The IRS rolled out new 2026 retirement contribution limits and, yes, more new rules! Who's excited?! Not a huge shocker, but we think some are good! They made some things more complicated though. From new income limits, new catch ups, a super catch up window that only exists from ages 60 to 63, and the mandatory Roth catch up for higher earners, it feels like the IRS is writing plot twists just to keep us on our toes.

In this episode, we break down:

💭 The mandatory Roth catch up rule for higher earners

💭 The backdoor Roth strategy and the pro rata rule

💭 IRA and Roth IRA contribution limit changes

💭 Simple IRA updates including Roth Simple availability

💭 New 401k and 403b limits and how the super catch up works

💭 Why HSA accounts may act like a secret retirement account

💭 Common planning paths people use when stacking accounts

💭 How Roth contributions could help bridge the gap before 59 1/2

💭 Key income restrictions to watch for in 2026

If you want a clear walk through of all the major retirement updates coming in 2026, this episode tries to make it feel a whole lot more understandable.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters:

00:00 New IRS Rules & Allowed Contribution Limits

02:57 New IRA Allowed Limits!

03:50 What's the New 401k Allowed Maxes?

04:44 New "Super Catch Up" Allowed?!

05:31 $72k to a 401k?

06:30 Mandatory New Roth Catch-Up Rule

08:08 Who May this Hurt?

08:52 Roth Simple IRAs Really?!

09:39 Do I Still Get My Match?

10:29 Don't Forget Your Health Savings Account

11:32 Backdoor Roth IRA Strategy

13:21 Pro Rata Rule!

14:10 Commonly Used Retirement Set Up

16:35 Roth Contribution Rule

18:34 Recap of New Rules

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

If you have ever seen those ads saying things like “be your own bank” or “the rich use this secret strategy,” today’s conversation might spark some curiosity.

We talk through the Kyle Busch lawsuit and why this famous NASCAR driver is saying he was promised one thing with an index universal life policy (IUL) and now he's claiming he lost millions of dollars and wants to warn others.

In recent years, IUL policies have seem to flood the market. We see them on Social Media all the time. There's different rules regulating them that's important to know. The lawsuits against them seem to be growing at a rapid pace.

This is not about throwing shade at insurance or the people who sell it. It is about understanding the problem you are trying to solve before any strategy even enters the room.

We look at what IULs try to do, why they sale the uber wealthy sometimes use them, and why that may not make sense for the typical family.

Topics Covered

💭 What Kyle Busch was told by the IUL person and why he says his payments did not match the expectations

💭 What an index universal life policy is

💭 The difference between suitability, best interest, and fiduciary standards

💭 Why some wealthy families may consider life insurance for estate tax planning

💭 Why most everyday people are not trying to solve estate tax problems

💭 How confusing financial titles can be and why that matters

💭 Red flags to watch for when someone pitches the same strategy to everyone

💭 What questions to ask before saying yes to any complex product

💭 Why understanding your real problem is more important than the product itself

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters

00:00 Was Kyle Busch Scammed by an IUL?

01:12 What's an IUL?

02:06 Are There Different Standards of Care to Clients?

03:12 They Market Ultra Wealthy Use These... Why Shouldn't I Then?

04:00 What's the Estate Tax Issue?

05:15 What Are We Trying to Solve with This Product?

05:51 This Isn't Just Happening to the Ultra Wealthy

06:19 Financial Industry Is Confusing!

06:55 Maybe These Are Right for Some People?

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

If you've ever wondered "why do interest rates move and how does it impact me?” this episode is for you.

We gave Michael CFP®, EA a challenge: can he explain how and why interest rates change? This impacts everyday lives so we're interested to know. How come so quickly a mortgage rate goes up? Could it come back down?

We asked Michael to explain it so that a 10‑year‑old might get it! How do we think he did? It'd have to be a pretty smart 10-year old! But I think we're catching on.

In this episode we explore why interest rates move, why they can affect mortgages and car loans, and why the bond market pays very close attention every time the Fed clears its throat.

It is all the real world stuff that shapes buying a home, running a business, saving for retirement, and figuring out whether your cash may want to sit tight or get to work. And yes, we keep it friendly and curiosity driven so you can walk away feeling like this finally makes sense without needing a PhD in economics.

