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Your Tax Bracket Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does

One of the biggest misconceptions about taxes sounds something like this: “I’m in the 24% tax bracket, so 24% of my income goes to taxes.” That’s not how the U.S. tax system works. Understanding how tax brackets actually work can make retirement-planning decisions, such as Roth conversions, IRA withdrawals, capital gains, and Social Security taxation, much easier to evaluate. Marginal Tax Rate vs. Effective Tax Rate Two tax terms often cause confusion: marginal tax rate and e

Caserta & de Jongh, LLC

11 minutes ago2 min read

A 529 Plan Is No Longer Just About Paying for College

When most people think about a 529 plan, they think of one thing: college savings. You put money away, it grows tax-free, and someday it helps pay for education expenses. While that’s still true, a recent rule change has made 529 plans much more flexible. In fact, for some families, a 529 plan can now help fund not only a child’s education, but potentially their retirement as well. What Happens If the Money Isn’t Needed? When I talk to parents about 529 plans, one of the bigg

Core Financial Planning

Caserta & de Jongh, LLC

Aug 33 min read

Could Your Retirement Survive the Cost of Long-Term Care?

When most people think about the greatest financial risks facing retirees, the stock market probably comes to mind. But one of the biggest risks may actually be long-term care. Many people assume they probably won’t need it. However, depending on how long-term care is defined, somewhere between half and nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of care during their lifetime. For many people, long-term care will eventually become part of retirement. It’s Not Ju

Retirement

Caserta & de Jongh, LLC

Aug 32 min read

How to Help Your Family Without Putting Your Own Financial Future at Risk

Some of the most important financial conversations we have with clients aren’t about investments. They’re about family. Maybe you want to help a child purchase their first home, contribute toward a grandchild’s education, or support an aging parent facing higher healthcare costs. Many people are trying to help more than one generation at the same time, all while preparing for or living through retirement themselves. Wanting to help the people you love is natural. But generosi

Investment & Wealth Building

Caserta & de Jongh, LLC

Jul 274 min read