The first quarter of the year is an ideal time to get your finances in order. Whether because it made your New Year’s resolution list or because financial tasks got pushed aside last year, this is a natural time to take stock. If you’ve never created a financial plan, now is an excellent time to start. And if you already have one in place, it’s a good opportunity to update it and see where things stand.

Most people seem to avoid this topic, not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know where to start. However, having the right documents and details organized ahead of time can remove a huge amount of confusion and emotional strain later.  

This article outlines the essentials. For help organizing everything in one clear place, download our free guide. This is not legal advice, and it’s not about drafting documents. This checklist is about making sure the right information exists and can be found when it matters most.  

Last month, many found themselves entertaining fantastical “what-if” scenarios should they beat the odds and pick the winning Powerball numbers. Despite the low likelihood of suddenly becoming a billionaire, many will spend more time considering such an outcome than they will thinking about the more realistic scenarios that can result in receiving a windfall. Benjamin Connard, CFA, Principal of Carnegie, discussed this very thing with Fox5. 

Whether from an inheritance, the sale of a business or property, a divorce settlement, or insurance proceeds, a sudden influx of wealth can be life changing. While the opportunities are substantial, so are the complexities. Many individuals find themselves unsure of where to begin, what questions to ask, or how to make thoughtful decisions during what is often an emotionally charged time.

Starting January 1, 2026, several federal tax law changes will affect how individual donors can deduct charitable contributions. 

Whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, these new federal tax rules will affect how your donations are treated, potentially changing when, how, and how much you give. From a brand-new deduction for non-itemizers to updated limits for high earners, understanding what’s ahead can help you make the most of your generosity. 

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what you should consider before and after the new rules take effect. 

The IRS recently announced several updates that will shape tax and financial planning in both 2025 and 2026. These include higher retirement plan contribution limits, adjustments to tax brackets, and increases to the standard deduction. These changes give you more room to save and more opportunities to manage your tax bill. 

For over twenty years, I have assisted clients in navigating market fluctuations, tax changes, and life transitions. Recently, I have encountered a new challenge: helping clients who do not have a trusted contact listed. In rare situations, it may be necessary to reach out to someone who can check on you if you are unwell or experiencing difficulties. 

Most financial plans consider two key points in time: when you're fully able to manage your finances and when someone else legally takes over. However, there is often a vulnerable middle ground where your confidence and understanding can begin to diminish well before any formal diagnosis occurs. This gap may not be addressed in your financial plan, potentially putting your wealth at risk. Furthermore, this issue can be more pronounced for individuals who have no children, close family, or friends to support them. 

It may feel like a difficult topic to bring up, but it's a simple fix that can have great impact later. Let's discuss the importance of adding a trusted contact.  

The final months of the year give you an opportunity to take stock of your finances. It’s important to align your investment portfolio and tax strategy before the calendar turns. When you prepare thoughtfully now, you could reduce taxes, avoid penalties, and position your wealth more effectively for the future. 

If you've spent a lifetime working hard, building wealth, and providing for your family, it can be difficult to think about entrusting it to someone else. But from my personal experience as well as guiding clients through it, it’s better to have a plan and let it evolve as seamlessly as possible so that it doesn’t become a burden to your precious loved ones down the road. 

With the recent tax bill raising the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions from $10,000 to $40,000, a new planning opportunity has opened for high-net-worth individuals and couples. For nearly a decade, many households found themselves unable to benefit meaningfully from itemized deductions. The high standard deduction meant charitable gifts often provided no additional tax benefit. But now, deduction stacking has entered the conversation as a way to maximize both your generosity and your tax efficiency.

Significant lump sum expenses, such as home renovations, weddings, education funding, or a real estate purchase, often require more cash than you may keep on hand. Funding these purchases carries long-term financial implications that should be coordinated with your broader strategy to ensure they do not unintentionally disrupt your progress toward other vital goals.