Piatchek & Associates

Don’t Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025

As tax filing season approaches, the IRS warns taxpayers to watch for scams that can cause identity theft, financial loss, or criminal penalties. The agency’s “Dirty Dozen” list, published annually since 2002, highlights 12 common tax schemes.

Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Dont-Take-the-Bait-Top-Tax-Scams-in-2025.c10480.htm

Retroactive Social Security Benefits: A Chance to Turn Back Time

Did you know that if you postpone claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when you finally apply?

Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Retroactive-Social-Security-Benefits-A-Chance-to-Turn-Back-Time.c10481.htm

Location, Location, Location: The Premium Parents Pay for Top Schools

In much of the United States, the public school that a child is allowed to attend is determined by the location of the family’s residence. As a result, the inventory of homes for sale near the best schools is often limited and properties tend to sell at a premium.

Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Location,-Location,-Location-The-Premium-Parents-Pay-for-Top-Schools.c10482.htm

Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

The end of the year is a time when families often gather together. Although these gatherings may keep you busy, this could be a good time to think about the future and make sure that you have correctly designated family members and any others you wish as beneficiaries in your will, insurance policies, and financial accounts.

Learn more: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Beneficiary-Designations-Who-Gets-the-Money.c10457.htm

Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they might impose a substantial financial strain on families, compounding the emotional challenges that come with losing a loved one. Considering the true costs and unexpected fees can help illustrate why it is important to plan ahead for yourself and your loved ones.

Read more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Are-You-Prepared-for-the-High-Cost-of-Dying.c10439.htm

What Happens to Your Time Horizon at Retirement?

In investing, “time horizon” refers to the amount of time you have to pursue a financial goal. Along with that goal and your tolerance for risk, your time horizon is one of three key factors that typically help determine the mix of investments in your portfolio.

Learn more: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/What-Happens-to-Your-Time-Horizon-at-Retirement.c10440.htm

Consider Roth for Tax-Free Income

The adage “pay me now or pay me later” applies to the differences between traditional and Roth accounts in both IRAs and employer retirement savings plans. Traditional accounts (pay me later) offer a current-year tax deduction, but future withdrawals, including contributions and earnings, are subject to ordinary income tax.

Read more: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Consider-Roth-for-Tax-Free-Income.c10442.htm

Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

If you want to leave your home to your children or other heirs and keep the property out of the costly and time-consuming probate process, you could place your home in a living trust. Trusts offer numerous advantages, but they incur up-front costs, often have ongoing administrative fees, and involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations.

Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Avoiding-Probate-with-a-TOD-Deed-and-TOD-Account.c10443.htm

Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” This famous saying, adapted from 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns, could apply to many aspects of life, including retirement. In 2025, four out of 10 retirees said they retired earlier than they had planned.

Read more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Surprise!-Its-Retirement-Time.c10470.htm

Life Insurance for Two

Many people allow their life insurance policies to expire once their children are grown. This may not be a good idea, especially if you have a mortgage or other substantial expenses and your spouse would need continued financial support. But a new policy can be expensive when you are older. Survivorship life insurance may be a more cost-effective solution.
Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Life-Insurance-for-Two.c10459.htm

Life Insurance Might Help During Turbulent Economic Times

During times of economic uncertainty and when the stock market is volatile, life insurance may be a useful tool to consider.

Learn more here: https://www.piatchekandassociates.com/Life-Insurance-Might-Help-During-Turbulent-Economic-Times.c10429.htm