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Market Summary and Jay Powell’s Last SpeechTrump IRA529 PlansPowers of Attorney

Market UpdateResolving IRS DebtIdeas for GraduatesWorried About the Markets?Referenceshttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/04/17/irs-releases-tool-to-help-taxpayers-resolve-debt/

Market UpdateTrump Account Updates Hobby or BusinessIRA Funding DeadlinesReferences:https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/04/01/more-than-4m-children-signed-up-for-trump-accounts-irs/

Market UpdateSEC Enforcement Chief Resigns529 to RothReporting Small Business Profit and LossReferences:https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/us/politics/sec-enforcement-chief-resigns.html https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/03/20/advisors-in-sec-enforcement-crosshairs/

Market UpdateFINRA Forward InitiativePlanning for Severe WeatherIntellectual Property and Your EstateReferences:https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/03/06/finras-rulebook-revamp-takes-a-beating-at-house-hearing/

Market UpdateTax Fraud ReportingDon’t Trust the LeprechaunPer Stirpes vs Per Capita References:https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/02/26/irs-launches-web-page-to-report-fraud/ https://trustandwill.com/learn/difference-between-per-stirpes-and-per-capita

Market SummaryAccredited Investor Changes,Talking to Your Partner About Money, Planning Vacations on a BudgetSources:https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/02/12/time-to-consider-accredited-investor-alternatives-secs-atkins/

Fed News401(k) Down PaymentsRepeated Financial Mistakes Roth or Traditional 401(k) ContributionsReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-fed-is-expected-to-stand-pat-this-week-the-big-question-is-for-how-long-bf52d957?mod=home_leadhttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/01/23/trump-now-says-hes-not-a-huge-fan-of-using-401ks-to-buy-homes/

Venezuela and the Fed Healthcare SubsidiesUneven Cash FlowImpulse Spending  References:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-09/trump-pressures-big-oil-for-100-billion-venezuela-investment?srnd=homepage-americas  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/in-a-rebuke-of-gop-leadership-house-heads-toward-vote-to-extend-health-care-subsidies

January Market Movement Roth 401(k) Catch-up Contributions Financial ResolutionsOrganizing Tax Information References:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/investors-pin-hopes-on-the-january-barometer-with-stocks-set-to-skip-santa-claus-rally-for-a-3rd-year-343e0e77?mod=home_lead https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/01/02/what-the-new-roth-catch-up-mandate-means-for-2026-tax-planning

K-shaped EconomiesCost of the ShutdownThanksgiving Layoff Tips References:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-jobs-report-again-but-these-numbers-show-how-the-u-s-economy-is-doing-9bbc764a?mod=home_lead https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/10/29/government-shutdown-has-cost-economy-18b-cbo/

Margin DebtSocial Security Inflation Adjustment 401(k) Catch-upRMD Ruleshttps://www.marketwatch.com/story/margin-debt-is-at-a-record-high-heres-what-that-means-for-the-stock-market-505cae78?mod=home_lead https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-24/social-security-cola-in-2026-is-2-8-increase https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/super-catch-up-contribution-for-age-60-63

Rare Earth MineralsTech Related SchemesDisability InsuranceEarned Income for IRA Funding       References:     https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-19/australia-prime-minister-to-meet-trump-with-rare-earths-in-focus?srnd=homepage-americasHttps://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/what-are-rare-earth-metals-why-are-they-demand-2025-02-26/https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/10/17/state-regulators-see-rise-in-tech-related-schemes/    

China TariffsETF Share ClassesInvesting Isn’t SpookyNew IRS Numbershttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-11/trump-s-dealmaking-diplomacy-grows-fragile-as-china-fires-back?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/09/29/etf-share-class-approval-a-huge-step-forward-but-questions-remain/

States in RecessionShutdown ImpactsFinancial VampiresOpen Enrollmenthttps://www.marketwatch.com/story/are-we-in-a-reccession-yes-if-you-live-in-one-of-these-22-states-3947b4cd?mod=home_lead     https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/10/01/this-is-not-shutdown-lite-impasse-could-last-months-strategist-warns/

Fed Action Rollovers and the Fiduciary StandardInvestors Attending the State FairAccurate Tax Withholdinghttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-14/trump-expects-a-big-cut-from-federal-reserve-this-week?srnd=phx-economics-v2https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/09/04/will-dol-write-a-new-fiduciary-rule-on-rollover-advice/

Rate Cuts? Long-Term Care Solutions Health Insurance Enrollment DatesShould I Buy Bitcoin?References:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/after-9-months-on-hold-the-fed-could-cut-rates-in-september-why-the-long-pause-may-extend-stocks-rally-e90f3012?mod=home_ln https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/08/22/proposed-social-security-style-long-term-care-benefit-gets-high-marks/ https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2024-medicare-open-enrollment-fact-sheet.pdfhttps://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/

