Dorn Wealth Management

05/30/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier? Drop it below. 👇

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

05/20/2026

We were honored to host over 75 guests for a lunch and learn focused on financial planning, estate planning, market insights, and meaningful conversations.

A special thank you to our speakers:
• Andrew Natvig with Lasting Legacies
• Brenda Haskins with Haskins Law
• Will Click with First Trust

I am completely filled with gratitude to do what I love everyday with some pretty amazing people!

03/04/2026

The IRS has announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will begin being phased out on September 30, 2025, as part of a broader transition to electronic payments. According to the agency, paper checks are more than 16 times as likely to be lost, stolen, or delayed compared with direct deposit.

Electronic refunds also provide quicker access to funds, typically within 21 days for those who file electronically with direct deposit, while paper checks may take six weeks or longer to arrive by mail.

Most taxpayers already receive refunds digitally, but additional options—including prepaid debit cards and digital wallets—will be available for those who do not have traditional bank accounts. Further guidance will be issued ahead of the 2026 filing season as the transition continues.

IR-2025-94, Sept. 23, 2025 — The Internal Revenue Service, working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, today announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on Sept. 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247, to the extent permitted by law.

02/26/2026

🚀 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

02/17/2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act extends the 2017 tax cuts, making some rules permanent. The bill also creates several new tax laws for individuals while addressing other tax issues for businesses.

It might be a good time to check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional about the changes in the law. Like previous tax laws, some new rules are scheduled to expire, while others are permanent. Here’s a look at changes expected to impact most tax filers shortly.

Sources:
CNBC.com, July 3, 2025.
Congress.gov, August 21, 2025.

02/14/2026

💖 February 14 is Valentine's Day! 🎉 Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate with someone special, think back on good times, and look towards the future. Here’s to a wonderful, loving Valentine’s Day for everyone! 🌹❤️

02/04/2026

As the U.S. enters 2026, economists are watching several key factors that may influence the economic landscape in the year ahead. While growth held up better than expected in 2025, many households continue to feel pressure from elevated costs.

Among the biggest questions are whether inflation will continue to cool, how the Federal Reserve may respond to changes in employment, and whether housing affordability will improve gradually over time. Experts are also monitoring how the adoption of artificial intelligence could affect job growth and productivity, as well as whether stock market gains can be broadened beyond a small group of leading companies.

Taken together, these factors suggest a year shaped less by dramatic shifts and more by gradual adjustment, as businesses and consumers respond to evolving economic conditions.



Source:

From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.