Topics:

💭 Why interest rates matter in everyday life

💭 What the Fed funds rate actually is

💭 A candy bar example

💭 Understanding risk and return in simple terms

💭 Why the US Treasury can play a pivotal role on your life

💭 How rising rates may affect mortgages and car loans

💭 How rate changes can impact the bond market

💭 Why businesses care about borrowing costs

💭 Inflation, unemployment, and the Fed’s balancing act

💭 What rising or falling rates may mean for savers

Chapters:

00:00 Why Does the Fed Funds Rate Matter?

00:38 How Rates Work Using Real Life Example

02:45 Potential Risk Involved?

03:51 Impact of the Fed Fund Rate on Loans?

05:53 Increasing Offer Because Other Rates Have Gone Up

06:34 Summary of Why Fed Funds Rate Actually Matters

07:30 Are There Different Levels of Ratings for Loans?

08:25 What to Consider Doing When Interest Rates are Moving?

09:20 How Interest Rates Could Effect People?

10:25 Where May Interest Rates Go From Here?

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

We’re addressing one of the most frequent mistakes we see among high‑income earners and a lesser‑known Roth IRA and Trad. IRA rule that even seasoned advisors are overlooking!

The different income limits that can quietly trigger a 6% penalty every year if left uncorrected, catching families off guard far too often.

Topics Covered 💭

💭 The Roth IRA income limits that trips people up

💭 What “phasing out” actually means

💭 What happens if you contribute to a Roth IRA when you are over the limit?

💭 Ways to still fund Roth IRAs and how they work

💭 The pro rata rule explained

💭 When a 401k still works even if Roth IRAs don't as well

💭 Using an HSA as part of retirement strategy

💭 Simple order of operations for high earners

💭 How to clean up IRA mistakes

💭 Career lessons Michael and Jacqueline received that stick with them

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters

00:00 Life Example of Trying to Use a Roth When Maybe Not Allowed To

02:24 Why Does Income Matter?

03:26 Income Restrictions for IRAs & Roth IRAs

04:46 6% Yearly Penalty Until Fixed

05:51 A Way Around the Income Rules?

07:29 What's the Pro Rata Rule?

09:33 How to Fix Not Allowed Contributions Under 59 1/2?

11:08 Roth IRA Contribution Limitations

12:05 Use Work Plans or IRAs?

13:02 Trad. IRA Income Limit Lower Than Roth? Covered by Work Plan?

14:07 Health Savings Account for Retirement

14:56 Can You Invest a Health Savings Account?

15:23 People and Pros Are Missing the Income Rules

16:39 Best Career Advice We've Received?

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

In this episode we kept the November sports theme alive. Lions jerseys and volleyball sweatshirts. A little friendly banter about who is a true Lions fan and who joined the party once the wins showed up. But once the sports talk wrapped up we shifted into a topic that comes up constantly for parents and soon to be parents. The 529 account!

529's have more flexibility than most people realize and they could be a powerful long term strategy when they are understood clearly.

What is it? How does it work? And why does it feel like every conversation about kids and college includes some random string of numbers and letters?

We Jacqueline and Michael, CFP®. EA break down the 529 in plain English so you can understand

💭 How could you tax free growth on education savings

💭 Who should consider opening the account and when

💭 Why parents sometimes open one for themselves before kids are even born

💭 How scholarships affect the money

💭 what counts as qualified education from K-12 to college to trade school

💭 The new option to move money into a Roth account

💭 The rules like the fifteen year clock and the thirty five thousand dollar lifetime limit

💭 When it may make sense to front load contributions

💭 How state plans work and why you can choose any state you want

We also talk through the real life side of this. What if your kid gets a full ride. What if they do not go to college. What if you want them to have some skin in the game. What if you want to help with retirement too.

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters

00:00 Sports Theme Day

00:44 Did Michael Become Lions Fan When They Got Good?

01:49 Why's Jac a South Alabama Fan?

02:17 Understanding 529 Plans

03:00 What is a 529?

03:23 What Could the Tax Benefits Be?

04:15 Use a 529 for Me or My Kids or Both?

04:50 Can I use a 529 for K-12?

05:06 Funding 529 Before Even Having a Kid?

05:55 What All Could You Use the 529 For?

06:39 Options if Don't Use for Education?