Fed Expectations Funding Social Security Great is the Enemy of Good Saving for RetirementReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-17/bond-market-s-rate-cut-bets-enter-decisive-stretch-with-powell?srnd=phx-marketshttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/08/15/new-social-security-bill-aims-to-raise-payroll-tax-cap/

BLS Data AI at the SEC Who Can You Trust Retirement Cash FlowReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-03/trump-s-former-jobs-data-chief-decries-firing-of-his-successor?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/08/01/sec-launches-ai-task-force/

Fed Meeting Senior Protection and Small Business Bills Back to SchoolFiling Your TaxesReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-26/pressure-mounts-on-fed-chief-powell-in-tee-up-to-gdp-jobs-datahttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/07/23/house-passes-2-sec-bills/

The Fed Chair &The PresidentRollovers & Fiduciaries Risk Tolerance & NeedRoths & Traditional IRAs References:https://www.bloomberg.com/explainers/trump-federal-reserve-chair?itm_source=record&itm_campaign=The_Fed&itm_content=Trump_Versus_Powell-0 https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/07/18/facc-to-appeal-court-decision-on-dol-rollover-rule/

Tariff Deadline One Big Beautiful BillSummerween The Fed and Interest RatesReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-05/trump-tariff-date-arrives-after-90-day-rollercoaster?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-05/trump-tariff-date-arrives-after-90-day-rollercoaster?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/why-do-interest-rates-matter.htm

Almost Q2 resultsAI Portfolio Projections Portfolios and Potato SaladTarget Date FundsReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-29/senate-republicans-restore-medicaid-cuts-to-trump-tax-package?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/06/25/finra-seeks-to-align-bd-advisor-portfolio-performance-projections/

Iran Strike Fallout SEC Withdrawn ProposalsInvesting and FireworksLook at Your StatementReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-22/oil-surges-us-futures-drop-after-strikes-on-iran-markets-wraphttps://www.proskauer.com/alert/sec-withdraws-fourteen-rule-proposals

Economic Data ConcernsAccredited Investor StatusPortfolios and Vegetable GardensInvestments and Account TypesReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-reliable-is-u-s-economic-data-its-a-growing-risk-for-investors-awaiting-the-next-fed-rate-cut-f477bf0b?mod=home_leadhttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/06/05/accredited-investor-qualification-bill-reemerges/

Slower HiringCrypto in Your 401(k) Planning Your WeddingTax Cuts & Jobs Act UpdateReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-31/us-labor-market-latest-jobs-growth-is-moderating-on-shifting-trade-policy?srnd=phx-markets https://www.investmentnews.com/retirement-planning/industry-financial-experts-sound-off-after-dol-walks-back-crypto-warning-for-401ks/260730

China AgreementLower Social Security Clawback Hobby vs Business Next StepsReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-11/us-futures-dollar-climb-on-geneva-trade-talks-markets-wrap?srnd=homepage-americas https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/08/social-security-sends-emergency-message-backing-down-on-100-clawbacks/ https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/heres-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-hobby-and-a-business-for-tax-purposes

Markets and the FedSocial Security Funding Taking Care of Yourself for Mother’s DayNext StepsReferenceshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-04/bond-traders-swing-to-powell-s-side-as-trump-calls-for-rate-cuts?srnd=phx-markets https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/05/02/trumps-2026-budget-leaves-social-security-funding-flat/

April ReturnsDOGE and the SEC After Graduation Next StepsReferenceshttps://fortune.com/asia/2025/04/25/apple-aims-build-most-iphones-us-india-end-2026/ https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/04/22/doge-asks-sec-staff-for-efficiency-ideas-promises-anonymity/https://www.npr.org/2025/04/23/nx-s1-5372332/student-loans-default-collection

Market Update Crypto Regs What to Do If You Lose Your Job Next StepsReferences: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-goolsbee-warns-economic-activity-may-slump-this-summer-after-artificially-high-pre-tariff-bump-d3cfb1ca?mod=home_leadhttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/04/11/trump-signs-bill-blocking-irs-crypto-tax-rule/

Markets and TariffsSocial Security OfficesBonds and Interest RatesNext StepsReferences:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tariffs-economists-forecast-stagflation-recession-risk/ https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/31/how-staff-cuts-and-office-shakeups-could-affect-social-security-beneficiaries/

Q1 2025 MarketsSocial Security Phone UpdatesUneven Cash FlowNext StepsReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-says-he-couldnt-care-less-if-some-automakers-raise-prices-due-to-tariffs-79aa18dd?mod=home_lnhttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/27/social-security-partly-reverses-new-phone-service-limits/

Unexpected ConsequencesSocial Security ChangesPotato Salad and Portfoliow Next Steps--TaxesReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-23/trump-s-tariffs-billion-dollar-levies-on-chinese-ships-risk-trade-apocalypse?srnd=homepage-americashttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/19/social-security-to-end-benefit-claiming-by-phone/

