Thinking of planting that “For Sale” sign and heading for warmer pastures? Before you start picking out floor plans for a Florida condo, you might want to put down the packing tape. In the Garden State, leaving isn’t as simple as a handshake and a moving truck. Between the “Exit Tax,” a shifting “Mansion Tax,” and the questionable status of the state’s budget, the math on moving has changed.
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes and living costs in the country, which is why the state has built a layered system of relief programs—primarily for seniors—to help them remain in their homes¹²³. The three core programs—ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ—are designed to work together, each addressing a different piece of the tax burden rather than relying on a single solution.
The stock market is entering a very different phase than what investors experienced over the past decade. For years, low interest rates and low inflation made it easier for stocks to rise. Money was cheap, borrowing was easy, and investors were willing to pay higher prices for companies. That environment helped drive strong returns. Today, things have changed. Interest rates are higher, inflation is still not fully under control, and global tensions are rising. Together, these forces are creating a more uncertain path forward for the market.
Market leadership is undergoing a clear transition, and the focus is no longer limited to the “Magnificent Seven.” With 2026 revealing broader sector participation, strengthening mid-cap performance, and renewed traction in small caps, investors may need to reevaluate how they think about diversification and risk.
For many Americans approaching retirement, the 401(k) catch-up provision was one of the most practical and meaningful planning tools available. It was designed to help workers age 50 and older who, due to family obligations, housing costs, healthcare expenses, or career disruptions, were unable to fully maximize retirement savings earlier in life. By allowing additional contributions on a pre-tax basis, the rule helped late-career earners save more and reduce taxable income during what are often their highest earning years. With a new portion of the SECURE 2.0 Act taking effect this year, that lifeline was just ripped away.
The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and recommit to goals that matter most, especially about your financial future. Many people resolve to save more or get serious about planning, but good intentions alone will not move the needle. Turning New Year’s resolutions into real retirement progress requires a clear plan and deliberate action.
As the holiday season arrives, many of us naturally pause to reflect on the year behind us, its milestones, challenges, and the meaningful moments in between. For those planning, nearing, or enjoying retirement, this time of year often brings an even deeper appreciation for what truly matters: family, health, and financial peace of mind.
After a lifetime of working, saving, and planning, retirement should be a time to enjoy the rewards of your efforts. Yet for many retirees, the transition from saving to spending can feel surprisingly stressful. Financial freedom does not automatically translate to emotional freedom and behavioral psychology helps explain why.
For generations, retirement was thought of as a hard stop. You worked until 65, then stepped away completely. But today, that traditional model is shifting. More Americans are redefining retirement as a new phase of life, one that often includes part-time work, consulting, or other forms of continued engagement.
For many Americans, turning 65 marks the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare. While Medicare is a vital benefit, it can also be complex, with distinct parts, coverage limits, and enrollment rules that can easily overwhelm retirees. Understanding the basics now can help you avoid costly mistakes later in your retirement.
