, check out Notice 2025-67 on the IRS website.

With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.



Sources:
IRS.gov, November 13, 2025
CNBC, November 17, 2025

10/08/2025

🤔 Ever wonder if a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA is the better fit for you?

We came across this helpful video that explains the key differences and what you should consider. It has some great points if you’re weighing your options.

Of course, everyone’s financial situation is unique. After watching, if you’d like to talk through what makes the most sense for your retirement goals, reach out to our office. We would be glad to help.

Should you choose a Roth or Traditional account?Zacc Call discusses the math that most people get wrong when analyzing whether or not a Roth (or Roth Convers...

06/18/2025

Our office will be closed Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth, a day honoring the end of slavery in the U.S. The stock market will also be closed. We’ll resume normal business hours on Friday, June 20th.

05/01/2025

🌸 Free Spring Shred Event – Today & Tomorrow! 🌸

Just a friendly reminder that our Free Spring Shred Event is happening today and tomorrow from 8:30am to 3:00pm at our NEW office — 2302 Hendrickson Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701!

As a thank you for being a valued client, you’re invited to drop off any documents you’d like securely shredded free of charge. 🗂️✨

While you're here, enjoy a cookie and coffee to-go — our treat! 🍪☕
We can’t wait to see you!

04/23/2025

We’re excited to welcome Jake Sandstrom, Financial Advisor, to our team! 🎉 His passion for helping clients and dedication to financial planning makes him a perfect fit. Let’s give Jake a warm welcome!

About Jake:
Jake graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2020, with B.A in Accounting and Finance. He began his career working in the banking industry for a year, and then transitioned into a financial services role in 2023. His primary focus as an advisor is financial planning, retirement planning, and client education.

He grew up in Altoona, WI. Moving to La Crosse, WI in 2022 and moving back to the Eau Claire area at the beginning of 2025.

Jake currently holds his Series 7 Securities License, Series 66 Investment Advisory, Accident & Health Insurance License, Life Insurance License, Long-Term Care, Variable Life, and Variable Annuity Lines of Authority.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, spending time on the lake and anything Wisconsin sports related.

03/17/2025

Exciting News – We’ve Moved! 🚗

We’re thrilled to announce that our new office is located at:

📍2302 Hendrickson Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701

What does this mean for you? Not much—our services remain the same, just in a new and improved space—only a mile down the road! We’d love for you to stop by and say hello. Check out the new place, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions at 715-839-1006.📲

😊💫We look forward to welcoming you to our new office!

11/28/2024

🌟🍁 Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the beauty of life's journey. Let's pause for a moment and appreciate the lessons, the laughter, and the love that shapes us. May your day be filled with cherished memories and endless laughter. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🥧🍂

11/26/2024

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a majestic bird once thought lost to extinction, may be making a comeback! 😮

De-extinction Efforts Underway
Colossal Biosciences is pioneering the use of de-extinction technology to potentially bring this iconic species back to its natural habitat. 🌳

This involves:
Genetic Engineering: Scientists will use advanced gene editing techniques to recreate the Ivory-billed Woodpecker's DNA.
Habitat Restoration: Efforts will focus on restoring the bird's natural habitat to ensure its survival.

Hope for the Future
Will we hear the distinctive call of the Lord God Bird echoing through the forests once more? 🤔 This ambitious project offers a glimmer of hope for the future of conservation.


Source:

The debate on whether the fabled ivory-billed woodpecker is actually extinct may soon be over.

11/19/2024

The IRS has released the 2025 tax brackets with a 2.8% inflation adjustment—the smallest increase in several years.

Here's what's changing:
➡️ Standard deduction for married couples filing jointly rises to $30,000
➡️ Single filers' standard deduction increases to $15,000
➡️ Annual tax-free gift limit grows to $19,000 per recipient
➡️ Estate tax exclusion reaches $13.99 million (up from $13.61 million)
➡️ Earned Income Tax Credit maximum increases to $8,046 for qualifying families

Understanding how tax brackets work remains crucial: you're only taxed at higher rates for income above each threshold, not your entire earnings. For example, if you're married filing jointly, you'll pay 10% on the first $23,850 of taxable income, then 12% on earnings above that amount.

Important note: Some provisions aren't changing in 2025, including the $10,000 SALT deduction cap and the $2,000 Child Tax Credit. ⚖️


Source:

The IRS has adjusted tax brackets and dozens of other provisions for inflation. Here's how that will impact your taxes.

11/12/2024

As Hurricane Milton impacts Florida's West Coast, communities are coming together to support those affected. Here's how people are helping:
🔹 Local organizations like Volunteer Florida and United Way of Florida are mobilizing volunteers and funds.
🔹 Team Rubicon's "Greyshirts" are on the ground, clearing debris and repairing homes.
🔹 National efforts from the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen are providing shelter and meals

It's heartening to see people unite in times of crisis. If you're looking to help, consider supporting these vetted organizations. Every bit of assistance makes a difference in recovery efforts. 💪


Source:

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm.

11/11/2024

Thank you to our military personnel and their families for the sacrifices you have made for our freedom. Happy Veterans Day!