Stine Wealth Management

08/10/2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles for the upcoming year.

Here's a look at the new figures:
▪️Part B premium: $202.90 per month (previously $185)
▪️Part B deductible: $283 (previously $257) before Original Medicare begins covering services.
▪️Part A inpatient deductible: $1,736 (previously $1,676)

These updates take effect in January and reflect the latest adjustments from CMS. Individuals enrolled in Medicare may notice changes in their monthly costs or coverage details for the upcoming year.

Source: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs

08/07/2026

Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.

A recent survey found that only 31% of Americans know what “decumulation” means — the process of drawing down retirement assets over time.

That uncertainty may help explain why some retirees spend far less than they could. One report found that about one-third of retirees still had 100% or more of their initial retirement assets by their mid-80s.

For many people, the concern is not just having enough saved. It is knowing how to use those savings while accounting for healthcare costs, inflation, taxes, market changes, and longevity.

Common withdrawal guidelines, such as the 4% rule, may provide a starting point, but they do not account for every personal circumstance.

The transition from saving to spending can be both emotional and financial. After decades of building retirement assets, using them thoughtfully can take a different kind of confidence.


Source:

Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.

08/07/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports.

08/06/2026

📝✨ August is Make-A-Will Month! ✨📝

In that spirit, we're raising awareness about the importance of creating a will. Now is the perfect time to have your wishes clearly outlined. Or if you have a will, August is a great time to review it and see if it remains aligned with your wishes.

Creating a will isn't just about assets; it's about leaving a legacy, making your intentions known, and thinking about your loved ones' future.

Here are a few reasons why having an up-to-date will is essential:
Your Loved Ones: Outline how you want your family to be cared for, especially any children under 18.
Manage Conflicts: Clear instructions can help during disputes and misunderstandings.
Your Legacy: How will your assets, possessions, and digital presence be distributed and managed?
Have Your Affairs in Order: Comfort for you and your loved ones.

Let's make this month count by taking steps towards your future! Have you already started? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 👇💬

📜🔒

08/05/2026

Some federal student loan borrowers may soon qualify for a larger interest rate discount by enrolling in automatic payments.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that eligible borrowers who sign up for autopay can receive a 1-percentage-point reduction in their interest rate. The temporary discount is expected to last through June 30, 2028.

Borrowers already enrolled in autopay are expected to receive the discount automatically. Others must enroll by Sept. 30, 2026, to qualify.

Not every loan is eligible. The discount applies to certain federal Direct Loans, including Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, and Direct Consolidation Loans. Private student loans and FFEL loans are not included.

Borrowers must also have loans in good standing, and the loans generally must have been disbursed on or after July 1, 2012.

For borrowers managing student loan payments, even a temporary rate discount may be worth reviewing as part of their broader monthly cash flow.


Source:

To qualify for the U.S. Department of Education's new interest rate discount on student loans, borrowers must meet several requirements. Here's what to know.

08/03/2026

A honeymoon can be a meaningful first trip as newlyweds — and a major expense.

According to a LendingTree survey cited by CNBC Select, the average couple spends $6,260 on their honeymoon.

The final cost can vary widely depending on the destination, length of stay, travel season, accommodations, flights, activities, and the kind of experience a couple wants.

Some couples use savings, delay the trip to give themselves more time to set money aside, use gifted money from a honeymoon fund, or redeem credit card rewards to help cover travel costs.

There are also extra expenses that can be easy to overlook, including foreign transaction fees, resort fees, peak-season pricing, upgrades, transportation, meals, excursions, and souvenirs.

For couples preparing for a big life milestone, the takeaway is simple: the headline price is only part of the story. Looking at the full cost of the trip can help make the experience feel more intentional from the start.


Source:

With the average cost of a honeymoon topping $6,000, these tools can help you pay for the trip.

07/31/2026

Small business owners often think of their employees as family, but are they set up like it? This post opens the conversation around retirement options available to small business employees, reminding owners that a 401(k) isn't the only choice and that some options are built specifically for smaller teams.

07/29/2026

When it comes to small business retirement options, the choices can feel overwhelming. This post highlights that a SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and 401(k) are structured differently, and that the right fit depends on business size, number of employees, and overall goals.

07/28/2026

Small-cap stocks have had a standout start to the year.

The Russell 2000 Index has climbed more than 21%, putting it on track for its strongest first-half performance since 1991.

One major driver has been the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. While large technology companies often get most of the attention, smaller companies tied to semiconductors, equipment, components, and connectivity have also benefited from increased AI-related spending.

The rally also reflects what some market watchers describe as a valuation catch-up after years of small-cap underperformance compared with large-cap stocks.

Still, interest rates remain an important factor. Smaller companies can be more sensitive to higher borrowing costs because they may carry more floating-rate debt or face greater refinancing needs.

For investors, the broader takeaway is that market leadership can shift over time — and major themes like AI may affect more than the biggest names in the market.

The Russell 2000 is a market-cap weighted index composed of 2,000 U.S. small-cap common stocks.


Source:

The advance marks a sharp turnaround after years of underperformance versus large-cap peers.

07/27/2026

Retaining great employees starts with showing them their future matters. This post spotlights the SIMPLE IRA as an accessible retirement option designed with smaller teams in mind, giving business owners a specific, tangible reason to start the conversation.