07:56 New Rules Allow Families to Use 529 for Retirement

09:32 How Much Do They Allow into a 529?

10:58 Is there a Benefit to Front-Loading a 529?

11:36 Do You Need to Use Your Own States 529?

13:41 529 Plans and Roth IRA Transfer Tax Strategies

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

Coffee in hand and the dogs supervising. Jacqueline wants Michael to take a slow walk through the wild vocabulary of finance words that people will throw around like everybody was born knowing what they mean.

We start right at the beginning. Stocks. Bonds. Why they are not the same thing. Why one makes you an owner and the other makes you a loaner. Why bonds move with interest rates even though they feel like they should just sit there quietly.

Then they wander into index funds, ETFs, mutual funds, dividends, and all the mystery boards and elusive committees who decide what goes inside them.

Topics include:

💭 Do bonds move in value?

💭 Why do student loans and mortgages stay the same but bonds move?

💭 What's the difference between passive index funds and active funds?

💭 Why your money often flows to the top companies even when you think you're more diversified

💭 Why some people love dividends while others don't.

💭 Why's a bond different than a person paying interest on their student loans or home loan?

The whole episode is a friendly guided tour for anyone who hears finance lingo and thinks wait what are we even talking about and why does everyone else sound like they already know the language?

Chatpers

00:00 Finance lingo questions

01:10 What are index, mutual, and ETF funds?

02:57 Do bonds go up and down in value?

04:15 Why would a bond price change?

05:59 How do interest rates effect bonds?

07:44 Does the length term of a bond matter?

11:40 Index, Mutual, and ETFs. What's the differences?

20:18 Individual stocks with a fund? Is there overlap?

22:31 Dividend thoughts

24:44 Do dividends get cut?

27:33 Jacqueline has learned about capital gains!

28:58 Possible 0% capital gain tax?

29:50 Where do dividends go?

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞? We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies.

You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

In this questions from listeners episode we take on three big topics that come up often!

Questions Michael, CFP®, EA & Jacqueline discuss:

💭 Could doctors write off scrubs, stethoscopes, and other medical essentials if they form an LLC?

💭 Can parents set up and fund Roth IRAs for their kids before the kids are official adults?

💭 They look at how taxes shift depending on whether a doctor is a W2 employee, a contractor, or someone who moonlights and owns part of a practice. That difference changes almost everything when it comes to business expenses.

💭 They'll also get into the rules around hiring your kids for potential tax strategies

💭 When should you get a will?

If you like straight answers with a few stories along the way, this one is a good time.

Stay curious.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Listener Questions

00:42 Can Doctors Set Up an LLC & Get Work Write Offs?

01:39 Self-Employed Doctors Get Expense Deductions?

05:18 Setting Up Roth IRAs for Minor Children

09:10 Don't Forget the Standard Deduction

10:06 Kid Receives the Assets at Adult Age

11:22 UGMA/UTMA Accounts

12:24 When Should I Get a Will?

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

In this episode of Common Curiosities Retirement, we break down one of the most common debates we see on social media: What is the actual difference between the S&P 500 index and the Total Stock Market index?

Influencers love shouting what one you should have, sho the past returns alone but what would a trained professional want to know about them? Michael a CFP®, EA and a professional investment advisor want to know when looking at both of these?

This is not a recommendation. It is not tied to any investment company. It is simply a quic look under the hood so you can understand why these two popular funds overlap more than people realize.

Here is what we unpack

💭 What you really own in the S&P 500

💭 What “total stock market” actually includes

💭 Why both funds are still dominated by large US companies

💭 What market cap weighting means

💭 Does one have more diversification?

💭 What people misunderstand about these for diversification

💭 Why expense ratios matter for these index funds

💭 Where active managers try to add value around index changes

Whether you love index funds, are building a long term plan, or just want clarity beyond social media hot takes, this episode breaks it down in simple, digestible language.

Stay curious and thanks for watching.

Chapters:

00:00 S&P 500 vs Total Stock Market Index

01:30 Under the Hood of the S&P 500

02:48 Looking Under the Hood of Total Stock Market Index

04:00 Do I Get Much Diversification with S&P & Total Index?

04:20 Passive or Active Investment Fund Teams?

05:31 Analyze Costs Expenses for Funds

06:33 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.