221. How The One Big Beautiful Bill Affects Retirement Taxes | Explaining the New $6,000 Senior Deduction

New tax legislation can unlock opportunities—or create surprises—if you don’t understand the fine print. In this episode, we walk through the One Big Beautiful Bill and how key provisions could affect retirees and pre-retirees. From the senior bonus standard deduction to charitable giving updates, SALT cap changes, and estate-tax thresholds, we show where planning matters and how timing can shape your tax bill over the next few years.We cover:👉 Senior bonus standard deduction — amounts, eligibility, phase-outs, end date.👉 “Permanent” tax brackets — why “permanent” can still change later, and why planning now still matters.👉 Charitable giving (2026) — simple above-the-line option for standard-deduction filers.👉 SALT cap — higher cap (up to $40,000) through 2029.👉 Estate and gift limits — higher limits and why to review your will/beneficiaries.This episode is for you if you:- Are 65+ and want to understand the new bonus deduction and its phase-outs.- Are considering Roth conversions or electing Social Security in 2025–2028.- Give to charity, but usually take the standard deduction.- Pay significant state/property taxes and want to revisit itemizing.- Need to review estate planning under the new exemption levels.Whether you’re already retired or planning ahead, this episode may help you better understand how these tax changes could affect your retirement vision.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a RetireReady Call at https://bit.ly/3WXxCBHGet the tools you need to prepare for retirement with the Retire Your Way Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4oKpQXR--Loren Merkle, CFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint Huntrods, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/--This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.