Revisions to Anticipated Market Performance Former Republican Social Security Chiefs’ Opinions Filing your Taxes Next Steps https://www.marketwatch.com/story/wall-street-begins-to-cut-s-p-500-targets-as-tariff-worries-rock-the-stock-market-should-investors-be-concerned-5e06109d?mod=home_lead https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/03/10/former-republican-social-security-chiefs-deride-musks-actions/

Market Update Crypto ReserveWhy I Use the Word Prosperity What Should I Do?Sources:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-what-warren-buffett-thinks-of-trumps-tariffs-over-time-they-are-a-tax-on-goods-1bce5c90?mod=home_lead https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnowhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/pro-trump-techies-enraged-by-crypto-reserve-plan-causing-early-rift.html

TariffsDepartment of Treasury SuedSaving an Emergency FundHandling Stress

Tariffs AI Tech from China Cryptocurrency and the SECLove and Money, Reviewing Your Risk ToleranceReferences:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y725r90k5ohttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/01/21/sec-launches-crypto-task-force/

Biden Economic SummaryExtended Tax Deadlines for Wildfire VictimsDoing Your Own ResearchFunding 2024 IRAsReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-biden-economy-just-how-good-was-it-heres-the-highs-and-lows-of-the-46th-president-4d61e20e?mod=home-page https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/01/15/irs-extends-tax-deadlines-for-california-wildfire-victims-/

Inherited Economy No Ponzi Scheme I Have a Dream Funding 2024 IRAsReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-donald-trump-inheriting-the-best-economy-in-history-bef59427?mod=home-pagehttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/01/10/social-security-has-problems-but-its-no-ponzi-scheme/

Market in 2025 The January Effect Social Security Fairness Act Saving for Big EventsShop with a ListReferenceshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-05/is-the-stock-market-s-january-effect-real?srnd=phx-marketshttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/01/05/biden-signs-social-security-fairness-act-/ :

Fed MovementRetirement Savings Lost and FoundNew Year's ResolutionsWhat's a Santa Claus Rally?References:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/forget-the-stock-market-tumble-the-fed-made-the-right-move-in-a-wild-week-1a73f20b?mod=economy-politicshttps://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/dol-begins-collecting-information-for-retirement-savings-lost-and-found-database/

Markets and TariffsDefensive StepsPlanning BasicsGoldReferences:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-11-15/trump-drunk-wall-street-begins-to-sober-up-as-markets-tank

Stock and Bond MarketsLegislative Watch ListHoliday Shopping TipsSelling Positions in Your IRAReferences: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fate-of-postelection-stock-market-rally-may-be-in-the-hands-of-bond-traders-b6afe1a2?mod=home-page

Political Races and the Fed Vote!Why I Say ProsperityEnd-of-Year Financial TasksReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/harris-and-trump-command-the-markets-attention-but-jerome-powell-may-steal-the-spotlight-89207883?mod=home-page

Fed MovementIndependent Government AgenciesMoney Isn't ScaryACA DeadlinesReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-goes-quiet-ahead-of-its-nov-7-meeting-with-quarter-point-cut-seen-as-likely-e6bc35c9?mod=economy-politicshttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/10/21/supreme-court-rejects-bid-to-let-president-fire-agency-leaders/

Upcoming Earnings Fiduciary UpdateFinancial VampiresSmall Business Retirement PlansReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-rotation-in-stocks-is-the-bull-markets-lifeblood-as-s-p-500-logs-record-peak-e9f11974?mod=home-page https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/10/07/top-dol-official-sees-a-nonsensical-reality-at-heart-of-fiduciary-fight/

Aggressive FedHSA Bills for Fido and MoreInfo or Ad?Term and Whole LifeReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-starts-rate-cutting-cycle-with-a-bang-but-wants-it-to-be-the-only-one-a44f0d37?mod=the-fedhttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/09/18/bill-could-throw-hsa-money-to-the-dogs-and-cats/ https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/09/09/new-house-bill-could-create-roth-like-hsa-alternative/

Markets and the FedPermanent DOL Fiduciary FightSummer has Ended Multiple Risk Tolerance LevelsReferenceshttps://www.marketwatch.com/story/investors-zero-in-on-inflation-again-with-biggest-interest-rate-cut-in-16-years-hanging-in-the-balance-f6fab4a4?mod=home-pagehttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/08/27/dol-fiduciary-rule-battle-could-take-years/

Fed Rate Cut Fiduciary Struggles Football and Finance Tax DeadlinesReferences:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/stock-market-investors-should-focus-on-the-fed-over-the-presidential-election-9f621cc9?mod=home-page https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/07/29/second-court-halts-new-fiduciary-rule-as-dol-hits-back/

Market RallyLong-Term Care and 401(k) ProposalsCollege Funding401(k) ParticipationReferences:https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/08/12/house-bill-could-create-an-unlimited-ltci-premium-deduction/ https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/08/09/new-bill-extends-401k-access-to-workers-under-21/