Tomren Wealth Management

Most people assume that a spouse's unused estate tax exemption passes to the surviving spouse automatically.
It doesn't.

A six-month extension is available, bringing the total window to 15 months. But the clock starts the day your spouse passes.

To preserve it, a filing must be made with the IRS within 9 months of the spouse’s passing. A 6-month extension may be available, extending the window to 15 months total, but the clock starts on the date of death.

This is exactly the kind of detail that can easily get lost in the fog of grief and estate administration.
It’s also the kind of thing we help families stay mindful of. We work alongside their tax, legal, and accounting professionals to help ensure important paperwork is completed accurately and on time.

Americans in 2026 are applying for fewer mortgages than they were during the Great Recession.
People aren't staying out of the market because they can't qualify. The market is gridlocked. Here's why. 👇

1️⃣ Millions of homeowners locked in at 3 percent during the pandemic. Selling means giving that up for another mortgage that may have a higher interest rate.

2️⃣ If existing owners aren't selling, inventory can become thin, prices might stay elevated, and buyers wait for something to change.

The better question isn't "When is the right time to buy?" It's "Am I financially ready to move when the right opportunity comes?" 📋