Paramount Financial

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19th, we wanted to take a moment to share some of our favorite accounts of Dr. King’s life and legacy:

🔵"My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr." by Coretta Scott King
🔵"King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig
🔵"The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." edited by Clayborne Carson

If you’re looking for more ways to honor the day, you can visit thekingcenter.org for ideas, events, and resources.

Please note that in honor of the holiday, our office is closed on Monday, January 19th. We’ll be back on Tuesday, January 20th, and look forward to connecting with you then.

With the holiday season behind us and the new year officially here, we wanted to quickly check in with you. Whether you’re still writing “2025” on everything or already planning how to crush your goals in 2026, we hope that the year ahead brings you good things!

Here’s to a fresh start and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way. What is your New Years resolution? Let us know in the comments, we'd love to hear your thoughts!

December will be over before we know it, so we’re sharing an urgent reminder about annual required minimum distributions. Take a look below at key information for Americans who are 73 years or older.

🔹If you turned 73 in 2025, you have until April 2026 to take your first distribution. However, you will need to take your second distribution by December 31, 2026. Taking both in 2026 could have negative tax impacts. Discuss the best course of action with your financial advisor.

🔹If you’re age 74 or older, the IRS requires you to take an RMD from certain retirement accounts by December 31st.

🔹Applicable accounts include: Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s. However, the IRS does not require RMDs from Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, or Roth 403(b)s while the account holder is living.

🔹Missing the deadline could result in a penalty of 25% of the RMD amount and 10% if corrected within two years for IRAs.

Have questions about RMDs or other investing matters? Give us a call today.

As the year winds down, we’re reminded that growth often happens in the moments we least expect — when we take small steps forward, even through uncertainty. Whether you're closing out a tough season or stepping into something new, keep going. You've come further than you think.

What’s one lesson you’re taking with you into the new year? Share with us in the comments. We’d love to hear it.

Are you aware of the 2026 contribution limits for tax-advantaged retirement accounts? If not, we’ve got you covered, with a quick look at what’s changing:

✅ 401(k), 403(b), 457, and TSP limits will increase to $24,500 (up from $23,500).
✅ Workers age 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 (up to $32,500 total)
✅ IRA contribution limits will rise to $7,500, with a $1,100 catch-up option
✅ “Super catch-up” contributions for ages 60-63 remain at $11,250

Now is a good time to evaluate your current savings plan, explore your IRA options, and decide whether catch-up contributions make sense for your 2026 goals.

If you’re self-employed, it may also be worthwhile to review whether your SEP IRA or solo 401(k) plan needs an update.

Need help navigating these changes? Contact us to discuss how you can maximize these increased limits for your retirement strategy.